SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Alex Reed
Head Master
Mr Reed 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 Masters 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!
Mr Reed 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.
Avril CONNOLLY PHILLIPS
Head of Lower School
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 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.
Zach Bennetts
Head of Upper School
Mr Bennetts joined Harrow after five years at an international school in Washington, D.C., where he was Head of Humanities and Social Sciences. This was preceded by four years at a large comprehensive school in north London, where he was Head of Politics and a member of the Sixth Form Pastoral Team, focused principally on applications to higher education, alongside serving as a staff governor.
Amy Huang
Deputy Head of Upper School (Pupils)
Ms. Huang is a founding member of Harrow Shanghai and a dedicated linguist whose passion for languages and culture informs every aspect of her teaching. After graduating with a double degree from Monash University—Bachelor of Arts (Languages) and Bachelor of Secondary Education—and completing part of her studies at Tsukuba University in Japan, she earned and has maintained for fourteen consecutive years the full-time teaching license issued by the Department of Education in Victoria, Australia, consistently exceeding national standards.
Her career spans prestigious public and private high schools in Melbourne, and in 2016 she returned to her hometown to join Harrow Shanghai. Here she has served as Head of Chinese; Head of House; and the Director of Chinese Culture which saw her establish immersive cultural events and trips for students. These roles have deepened her belief that outstanding pastoral care is inseparable from academic excellence.
Ms. Huang is also a keen traveler and refines her linguistic and cultural fluency through staying in touch with graduates from all over the world. She believes that education should include sustained, authentic immersion which cultivates empathy and broadens one’s horizons. She hopes to prepare students to engage the world with curiosity, respect, and confidence.
Emma Hamilton
Deputy Head of Upper School (Academic)
Miss Hamilton began her teaching career in 2007 and has always been passionate about education and being a part of young people’s academic journeys. She began teaching in outstanding London schools before working in Vietnam and Jordan, initially as Head of English and subsequently in Senior Leadership.
Her first degree is in English from the University of Kent with a PGCE from the University of Bristol. In 2019, she studied at the University of East Anglia to gain an MA in International Development and Education. Her primary research for her dissertation took her to Sierra Leone with the charity ‘Street Child’ to research the lack of female teachers in the country’s secondary schools.
Miss. Hamilton believes wholeheartedly that education is of fundamental importance and that all students deserve to experience superb teaching with opportunities to explore their other interests too. With the right support, students should leave school with not just the tools to succeed academically but within society exhibiting integrity, responsibility and tenacity.
Daniel Jeffries
Assistant Head (Whole School) – Pupil Leadership and Co-Curricular
Dan is a dedicated educator constantly seeking new experiences and opportunities for the young people in his care, whether on the sports field, stage, or in academics and other activities. He began his career in Bournemouth, UK, teaching PE and helping to manage the boys’ boarding house. He has also held positions in prestigious international boarding schools in Malaysia and Switzerland as Director of Sport and head of boys’ boarding houses.
With a degree in Sports Studies from Southampton Solent University, Dan is passionate about health and exercise. He lives with his wife, Leanne, and their two young children, Roma and Rocco, who enjoy exploring the parks and forests of Shanghai, regardless of the weather. In his free time, he is an avid runner, often jogging around the local area. He also loves to read, usually diving into books related to sports. The family enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures during school holidays.
Dan believes that strong communication and relationships among staff, parents, and students are crucial for an outstanding school. He encourages students to become the best versions of themselves by providing leadership opportunities and encouraging them to try new things and step outside their comfort zones. This approach fosters holistic and confident young people, ready to lead the world after their time at Harrow Shanghai.
Michelle Hills
Deputy Head of Lower School
Miss Hills is a dedicated and experienced educator, now entering her tenth year of teaching. She began her career in the United Kingdom, where she spent six years teaching across the Primary phase before moving into international education. She holds a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS and has brought her passion for high standards and child-centred learning to schools both in the UK and in China. Her subject specialism is mathematics, and she is particularly driven by finding creative ways to help every pupil enjoy and succeed in this essential subject.
Within her leadership role, she is committed to ensuring that all children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She strongly believes that when children feel happy and secure, they are best placed to reach their full academic potential. With a focus on high-quality teaching and a broad, rich curriculum that draws from both British and Chinese contexts, she works closely with teachers to inspire curiosity and foster a love of learning in every child.
A core part of her educational philosophy is the importance of strong, respectful relationships between school and home. She places the pupil at the heart of every decision and values collaboration with parents and carers to support children’s progress and well-being. Her approachable, reflective leadership style ensures that pupils are known, valued, and empowered to grow into thoughtful learners and confident leaders.
Cherry CAO
Head of Human Resources
Cherry is an experienced HR leader who has been dedicated to supporting and developing people throughout her career. After obtaining both her MSc in Human Resources Management from the University of Birmingham, she began her professional journey in multinational corporations, where she built a strong foundation in all aspects of HR management.
In 2015, Cherry joined Harrow Shanghai as one of its founding members, playing a key role in establishing the school’s HR function and supporting its growth from the very beginning. She is passionate about creating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace where every member of staff feels supported and valued.
Cherry believes that strong human resources practices are essential for fostering a thriving school environment, enabling both staff and students to excel. She is committed to ensuring that the school attracts, develops, and retains outstanding talent, working closely with colleagues to create a workplace culture that reflects Harrow’s values and vision.
Yan Chen
Senior Operations Manager
Since entering the education sector in 2015, Yan has shown unwavering dedication to excellence in education and school operations. With extensive experience across facilities management, student services, health and safety, staff accommodation, student boarding, transportation, procurement, ICT and more, she plays a vital role in creating safe, efficient, and welcoming environments. Her academic background—earning a BA (Hons) in International Development from the University of Liverpool and an MA in Education (International Perspectives) from Liverpool Hope University.
Yan is known for her proactive approach, sharp risk-awareness, and data-driven decision-making. She embraces new technologies, tackles complex challenges, and adapts best practices to meet the school’s evolving needs. Her leadership goes beyond logistics—she supports teaching, enriches student life, and strengthens partnerships with the wider school community. With a strategic mindset and a caring nature, Yan fosters a culture where safety, innovation, and wellbeing are top priorities.
At the core of her leadership is a belief in collaboration, reflection, and growth. She nurtures a team environment where mistakes become learning moments and progress is built on shared responsibility. Her guiding values—hard work, integrity, gratitude, and persistence—shine through in everything she does. Yan’s vision is to cultivate an operational atmosphere anchored in trust, excellence, and unity.
Elyn Chen
Director of Marketing and Admissions
Elyn brings nearly 20 years of experience in marketing and admissions, with a career spanning education, luxury, FMCG and the entertainment sectors. Since joining Harrow Shanghai, she has led the Marketing and Admissions team in shaping and delivering strategies that strengthen the school’s reputation and brand. She is committed to ensuring every family enjoys a smooth and positive admissions experience, and actively fosters community engagement through digital marketing, partnership, events and community engagement.
With a background in journalism, Elyn is skilled in communications, content creation and multi-channel marketing. She has held senior roles in the US and with several renowned international companies, gaining extensive experience in brand management, digital marketing and public relations. She believes that storytelling, supported by data, is key to driving school development and creating meaningful connections with students, parents and staff.
Elyn is passionate about using innovative marketing and admissions practices to support Harrow Shanghai’s growth, helping the school lead in international education and nurture students with a global perspective.