About me:
I am an experienced school leader, in the UK and Internationally, having led schools successfully in both state and independent sectors.

It was my career privilege to be appointed at Heritage International School in Moldova, in 2019 because of the similarly inspirational vision of its Founders. I was CEO & Director for nearly 6 years, obtaining COBIS accreditation and establishing the 1st international and Cambridge school in Moldova. I stepped down as director at the end January 2025 to return back to the UK. I continue to serve and support as a Board Member of Heritage International School and keep my links to Moldova and the school in a new capacity.

In early 2025, I took on the task as the Founding Headteacher of St Michael Abbey School, Worcestershire, in the Welsh/English borders & Marches, leading them successfully through OfSTED inspection and COBIS accreditation.

I was born and educated in Shropshire. I lived at home in Madeley until I was 18 and my father was a Shropshire coal miner. I was the first in my family to go to university after attending Madeley Court School and New College 6th Form College. Here, I met Les Jones, who became an instrumental teacher and mentor to me for the next 40 years. 

I graduated in Politics from the University of York and I have been a teacher and school leader for 30 years, beginning my career at Bootham School, York.

I gained my PGCE from the University of Aberystwyth, my MEd from The Open University and I hold the NPQH. I was previously Principal of Wyedean School, Gloucestershire, UK where I successfully led the school to become renowned both nationally and internationally for its innovative holistic curriculum and developed model of global learning. I was co-founder of the IB schools’ network in the SW of England. I have been a senior leader in leading schools in Wales and England, including Deputy Headteacher at Crickhowell High School, Powys. Previously, I led the large 6th Form of both A Level and IB at Royal Wootton Bassett School. I served as Head of History and Politics in Bristol, as well as lead international teacher in South Glos LEA.

In 2022, I was honoured and received a “Global Principal” award from AKS. I am a long serving British Council Ambassador, an advisor and keynote speaker at many international conferences for the British Council and other similar organisations, and I have worked with and advised schools and school boards around the World. It is my privilege to have worked and been involved in so many global projects with two outstanding colleagues, dear friends and global educators in Tatiana Popa & John Rolfe. Tatiana is the inspiration for a TES article of mine based on “good mavericks”.

My first book “This Heart Shaped Land” reflecting on my time as principal of Wyedean, was released in 2020. My 2nd book, “Mail from Moldova”, is due out this Autumn. It is based on my blog of the same name from my time living and working in the country that I will always consider a second home.

I am a frequent contributor to both the TES and International Schools Magazine/ISMP, as well others, and I am an International Schools’ leader for the Varkey/UNESCO/TTF2030 Global Leaders Network. 

In 2024, I was shortlisted for the inaugural TES International Principal of the Year Awards.

My wife is a jeweller and teacher of goldsmithing.  Together we have 3 teenage daughters and live in Bristol and in mid-Wales.

My TES articles: https://www.tes.com/magazine/author/rob-ford

My ISMP articles: https://www.schoolmanagementplus.com/author/robf/

MY ISN articles: https://isn.education/members/2b043621-7c7e-46bb-8724-f557591748bb