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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.
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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.
Jan Dubiel is a nationally and internationally recognised specialist in Early Childhood Education. He was recently identified by the Times Educational Supplement as one of the ten most influential people in British education.
Following roles as an Early Years Consultant and Senior Adviser, he was appointed by the English Ministry of Education to lead on the management of the Early Years Assessment system (EYFS), and had national responsibility for its implementation and moderation, developing guidance and strategies. He was also the Head of National and International Development at Early Excellence to shape and deliver a strategy that supported Early Years managers educators, and recently worked for an expert group advising the UK Government on the review of Early Years policy.
Since 2016 he has worked extensively in China, developing materials and providing training, guidance and support for kindergarten teachers and principals as well as speaking at national and international conferences across the country.
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.
Wang Ping 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 Innovation Leadership Academies 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.”
Linda Wang is a seasoned Educational Specialist who has cultivated her career in China’s Education industry for more than two decades. Prior to joining AISL Harrow Schools, Linda had served as the Founding Head of a private school in China. She possesses a variety of qualifications including National Expert of Education and Leader of Education Expert Team appointed by the Ministry of Education, as well as the host of the “Distinguished Teacher Workshop”.
Jon Standen joined Harrow International School, Bangkok as Head Master in January 2019. Jon grew up in Kent in southeastern England and read Ancient History and History at the University of Nottingham. He began his education career teaching history and government and politics and then held two deputy head positions in southwest England. Jon’s first headship was at The Crypt School, England in 2007. Under his leadership, the school became a national teaching school and Jon was recognised as a National Leader of Education. Jon later became Head Master of Plymouth College, England, a day and boarding school for 3-18 year olds and was also the Chairman of the Southwest England division of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (a professional association of heads of the world’s leading independent schools).
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。
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.
She holds a BA (Hons) in English from Southampton University. Dent began her career in 1992 at the Kaumeya Language School as a Teacher of English. She moved to Wisbech Grammar School as a Teacher of English in 1993 and in 1996 she joined Cokethorpe School as a Boarding House Duty Mistress where she was promoted to Head of English & Drama in 1997, Head of Year 11 in 1998 and Head of Sixth Form in 2003. Dent joined The Abbey School as Director of Sixth Form in 2006 and from 2008 simultaneously held the role of IB Diploma Coordinator. She was promoted Assistant Head in 2008 and First Deputy Head in 2010. She assumed her current role as the Head of The Abbey School in 2014.
Mr Thomas Nolan joined AISL Harrow Beijing in 2018 as Whole School Assistant Headteacher – Extra-curricular, before being appointed to the role of Head of Upper School in 2020. Prior to joining Harrow Beijing, he held a range of leadership positions in leading schools in Malaysia and the United Kingdom and has a successful track record of driving improvement and change in a variety of educational settings. Thomas’ own educational beliefs are very much reflected in the Harrow Beijing mission statement, Leadership for a Better World, and he is a strong advocate for a diverse and student focused approach to learning, which provides young people with the support and belief that they can thrive in the rapidly changing world they are a part of.
As a musician and music teacher, Thomas will often be found practicing a range of wind and brass instruments and is currently trying to learn both the dizi and xiao Chinese flutes. He is thrilled to be living in the incredible city of Beijing with his wife and three children, and enjoys collecting Chinese art, eating the amazing local food, and exploring the hills around Beijing by bicycle.
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.’
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.
Mr. Robert Chaytor’s experience in education has spanned six countries and over 30 years, including working internationally for over a decade in a number of senior roles. He holds a Masters of Educational Administration from the University of New Southwales, and a Masters (Hons) Degree in Educational Policy from the University of Wollongong. Mr. Chaytor has a deep understanding and experience in the field of pastoral care, as well as a unique perspective on cross-cultural communication and exchange.
Ms. Julie Margaret obtained her professional certification in teaching from the University of Liverpool and received a distinction for her practice. She also obtained a Further Professional Studies Certificate in Educating Children with Special Needs from the University of Bristol, followed by a PGDE at Master’s level at the University of Bath. In nearly forty years in UK and international education, Ms Julie has decades of leading Literacy and of leading and teaching in both primary and secondary schools. Ms. Julie has been involved in a Malaysian Education National Transformation Project for the past 10 years and has served as Senior Education Lead Advisor. Ms. Julie has a strong background in teaching system management, quality assessment and innovation in pedagogy.
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.
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.
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. Simon Mildinhall (University of York) from the London Oratory School, England
Mr Mildinhall grew up in the East of England before moving on to read History at the University of York (which would later be joined by an MA from King’s College London), before attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
After nearly eight years in the British Army, Mr Mildinhall decided to make the move into teaching. Since doing so, he has taught History and Politics in London, where he was also the head of the School’s Combined Cadet Force and assisted in the provision of outdoor education before moving to AISL Harrow Hong Kong. Since arriving in Asia, he has been both a Prep and Senior House Master (for Banks and Churchill respectively) and has taught both History and Politics whilst also establishing and coordinating the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme – something that he is still involved with and which gives him the opportunity to spend more time exploring the great outdoors.
Having been involved in Pastoral care in the Senior School at every level, he is determined to use this experience to support the House Pastoral Teams in ensuring that each and every child is nurtured and supported whilst at Harrow Hong Kong.
Mr Mildinhall and his wife Hannah reside at AISL Harrow Hong Kong with their young daughter and their two dogs. In their spare time, they enjoy keeping active, largely through hiking, and love to travel, having used their time here to visit Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Mount Everest to name but a few, as well as experiencing the sights and sounds of the vibrant city that is Hong Kong.
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.
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 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.
Mr. Hancock holds a BA degree in Primary Education with a specialism in Sports and and PGCE and has been teaching in Lower Schools for over ten years.
Upon graduation, he worked in schools in the East of England before venturing abroad to teach internationally. He has worked in British international schools in China and Thailand where he held a variety middle leader positions, both academically and pastorally. He joined AISL Harrow Hong Kong in August 2015 from Bangkok Patana School.
Mr. Hancock will lead the Lower School on all matters of Teaching and Learning.
Mrs. Kelly M Wailes has been in education for more than 20 years across the USA, the UK and China. Most of her career has been focused on educating younger children, and Mrs. Wailes’ leadership experience has been built upon her work as an Early Years and Primary specialist. Mrs. Wailes believes that having been a teacher for over 10 years across various countries and continents has given her an insight into other cultures and how young children learn and develop, and this has been further developed and enriched by having her own two daughters.
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.
Mr Ward has over 25 years’ experience of leadership, management and delivery in the teaching and learning context. He joins AISL Harrow Haikou from within the Group, he is currently the Head of Upper School at AISL Harrow Beijing and prior to that, their academic Director of Studies. He has extensive multi-national and multi-cultural experience built whilst leading teams in the Middle East, USA, Canada, Australia and China.
Mr Ward is a mathematics graduate from Leeds University, during which he spent a year studying in France, and then completed his teacher qualification at Keele University. He also holds a Master’s Degree in the Management of Training Development from Edinburgh University.
Jo Evans has over 20 years of educational experience in the UK, South America, the Middle East and China. Her career started in education departments of major London museums and galleries and moved into visual arts, supporting middle and high school children develop creative approaches to problem solving and self expression. Jo has developed her educational leadership experience primarily within pastoral roles but has also worked in curriculum development and off site learning experiences. Her guiding principle is to ensure that every child receives the quality and consistency of provision that she would wish for her own two children.
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.
Mr Ellison 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). Mr Ellison was the Head Master of an independent school in the UK before joining Harrow and is experienced in leading and inspecting day and boarding schools in the independent sector, both in the UK and in international schools elsewhere.
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.
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.
Mr Shinkfield joined the AISL Harrow family in 2014, as Head of Harrow International School, Beijing. He oversaw expansion of the School to 1,500 students, across two campuses.
Before joining AISL Harrow Shenzhen, Mr. Shinkfield was Principal of an international school in northern Australia. Prior to that, he worked for twelve years at the famous Rugby School in England. During his tenure at Rugby, he served as a mathematics teacher, Senior House Master and Assistant Principal. Mr. Shinkfield has rich experience in education management and has a profound understanding of the British educational model and philosophy.
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.
Andrew holds a bachelors degree in Business and masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Nottingham. He spent the first ten years of his career working in the private sector. Retraining in 2008, he gained a PGCE in Primary Education, specialising in early years. After working with a number of schools in the UK, Andrew successfully secured a place and completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Since 2015, he has been part of the senior leadership team of a large international school in Singapore. He is also a school evaluator with the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Andrew is passionate about leading teams to deliver exciting, innovative and engaging learning experiences that are impactful. This is what brought him to teaching and it is this that continues to be his driving force. He brings to AISL Harrow Schools his expertise along with an educational philosophy that is centred on fostering a culture of collaboration between teachers, parents and students.
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.
Stephen Tong joined Harrow Shenzhen Qianhai in 2021 after thirty-two years’ teaching experience in six different schools in the United Kingdom. Stephen has held a rich variety of curricular and pastoral roles with over twenty-one years’ experience in a senior leadership role. Most recently he spent twelve years as Headteacher of a large secondary school in the far South West of England. Stephen is a graduate of the University of Durham where he read History.
Throughout his career Stephen has held on to some heartfelt principles to guide his work and service as an educator. His philosophy has always been that to prepare young people to be the citizens of the future; they need to be firstly known, cared for and guided and then to be championed and to have all of their successes celebrated. As a leader, he has always tried to exercise his duties with equal doses of honesty, humility, humour and hope.
