Governors

Hove Village Nurseries is a member of the Dukes Education family. Dukes is a family of schools, teachers, learners, and parents connected by our pursuit of an extraordinary life for every member of our community.

Our philosophy is to support each individual to live with purpose, encourage a love of learning, and act as a team. All of this is underpinned by a quality standard that runs through everything we do.

We believe that education is a journey to be enjoyed and shared at every stage of life, unlocking extraordinary possibilities for every student.

To learn more about our family, visit dukeseducation.com. Our primary office is located at 58 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AJ. The landline number for the office is +44 (0) 203 696 5300.

Governors

As part of Dukes Education, Hove Village Nurseries continue to lead on all decisions and retain its independence. Dukes adds to this the benefit of the collective, providing security and support, a platform for sharing best practice, and the reassurance of a host of all-through education options.

The Governors support and challenge the nursery school leadership team, monitor the quality of education, and oversee behaviour and safety. Acting as ‘critical friend’ the Governors do not involve themselves directly in operational matters, which are the responsibility of the Principal, Head and the Senior Leadership Team. The Governors’ role is primarily strategic.

Aatif Hassan – Chair of Governors and Founder of Dukes Education

Aatif founded Dukes Education in 2015 and is the Chairman of Dukes Education and Riverside Nursery Schools. He is also Chairman of Cavendish Education, a group of 11 schools for pupils with dyslexia and autism; and a trustee of St James Independent Schools. Aatif is also on the board of CReSTeD.

Aatif has a first-class degree in Mathematics and Economics and also had a British Army commission. In 2020, he was awarded the Freedom of City of London for services to education.

He can be contacted by email or phone at aatif.hassan@dukeseducation.com or +44 (0) 203 696 5300.

Libby Nicholas – Vice-chair of Governors and Managing Director of Dukes Education

Libby is responsible for a portfolio of Dukes Education’s day schools.

Having graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in English & Philosophy, Libby realised her true vocation when working with the Prince’s Trust leading a group of young people ‘not in education or employment’.

With an MBA from Cass Business School, Libby has held positions including Headmistress, Deputy Director of Education at Girls’ Day School Trust and Regional Director of Education for the South & West at the Academies Enterprise Trust. Most recently, Libby was also founding CEO of Astrea Academy Trust.

Libby’s areas of expertise include the delivery of school improvement, strategic organisational change, curriculum design, innovation and all aspects of teaching and learning. Libby has authored two books – Understanding Leadership and Stronger Boards, Better Education.

She can be contacted at libby.nicholas@dukeseducation.com or +44 (0) 203 696 5300.

To learn more about us, visit dukeseducation.com

The Dukes Education primary office is located at:

58 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AJ.

Telephone: +44 (0) 203 696 5300.