Stephen Tong

Please specify the reviewee’s job title/role (e.g., Grade 4 Teacher, School Counselor, Principal).

Head of School

How effectively does school leadership communicate important information (e.g., policies, updates, goals) to teachers?

How well does school leadership support teachers' professional growth through resources, training, and opportunities?

How approachable are school leaders when teachers need guidance or have concerns?

How clear and effective is the vision and direction set by school leadership for the school’s growth and development?

How well does school leadership recognize and appreciate the efforts and contributions of teachers?

How well does school leadership empower teachers by giving them autonomy and involving them in decision-making?

How effectively does school leadership support teachers in addressing the diverse academic and emotional needs of students?

Overall, how satisfied are you with the leadership and management at your school?

What do you appreciate most about the leadership’s approach to supporting teachers and fostering a positive school environment?

It’s hard to find much to appreciate about Stephen Tong’s leadership at Harrow Appi. He’s articulate and polished when speaking to parents or corporate visitors, but that professionalism disappears when dealing with staff. The talk of “community” and “Harrow values” feels like a script, not something he believes in. Collaboration exists only when it serves his narrative or protects the brand.

What improvements, if any, would you suggest to enhance the support or effectiveness of school leadership?

Stephen needs to learn how to lead people, not just manage optics. Transparency, empathy, and accountability are almost nonexistent. Decisions are top-down, often made without context or consultation, and then justified retroactively. He surrounds himself with agreeable voices and sidelines anyone who questions his approach. A genuine leader owns mistakes and seeks feedback; Tong does neither.

Can you share an example of how leadership has positively and/or negatively impacted your teaching experience or your students’ success?

Positively, he’s skilled at presentation, when inspectors or visitors arrive, the school looks prepared. Negatively, almost everything beyond that façade suffers. Teacher turnover is extreme, morale is near collapse, and professional development is reduced to performative sessions that tick boxes. Staff operate in fear of retribution rather than respect. Under Tong’s leadership, Harrow Appi feels less like a school and more like a corporate project struggling to survive its own PR.