Aatif grew up in South West London and now lives in Chiswick. He attended St James Independent School for boys, where he is now a charitable governor. At the time, the school was based in Belgravia (walking distance from Eaton House Belgravia) and moved to Pope’s Villa in Twickenham, which is now the home of Radnor House Twickenham (part of Dukes!).

As a bright dyslexic who loved sport, debating, drama and many of the co-curricular activities, he values the unique needs of each of our pupils. He personally needed a rich, nurturing, supportive yet academically-challenging and values-based school. 

Fortunately for him, with the support of his father who brought him up and wonderful schooling, he was given the confidence to succeed, however he clearly remembers the obstacles that he faced. 

Experiences with the British Army, sport, charities and work in the city gave him the clarity of purpose and resources to allow him to set up Dukes Education (and our sister company, Cavendish Education, which specialises in schooling for dyslexia and autism). He is lucky enough to say ‘I love what I do. I love working with young people and I want them to be the very best versions of themselves. I feel both proud and privileged to be part of the work we are doing at Dukes Education.’