Dr. Jadis Blurton is a name synonymous with innovation and inclusivity in education. From her early fascination with schooling to her groundbreaking work as Head of School at The Harbour School (THS) in Hong Kong, her journey is one of resilience, passion, and unrelenting commitment to transforming how children learn.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Jadis’s path into education was ignited during her childhood. “I started my first school when I was seven years old,” she recalls, driven by the desire to create a school that children truly enjoyed. This passion grew alongside her personal experiences as a mother. Raising a gifted child and another with special needs inspired her to delve deeper into education, leading her to become a certified Montessori teacher and pursue advanced degrees in gifted education and developmental psychology.
Her expertise eventually brought her to Hong Kong, where she established a private practice working with families and schools across Asia. It was here that she encountered children who struggled to fit into conventional educational models, further fueling her mission to create inclusive and innovative learning environments.
The Birth of The Harbour School
The story of The Harbour School is as unique as Jadis herself. A chance lunch meeting with a school founder who lacked resources, curriculum, and students set the stage for what would become a transformative journey. Reluctantly stepping into the role of Head of School, Jadis found an opportunity to reimagine education from the ground up.
Together with her husband, who holds a PhD in education, Jadis designed THS to prioritize experiential learning, inclusivity, and forward-thinking science and technology education. Today, THS stands as an award-winning institution, recognized globally for its sustainability and progressive teaching methods. Starting with just seven students, the school has grown into a community that caters to gifted children, mainstream learners, and those with learning differences, reflecting Jadis’s commitment to unlocking the potential of every student.
Challenges as a Woman Leader in Education
Jadis’s leadership journey reflects the broader challenges faced by women in education. While her unconventional entry into the field shielded her from some barriers, she notes the gender disparity in senior leadership roles within education. “At senior leadership conferences, it’s striking that so many of them are male,” she observes.
The balancing act of professional responsibilities and family life is another hurdle many women face. As a mother of seven, Jadis understands this firsthand. “The mental load and assumptions about responsibilities can be overwhelming,” she shares, recounting her experience of juggling two jobs at universities while pursuing a PhD. The ever-present guilt—whether for not spending enough time with children or not dedicating enough to work—is a tension she believes women feel more acutely than men.
Her advice to women is candid and practical: “Understand that you will never achieve that balance. It’s a constant juggle, and you will drop a ball or two on occasion. But remember, your work sets a good example for your daughters and sons about what women can accomplish.”
Driving Change in Education
For Jadis, the role of women in education goes beyond breaking personal barriers. She believes women can drive systemic change, particularly in promoting equity. “A major goal for women should be equity—not just supporting girls but supporting girls and boys equally. Kids should learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses without one being superior to the other.”
At THS, Jadis has led initiatives that challenge traditional educational models. From experiential learning to an emphasis on sustainability, the school fosters creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability—skills that will define the future workforce. Despite initial resistance from parents and stakeholders accustomed to conventional education, the success of these methods has positioned THS as a beacon of innovation.
Lessons from Influences and Mentors
Jadis credits much of her educational philosophy to Maria Montessori, whose respect for children and pioneering approaches deeply resonate with her. “She was an educational rebel, constantly evolving and creating new methods,” Jadis notes. Her husband has also been an invaluable mentor, particularly in shaping THS’s focus on science and technology education.
Envisioning the Future of Education
Looking ahead, Jadis emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change in education. “Today’s education system has been outdated for decades,” she asserts. While the pandemic has accelerated conversations around mental health and alternative learning contexts, much remains to be done to break free from traditional classroom models.
Women, she believes, will play a pivotal role in shaping this future. With resilience, creativity, and a commitment to equity, women educators are uniquely positioned to challenge norms and build more inclusive and innovative learning environments.
Advice for Aspiring Women Educators
Jadis encourages young women to embrace education as a career. “It’s a fantastic field for women, especially those with families, as it allows for flexible integration of work and family life,” she says. The constant learning opportunities, creativity, and fulfillment make it a rewarding profession.
Her message is clear: education is not just a job but a platform for driving change, inspiring generations, and creating a better future. With leaders like Jadis Blurton at the helm, the future of education indeed looks brighter and more inclusive.