About – Hugh Hegarty

About Hugh Hegarty

International Education Leader, University CEO, Consultant & School Transformation Specialist

Hugh Hegarty is a globally experienced education leader whose career spans school transformation, university governance, international consultancy, and systemic improvement across the UK, Middle East, Ireland and Central Asia.

With more than two decades of senior leadership experience, Hugh has held executive positions across schools, multi-academy trusts, and higher education institutions. His expertise is grounded in strategic planning, organisational change, leadership development, and the creation of effective, student-centred learning environments. His record of developing effective and aligned frameworks validated in over 60 inspections makes Hugh’s insight invaluable.

A Career of High-Impact Leadership

Interim CEO – De Montfort University Kazakhstan

Hugh leads strategic direction, governance, and institutional growth for an emerging international university in Central Asia, supporting academic quality, leadership development, and long-term planning.

Former CEO – Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT)

Leading one of the UK’s largest multi-academy trusts with 38 schools and over 14,000 students, Hugh oversaw rapid school improvement and organisational development, strengthened governance, and improved operational systems across multiple school settings in a range of contexts.

Advisor to Edperitus

Hugh has vast experience of Ministerial and government liaison in establishing British Universities He provides expert support to international schools across the GCC and Asia in areas including leadership training, school improvement, curriculum development, and accreditation readiness. His impact on school improvement ,Professional Development is impressive.

Executive Principal – ADEC PPP Programme, Abu Dhabi

Hugh guided schools through significant transformation under the Abu Dhabi Education Council’s Public-Private Partnership initiative, raising teaching quality, building leadership capacity, and driving measurable improvements in attainment.

Leadership Philosophy

Hugh believes in:

Empowering leaders through coaching and mentoring

Strategic clarity using evidence-based planning

Departmental & curriculum strength as the success

Transparent, accountable governance

International best practice tailored to local contexts

Sustainable school and university transformation

His work is driven by a commitment to integrity, professional excellence, and the belief that high quality leadership is the most powerful driver of change in education. His record as an Accounting Officer and record of financial management and propriety is a matter of record. Hugh Hegarty is acknowledged for his leadership and development of effective teams.

Global Reach

Hugh’s leadership experience spans:

He is known for building relationships across cultures and establishing high-performing teams in diverse educational contexts.