ANDREW NOAKES joined Stamford American School Hong Kong as the new Head of School at the start of the year. We chat about his approach to the role and what he’s excited about for the future.
Where are you from originally and is there anything you miss about it?
I grew up in the UK, in a village called Cobham just outside London. I’ve been lucky enough to have lived in many interesting places worldwide, including France, the USA, Abu Dhabi and Singapore.
Why did you choose education as a career?
I loved my time at school as a student, and I’ve worked with children since the age of 15, including at summer camps and then as an English teacher in France in my gap year and again while at university.
After graduating, I worked in the industry for a number of years, which included time in the US, but I never achieved the same level of satisfaction as I got from my experiences teaching children. I transitioned whilst still in my 20s, obtained professional Qualified Teacher Status and subsequently went on to study for my Master’s in Education. I’ve never looked back, and I’m pleased my course was as it has been, as I am grateful for every day that I get to work with children.
You mentioned you’ve worked in a number of different countries. Can you give us an insight into a particular experience you’ve enjoyed in those places?
I spent a good number of years working for Brighton College International both in Singapore and in Abu Dhabi. My educational philosophy and journey were shaped during my time with them as I was provided with the opportunity to live and breathe how an aspiration to be the best can fast become a reality. I came away with both the experience and the knowledge to be able to make that difference to a school.
What attracted you to the role of Head of School? And what are you most excited about?
I believe Stamford American Hong Kong has huge potential to become one of the most enthusiastic schools in Asia. And, for the benefit of all the students, I want to make it happen.
Leading the school excites me most through visionary opportunities like launching our upcoming West Kowloon Campus, a cutting-edge harbourfront hub designed to redefine learning. This purpose-built space fuels our innovative IBDP and High School programmes with a bespoke learning environment blending academic rigour, creativity and student autonomy. Specialised labs for arts, sciences and emerging technologies sit alongside dynamic features like a black box theatre, collaborative “learning neighbourhoods”, and communal areas overlooking Victoria Harbour. Every detail prioritises flexibility and ownership, empowering students to direct their learning journeys while equipping them with the adaptability needed to excel in university and beyond. This campus is not just a milestone for Stamford American School – it’s a bold statement about the future of education.
What are the benefits of having this kind of environment at a school?
The right environment can make a considerable difference to a student’s progress, but what happens in the environment is even more important. In a short time, the school has already earned a reputation for having an innovative STEMInn program, as well as for the quality of our teaching and learning across the board. We are undertaking inspiring research projects looking at high-impact teaching strategies and maximising student engagement; whole-school projects such as these are fantastic at bringing a close team closer and becoming even more highly effective at what we do. We’re committed to ensuring that all children have the chance to thrive academically at Stamford, so I’m excited by what is ahead for Stamford American Hong Kong.
What makes a good Head of School? Is there a personal spin you’ll be putting on the role?
The aims of education, in my opinion, are to enable a dynamic provision in which students can develop and to support them in reaching their full potential in as many different ways, areas and subjects that are beneficial to each individual and to (international)
society, as possible.
I also aspire to achieving such aims through the means of fun methods in a safe, enjoyable environment so students can truly thrive. I believe that this aspiration is only really achievable if the students themselves are at the centre of any planning and delivery of academic and extracurricular activities. Only they can decide and determine what is enjoyable and inform practitioners exactly what they have learned and why. Through reflecting and acting on this, teachers can then repeat and continually adapt successful practice.
My belief in these aims means that actions and decisions taken as a Head of School are student-centred, consider the “bigger picture” benefits, and focus on attempting to achieve a positive and enjoyable result for all involved right from the start.
Are there particular goals you’re hoping to achieve in 2025?
First, I want to create a pre-university environment so more students can go on to attend the world’s top universities. Second, I want to build our reputation for teaching and learning so that an ever-increasing number of people are aware of how good Stamford is.
What are you most excited about for the school for the rest of 2025 and beyond?
My top priorities are to continue our momentum and to grow rapidly, not in terms of numbers but in terms of maturity, development progress and achievement; I’m keen to see us become the best version of the school that we can be.
Particular milestones for us as a school would include the highest educational value-added scores for each and every child, very pleasing IB scores for our eldest students, and for all children to be happy, confident and caring. Also, maximising participation in co-curricular activities and student-led clubs, so students are making the most of all that’s on offer to them.
What’s a useful piece of advice you would give to a prospective or new student at Stamford American School?
Get involved in everything the school has to offer, whether it’s productions, trips or sports. Embracing these opportunities will help you build confidence, develop new skills and make the most out of your time at Stamford. Be open, curious and ready to challenge yourself!
What’s your current favourite place or thing to do in Hong Kong?
I do think this is one of the most fabulous places in the world; I wish we’d been lucky enough to have been here years ago! Personally, I’m in no rush to “tick things off the to-do list”! So, my wife Sally and I are just savouring being in Hong Kong for the moment – though I know we will certainly make the most of it when any of our four grown-up “children” visit!
What’s one interesting fact you can share about yourself outside of education?
I once had a trial to play hockey for England, though I must admit I didn’t play very well at all! Outside of education, I enjoy reading, walking and boating, and I’m a passionate West Ham United football fan and Bedford Blues rugby fan.
Stamford American School Hong Kong is at 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon.
2500 8688 | sais.edu.hk
This article on Stamford American Hong Kong first appeared in the June 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
