Darren Jones is a highly accomplished educational leader with 30 years of experience in prestigious schools across the UK, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Darren also has an Honours degree in Jazz, Contemporary, and Popular Music (GCLCM) and is a member of the Royal Society of Arts, the Chartered College of Teachers, and the Chartered Institute of Managers.
David Paget is an experienced primary education leader with over a decade of experience in international schools in the UK, Middle East, and Asia.
Before joining Ardingly Astana, he served as Deputy Head of Primary at Modern English School, Cairo, where he led teaching and learning, assessment, safeguarding, and school reporting processes. He has also held senior leadership roles including Assistant Head Teacher and Year Team Leader.
David began his teaching career in the UK before moving into international education, working in schools in Mongolia and Egypt.
He holds a Master’s degree in Social History from the University of Plymouth, a PGCE in Primary Education, and the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL).
Christopher Griffin brings over 20 years of experience in education and school leadership across the UK and internationally. Prior to joining Ardingly Astana, he served as Deputy Head of Secondary in Cairo and previously held leadership roles including Assistant Headteacher, Director of Sixth Form, and Director of Creative Industries.
He holds a First-Class Honours degree and PGCE in Music from the University of Plymouth, as well as a Master’s degree in School-Based Leadership and Management with Distinction from the University of Buckingham. Christopher is also a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teachers and the Chartered Management Institute.
Christopher is passionate about creating a supportive and ambitious learning environment where every pupil feels known, challenged, and encouraged to achieve their full potential.
Shagufta Khan is an experienced science educator and school leader with over 11 years of teaching experience in international schools in Kazakhstan. She is a UK-qualified teacher with a degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Roehampton.
At Ardingly Astana, Shagufta serves as Head of Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), where she leads academic and pastoral provision while continuing to teach Science. She is responsible for supporting pupils’ academic progress and overall development throughout lower secondary.
She is passionate about fostering curiosity, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of science, and is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive learning environment in which every pupil can thrive and reach their potential.
Laura Myltkbayeva is Deputy General Director at Ardingly Astana, overseeing academic affairs and government relations.
She began her career as a teacher of Russian Language and Literature and has since built extensive experience in educational leadership.
Laura holds a degree in Russian Language and Literature, a Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, and a Master’s in Management and Public Policy from the University of Sheffield. She brings a strong combination of classroom experience and strategic leadership to the school.
