ORCHARD HOUSE SCHOOL - Key Persons

Aatif Hassan

aa..@dukeseducation.com

Job Titles:

Alongside Dukes' Founder
Chairman of Dukes
Chairman of Governors and Founder of Dukes Education

Aatif Hassan is the Chairman of Dukes and OHS. He can be contacted by email on aatif.hassan@dukeseducation.com or by calling the Dukes Education office on +44 (0) 203 696 5300. The Governors support and challenge the school leadership team, monitor the quality of teaching and the progress of school improvement, and oversee behaviour and safety. Acting as ‘critical friend' the Governors do not involve themselves directly in operational matters, which are the responsibility of the Head and the Senior Leadership Team. The Governors' role is primarily strategic. Aatif founded Dukes Education in 2015. He is also Chairman of Cavendish Education, a group of 11 schools for pupils with dyslexia and autism; and a trustee of St James Independent Schools. Aatif is also on the board of CReSTeD. Aatif has a first-class degree in Mathematics and Economics and also had a British Army commission. In 2020, he was awarded the Freedom of City of London for services to education. He can be contacted by email on aatif.hassan@dukeseducation.com or by calling the Dukes Education office on +44 (0) 203 696 5300.

Libby Nicholas

li..@dukeseducation.com

Job Titles:

Vice Chair of Governors and Managing Director of Dukes Education

Alongside Dukes' founder, Aatif, Libby is responsible for Dukes Education's nurseries and day schools. With an MBA from Cass Business School, Libby has held positions including Headmistress, Deputy Director of Education at Girls' Day School Trust and Regional Director of Education for the South & West at the Academies Enterprise Trust. Most recently, Libby was also founding CEO of Astrea Academy Trust. Libby's areas of expertise include the delivery of school improvement, strategic organisational change, curriculum design, and innovation and all aspects of teaching and learning. Libby has authored two books - Understanding Leadership and Stronger Boards, Better Education. She can be contacted on libby.nicholas@dukeseducation.com or +44 (0)7791 953552.