Rugby School Hanoi has appointed Dr Simon Watson as its Founding Principal from August 2027, bringing extensive international school leadership experience to the growing school in Vietnam.
Dr Watson is currently Principal of St Christopher’s School in Bahrain, which has 2,300 students across two sites. His previous leadership roles include positions in Denmark and Malaysia, alongside senior responsibilities within international education networks.
His appointment comes as Rugby School Hanoi establishes its presence in the Vietnamese capital and prepares to expand beyond its early years provision.
Rugby School Hanoi Builds Its Leadership Team
Rugby School Hanoi opened its Pre-Prep provision in 2026, welcoming young children into the first stage of its planned educational pathway. The school is based in the Ciputra area of Hanoi, near West Lake, and is being developed in partnership with Khai Sang Corporation.
Mark Symmonds, who previously led the Prep School at St George’s College in Argentina, heads the Pre-Prep provision. The school plans to introduce Prep and Senior provision in September 2027, creating a pathway for pupils as they progress through their education.
For families considering the school, this phased development is important. It means the school’s leadership team will help shape not only its academic direction, but also its culture, pastoral support and approach to student development as additional year groups are introduced.
Dr Simon Watson Brings Experience From Three Countries
Before joining Rugby School Hanoi, Dr Watson led St Christopher’s School in Bahrain from 2018. He previously served as Secondary School Principal at Copenhagen International School in Denmark from 2007 to 2011, before becoming Principal of Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar in Malaysia, where he worked from 2011 to 2018.
He has also chaired the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) and the group of HMC headteachers in its International Division in the Middle East.
Dr Watson holds a PhD in Pure Mathematics from the University of Bristol and completed his teaching qualification at Keele University. His experience across Europe, Asia and the Middle East brings an international perspective to the school’s next stage of development.
Having developed an appreciation for Vietnam and Southeast Asia while working in Malaysia, Dr Watson is looking forward to moving to Hanoi with his wife and learning more about Vietnamese history and culture.
Academic Achievement And Personal Development
Rugby School Hanoi will follow the educational philosophy associated with Rugby School, expressed through its ‘whole person, whole point’ ethos. This approach places academic achievement alongside participation in activities that help pupils develop their interests, skills and confidence.
Dr Watson said,
“Rugby School has a unique place in the history of British education so it is a privilege to become part of that story, as expressed in Hanoi. I am delighted to work with both Khai Sang Corporation and Rugby School to deliver a life-changing educational experience for every student over the years to come.”
For parents, the approach highlights the school’s stated ambition to develop pupils beyond examination performance alone. As the school expands, its ability to combine academic expectations with pastoral care and a broad range of activities will be an important part of the experience it offers.
Parents And Staff Will Meet The New Principal
Dr Watson is expected to visit Hanoi during the 2026–27 academic year, giving parents, pupils and staff opportunities to meet him before he formally takes up the role in August 2027.
Nick Bacon, Chairman of Rugby School’s Governing Body said,
“We are delighted to have employed as the Principal of Rugby School Hanoi someone with Dr Watson’s impressive track record of commitment and achievement as a school leader. We look forward to his visits to Hanoi this coming academic year, which will involve numerous opportunities for parents, students and staff to meet him.”
These visits will give the school community an opportunity to hear more about Dr Watson’s educational priorities and the direction he intends to take as the school grows.
As Rugby School Hanoi moves from its initial Pre-Prep phase towards a wider age range, the appointment marks an important step in shaping its leadership, learning culture and long-term plans.
