User:Awards & Achievements

Simon O'Grady (1963) is an international school leader, who has led three international schools in Egypt, Malaysia and Mexico over a 15-year period.

Biography: Born in the working-class district of Harehills, Leeds, O'Grady grew up in a rich multicultural setting, and this experience would frame his internationalist values.

Education: Educated in Catholic schools in Leeds, he served as School Captain at St Michael's College, an all-boys grammar school. After graduating from the London School of Economics, he later achieved two master’s degrees and completed management training at Harvard University.

Professional Career: He spent a short time as a research assistant in the House of Commons before entering teaching. He worked in two independent schools before moving overseas into senior management roles. He is a long-standing Board member of The Council of British International Schools, a Director of High Performance Learning and supporter of NGOs in Egypt. He has served as a governor of two UK state schools.

During his time in Egypt, he led his school through two revolutions and kept his team together despite the dangers. At one point, he was threatened with military court martial, by the SCAF, for his actions in keeping his school going.