Founded by Tom and his wife Elena in 2016, the school is located in Huixquilucan, Estado de Mexico, near Mexico City. In less than four years, the school has grown from a primary education institution with 50 pupils, to now delivering primary and secondary education to approximately 340 pupils.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, construction of a new secondary school building was carried out, giving staff and students access to two science laboratories, a second cafeteria, further playground areas, and an additional library.

Tom said: “In developing the high school, to be able to inherit the children one has formed in primary is a great benefit. Happily, they already understand the values and culture.”

Since graduating from Leeds Trinity University in 1982, Tom has acquired more than 30 years of teaching experience in schools around the world, including the City of London School, Wesleyan School in Atlanta, and Greengates IB School in Mexico City, where he has lived on and off since 1986.

Reflecting on his time at Leeds Trinity, Tom said: “What I learnt at Leeds Trinity was hugely influential in my career. My studies taught me resilience and that great teaching is a long process and not a moment.”

Brett Arnall, Alumni Relations Officer at Leeds Trinity University, said: “We are always delighted to hear from Alumni, especially during these unprecedented times. The growth and success of The Wingate School in the last four years is testament to Tom and Elena’s hard work and dedication to education. I feel privileged that Tom has kept in touch with the University and acknowledges how the training he received remains helpful in his work overseas.”

The Wingate School is a British International private school, which adopts the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and is supported by the University of Cambridge’s literacy and numeracy programmes. It also uses material developed by the Education Department at the University of Leeds. Over 40 nationalities from across the world are represented among the 340 pupils at the school, which will soon be accredited as a Cambridge International School.

Find out more about The Wingate School.