SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Christopher McAllister
Head Master
Mr McAllister brings to Harrow Shanghai a distinguished record of academic leadership, international experience, and a deeply held commitment to holistic education. He holds a BA (Hons) from the University of Leeds and is qualified with QTS, NPQH and MCCT. With a career spanning leading independent schools in the United Kingdom and formative teaching experiences abroad, he is widely recognized for combining academic excellence with a strong focus on character development.
Mr McAllister’s educational philosophy centres on nurturing the “whole person.” He is a passionate advocate for the highest academic standards, coupled with the development of the skills, attitudes, and values that enable young people to thrive in an increasingly global world. His approach ensures that students not only achieve excellent examination results but also develop confidence, integrity, and the interpersonal qualities essential for success in leading universities and future careers.
A strong believer in community engagement, Mr McAllister is known for his visible and approachable leadership style. Whether welcoming families at the school gates, attending performances and sporting fixtures, or engaging with parents at school events, he places great importance on building meaningful relationships within the school community.
Gary cairns
Deputy Head and Head of upper school
Mr Cairns is delighted to be joining the Harrow Shanghai community as Deputy Head and Head of Upper School. Having spent 23 years in education, including 19 years across Thailand, China and Malaysia, he has developed extensive experience in international education and a deep commitment to character education. He holds a BA (Hons) in English Studies from Northumbria University, a PGCE in English Education and an MA in Education from Sunderland University, UK. He has also completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
Mr Cairns believes that a school’s heart lies in its values, and that academic success and personal integrity must grow together. He believes schools can achieve outstanding academic outcomes while developing good people for others. Within the Upper School, his focus is on ensuring students achieve their academic potential while developing the resilience and leadership skills needed for their futures.
Avril CONNOLLY PHILLIPS
Head of Lower School
Ms Avril 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 Avril 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 Avril 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 Avril 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.
Jade Honey
Deputy Head of Primary School and Phonics & Maths Specialist
Ms Honey is delighted to be joining Harrow Shanghai as Deputy Head of Primary School and Phonics & Maths Specialist. She began her teaching career in the UK, where she worked as a primary teacher and MFL Coordinator before moving to China in 2021, continuing to develop her leadership experience within international education. She holds an LLB in Law, First Class with Honours, from Lancashire Law School, a PGCE with QTS in Primary Education (Mathematics Specialism) from Edge Hill University, and an MA in Educational Leadership from the University of Nottingham. She has also completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership, the International Professional Certificate in School Leadership, and Level 3 Safeguarding Training.
Ms Honey cares deeply about creating a school environment where children feel known, supported and encouraged to do their best. She believes strong relationships and clear communication are essential in helping pupils grow in confidence, both academically and personally. As a leader, she aims to be approachable and consistent, while maintaining high expectations for learning and behaviour.
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.
Kelly Cui Edwards
assistant head-Head of Sixth Form
Ms Cui Edwards holds an MSc in Quantitative Finance and Engineering from the University of Manchester and completed her PGCE at the University of Bristol. Before arriving at Harrow Shanghai, Ms Cui Edwards taught Mathematics in both UK state and independent schools, developing a passion for A Level and Further Mathematics while working closely with students as they prepared for university.
Since joining Harrow Shanghai, Ms Cui Edwards have had the privilege of leading the Sixth Form, creating a supportive and ambitious environment where every student feels known, challenged and valued. Ms Cui Edwards believes these years are about far more than academic success; they are a time for students to develop confidence, independence and the character needed to flourish at university and make a positive contribution to the world.
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.
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.
Alice Lin
Head of Marketing and Admissions
Ms Alice brings a vibrant, global perspective to the school community, with a professional journey that has left footprints across the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. This international background allows her to connect deeply with families from all walks of life, understanding the unique aspirations and transitions of a diverse, global-minded community.
With a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a Master’s degree from Imperial College London, Alice draws on her extensive background in Public Relations, Creative Advertising, and the Luxury industry to share the school’s mission with clarity and elegance. She combines a high level of professional precision with a heartfelt commitment to education, ensuring that the school’s values resonate authentically with every family.
At the heart of Alice’s philosophy is a commitment to community warmth and the importance of parent engagement. She believes that a school’s true strength lies in the quality of its human connections. For Alice, Admissions and Marketing are about fostering genuine interactions based on mutual trust and transparent communication. As a mother herself, she approaches every conversation with empathy, ensuring that every family’s journey begins with a sincere sense of belonging and partnership.