What makes a school a place where people truly thrive? In this episode of EdVance, Aatif Hassan, founder of Dukes Education, shares what he's learned from leading schools that prioritise people over policies. From his early experiences as a student who didn’t fit the system to building one of the fastest-growing school groups, Aatif reflects on what it takes to create spaces where students and teachers can do their best work.

He challenges conventional ideas of school leadership, explains why culture is more than a mission statement, and shows how small, intentional decisions shape long-term success. This conversation is an honest look at the work of leading with purpose—and building schools that feel as open, alive, and meaningful as a playground built for growth.