Bedford’s appointment comes alongside the arrival of Crispin Villers as the new Deputy Head of Pastoral, marking a significant expansion of the school’s leadership team 

Riyadh, June 4, 2025: Aldenham Education Group has announced the appointment of Mark S. Bedford as the new Headmaster of Aldenham Prep Riyadh, effective August 2025. With a career spanning more than three decades, Bedford brings a wealth of international experience to the role, including more than 20 years in senior leadership roles as Headmaster.  

Bedford has successfully led schools in the UK, Cyprus, Thailand, China and the GCC, guiding them through rigorous international accreditations and inspections.  In the UK, he served as Executive Headmaster of Thetford Grammar School.  

A hallmark of Bedford’s leadership is his strategic focus on school improvement and accreditation. He has successfully led multiple schools through rigorous international inspections and evaluation frameworks, ensuring compliance with the highest standards of educational quality and child wellbeing.  

Bedford holds a Masters in Education from Oxford University and a Masters (MPhil) in Educational Leadership and School Improvement from the University of Cambridge. He has also earned an MSc in Educational Psychology and is a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) holder. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), he also brings a broad cultural outlook and a commitment to creative and critical thinking. 

Bedford’s appointment will coincide with the addition of a new Deputy Head of Pastoral, Crispin Villers. He is currently the Deputy Head of York House School in North London where he has been Deputy Head for 15 years.