Istruzione e Formazione
Aldenham Education Group Brings Current UK Prep School Head, Vicky Gocher, to Riyadh as Founding Head
The Aldenham institution embodies both the best of timeless traditions and universal values, along with a well-established history of a forward-thinking ethos that differentiates it from its peers. Central to Aldenham's progressive approach is the visionary and pioneering development of an all-round education curriculum and culture that views education as of the whole person, where learning is a lifetime endeavour that does not stop once degrees are earned. Aldenham is a leader in what Albert Einstein stated that the value of "education is not the learning of facts, but the training of minds to think."
Having held the position as the existing Head of Aldenham Prep in the UK since 2011, Gocher will relocate to Saudi Arabia to infuse Aldenham's 425-year history, culture and tradition into all facets of the new school. Unlike the popular franchise model, all Aldenham schools in Riyadh will be directly managed by the UK mother school, providing opportunities for school leaders, staff, pupils and parents to benefit from the same activities, objectives and curriculum as in the UK.
Before joining Aldenham, Gocher was previously Deputy Head at Caterham Prep School, a leading, co-educational day school, and holds an MA in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Warwick University . She also sits on the Independent Association of Prep Schools Board (IAPS), representing world-class headteachers leading exceptional schools that deliver excellent standards of education and care, she is also a member of the IAPS Membership committee. Her collegiate approach to leadership has allowed Gocher to cultivate ambition, energy and loyalty from the rest of her teaching staff, which is passed onto Aldenham pupils in the classroom, a trait she will no doubt bring to her new role at Aldenham Prep Riyadh.
Due to emigrate to the region before starting her new role in September 2022 , Gocher shares her delight at founding the Riyadh school:
In the UK, Aldenham Prep has grown and thrived during the decade it has been under Gocher's leadership. As Head, she oversaw the opening of Button Field, a fully equipped three-acre sports facility, as well as the brand new purpose-built Prep School building, Vincent House . Since joining Aldenham, she has propelled the school to a silver Artsmark accreditation, the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings, accredited by Arts Council England, and the highest level Eco-School Green Flag status which acknowledges, rewards and celebrates the ecological achievements of the young pupils and their commitment to protecting the planet. Under Gocher's outstanding leadership, pupils achieve highly thanks to the confidence she instilled in them to be themselves and enjoy tackling challenges - and the same will be true for Aldenham Prep Riyadh's future pupils.
A pioneer in providing an all-round education, as a group, Aldenham understands that for children to excel academically, they must be nurtured in every way. At Aldenham Prep Riyadh, the approach will be no different. Young Saudis and expat resident pupils will develop the same ability and mindset to 'learn how to learn,' providing them with the necessary skills to fulfil long-lasting careers for the future.
The all-round approach is something that Gocher is extremely familiar with and excited to bring to the children of Riyadh :
In the UK, Aldenham is listed as one of the oldest continuously operating schools in the world, existing on the same site in North London since its founding in 1597, which the Good Schools Guide describes as Aldenham is also a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC), a global association of the headteachers of 361 leading independent schools.
Alec Nejad , Managing Partner of Aldenham Education Group, commented on the new appointment:
Aldenham Education Group's other Managing Partner, Shahram Hashemi , added:
Read more about Aldenham Riyadh here: https://www.aldenhamprepriyadh.com/
Aldenham Education Group (Aldenham or AEG) is the exclusive commercial arm of the Aldenham Foundation, leading all international expansion efforts. Founded in 1597, Aldenham is steeped in history, with 425 years of academic excellence, embodying both the best of timeless traditions and universal values, along with a documented history of a forward-thinking culture that has differentiated it from its peers.
Aldenham's approach, developed long before its recent acceptance as an industry best practice, is the visionary development of an all-round education curriculum based on the conviction that education is of the whole person. Aldenham believes that learning is a lifetime endeavour, equipping each pupil with the ability and mindset to 'learn how to learn.' Rather than subscribe to the franchise model popular with some other notable UK independent schools, when expanding abroad, Aldenham prioritises creating schools that are fully integrated and directly managed by the mother school in the UK. Each new school is an Aldenham school through and through, regardless of location, infused with the same 425-year culture and tradition. Catering to pupils from ages 2 to 18, AEG is hands-on from start to finish creating a nurturing and encouraging environment to deliver outstanding British education pupils will carry with them well into their future endeavours and careers.
Led by Managing Partners Shahram Hashemi and Alec Nejad , AEG's business model is thorough in its approach to identifying, analysing, vetting, financing, developing and operating new schools (as greenfield or brownfield projects). As an all-encompassing education program, AEG actively engages in acquisitions of existing schools, from preschool to sixth-form, management of third-party owned schools and considers investment in education technology or other education-related operating companies.
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