Rugby School Nigeria appoints Adam England as pioneer principal

Rugby School Nigeria has appointed Adam England, the former DG of a Gabonese school, as its pioneer principal.

The institution’s management, in a statement on Thursday, said England brings to bear education leadership experience spanning 20 years across the UK and Africa.

TheCable earlier reported that the UK’s prestigious Rugby School is set to open its first West African extension in Lagos.

The extension is part of an agreement with Ronald Chagoury, the chairman of Eko Atlantic in Lagos Nigeria.

Announcing its pioneer principal, Rugby School Nigeria said England most recently served as director general of École Internationale Ruban Vert in Libreville, an international school in Gabon.

England holds degrees in English and French from Warwick and Swansea University, along with a doctorate in English Literature.

A fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, his leadership experience includes serving as chairman of the Independent Schools Council of Wales.

Expressing enthusiasm for being appointed principal at Rugby School’s Nigerian extension, England recalled his previous experience working in Lagos.

“To return as Principal of such a prestigious school, working on a purpose-built campus with some of the best colleagues in the industry is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.

“Before then, I shall be spending some time at Rugby School England, absorbing its ‘Whole Person Whole Point’ philosophy and its global approach to teaching and learning.”

Neil Hampton, CEO of Rugby School Group, expressed confidence in England’s appointment.

“With Dr. England’s leadership, Rugby School Nigeria looks forward to delivering an exceptional, world-class education, fostering academic excellence, and shaping future leaders,” he said.

Rugby School Nigeria is to initially offer a sixth-form programme for day students aged 16 and above, combining academic rigour with a broad range of extracurricular activities.

The full senior school is scheduled to open in September 2026.