Governance

Bassett House School is part of Dukes Education.
Dukes Education is a family of schools and education organisations based in the UK. We bring together schools that are diverse in their offering and yet united as outstanding examples of teaching and learning.

Education is a journey to be enjoyed and shared at every stage of life, unlocking extraordinary possibilities for every pupil.

Our philosophy is to support each individual to live with purpose, to encourage a love of learning and to act as a team. All of this is underpinned by a quality standard that runs through everything we do. We believe that education is a journey to be enjoyed and shared at every stage of life, unlocking extraordinary possibilities for every pupil.

As part of Dukes, Bassett House continues to lead on all decisions and retain its independence. Dukes adds to this the benefit of the collective, providing security and support, a platform for sharing best practice, and the reassurance of a host of all-through education options.

Our primary office is located at: 58 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AJ. The landline number for the office is +44 (0) 203 696 5300.

Aatif Hassan - Chair of Governors and Founder and Chairman of Dukes Education

Aatif founded Dukes Education in 2015. He is also Chairman of Cavendish Education, a group of 11 schools for pupils with dyslexia and autism; and a trustee of St James Independent Schools. Aatif is also on the board of CReSTeD.

Aatif has a first-class degree in Mathematics and Economics and also had a British Army commission. In 2020, he was awarded the Freedom of City of London for services to education.

Aatif Hassan is the Chairman of Bassett House School and he may be contacted by email on  aatif.hassan@dukeseducation.com or by calling the Dukes Education office on +44 (0) 203 696 5300.

David Goodhew - Managing Director of Dukes Education

David GoodhewDavid studied Classics at Oxford, graduating with a First. From 2012 – 2023 he was Head of Latymer Upper School, where he launched the Inspiring Minds campaign, raising £40m to fund bursaries for 1 in 4 pupils. Under his leadership, Latymer won three TES awards in 2018, including Independent School of the Year. 

He has been a finalist in the UK Social Mobility Awards and is a trustee of the Dukes Foundation and a Fellow at Winchester College. David chaired the Dukes Education Advisory Board before becoming Managing Director.

He can be contacted on david.goodhew@dukeseducation.com or by calling the Dukes Education office on +44 (0)203 6965 300.

Rachael Friend

Safeguarding Governor

With over 14 years of experience in education and safeguarding, Rachael brings a deep commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
Rachael began her career as a PA to the MD of a Toy Company before taking time out to raise her daughter. Driven by a passion to make a difference, she began working in a women’s refuge where she was privileged to work with women who showed strength and courage at the most difficult times. She developed a strong foundation in supporting vulnerable families, building relationships with children and working with a multitude of agencies to achieve the best outcomes.
This led Rachael into education, where she began her career as a Designated Safeguarding Lead in a primary school. She studied alongside her role, earning a degree in Applied Education Studies from the University of Bedfordshire.
Rachael later moved into secondary education as a DSL and also served as the Senior DSL for a large multi academy trust, overseeing safeguarding in multiple schools.
Rachael is passionate about creating safe, supportive environments where every child can thrive and brings both strategic leadership and hands-on experience to her role as Head of Safeguarding at Dukes Education.

She can be contacted on Rachael.friend@dukeseducation.com or by calling the Dukes Education office on +44 (0)203 6965 300.

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