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Our outstanding Education Team provides expert support to the Foreign Heads, Chinese Teachers, senior and middle managers, teachers and educational support staff in our schools. Drawing on decades of leadership experience in the U.K. and internationally, they lead professional development and quality assurance programmes across our family, informed by the latest thinking in educational best practice. Comprised of senior education professionals, including successful school Heads, government advisors and influential educational thinkers, the team takes a research-based, progressive approach that drives excellence in our schools.
The Harrow family of schools has a worldwide reputation for the high quality education, teacher engagement, student attainment and parental satisfaction. We maintain, these standards by recruiting only the very best teachers and school leaders. All of our educationalists are highly qualified, many holding advanced degrees and other additional certifications. The majority are recruited from the U.K., plus Australia, New Zealand and other English-speaking countries with high education systems.
As a renowned family of schools we are privileged to be able to select from a pool of exceptionally talented teachers who want to work for AISL Harrow Schools. Where possible, our head teachers are interviewed at Harrow School in the UK where they have a positive first experience of the Harrow family. A rigorous recruitment process is followed, with only the very best candidates being employed.
In addition, our safeguarding and background checks are exceptionally thorough meaning we are confident all adults in our school are safe to be close to our students.
To ensure that our already excellent teachers remain up-to-date with the very latest educational advances, our AISL Academy provides extensive opportunities for professional development. Structured pathways allow teachers to develop and enhance their practice, becoming ever more expert in key aspects of education. This knowledge is then shared across the AISL Harrow Family through on-line and face to face learning. For teachers aspiring to leadership, structured pathways allow them to develop their skills and qualifications so as to advance their careers, hopefully within the Group.
In this way, the AISL Academy ensures that we retain our strong teachers; they feel valued and supported because we are upskilling and investing in them. A lot of our teachers have contributed many years of service to a school or schools in our family – demonstrating a career long commitment to educating our young Harrovians.
On behalf of Asia International School Limited (AISL) – the holding company of all Harrow-branded schools, Harrow International Management Services Limited (HIMS) oversees the running of Harrow’s family of schools. HIMS provides technical advice and assistance to support the management of each school.
The schools operate under an agreement with the Governors of Harrow School in the UK. Under that agreement, the schools are permitted to use the Harrow name and Arms, and are required to have a Governing Board which, inter alia, is responsible for the overall philosophy, vision, culture and strategic direction of the school; compliance with governing documents and law; and ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for the day to day operations. The Governing Board of each school is required to include two Governors of Harrow School (or their representatives), two representatives of the school’s owners, and one Director of HIMS.
The Governing body of each school is composed of the following members:
The presence of Harrow School Governors and HIMS in governance is to assure, amongst other things, a consistently high standard of education, reflecting Harrow School’s values and traditions of excellence.
35/F, Office Tower, Convention Plaza, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong SAR
Dr Ahmed Hussain was appointed Associate Professor in the School of Education at Durham University. He has a rich experience in leadership of international school groups and education reform. Prior to joining the Group, Dr Hussain had held school leadership and university research positions in England, UAE and China.
Charlie has enjoyed an extensive career in independent schooling both in the UK and in British international schools spanning nearly 30 years. He attended Bradford Grammar School and the University of Warwick, has post-graduate qualifications in Psychology and holds the NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship).
He has extensive experience as an examiner and as a coach of many sports, especially rugby, having worked in an advisory role for the professional rugby club Harlequins as their Head of Elite Player Development for ten years.
Charlie Ellison was the Headmaster of Harrow International School Shanghai from 2018 – 2022.
Dr Neelam Parmar is an award-winning professional, international researcher, author, thought leader and speaker for the use of educational technology, digital pedagogy and innovative curriculum within education. A highly experienced leader in Digital Education, Neelam has engaged with the UK Department of Education (DfE) EdTech Leadership Group, national EdTech Impact workshops, The @womenEd_Tech movement and is also a judge for the global renowned Bett Awards.
Prior to joining AISL Harrow Schools, Neelam worked for various groups of schools in the UK, drawing on her research and practical experience to oversee digital learning and educational technology, and leadership in operations and strategy as well. She is also the author of the ‘Digital Literacy in the Primary’ series and ‘Digital Parenting’ book, locally published and distributed globally.
Steven Wang has extensive experience in education in China. Since graduating from Beijing Normal University, Wang has been a Senior Teacher with secondary school specialism and a Principal in bilingual schools leading international programmes and school operations.
Throughout his career, Wang has committed himself to the concept of a Chinese-International education, with a strong belief in nurturing students as lifelong learners where they add value to society, love and respect the world around them and acquire wealth of knowledge, developing wisdom. With globalisation impacting on all aspects of life, Wang is keen to promote cross-cultural understanding and diversity as a basis to education and encourages students to participate in the innovation of knowledge and to contribute to the development and livelihoods of mankind.
“Harrow LiDe Schools have their roots in the fertile soil of China but their ideology will blossom around the world. Their mission is to encourage students to innovate for a better future and this is exactly how I envisage my own educational career. I am most honoured to be part of this exciting project with AISL Harrow Schools.”
Since graduating from East China Normal University, Isabel has been working in education field for over two decades and enjoyed an extensive career. Prior to joining AISL Harrow Schools, she worked for various public school, international school and private licensed bilingual schools in China and UK. Isabel was a Head of School and a Consultant, leading various school development projects. She is also an IB DP examiner, and a CIS accreditation evaluator.
James graduated from University of Oxford with a degree in Modern History and then completed his PGCE at Cambridge University.
He started his career in teaching at Stamford School. After four years there he joined Sherborne School in Dorset, where he went on to become a Boarding Housemaster. In 2004 James was approached by GEMS to create Sherfield School, the only new school opened by the group in the United Kingdom.
In 2009 James was appointed as Head of Prior Park College in Bath, going on to become the Founding Principal of the Prior Park Schools, during which time he oversaw the opening of Prior Park School, Gibraltar.
In 2019 James became the Founding Principal of the Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools and, in 2022, he was appointed to be Director of Educational Development for the Haberdashers group, working across their eighteen schools.
James is delighted to have been appointed as Head of Harrow Bangkok and starts in this role in September 2023.
Paul read Psychology at the University of Newcastle before beginning his career teaching Psychology and Biology at an Outstanding academy in Yorkshire. Paul went on to spend six years in Rome, first as Deputy Head and then Head of Senior School where he completed his NPQH with University College London. He also worked collaboratively as the Chair of Assessment for eight British International schools across Europe in a bid to drive up academic performance and will shortly complete his training to be a Council of British International Schools (COBIS) Peer Accreditor. Paul is uncompromising in getting the very best for our young people, encouraging them to find their unique voice in order to become the next great changemakers for the local and global communities they serve.
Michael was formerly the Deputy Head Academic at Princethorpe College, an HMC independent day school in the UK. Michael took a first-class honours degree in Law at Warwick University before undertaking research in Japan as a Daiwa Scholar. He gained his LLM from Harvard Law School, where he was a Frank Knox Memorial Fellow, and subsequently his Doctorate in Law from Warwick University. From August 2021 onwards, Michael takes responsibility for whole-school aspects of our provision, will deputise for the Head Master, and will work closely with the Head Master and the Board of Governors to deliver the school’s Strategic Development Plan. Michael will oversee whole-school coordination and major school event planning. He will also lead the development of Harrow International School, Bangkok overarching teaching and learning ambitions including oversight of academic staff appraisal and continuing professional development.
Michael 曾任英国HMC独立走读学校——皇子龙学院（Princethorpe College）——的学术副校长。获得华威大学法律专业一等荣誉学位之后，Michael作为大和学者前往日本进行研究。在哈佛法学院攻读法学硕士学位时，他成为了Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship奖学金得主，后又一举攻下华威大学法学博士学位。从 2021 年 8 月起，Michael 负责我们学校运行的方方面面，他将作为副校长与校长、校董会密切合作，落实学校的战略发展规划。Michael负责监督全校协调和重大校园活动的策划。他还将领导哈罗曼谷的总体教学和学习发展，包括监督学术员工考核和持续专业发展。
Paul graduated with a first class degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Brunel University. Following a number of years working as an actuary and as a business consultant focusing on managerial solutions for a major oil company, Paul moved into the education sector in 1999. In his first headship in the UK, he oversaw improvement to OfSTED “Outstanding,” before moving to Singapore, where was Head of Primary at Nexus International School for eight years. Paul has trained with OfSTED and also carries out school evaluations on behalf of the Council of International Schools. A highly experienced school leader, Paul passionate about education that provides young students with the foundations to flourish as successful leaders in this dynamic world. Paul Beach joined Harrow International School, Bangkok in August 2021.
Paul毕业于布鲁内尔大学，获得数学和统计学一等学位荣誉。在担任了数年精算师和一家大型石油公司的商业顾问（专注于管理解决方案）之后，Paul 于 1999 年进入教育行业。他在英国初任校长职务时，监督学校提高教育质量，成为英国教育标准局（OfSTED）评定的 “优秀”学校。 之后，他在新加坡的Nexus 国际学校担任了八年小学校长。Paul 曾接受英国教育标准局培训，并代表国际学校委员会开展学校评估工作。作为一位经验丰富的学校领导，Paul热衷于打造能够助力年轻学生在这个日新月异的世界中成为杰出领导者的教育。Paul Beach 于 2021 年 8 月加入哈罗曼谷。
Phil grew up and attended school in London before reading Chemistry at universities in both the UK and Germany. Phil took his first teaching post in London in September 2003 where he helped to raise academic standards across the school, leading to his promotion as Head of Science and then Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for teaching and learning, as well as a large Sixth Form cohort of over 400 students. Phil was promoted into his first Headteacher role in 2016, going on to drive the school’s growth from approximately 900 students to 1,870 students from Nursery through to Sixth Form – becoming the most popular school in that district of London in the process. He is used to working with large teams of teachers, support staff, students and families to ensure the best education journey possible. Phil has a real passion for delivering the highest quality education which, for him, means seeing students fulfil their academic potential whilst also developing their character, confidence and skills through a variety of programmes and opportunities.
He believes that this type of holistic education helps to foster confident, compassionate leaders who will go on to improve the world we live in. Seeing happy young people move on to top university destinations and careers is hugely satisfying and it is why he loves being Headteacher.
Ms. Sarah Davey has over 15 years of experience in education, with 10 years of those in educational leadership in British private schools before joining Harrow Beijing in 2017. Ms Davey is entering her third year as Head of the Lower School at AISL Harrow Beijing.
Ms. Davey grew up in Australia and early in her teaching career moved to London to combine her love of education and travel. She has since travelled to many countries around the world and consequently has developed a rich appreciation for different cultures and ways of life; this has been instrumental not only for her personal growth but also for her professional development as an educator.
‘What travelling has taught me is that although the circumstances of a child may change, one thing remains the same: their capacity to learn. When children are given a happy, engaging, and safe learning environment, they have the ability to thrive and excel.’
Ms. Ann Haydon (University of Surrey) from Surbiton High School, England
Ms. Haydon took up her position as Head of AISL Harrow Hong Kong on 1 August 2017. She is the first woman to lead a Harrow School.
After reading Economics and Geography at the University of Surrey, Ms. Haydon completed her PGCE at the University of Nottingham. In 2007 she gained the National Qualification for Headship from the University of London. In 2013 she was awarded a distinction in the Pearson UK. Headteacher of the Year Awards and has gained national recognition for work in leadership, governance, teaching and learning and marketing in Schools. In 2012, Ms. Haydon and her Senior Leadership Team won the Independent Schools ‘Outstanding Senior Leadership Team of the Year’ and in 2013 received the accolade of ‘Outstanding Governing Board of the Year’.
Ms. Haydon has held the position as HMC London Division Secretary and was a member of the HMC Sports Committee. She was a member of the United Learning Heads Reference Group working on strategic developments across a group of Independent Schools and Academies and she has sat on the Governing Body of several Independent Schools in London.
Ms. Haydon was Deputy Head at Guildford High School before taking up the position as Principal of Surbiton High School in 2008, an independent, HMC (Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference) and IAPC (Independent Association of Prep Schools) School with circa 1500 pupils aged 4 to 18, both of which are consistently placed in the Top Ten Schools in the Times League Tables. Ms. Haydon now has the privilege of leading Harrow Hong Kong.
As a leading educator, Ms Haydon is committed to getting the very best out of young people and preparing them for top universities across the world.
Ms. Haydon’s interests include travel, sport and the arts. Ms. Haydon is married to Nigel and has two step children.
Ms Laura Yandell (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire & Goldsmiths, University of London) from Ark Greenwich Free School, England
Miss Yandell graduated from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with a BA Honours degree in Acting. She then went on to do a PGCE in Drama and a Masters in Education at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Miss Yandell worked as a Head of Department at Ravens Wood School in Kent and Sydenham High School in London before becoming Deputy Headteacher in charge of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum at Ark Greenwich Free School in South London.
Miss Yandell has a keen interest in the topic of women and leadership and has read and conducted a lot of research in this area. She is a keen member of the #WomenEd educational movement and has spoken at various conferences regarding the global in-balance of females in leadership roles in the workplace.
Miss Yandell enjoys travelling, visiting the theatre and reading and feels very privileged to have a job where she can help shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Mr. Tom Hicks (St Catherine’s College, Oxford University) from Uppingham School, England
Mr Hicks comes from a family steeped in pastoral care. Having grown up in boarding houses in the South of England, Mr Hicks followed his father’s footsteps, becoming Housemaster at Wellington College, UK, having previously been Head of Sixth Form and Assistant HM at Lord Wandsworth College, Hampshire. Prior to joining AISL Harrow Hong Kong, he was Assistant Head: Pastoral at Uppingham School, one of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools in Britain.
Mr Hicks is an experienced international educator, and spent three years as Head of Group Boarding for the Wellington Group of schools, paying annual inspection visits to schools in Tianjin and Shanghai. He also set up a national Prep Schools Boarding Conference, in conjunction with the Boarding Schools Association, for whom he has been a speaker at their annual national conference. Mr Hicks sat on the governing body and the academic committee of The Wellington Academy – a state boarding school in Wiltshire. At Uppingham, he spearheaded a brand-new Wellbeing curriculum, founded on the principles of Positive Psychology, following research in schools as far-ranging as the United States, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
Although a teacher of English, Mr Hicks studied Modern Languages (French and Linguistics) at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford University and gained his PGCE from the University of Buckingham. Whilst at university, he gained four Blues for cricket and was captain in 2000, the final first-class fixture between Oxford and Cambridge at Lord’s. He went on to captain his county, Dorset, for several years, and has also captained the MCC at the home of cricket and sat on the Players and Fixtures Sub-Committee. He now writes about the game and is a published author.
Mr Hicks joined Harrow Hong Kong with his wife, Penny, who works as Head of Scholarships and Bursaries and in the Admissions Department at Harrow Hong Kong. Their three children all attend the school.
Mr. James Brewer (Queen’s University Belfast) from Epsom College in Malaysia
Mr Brewer hails from Londonderry, Northern Ireland where he attended school at Foyle and Londonderry College. He graduated with a BSc in Physics before completing a MSc in Electronics and PGCE in Science, all from Queen’s University Belfast.
His first teaching post was in Bexley Grammar School in Bexley, Kent. In Bexley, he gained experience in the roles of Head of Physics and Head of Houses. Mr Brewer thought London was far from home until he moved into international teaching at Qatar International School in Doha, Qatar. He was part of the senior leadership team that developed the school into a teaching and learning school. He then moved east to Epsom College in Malaysia, Epsom was his introduction into boarding school. He thoroughly enjoyed the additional aspects that boarding school brings to teaching and to the students’ school experience.
Mr Brewer enjoyed playing various sports at school, university and club level. He played rugby with Queen’s and City Of Derry and cricket with Brigade. After hanging up his boots, he coached rugby and cricket in schools as well as regularly playing golf.
Mr Brewer moves to AISL Harrow Hong Kong with his wife Mrs Mitchell, who is Housemistress of Fry House, and their two children Noah and Ella who both attend the lower school.
Mr Brendan Shanahan (University of Liverpool) from St Barnabas’ CE Primary School & Nursery, England
Mr Shanahan took up his position as head of the Lower School at Harrow International School, Hong Kong on 17th August 2020.
Mr Shanahan graduated from the University of Liverpool with a BA (Hons) degree in Social & Economic History in 2005. He then completed his PGCE at Leeds Beckett University before starting teaching in Kirklees. Mr Shanahan has help a range of posts in his career including leading on PE, Maths, English, Design Technology, Safeguarding, Curriculum, Standards and Assessment. He was a headteacher in Westminster before taking up the role as Head of Lower School at AISL Harrow Hong Kong.
He is a keen sportsman and represented his University at football, lacrosse, hockey and rugby league. He also represented Huddersfield and Yorkshire playing Gaelic Football.
Mr Shanahan is delighted to be joining the team at Harrow Hong Kong and is committed to ensuring that every pupil reaches their full potential.
Mrs Berner joined AISL Harrow Hong Kong in August 2017. Over the past 2 years she has held the position of Assistant Head of Lower School (Pupil Progress), developing the use of data to support Teaching and Learning. Mrs Berner is pleased to be taking on the role of Deputy Head (Pupil Wellbeing).
Mrs Berner holds a BA (Hons) in Primary Education from Sheffield Hallam University and qualified as a teacher in 2006. She gained a Masters in Teaching and Learning at the University of Leicester. After teaching across the primary age range, Mrs Berner pursued her interest in Inclusion and completed the National Award for SENDCo’s. She has worked as part of the Senior Leadership Team at two schools in Leicestershire, much of this time was focused on pupil wellbeing and inclusion. Mrs Berner has also completed the NPQSL with the National College and became a Specialist Leader of Education in 2015, supporting and advising schools on a range of priorities.
Mrs Berner lives in one of Harrow Hong Kong’s senior boarding houses (Peel House) with her husband, Mr Berner, who has recently taken up the role of House Master.
Alex is an enthusiastic, experienced school leader who has enjoyed educating children for nearly 30 years. His career has included working in a range of outstanding schools in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand, most recently as the Head of one of New Zealand’s top private schools, leading it to become one of the best academic schools in the country.
He took his first degree in English Literature at Cambridge University, has a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) from the Institute of Education in London, and completed a master’s degree a few years ago on the work of the great Scottish novelist, Muriel Spark. He is passionate about literature, drama and music, and spends much of his free time enjoying cultural pursuits. He also likes to travel, to exercise and keep fit – he needs to do this regularly because he loves good food!
Alex believes that a great education has academic excellence for all students at its core, supported by a broad programme of personal, cultural and social opportunities. A great school works with its parents and families to develop successful young people who are also good young people, and who will use their talents to make the world a better place for everyone.
Ms Phillips has been an educator for the past 20 years, working in Asia and Europe. She has a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with QTS and Masters degree in Education from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom as well as a teaching licence from Washington D.C, America. Before coming to AISL Harrow Shanghai, Ms Phillips was principal of a large British kindergarten in Bahrain for 8 years and previously, head of the children’s department at the British Council in Kuwait for 4 years.
Ms Phillips is passionate about Early Years education and strives to ensure that children build a firm foundation for future success through high levels of engagement in a high-quality play-based environment. These opportunities promote exciting challenges, exploration, adventure and embeds a real love of learning.
The ambitious and sequential curriculum that has been set in place at Harrow Shanghai meets the needs of each child and exposes all children to language rich environments which in turn holds the key to successful listeners, readers, writers, and communicators. Ms Phillips also priorities outdoor learning, gardening and sustainability in the Early Years which raises awareness of the world around us as well as opportunities to develop many of the key skills which are needed throughout our life’s journey such as problem solving, dealing with conflict, creativity and perseverance to name a few.
Ms Chinnadurai is an experienced teacher and leader. She studied Languages Economics and Politics at Kingston University and subsequently went on to gain a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Roehampton Institute, University of Surrey. She also holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship and a Diploma in Reading Recovery. She has taught across the primary age range and has been a headteacher for over 15 years in the UK. She was also designated a National Leader of Education, has been an Executive Headteacher and worked as a consultant. She is passionate about research into teaching and learning, creating an enriching and meaningful curriculum, the arts in education and developing leaders of the future. She has spoken in both the UK and abroad on these aspects of education, has been involved in supporting other schools to improve and has a wealth of experience in developing outstanding teaching and learning.
She believes in creating an environment where all stakeholders are happy, motivated, challenged and inspired to be the best they can be, where they reach the highest academic and personal standards. She will be working with her team to ensure that our children embody our Harrow values and leadership attributes and that they are passionate about learning, have inquisitive minds, a growth mindset, are problem solvers, are creative, have their talents nurtured, and have the desire to make our world better.
In her spare time, you will find Ms Chinnadurai engaging in her passions of cooking, art, music, and languages; you will either find her finding out about food, visiting galleries, constructing her own art works, listening to music or learning to speak Mandarin.
Mr Jedrzejczyk has worked in international schools in Shanghai for the last ten years. Before joining the teaching profession, he read law at Westminster University, worked in the City of London, before completing a Masters degree in International Law at the University of Warwick. Following a transition to teaching, Mr Jedrzejczyk completed his Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Durham University, and has worked primarily as a teacher of English, English as an Additional language and as a curriculum co-ordinator for service learning within the AISL Harrow Shanghai Prep school.
Mr Jedrzejczyk favours research-led approaches to curriculum development and implementation, as well as to teaching and learning pedagogical practices. Although, he continues to put great emphasis on experiential learning, co-ordinating the Junior Award Scheme for Schools and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, for which he is certified trainer, to get students outside of the classroom and participating in dynamic learning experiences.
Ms Tess St Clair-Ford joined Harrow Shanghai in August 2020 from the UK, where she was Head of Fifth Form (Year 11) at Epsom College, a leading UK boarding school. She studied Social and Political Sciences at the University of Cambridge and has a Masters in Creative Writing; a particular passion of hers.
Ms St Clair-Ford began her teaching career at an international school in Sri Lanka and has since gained over 10 years’ teaching experience at leading independent schools in and around London, UK. She is passionate about English Literature and reading, having joined AISL Harrow Shanghai as Head of English and Whole School Literacy Co-ordinator.
As Head of Senior School, Ms St Clair-Ford brings her pastoral experience from her time in a UK boarding environment, as well as her commitment to academic excellence and experience in preparing students for public examination success and entry to top UK universities.
Outside of work, Ms St Clair-Ford is a mother of 3 young Harrovians and is relishing the opportunity for her and her family to live and work in a country as diverse and exciting as China. Her precious free time is almost entirely spent reading books.
Aaron has around 30 years of Headship and senior leadership experience in the UK and China, having graduated from the University of Nottingham and the University College London with an MBA (Educational Leadership), followed by a PGCE from West London Institute, Brunel University and a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
Grace has been teaching Chinese for over 20 years. She has served as Class Tutor, Chinese Teacher, Young Pioneers Counsellor, Moral Education Director in public schools and bilingual schools in China. Her track records are proven by her personal honours including, ‘Chongqing Excellent Young Pioneers Instructor’, ‘Regional Primary School Chinese Backbone Teacher’ and ‘District Excellent Teacher’. She has also won many awards in the municipal level class competitions and participated in the compilation of national subjects and several teaching monographs.
Judy Kong holds a master’s degree in TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia University, an MBA from CEIBS and is currently pursuing a DBA at the HELP University in Malaysia. She worked once as the community service area leader of IB program and initiated the AP program and A-level project at a top local school. Twenty years of experience in teaching and international education has given Ms. Kong in-depth understanding of international curriculum and education. She firmly believes that education is about inspiration and will contribute to the cause of bringing the premium Harrow education to families in Chongqing and a wider southwestern area in China.
Timothy is qualified with a PGCE from Froebel College, Roehampton Institute for Higher Education, and has over 10 years of teaching and senior educational management experience. Prior to Joining Harrow, he taught in a variety of multi-cultural and multi-ethnic schools in London. Timothy has strong IT capabilities, experienced in motivating others to develop own expertise, marketing the benefits within the classroom. He owns a solid background in developing and delivering IT initiatives both in the classroom and in an educational consultative capacity.
Daniel has over 13 years’ experience in English teaching, educational leadership and English language testing. He has previously worked as Head of English Department, Principal Examiner for Pearson Test of English (Global) and is a DELTA Certified English Teacher from University College London (UCL).
Cathy has been deeply involved in the education industry for 18 years. She holds an MBA from Hult International Business School and has worked in education management positions in well-known international school groups for more than 15 years. Cathy has not only the experience of managing foreign children’s schools, but also the experience of establishing private bilingual schools. Her long experience of working and studying in a multicultural environment has given her a broader perspective, more diversified thinking and a more tolerant mentality. In AISL Harrow Haikou, she will lead the team to cultivate the core values of Harrow for the new generation of students through teaching and learning, leadership projects, institutional systems and other activities, namely “Courage, Honour, Humility and Fellowship”, the four core values that students would benefited from throughout their lives, enabling them to have a foundation and strength to go further.
Daniel Berry joined Harrow International School Qianhai Shenzhen in 2023 after many successful years leading schools in the United Kingdom. Before joining Harrow, Berry was Head Master of Kirkham Grammar School, an independent day and boarding school and a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), the professional association of the world’s leading Independent schools. At the same time, he was also a member of the HMC panel on inspection. Prior to that, he was Head of St. George’s School, a state school in England, which was judged to be ‘outstanding’ under his leadership.
Kevin Qian holds a master’s degree in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education specialising in School Leadership. He also received offers from Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania, both of which are considered among the best institutions for Education. Kevin then served as School Principal of a well-renowned public high school and a top private K12 school in Boston, United States.
In the past decade, Kevin has taken up various leading positions in the international and bilingual education industry, including at a listed Education company, a private international school, and international division operated by a leading public high school in China. He is a professional school executive who has a broad range of experience in the establishment of schools, school management, academic curriculum design and overseas education counselling.
Catherine Donnelly joined Harrow International School, Qianhai Shenzhen in August 2023, after leading international schools in China and the middle East. Most recently, as Vice Principal of a large school in Abu Dhabi. Prior to that, she worked as Head of Primary of a successful British school in Shanghai. After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with English, Catherine also holds a Master’s in International Education and concluded a National Professional Qualification of Headteachers. As well as leading schools, she assesses final submissions for various National Professional Qualifications. Catherine is passionate about providing as many opportunities for pupils as possible to ignite curiosity and develop a life-long love for learning through challenge and enjoyment.
Nigel Schofield joined AISL Harrow Shenzhen as Head of Upper School in April 2021 with multifaceted experience in leading and managing staff. Nigel firmly believes that the greatest asset of any school is its students, supported by passionate, scholarly staff, and brings to AISL Harrow Schools his expertise in delivering a collaborative, rich and holistic learning experience.
Having taught on 3 continents, he has held leadership positions in schools for over 20 years, internationally since 2011 within senior leadership. Nigel holds a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance, and a PGCE in Mathematics from the University of Nottingham. He completed the UK National Professional Qualification for Headship in 2008 and his Masters degree in Education Leadership in 2015.
Mr. Clayton has been in Education for over 19 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Animal Biology from The University of Birmingham and trained as a Science teacher at Loughborough University. He moved to Asia in 2014 and has been working in South East Asia and China mainland as Headmaster. Being a motivated and ambitious professional, Mr. Clayton is committed to raising standards of excellence for all.
Luna has over 15 years’ experience in education. Prior to joining AISL Harrow Nanning, she was a founding member of a highly regarded international school in Xi’an, leading school operations, brand development, government communications and public relations.
She obtained her MBA at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and is currently an Ed.D. candidate of Innovative Educational Leadership Program at Concordia University. She has participated in a wide variety of professional learning achieving IB certificates, PTC International Principal Qualification Training, Principal Capacity Training Certificate from Beijing Normal University and University Counselling certification given by Education USA office of American Embassy.
Emily Gallagher has been appointed as Whole School Assistant Headteacher. Having achieved a Bachelor of Music in 2008, she then went on to complete her PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan, followed by a Master’s in Teaching and Learning in 2013. She is continuing her professional development this year, by working towards her National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership, with a focus on assessment and mentoring. Alongside this, she and her husband welcomed their first child in June 2020, born in Wuxi, China.
Following nine years of teaching in the UK, she arrived in China five years ago and has worked in a number of leadership positions, including other founding schools. She believes that despite being a new school, a shared mission, clear communication and high levels of teaching will create a feel of a much older school, of which everyone will be proud of.
Ms. Eldars holds the Master of Education (International Education) from the University of Sunderland, UK, and completed her PGCE in Primary Education.
Ms. Eldars has been working at school for 21 years .Before joining AISL Harrow Nanning, her role was as Principal of an Early Years and Primary school and Vice-Principal and Deputy Headteacher in previous roles as well as Head of Pastoral Care.
She holds a great belief in the power of education to enrich children’s lives and the right of every child to experience an individualised experience. She is dedicated to providing opportunities for children to realise their highest academic potential, ensuring that their unique personalities and interests are nurtured and developed to their fullest.
Ms. Vanessa Yao holds a Master of Arts in English Language Studies from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a postgraduate diploma in Education from the University of Hong Kong. She has over 13 years working experience in the educational industry, starting as a research assistant in the university, then grew to be a teacher and a principal in multiple famous international, bilingual schools. She has successfully launched four kindergartens in China.
Glesni Guest is from Caernarfon, North Wales. This will be her 7th teaching year, having taught both in the UK and internationally. She is extremely passionate about early education, especially enriching young minds through play and mindful experiences. She is dedicated to the social and emotional development of each child and makes it her goal to ensure that each child receives the best care and love that they deserve. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and training for triathlons.
Dr. Max Caruso holds a Doctor of Education degree with a focus on leadership development and agency. As a senior executive with over 30 years of experience in education, Dr. Caruso has held senior positions in various schools across Austral-Asia. His diverse journeys through Australia, Dubai and China have strengthened his understanding of educational dynamics in Asian countries and, in particular, for Chinese families. His experience has embedded an educational values system that is underpinned by integrity, excellence, unconditional respect, equity and service—values which closely match those of Harrow.
In 2013, Dr. Caruso was awarded the Leadership for Learning Award by Australian Council of Educational Leaders in recognition of his leadership in schools, and in 2020, he was recognized as one of the most influential educators in the UAE. He aims to make a difference for all students in his care, through servant and authentic leadership and to create a learning community that places students at the heart of all thinking, recognizing and nurturing their unique geniuses, gifts, and talents.
