NZSE College is honoured to welcome Stephen Kendall-Jones as our new Head of Education. Bringing extensive experience in teaching and educational leadership, Kendall-Jones has led primary, middle, and secondary schools across New Zealand and overseas, working with diverse curricula like the NZ Curriculum, NCEA, Cambridge, and International Baccalaureate (IB).
Stephen’s path to education began after transitioning from a senior retail role in New Zealand. Seeking more fulfilment, he pursued a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, where he discovered his passion for the classroom. “The first time I saw a student ‘get’ something and light up with understanding, I knew I’d found my calling,” he says. This passion for learning motivated him to earn a Master’s in Mathematics Education and a PhD in Education.
Joining NZSE excites Kendall-Jones because of the institution’s commitment to empowering learners, which, in turn, empowers the community. “Our graduates don’t just change their own lives — they inspire the next generation to make a real difference for our nation,” he says. Kendall-Jones’ strong faith in the power of education aligns firmly with NZSE, which asserts that education transforms lives, strengthens communities, and opens doors to new opportunities.
Kendall-Jones’ vision for the School of Education strongly focuses on growth and accessibility. “If you believe you’re offering the best, which I believe NZSE is, you have a moral duty to share it with as many people as possible,” he explains. “This includes increasing student numbers in early childhood education, introducing pathways to higher-level qualifications, and expanding offerings to include primary and secondary education training.”
Originally from Manchester, UK, Kendall-Jones moved to New Zealand in 1994. His family’s story reflects the transformative power of education. “Two generations ago, my family were coal miners. My parents worked hard and trained in trades to improve their opportunities, and I became the first in my family to go to university and earn a doctorate,” he says.
Kendall-Jones offers this advice to aspiring educators: “Education enables social mobility. You can achieve incredible things if you work hard and invest in your learning. As teachers, you’re in a unique position to help children break cycles of poverty and poor self-belief. It’s a career where you’re not just achieving your own dreams — you’re helping others achieve theirs. That’s what makes it so rewarding.”
