Leadership Team

Bruce has been Principal of Rugby School Thailand since 2021. Before this appointment, he had been Head Master for 12 years of Sutton Valence School in the UK, a highly successful independent boarding school. Educated at King’s College School, Wimbledon, and Saint George’s School, Vancouver, Bruce went on to read Music at Cambridge University where he also undertook Postgraduate studies while teaching there. A highly accomplished organist, he was Director of Music at Christ’s Hospital from 2001 to 2009, having started his teaching career at Christ’s College in Wales and at Bedford School, where he was a boarding housemaster.

Pakanatt Thadruk has over two decades of educational leadership and teaching experience. Her extensive professional background includes collaborating closely with high-ranking administrators hailing from diverse global regions. She has contributed significantly as a school evaluator for accreditation under CIS, the Council of International Schools, and presently holds the role of an ONESQA assessor and evaluator, focusing on leading International Schools within Thailand.

Prior to becoming a part of RST, Pakanatt held the position of Deputy Thai Director and also assumed the responsibilities of leading the Thai Language, Culture, and History Department. Her academic background includes the attainment of an M.A. in Educational Administration and an M.A. in Southeast Asia Studies. Preceding her graduate studies, she earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Art and Design. During her undergraduate years, she participated in an exchange student program in France.

Pakanatt possesses extensive training in the field of Thai language, culture and history Department. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the principles of multiculturalism and a strong belief in unlocking the potential for success in every student through the cultivation of a positive learning environment. Through effective collaboration with diverse teams, she diligently strives to elevate student achievement while prioritizing their safety and overall well-being.

Pakanatt is a passionate advocate for sustainable development, spearheading RST's eco-driven and sustainable mission. Since the early years of RST, she has dedicated herself to fostering the institution's growth and prosperity, all while demonstrating her unwavering commitment to students, parents, and the entire community.

Tuke joined Rugby School Thailand in 2019 as CFO and is responsible for all of the School’s financial functions, including accounting, audits and corporate finance. She also oversees budgetary and financial planning, financial systems and procurement services to support all functions at the School.

She has over 20 years of experience in finance and administration in various sectors including retail, hospitality, and manufacturing and has undertaken financial analysis of M&A projects in the UK. Tuke received her BA in Accounting from Assumption University, Thailand and has an MBA in Finance from Sacred Heart University, United States.

Virginia is a seasoned leader and board director with a diverse background across the for-profit, nonprofit, and international development sectors. She has led both commercial enterprises and non-profit organizations, including serving as the Global Chief Operating Officer for an INGO focused on developing government partnerships and building infrastructure to support at-risk children in Asia.

Virginia has held senior roles in communications, media, and arts management, including launching STAR TV across Asia. She currently serves on the boards of the Addecco Group Foundation, Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong, and the Child Development Centre. Virginia previously served as a board member of the English Schools Foundation (ESF).

Through her wide-ranging executive and board experience, Virginia has demonstrated a strong track record of driving positive change, scaling high-impact programs, and fostering productive government relationships in support of vulnerable populations.

Paul has over two decades of experience in the education sector, where he has contributed to the development of schools across Asia and Europe. His qualifications include CELTA, Dip. TEFL,  BA (Hons) in Business and Enterprise, and MSc in Digital Business. Paul has strong family ties to Rugby School Thailand. His wife is Assistant Head of Pre-Prep, his daughter is an alumna currently studying in the UK, and his son is studying A Levels at the School. This familial involvement grants him a deep understanding of Rugby School Thailand, which enables him to provide invaluable assistance to prospective families.

Prior to joining RST in 2017, Sarah has worked both internationally and in the UK as a Head.  Her experience spans Pre-Prep and Prep but her passion is the Early Years. Her qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in English with Qualified Teacher Status and EAL training. She has been a CIS accreditor and is now working with COBIS supporting accreditations of other schools. Sarah is also an experienced Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Sarah’s family is closely linked to RST with her husband also working in the Pre-Prep and her son is currently studying for his  A-levels.  Having joined when the School opened in 2017, Sarah  has seen much change and is proud to have been part of RST’s foundations.

Kirsty joined RST in 2019 after teaching in China for 3 years and the UK for 9 years. She graduated with two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from The Bishop Grosseteste Teaching University in the UK. 

Kirsty is also a certified leader in education, having completed her National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership in 2016 and the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development in 2023.

Having worked in both Pre-Prep and Prep environments, Kirsty possesses a well-rounded perspective on education. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom; she is a trusted mentor known for guiding educators to the highest standards.

Kathy joined RST in 2022 having worked internationally for eleven years in Brunei, China and Thailand. Kathy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status and is a Certified Tutor for various EAL courses. She is also a CIS accreditor. Having worked as a Primary Head for a number of years, Kathy has followed her passion for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and is currently studying for her SENCO qualification with the University of Sunderland in the UK.

Her husband also works at RST and her daughter is in the Senior School. She also has a son in the Royal Navy in the UK.   

Sophie, a dedicated educator from the UK, joined Rugby School Thailand in 2019, bringing her wealth of experience from early years settings in the UK and China, where she had the privilege of nurturing children aged 12 months to 5 years old. Her journey as an educator spans over two decades, during which she has flourished in diverse educational environments, solidifying her commitment to the growth and development of young minds. For Sophie, teaching is more than a profession; it's a lifelong passion. Her extensive educational background underscores her commitment to excellence. She holds a National Diploma in Nursery Nursing,  a Bachelor’s Degree (Hons.) in Early Childhood Studies, accompanied by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status.

Beyond her professional role, Sophie has deep family ties to Rugby School Thailand. Her husband serves as the Director of Admissions and Marketing, her daughter is an alumna currently pursuing studies in the UK, and her son is currently studying his A-levels. This familial connection underscores Sophie's commitment to the school's vibrant community and educational mission.

Sara joined RST in 2017 as the Deputy Head Academic of the Prep School and a founding member of the School. She is now in her third year as Head of Prep and is joined by her family: Will, Deputy Head Pastoral, Lily in Year 6 and Charlie in Year 4. Prior to her move to Thailand, Sara taught for 11 years at a London Prep School, where she was Head of French, Director of Studies and then Assistant Head Academic.

Sara is continuously engaged in academic research and after gaining her postgraduate teaching qualification, completed a Masters in Learning and Teaching. Her engagement in education has led her to joining the Peer Accreditation team at COBIS, which takes her to schools around Asia. She has a keen interest in reading and enjoys spending time in the Prep School library.

Michelle became Deputy Head Academic at Rugby School Thailand in 2021, alongside her husband, Anthony, and their two sons, Austin in E Block and Guy in F Block.  Before RST, she served as the Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead at the Schools at Somerhill, a distinguished Prep School located in Kent, UK.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Liverpool University.  Her dedication to education was further recognised when she was nominated as Teacher of the Year upon graduation. In addition to her academic interests,, Michelle boasts an impressive 17-year tenure as Head of Sport at The Grange School, a prominent independent school in Cheshire.

Michelle’s multifaceted expertise and commitment to education have left an indelible mark on the institutions she’s been part of, making her a valuable asset to RST’s academic leadership team.

Having completed an undergraduate degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics at York,  William then completed his postgraduate studies at Cambridge. He has worked in prep schools for the last 17 years; prior to RST he was at two outstanding London schools. Having moved to Thailand to open RST as the head of maths in 2017, William is now in his third year as Deputy Head, Pastoral. He has held a wide range of roles within prep schools, including Head of Games, Head of Co-curricular activities, Head of House, Head of Year and Head of Department.

William is married to Sara, and has two children in the school. He enjoys sports of all kinds, particularly football and is often found on the sidelines coaching sport to all ages at RST.

Originally from Cornwall, Ryan has been an educator for nearly two decades. His teaching journey includes ten years at a senior state school in Jersey, followed by four years at a local prep school. During his time there, Ryan held various positions of responsibility, gaining valuable experience in both pastoral and academic roles.

Ryan studied at Durham University whilst still managing to be a professional cricketer. He and his family joined RST in 2019 and  takes immense pride in developing student leadership programmes. Watching students transform into confident leaders, armed with life skills, has been a constant source of inspiration.

Robert Groves joined RST in 2022 as the Head of the Senior School. Prior to this, Robert was a Deputy Head Academic in a highly successful school in Bangkok. He graduated from Durham with a Natural Sciences degree and has a passion for teaching Mathematics and leads a current affairs club in the School. Robert is joined by his wife and two children who enjoy life at RST.  

Lilla read English Literature at Cambridge University, and completed her PhD at University College London.  Before entering the teaching profession, she worked in publishing and Public Relations.  She taught English Language and Literature at Christ’s Hospital School, before becoming Head of English at Sutton Valence School, where she also ran the Scholar programme.  From Sutton Valence, she moved to become Head of English at King’s Canterbury, the oldest public school in the UK.  

Lilla is the author of the academic book ‘Queen of Heaven’, and writes regularly for English teaching and learning publications.  She is married to Bruce, the Principal, and they have two children: Jess, who graduated in Maths and Philosophy from Oxford and is currently a data analyst for the UK government, and Sam, who is reading History at Edinburgh. 

Prior to coming to RST, David worked at Ampleforth College and Uppingham School as Director of Sport, then as a Housemaster of a highly successful boarding house in Scotland. He came to Thailand as Deputy Head Pastoral to set up the Senior section of the School in 2018, with his wife Donna who leads the History department here, as she did in the UK. David is a Loughborough University graduate who now has almost twenty-five years of experience in the independent boarding sector.

Donna and David have four children and live in School House, the boys boarding house. His passion is the ‘boarding family’, alongside reading, travel and sport.

Judith is originally from South Africa where she graduated from Stellenbosch University with a BComm degree and a PGCE in Mathematics. Prior to moving to Thailand and joining RST, Judith lived and worked in the UK for 16 years where she also completed her MA in Educational Leadership. Alongside a deep love of teaching Mathematics through rich, diverse and engaging lessons she also has a passion for the cocurricular part of school life, in particular volunteering. She believes in educating students that an important aspect of life is to understand the important role we play in our communities and in society - each of us is capable of making a difference in the lives of others, no matter how small. 

Before assuming his role at RST in 2023, Greg spearheaded the Sixth Form and served as the Director of Outreach at a reputable school in Bangkok. Equipped with degrees from the University of Sussex and the University of London, Greg has always been passionate about education. His postgraduate research focuses on modernising the school experience, with the aim of aligning education with the demands of a young person’s future, rather than our past.

In addition to being a published author, he's no stranger to the media or international collaboration, having led projects and presented at conferences across South East Asia, the US, Canada, and the UK. His contributions to education earned him a Fellowship of the Chartered College of Teaching in 2021. A dedicated family man, Greg is the proud father of two girls and a devoted husband to Sarah, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in his career at RST.