Rugby School Global is pleased to welcome Jo Thomson, Ben Vessey and Paul Williams as Consultant Education Directors.

Bringing extensive leadership experience from across the education sector, they will work alongside James Whitehead to support quality assurance, educational compliance and governance across our growing family of international schools.

Their expertise will help ensure that each school continues to deliver an education shaped by the values and ethos of Rugby School. 

Ben Vessey BA, MA, MBA

Consultant Education Director

Ben Vessey is a highly experienced educational leader whose career spans school leadership, governance and international education. He is Director of HMC Projects in Central and Eastern Europe, where he supports educational partnerships and scholarship programmes connecting leading British independent schools with students and organisations across the region.

Previously, Ben served as Head Master of Canford School for 12 years, following his role as Senior Deputy Head at Christ’s Hospital. Prior to that he held several academic and pastoral middle leader roles at Dauntey's and Millfield. He served as Chair of HMC's Professional Development sub committee and on the HMC Council for 8 years, and remains closely involved with HMC's Professional Development programme and services. He brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, educational standards, governance and quality assurance, helping Rugby School Global maintain consistently high standards across its growing network of international schools.

Paul Williams

Consultant Education Director

Paul Williams brings more than four decades of experience in independent education and school leadership. During his career at Epsom College, he held a number of senior positions, including Housemaster, Second Master and, most recently, International Development Director. In this role, he supported the development of Epsom’s international schools network and the extension of the College’s educational reach overseas.

Paul’s extensive experience in academic leadership, boarding education, governance and international school development enables him to provide strategic guidance and oversight across Rugby School Global’s growing network of international schools.

Jo Thomson

Consultant Education Director

Jo Thomson is an experienced educational leader whose career spans senior roles in both UK and international schools. She served as Head of Clayesmore School in Dorset, following her role as Senior Deputy Head at Christ’s Hospital, and previously held leadership positions at Aiglon College in Switzerland.

Jo brings extensive experience in school improvement, pastoral care, boarding education and academic leadership, with a strong commitment to an education that develops character, confidence and academic excellence. As Consultant Education Director, she helps Rugby School Global maintain consistently high educational standards across its international schools.