Welcome to Southend
Quality British Education
Southend Education establishes and manages top-quality British Schools in carefully selected developing countries where there is great potential to support the next generation of future leaders by providing them quality education and facilitating their access to reputable international universities and institutions.
Our Ethos
We encourage our students to build a deeper understanding of the world. They are free to develop their own talents and appreciate the perspectives of others. We hold our students to rigorous academic standards while offering enriching experiences outside of the classroom. We aim to cultivate the character of every student, through safe and managed exposure to experiences that stretch them. Through the broader expertise of our teachers, support staff and curriculum, students consistently receive diverse and engaging education. Alongside this, we recognise the importance of the world that exists outside the classroom. Our extensive extra-curricular programmes emphasise a holistic approach to learning and ensure that our students not only leave the school fully prepared for higher education, but are also well-rounded and ready to play their role in society.
Our Impact
Southend Education does more than simply providing a top-class academic experience. It challenges students to make use of what they learn at school and use their learnings to grow as individuals while being prepared to help others. We all have a role to play in making the world better, whether its in our communities or on a much larger global stage. At Southend, we are always evaluating how best to use our resources and networks, and provide help to change where it’s needed the most. We want to make sure that Southend Education is powerful, and impacts our student far beyond their stay at our schools.
Message from the Chairman
It gives me immense pride to announce the formal launch of Southend Education, a global initiative to establish top-tier British international schools in carefully selected cities across the developing world. This milestone is the culmination of a long journey marked by years of meticulous planning, market research, and the careful assembly of partnerships and building blocks to bring this vision to life. Every detail, from our academic model and market selection to curriculum design and operational structures, has been thoughtfully crafted to deliver education of the highest calibre in regions where such quality is often out of reach. Our primary focus will be on Asia, Africa, and selected parts of the Middle East, regions that collectively represent over 4 billion people, majority of whom are under the age of 25. These areas are not only demographically significant but also rich in potential and increasingly seeking globally competitive, future-ready education for their youth. A cornerstone of our capability to deliver world-class schooling is our strategic partnership with The Luminara Education Trust, the operator of The Duston School - one of the largest and most respected all-through schools in the United Kingdom. This partnership significantly strengthens our academic backbone, bringing with it a comprehensive UK curriculum, structured teacher training programmes, and a deep reservoir of educational expertise and institutional support. With Luminara’s collaboration, we are well-positioned to ensure that each Southend school benefits from the systems, standards, and culture of excellence that define the very best of British education. Our schools will follow the UK National Curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels, and will be staffed by trained and accredited teachers. We are deeply committed to continuous professional development, enabling our faculty to deliver not just knowledge, but critical thinking, creativity, and confidence in every classroom. Our campuses will feature modern, well-equipped learning environments and a holistic curriculum that integrates arts, sports, service learning, and leadership development. While Southend schools are designed for fee-paying families seeking premium international education, we are equally committed to ensuring that talent is never overlooked due to financial constraints. Bright students who pass our entrance assessments but are unable to afford tuition will be considered for special support pathways. We believe that potential, and not only privilege, should define access to opportunity. As we embark on this transformative journey, I extend my sincere gratitude to our partners, educators, and supporters, and reaffirm our commitment to the principle that every child, regardless of geography or means, deserves access to world-class education. Dr. Amir Jafri
Message from CEO, Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA)
I am delighted to welcome the launch of Southend Education, an ambitious and visionary international schools network committed to bringing world-class British education to emerging markets around the globe. This initiative reflects a bold step toward making high-quality, holistic education accessible to families and communities that have historically lacked such opportunities. At FOBISIA, we have long championed the value and impact of British-style education across Asia. The British education system is globally recognised for its academic excellence, breadth of curriculum, and emphasis on developing well-rounded, confident learners. Globally respected qualifications such as the IGCSEs and A-Levels serve as a gateway to the world’s leading universities and professional pathways. The international schools sector has grown significantly in recent years, expanding from under 2 million students in 2000 to over 6.5 million today. Asia leads the market with over 4,500 international schools. The Middle East and Africa are witnessing strong growth driven by rising demand for globally competitive education. Yet, in many developing regions—particularly parts of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa—access to premium British-style schooling remains limited. Southend Education’s mission to bridge this gap is not only timely but necessary. By combining academic rigour with cultural adaptability and local relevance, and by employing UK-trained educators, Southend aims to deliver transformative learning experiences grounded in excellence, innovation, and inclusion. I am pleased to note Southend Education’s recent partnership with The Luminara Education Trust, which operates The Duston School—one of the largest and most respected all-through schools in the United Kingdom. This collaboration brings together deep expertise in British curriculum delivery with a shared vision to uplift education systems in underserved markets. At FOBISIA, we celebrate initiatives like these that promote international collaboration, uphold high educational standards, and expand the reach of British education globally. We look forward to seeing the positive and lasting impact Southend Education will have in the years to come. John Gwyn Jones MBE
I am truly humbled and delighted that The Duston School is able to work with Southend Education to support the creation and development of schools globally and specifically in developing countries. It is both an honour and a privilege to be able to share the exemplary practice of my school and to work with such morally driven people to support education on the global stage.
Sam Strickland, Principal/CEO
It is truly heartwarming that The Luminara Education Trust and The Duston School are working in a strategic partnership with Southend Education. Our joint venture to enhance the educational development of children in developing countries across the planet is truly exciting and is rooted in the core values of our trust. I am honoured to be able to be part of this truly exciting venture.
Claudia Wade, Chair of The Luminara Education Trust
