"Being a good learner and a lifelong learner is the key. In 20 years' time, being somebody who enjoys things that are difficult and new and challenging will be much more important than mastery of any single subject."
Dr Chris Stevens
Education leader | Advocate for Holistic Education
Dr Chris Stevens is Director of Education for Hertitage International Schools in Gurugram and Noida (Delhi NCR). He will take up the role of Executive Head of the Clifton College Education Group in September 2026. With a deep commitment to educational excellence and character development, Dr Stevens has spent his career in a range of leading institutions in the UK and overseas.
ABOUT
Professional background
Dr Chris Stevens brings extensive experience in education to his role as Director of Education for Hertitage Xperiential Schools. Formerly Headmaster of Bradfield College in the UK, his career spans various educational sectors, from early years through to postgraduate studies. This informs his comprehensive understanding of educational development. With a degree in modern languages and experience in France, Italy and India, as well as the UK, he is committed to educating global citizens.
Leadership Philosophy
Dr Stevens' approach to educational leadership centres on:
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Fostering academic excellence whilst nurturing character development
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Maintaining traditional values whilst embracing innovation
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A commitment to integrating innovative teaching methodologies and educational technologies to enhance student engagement and academic achievement, ensuring a dynamic and relevant learning experience.
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Supporting individual growth within a strong community
Educational Vison
Dedicated to promoting student-centered learning approaches that empower and inspire students to take ownership of their educational journey, fostering a lifelong love for learning and personal growth.
In various leadership roles, Dr Stevens has implemented initiatives that reflect his commitment to holistic education:
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Enhancement of academic programmes
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Development of comprehensive wellbeing support
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Integration of advanced learning technologies
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Strengthening of community partnerships
Educational Vision & Leadership
Educational Philosophy
At the heart of Dr Stevens' leadership lies a profound commitment to what he terms "education for life" - an approach that recognises academic achievement whilst cultivating the attributes essential for future success. This philosophy manifests in a dedication to developing both knowledge and character, ensuring pupils are prepared for the range of challenges that lie ahead of them, and have developed skills that endure well beyond results day.
Under Dr Stevens' stewardship for a decade, Bradfield College continued to evolve whilst honouring its distinguished heritage. Developments during his tenure included:
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Implementation of an innovative Year 9 curriculum emphasising critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning
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Development of an inspirational modern Study Centre in a heritage building
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Enhancement of technological integration in education
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Strengthening of pastoral care and pupil wellbeing initiatives
Academic Leadership
Vision for Education
Dr Stevens advocates for an educational approach that prepares young people for an evolving world. His vision encompasses:
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Academic excellence through innovative teaching and learning
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Character development and personal growth
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Integration of traditional values with forward-thinking practices
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Enhancement of pastoral care and pupil wellbeing
Global Perspective
Before working in India, as well as extensive experience in the UK, Dr Stevens' career encompassed teaching and researching in Italy and France. He currently serves on the Steering Committee of the IB Schools and Colleges Association and as a Governor of the British School of Milan. He is committed to preparing young people for their roles as global citizens.
SKILLS
Educational Leadership
Curriculum Development
Student Welfare
Community Engagement
Public Speaking
Fluent French & Italian
EXPERIENCE
Non-Executive Roles
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Trustee of the Bradfield Club, Peckham (2015 - ); the Roger Lancelyn Green Memorial Trust (2016 - 25); and the Learning Skills Trust (2021 - )
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Governor at Theale Green School (2017 - 24); Twyford School (2018 -); the British School of Milan (2024 - ); and Pinewood School (2025 - )
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Chair of the Rugby Group (2021 - 25); and the HMC Education Committee (2023 - 25)
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IBSCA Steering Committee member (2024 - )
2015-2025
Headmaster
Bradfield College
Oversight of or direct responsibility for all aspects of College and Bradfield Group activity. Over these years, the College saw steady improvement in exam results (2024: 80% A*-B); it was rated ‘excellent’ in all categories in ISI inspection (2022); a new year 9 curriculum and alternatives to GCSEs were launched; the roll grew from 750 to 840 pupils; it merged with St Andrew’s prep (320 pupils) in 2021 and had a combined income of ca. £45m; annual fundraising doubled to ca. £1m; capital expenditure of ca. £5m annually saw numerous major projects completed and a backlog of repair and maintenance addressed; an ambitious digital strategy was implemented and a VR platform incubated and spun out as an independent company.
2011-2015
Marlborough College
Second Master
Responsible for the day-to-day running of the school and co-ordination of the Management Team; attendee of Council meetings and member of Development Campaign Committee (with focus on bursaries); responsibility for staffing, performance review, discipline, communications & IT; teacher of History of Art & French; also acting Director of Studies
1997-2011
House Master
Uppingham School
Housemaster of a boys’ boarding House (2002-2011); teacher of French, Italian, History of Art and English; sometime Master i/c Cricket; Prep School Liaison; Head of Italian, Oxbridge, School newspaper, Fives, Debating, Wine and Philosophical Societies; organiser of fundraising initiatives; sports coach; director of plays and musicals; leader of multiple trips/tours.
Prior to 1997
Oxford University
Tutor and lecturer in Italian (p/t) whilst completing Doctoral research into the work of Giovanni Boccaccio.
Overseas
Director of a Study Centre in France; multiple research visits and a year teaching in Italy.