Pao School Welcomes its New Executive Headmaster

Iain Kilpatrick considers himself to be naturally inquisitive, a curious individual who has always sought diversity in his career. “It is through that diversity that you actually grow both professionally and personally,” he says. His professional journey began in the finance industry, where he started as a trainee banker. During this time, he acquired specific knowledge about finance, but he also learned more generally about the importance of professionalism, integrity, and the maintenance of high standards. These are lessons he values and upholds to this day.

Iain and his family (From left to right: Emma, Miles,  Katrina )

After working in banking for four years, he felt a strong inclination to change his career path, into the pursuit of higher education. He attended the University of Stirling in Scotland, which is one of the first universities in the UK to introduce semesters modeled after liberal arts colleges in the US. During his time at Stirling, he studied a wide range of courses, before ultimately specializing in English Literature and earning a BA (Hons) in the subject. He then completed a Master’s degree in Education at the same university, followed by a PGCE program at the University of Edinburgh. As a mature student, Mr. Kilpatrick was especially appreciative of the university experience, recognizing it as an extraordinarily precious time. “Because I had worked beforehand, I saw university as great luxury, the luxury of time, which I probably wouldn't have had if I had gone straight from school“, he said. It was during his time at university that he discovered the rewarding experience of working with young people, and made his ultimate decision to pursue a career as an educator.

lain Kilpatrick has almost two decades of experience as a School Head. After beginning as a Teacher of English at Strathallan School, one of Scotland's leading independent boarding schools, he became a Housemaster, and served as Head of Expressive Arts, which aligned with his greatest educational passion. In 2005, he was appointed Headmaster of Beaconhurst School in Scotland, and 2012, he took up his most recent position, as Headmaster of Sidcot School, a co-educational K-12 School in the UK. Sidcot School offers both day and boarding options and provides students with the opportunity to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma as well as English A-levels.

Iain speaking at the Primary School Weekly Briefing

As a former School Inspector with Her Majesty's Inspectorate (HMI), lain Kilpatrick served on the Professional Development Committee of the UK Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference. He has also served as Board Chairman of a Multi-Academy Trust, and as a governor of two independent schools in the UK. The HMI experience offered Iain the opportunity to visit different schools, particularly state schools, as a member of the inspection team. Through his involvement in the assessment of the quality of education, governance, and leadership in these schools, he gained valuable knowledge and innovative ideas that he could implement in his own school. Iain considers his career in education “wonderfully stimulating and satisfying”  and his leadership roles in various schools and positions throughout the education sector drove him to challenge himself in different contexts and continuously strive for excellence.

Iain's first visited China in 2014 on a recruiting trip for his previous school,  when he spent time Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shenzhen. Subsequently, he made regular trips to Southwest China, especially to Chengdu and Chongqing, to explore educational collaborations and joint venture school opportunities with Chinese partners. He was deeply impressed by the warmth and openness of the Chinese people during these experiences, and eagerly seized the chance to learn about Chinese culture and gain a better understanding of working in the country. “We live in an age where people are very easily persuaded by sound bites, by things that they read in social media,” he said. “It's not until you actually come to a country and take the time to meet people on their own terms and in their own context that you can really get a deeper level of understanding.”

When Iain first learned about the opportunity at YK Pao School, he thought it was exactly the type of bilingual school he and his partners had been aiming to establish in China for years. It was as if his dreams had come true. He is particularly drawn to YK Pao School because of its distinctive vision of combining the best of Chinese and international education. “It's a real privilege to be joining what is such a successful organization, but also a very forward-looking organization,” he says. He believes that the school truly embodies the spirit of its namesake, Sir YK Pao, which is why it is so highly regarded, both in China and internationally. Such recognition follows from the school's commitment to its founding vision, supported by its high quality staff, students, and resources.

One of the most important reasons why Iain chose to join Pao School is because of its non-profit nature. Iain believes that as a not-for-profit school, YK Pao School naturally places students at the center of decision-making, creating a student-focused environment. Its values of Compassion, Integrity, and Balance are not mere slogans, but rather lived and authentic realities, creating a cohesive and grounded school community. These values provide young people with the opportunity to become their best selves by establishing a sense of stability and consistency, as well as a safe space where they know what is expected of them. This foundation allows students to navigate the complexities of a dynamic global environment as they grow.

As Executive Headmaster, Iain considers himself a steward and custodian of the school. His aim is to add value, while preserving its uniqueness and appeal to the community.

When asked what he hopes to bring to the Pao School community, Iain emphasizes the importance of fostering ongoing conversations. Iain believes in the importance of communication and partnership between the school, students, and parents. Today's youth need to be confident in themselves while remaining open to global opportunities, he said, and YK Pao School is well-positioned to support this mentality, through its clear and holisitic educational mission. 

Iain also encourages parents to stay connected and engaged with the school, emphasizing the value of maintaining open channels of communication. He strives to be approachable and looks forward to getting to know the parents at YK Pao School better.