Russel Ellicott, a seasoned British education leader with more than three decades of experience, will lead the Boys’ Schools  

Riyadh, Jan 7, 2025: Misk Schools has announced the appointment of Russel Ellicott as the Principal of its Boys’ Schools. He is a seasoned British education leader with more than three decades of experience. He started in his new role in January 2025.  

Ellicott is best known for his 11-year tenure as Head of Pate’s Grammar School, one of the UK’s co-educational state schools. Under his leadership, Pate’s achieved record academic results, expanded enrolment significantly, and became the only school ever to be named Sunday Times National Secondary School of the Year twice.  

A passionate advocate for equity and excellence in education, Ellicott has also contributed to shaping the UK’s education policy as Chair of the Grammar School Heads’ Association and an advisor to government ministers. Prior to his move to Riyadh, he was serving as Global Education Director for High Performance Learning and acting as a School Improvement Partner for multiple institutions across the UK and China.   

As Principal of Misk Boys’ Schools, Ellicott will draw on his expertise to advance the school’s mission of delivering a world-class education that prepares students for leadership futures at home and abroad.    

Dr Steffen Sommer, Director General at Misk Schools says, “Russel is a very strategic appointment for us. I am absolutely delighted to welcome him to the team at this most important time in our journey towards becoming one of the world’s top-ten schools.”  

“I am tremendously excited by the opportunities this role affords,” said Ellicott. “Misk Schools’ vision aligns with my views on education, and I am very much looking forward to being part of its ground-breaking journey.”