King's College London

It is with profound sadness that we are sharing the news of the sudden death of our beloved colleague, Saul Jones.

As Deputy Head of the King’s International Foundation Programme, Saul was an exceptional leader and educator. He leaves a legacy of over 18 years spent developing one of the most highly regarded International Foundation Programmes in the world.

Before starting at King’s Foundations in 2007, Saul worked in Berlin and then in language schools, Further Education and other Higher Education institutions in the UK. Saul was instrumental in guiding the expansion of the King’s Foundation Programme from 100 students when he first started to its current cohort of over 900, influencing everything from curriculum content and assessment design to recruitment and department culture. He was a brilliant teacher, coordinator and Deputy Head and led us all so skilfully as Head of Programme for the academic year 2024–25. He was also the longest serving member of King's Foundations staff and a hugely respected member of the department. Saul was the go-to person for everything and everyone and, without a doubt, the most common phrase to be heard around our department was, ‘Ask Saul, he’ll know’. He was always driven to do the absolute best for our students and colleagues.

Saul’s legacy as a brilliant educator impacted not only King’s Foundations but also the wider university, particularly through the exceptional Society modules which he developed and coordinated. Through these modules, Saul created lectures and seminars which embody the ethos of university education in the UK, introducing our students to key debates and perspectives on contemporary issues and preparing them for undergraduate degrees in all departments at King’s. The modules cover concepts that are often considered contentious in the UK and worldwide and encouraged students to engage in critical analysis and discussion; something Saul loved. He was a true intellectual and knowledgeable on so many different subjects, encouraging a depth of knowledge from his students too.

Saul was a beloved colleague and friend of many in King’s Foundations and wider King’s. His dedication to the University, the department, his colleagues and to the students was unwavering, and his professionalism and educational expertise second-to-none. He also had a brilliant sense of humour and uplifted those around him with his wit and love of silliness. It was an absolute privilege for us all to work alongside Saul, the King of King’s Foundations.