Teachers - Harrow Shanghai

Gabriel Adedipe

Reception Class Teacher

Gabriel Adedipe

Reception Class Teacher

Nora Bailey

Year 1 Class Teacher

Nora Bailey

Year 1 Class Teacher

Millie Ballard

Reception Class Teacher

Millie Ballard

Reception Class Teacher

Jessica Baxter

Year 2 Class Teacher

Jessica Baxter

Year 2 Class Teacher

Richard Brooks

Head of Mathematics

Richard Brooks

Head of Mathematics

Zach Bennetts

Teacher of History, Head of Higher Education and Careers

Zach Bennetts

Teacher of History, Head of Higher Education and Careers

Toni Burns

SENCO

Toni Burns

SENCO

Natalie Bowen

Year 4 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Natalie Bowen

Year 4 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Darren Bulmer

Teacher of Mathematics

Darren Bulmer

Teacher of Mathematics

Mari Buma-a

Year 1 Class Teacher

Mari Buma-a

Year 1 Class Teacher

Richard Castle

Teacher of Economics, Rothschild Housemaster and House Coordinator

Richard Castle

Teacher of Economics, Rothschild Housemaster and House Coordinator

Samantha Castle

Year 3 Class Teacher

Samantha Castle

Year 3 Class Teacher

Heather Chimbani

Nursery Class Teacher

Heather Chimbani

Nursery Class Teacher

David Coath

Year 5 Class Teacher

David Coath

Year 5 Class Teacher

Man-Yee Coleman

Teacher of Science and Biology

Man-Yee Coleman

Teacher of Science and Biology

Danielle Crawford

Teacher of English, Shaftesbury Housemistress

Danielle Crawford

Teacher of English, Shaftesbury Housemistress

Kelly Cui Edwards

Teacher of Mathematics

Kelly Cui Edwards

Teacher of Mathematics

Megan Eastlake

Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep ICT Teacher

Megan Eastlake

Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep ICT Teacher

Kate Eastwood

Nursery Class Teacher

Kate Eastwood

Nursery Class Teacher

Stephen Eddison

Head of Science, Senior School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Stephen Eddison

Head of Science, Senior School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Kate Ellison

Teacher of PE, Admissions Assistant

Kate Ellison

Teacher of PE, Admissions Assistant

Alice Freeman

Year 2 Class Teacher

Alice Freeman

Year 2 Class Teacher

Richard Gater

Head of PE and Sport

Richard Gater

Head of PE and Sport

Hazel Gould

Lower School Music Teacher

Hazel Gould

Lower School Music Teacher

Amy Huang

Head of Mandarin, Byron Housemistress

Amy Huang

Head of Mandarin, Byron Housemistress

Ronan Jones

Teacher of Geography and Economics

Ronan Jones

Teacher of Geography and Economics

Sabrina Kent

Cubs Class Teacher

Sabrina Kent

Cubs Class Teacher

Grace Kim

Year 3 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Grace Kim

Year 3 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Jessica Learwood

Teacher of Drama

Jessica Learwood

Teacher of Drama

Cheryl Li

Teacher of Mandarin

Cheryl Li

Teacher of Mandarin

Gray Lyons

Director of Co-Curricular

Gray Lyons

Director of Co-Curricular

Kimberley Macleod

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Kimberley Macleod

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Simba Matondo

Teacher of Chemistry

Simba Matondo

Teacher of Chemistry

Betty Meng

Teacher of Mandarin

Betty Meng

Teacher of Mandarin

Matthew Metcalfe

Teacher of Physics

Matthew Metcalfe

Teacher of Physics

Talia More

Year 5 Class Teacher and Upper KS2 Coordinator

Talia More

Year 5 Class Teacher and Upper KS2 Coordinator

Amy Naisbitt

Year 4 Class Teacher, Lower School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Amy Naisbitt

Year 4 Class Teacher, Lower School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Kathryn Oldroyd

Year 3 Class Teacher

Kathryn Oldroyd

Year 3 Class Teacher

Leigh Orman-Rutene

Reception Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Leigh Orman-Rutene

Reception Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Cristina Ortiz-Zurita

Teacher of Spanish, Churchill Housemistress

Cristina Ortiz-Zurita

Teacher of Spanish, Churchill Housemistress

Nigel Penfold

Head of Music

Nigel Penfold

Head of Music

Hannah Phillips

Teacher of PE, Head of Aquatics

Hannah Phillips

Teacher of PE, Head of Aquatics

Paul Phillips

Head of EAL

Paul Phillips

Head of EAL

Thomas Ready

Year 1 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Thomas Ready

Year 1 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Wanda Stephens

Nursery Class Teacher

Wanda Stephens

Nursery Class Teacher

Frances Ward

Head of Art

Frances Ward

Head of Art

Grace Xu

Teacher of Mandarin

Grace Xu

Teacher of Mandarin

Hannah Wray

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Hannah Wray

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Claire Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Claire Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Spring Xing

Teacher of Mandarin

Spring Xing

Teacher of Mandarin

May Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

May Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Sarah Zhu

Teacher of Mandarin

Sarah Zhu

Teacher of Mandarin

Gabriel Adedipe

Reception Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Aeronautical Technology, Staffordshire University

PGCE, Nottingham University

Teaching Experience:

I began my teaching journey in the United States coaching football in 2008. I moved to China in 2011 and taught at a Chinese school in Zhuzhou Hunan. A year later, I moved to Shanghai and taught at a bilingual school before joining Harrow in 2017.

Nora Bailey

Year 1 Class Teacher

Nationality: American

Degrees: MA in Elementary Education, The College of New Jersey

BA in Information Technology & Informatics, The State University of New Jersey

BA in French Literature Studies, The State University of New Jersey

Teaching Experience:

I began my teaching journey 14 years ago specialising in Early Childhood in the United States before becoming an international teacher at a British school in Beijing. There I taught EYFS to Year 2 during my 6 years at the school. From 2019, I continued teaching Years 2 and 3 at another British international school in Malaysia. I led the primary schools as coordinator for both Speaking & Listening and Personal, Social, Health Education, developing each curriculum, respectively. I am looking forward to continuing to cultivate my teaching practise to high standards at Harrow and assisting the team to support our young learners as they progress to become well rounded achievers.

Millie Ballard

Reception Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BEd in Primary Teaching, Plymouth University

Teaching Experience:

I have been living and working in China for four years. Previously I have taught in a British international school in South Korea as well as a village primary school in England. I love teaching and observing ways in which children develop and progress throughout their time in Early Years.

Jessica Baxter

Year 2 Class Teacher

Nationality: Australian

Degrees: BEd Hons in Primary Education, Southern Cross University

Teaching Experience:

My teaching experience is quite diverse, having taught across Reception to Year 8. Prior to completing my degree, I coached gymnastics and competitive cheerleading where I took cheerleading teams to national and international competitions. Before moving to Shanghai, I lived abroad in the UK and taught at Dulwich Prep School London.

Richard Brooks

Head of Mathematics

Nationality: British

Degrees: MEng in Aeronautical Engineering, University of Bristol

Teaching Experience:

Having begun my teaching career at a school in London, I moved to Shanghai in 2016 to join Harrow. I have since served as Housemaster of Churchill House, and I am now the Head of Mathematics.

Zach Bennetts

Teacher of History, Head of Higher Education and Careers

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in History and Politics, University of Oxford

PGCE, UCL Institute of Education

Teaching Experience:

I am joining Harrow after five years at an international school in Washington, D.C., where I was Head of Humanities and Social Sciences. This was preceded by four years at a large comprehensive school in north London, where I 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.

Toni Burns

SENCo

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in Textile Design, University for the Creative Arts

PGCE, Canterbury Christ Church University

Teaching Experience:

Since starting my career in education, I have taught as an Early Years and Special Educational Needs Teacher in the UK. My previous experiences have been within a unique setting, bringing together mainstream pupils and pupils with profound and complex needs in a truly inclusive learning environment. I highly value a holistic approach to education that focuses on relationship building and engagement in which we celebrate diversity in an environment that recognises each individual’s achievements.

Natalie Bowen

Year 4 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Drama and Theology, The University of Hull

MA in Educational Leadership, The University of Manchester

PGCE, Birmingham City University (Teach First)

Teaching Experience:

I have worked in a variety of schools in the UK, most recently in Manchester. Alongside my teaching responsibilities, I have taken on many leadership roles which includes Wider Curriculum Lead where I transformed the curriculum and provision for the children. I am passionate about all aspects of primary education and am committed to providing an outstanding, balanced learning experience.

Darren Bulmer

Teacher of Mathematics

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Mathematics, University of Nottingham

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching Mathematics for over 20 years. I have taught in locations ranging from high-achieving international private schools in Dubai to inner-city state schools in UK, and even within a prison. Students achieving outstanding examination results and winning “Coach of the Year” (international football championship) are my career highlights.

Mari Buma-a

Year 1 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc in Mathematics, University of Reading

Teaching Experience:

Before coming to Shanghai I worked in a school in West London as a Year 1 and Year 2 class teacher. As a Physical Education Lead, I supported teachers with their subject knowledge and thought of ways to promote a healthier lifestyle in the school community.

Richard Castle

Teacher of Economics, Rothschild Housemaster and House Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Management, Lancaster University

PGCE, University of Brighton

MA in Educational leadership, University of Chester

Teaching Experience:

I have taught in the independent sector for over 16 years, the last 10 of which, prior to joining Harrow were in boarding schools in both the UK and Malaysia. This included having the privilege of holding the post of Head of Boarding, Housemaster and Head of Economics and Business, as well as OC of the RAF contingent and area assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Cumbria.

Samantha Castle

Year 3 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA (Hons) Business and Education, University of Nottingham

Diploma in Business and Finance with agriculture, Cranfield University

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching for over twenty years. I first taught GCSEs and A Levels in an all-boys grammar school. After I had my children I returned to the classroom and worked as a Prep teacher. I have worked in international schools for eight years.

Heather Chimbani

Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons Degree in Primary Education, the University of Winchester

Teaching Experience:

I have extensive experience working with children and I have taught in both mainstream and SEND schools. Whilst in England I was a Speech and Language Teacher in a specialist unit. I then went on to work internationally in Tanzania, as SEND lead, Year 1 and FS1 teacher, then relocated to Kuala Lumpur to teach the EYFS.

David Coath

Year 5 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in Law, University of Wales Aberystwyth

PGCE, Bath Spa University

Teaching Experience:

After 10 years of teaching Year 5 and Year 6 in England, I moved to Shanghai to further develop my teaching vocation. During my last 5 years in China, I have taught a wide range of children from 3 years to 16 years of age. I was able to demonstrate my creativity and differentiation and was invited to speak at Suzhou’s 2019 G10 Education Summit delivering a seminar on the importance of child focused learning. My students understand what they will learn each day and how it will impact their life. Beyond the classroom, it has been a privilege to experience the culture of Shanghai; travel around different Chinese provinces and meet incredible people. I am delighted to join Harrow, an institution of education which nurtures a holistic teaching environment.

Man-Yee Coleman

Teacher of Science and Biology

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc (Hons) in Neuropsychology, University of Bristol

MSc (Science Understanding and Research in Education), University of Bristol

Teaching Experience:

I came late into teaching (2003). I started as Key Stage 3 science coordinator at Ridgeway School in Swindon for two years then spent the next ten years in several positions at Prior Park School, firstly as Head of Science then Teaching and Learning Coordinator. I was also the school’s designated teacher trainer for the University of Reading. I spent one year in Kazakhstan as a school science consultant before moving to Shanghai.

Danielle Crawford

Teacher of English, Shaftesbury Housemistress

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Forensic Science, the University of Northumbria

Teaching Experience:

I have had the privilege of teaching English in both the Prep and Senior schools here at Harrow since 2018 and prior to that in the UK since 2015. In my classroom now, through fun, yet challenging, and interactive learning, I am always considering how the studies of language and literature can help individuals understand each other and themselves—with the end goal of gaining new perspectives on the world around them and developing my students’ own sense of self.

Kelly Cui Edwards

Teacher of Mathematics

Nationality: British

Degrees: MSc in Quantitative Finance and Engineering, University of Manchester

Teaching Experience:

This is my fifth year in teaching. Before arriving in Shanghai, I was teaching Mathematics in the lovely city of Bristol, in the south west of England. I worked in both a state school and an independent school. I have taught students across Key Stage 3, 4 and 5.

Megan Eastlake

Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep ICT Teacher

Nationality: Australian

Degrees: BA (Honours) in Media, RMIT University

Graduate Diploma in Education, Assumption University International Program

Teaching Experience:

I have been working in international schools in diverse places from Thailand to Panama. I have 20 years’ experience as Head of Technology in Middle School and as an Educational Coordinator K-12. I was accepted to the Tiger Woods Foundation STEM Scholarship Program in 2018-2019 and specialist AI workshops with Google.

Kate Eastwood

Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Early Years Education, Edge Hill University

Teaching Experience:

I began my teaching journey eight years ago in Sheffield, UK where I taught nursery. After four years teaching in the UK I taught in Thailand for 18 months, Reception and Year 1 children. I moved to China two years ago to work in a multilingual school which taught me a lot about the Chinese education system.

Stephen Eddison

Head of Science and Senior School Leadership & Service Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: MA in Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge

PGCE, University of Nottingham

Teaching Experience:

After graduating and completing an internship at the United Nations Environment Programme, I earned my PGCE through Teach First. For four years, I taught all the Sciences at GCSE and Chemistry at A Level. Next, I taught A Level Biology at Latymer Upper School in London for five years and for three of these was Coordinator of Applications to Oxford and Cambridge; 75 students received Oxbridge offers during this time.

Kate Ellison

Teacher of PE, Admissions Assistant

Nationality: British

Degrees: BEd Hons in Physical Education, De Montfort University

Teaching Experience:

I have taught within the British independent education sector for over twenty years including within all-through schools in the UK, Kenya, Mexico and Spain. I have spent many years within boarding schools and thoroughly enjoyed the role of Housemistress, running a boarding house for girls aged 13-18.

Alice Freeman

Year 2 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in Primary Education, the University of Brighton

Teaching Experience:

Before moving to Shanghai I taught for three years in England across Years 1-4. I have taught for two years in Year 1 at Harrow and I am really excited for the year ahead. I believe it is important to make learning fun, interactive and meaningful.

Richard Gater

Head of PE and Sport

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Secondary Education with Specialism in PE, Lancaster University

Teaching Experience:

The start of my life at Harrow marks my 11^th year in teaching, during which I have taught at state and independent schools in three separate countries. I began teaching in the UK, where I was a PE teacher and Head of Year. After relocating to Asia, I taught at a British independent school in Bangkok, Thailand for two years, before relocating to Tianjin, China in 2017. During my time in Tianjin, I was Head of PE and Sport before moving to Harrow Shanghai. As part of my teaching experience, I have coached students in a range of sports as well as having taught a range of examination qualifications, including both GCSE and A Level PE.

Hazel Gould

Lower School Music Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in Music, University of Salford

MA Music Management, Northumbria University

Teaching Experience:

Throughout my career in the music industry, I have always been involved in the education sector with a specialism in voice; both in the UK and in China. In addition to teaching, I am an experienced studio artist and performer having toured worldwide, including some notable events in Shanghai such as the JZ Festival, Shanghai Rolex Masters and F1 events. I am excited to be joining the music team at Harrow and greatly look forward to the year ahead.

Amy Huang

Head of Mandarin, Byron Housemistress

Nationality: Australian Chinese

Degrees: Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts Double language major, Monash University

Undertaking Masters in Educational Counseling, Monash University

Teaching Experience:

I was born and raised in Shanghai and migrated to Melbourne, Australia with my family when I was 12 years old. I came back to my hometown when the opportunity to work for Harrow Shanghai came up back in 2016. Before then, I worked for a prestigious state school in Melbourne as a Chinese teacher for four years. I also taught EAL and Japanese back then.

Ronan Jones

Teacher of Geography and Economics

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Geography, University of Exeter

PGCE, University of Warwick

Teaching Experience:

Before coming to Shanghai I taught in a large mixed school in Watford, UK where I regularly helped coach various sports when not in the classroom teaching geography and economics. I have a big passion for my subject because geography can help us to learn more about all the different people and places around the world, and how together we can make the world a better place.

Sabrina Kent

Cubs Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Arts, Music and Drama, Università degli Studi di Padova

PGCE, University of Nottingham

Teaching Experience:

I began my teaching journey in Early Years, where I had the opportunity to experience child-centred approaches such as the Montessori method and Reggio. After six years working in an international early years setting in Italy, I moved to Foshan, where I taught in a bilingual school as a Primary Teacher. At Harrow Shanghai I now have the opportunity to teach Cubs which is where I began my career.

Grace Kim

Year 3 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc in Psychology, City University of London

PGCE, University College London

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching for 7 years; 2 years in the UK and this is my 5^th year teaching in an International School in Shanghai. Previously, I was the Head of Year 4 and currently I am the year group coordinator for Year 3. This is my third year at Harrow Shanghai.

Jessica Learwood

Teacher of Drama

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA Hons in English literature and Theatre Studies, Aberystwyth University

PGCE, Institute of Education, University of the City of London

Teaching Experience:

I began teaching English and Drama at Watford Grammar School for Girls, where I developed a Drama curriculum for KS3 and ran the GCSE and A Level programme. After three years, I moved to St John’s College in Portsmouth as the Head of Drama. I love running productions and performances, in particular musicals.

Cheryl Li

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: BA in Chinese Language and Literature, Shanghai Normal University

PGCE, Nottingham University

Teaching Experience:

I began teaching Mandarin over 10 years ago. My first teaching job was at Fudan Primary School. I then moved to Beijing and started the role of Head of Mandarin (Lower School) at Harrow Beijing. After five years’ service, I decided to return to my hometown, Shanghai. My main focus is teaching Chinese national curriculum, and developing school based language programmes.

Gray Lyons

Director of Co-Curricular

Nationality: British

Degrees:BEd Hons in Physical Education and History, University of Exeter

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching internationally for 20 years having taught in the Philippines and Shanghai before coming to Harrow, and have held the positions of Head of PE and Director of Sport. Some highlights have been coaching the U17 Philippines women’s football team and hosting 3 FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) sports competitions. I look forward to the challenge of a more holistic role with Co-Curricular at Harrow.

Kimberley Macleod

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Applied Psychology, Heriot-Watt University

PGCE, Leeds Beckett University

Teaching Experience:

I have over seven years of international teaching experience, which includes teaching English as an additional language, as a specialist teacher and being a homeroom teacher. My degree is an asset to my teaching as I studied developmental psychology, language and perception, cognition, and emotions, learning and memory and educational practices. I see the child as a whole and go beyond teaching the academics by being consciously aware of the different areas of a child’s development. I am passionate about guiding students to take ownership of their learning and to develop a growth mindset.

Simba Matondo

Teacher of Chemistry

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc Hons in Chemistry, London Metropolitan University

D. Phil. in Inorganic Chemistry, University of Oxford

Teaching Experience:

After completing a Doctorate in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Oxford, I trained as a teacher at the University of Reading. I have eighteen years of teaching experience in the London area at three different schools that have all been rated Outstanding or Excellent. I was Head of Chemistry for ten years at St. Clement Danes School and joined Harrow from within the family having taught at John Lyon School, London.

Betty Meng

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: China

Degrees: BA in English, Hunan University

MA in Linguistics and Applied linguistics, Anhui University

Teaching Experience:

Commencing on my career as a teacher teaching Chinese as a foreign language more than ten years ago, I decided to study further and obtained the Master degree. After working in some institutions in Shanghai as a Chinese trainer, I transferred to be a Mandarin teacher working in a bilingual school and an international school teaching Year 6 and 7, being a class co-teacher in Year 4 and 5.

Matthew Metcalfe

Teacher of Physics

Nationality: British

Degrees: MSc in Mathematics and Physics, Univeristy of Warwick

PGCE, University of York

Teaching Experience:

After studying Mathematics and Physics at university I was accepted into the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst to become an Officer in the British Army. I served as a Technical Engineering Officer for 6 years (in addition to my normal responsibilities, I specialised in teaching Maths and critical thinking). Before joining Harrow Shanghai, I was a Teacher of Science at a school just outside of the city of Leeds. I am excited to have the opportunity to share my passion for learning and the scientific way of thinking with the students at Harrow Shanghai.

Talia More

Year 5 teacher and Upper KS2 Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Sociology and Criminology, Essex University

QTS, Cambridge Teaching School Network

Teaching Experience:

I began my teaching career five years ago in Cambridge, where I taught Year 5 and 6 and lead History and Geography. For the last two years, I have been teaching Year 2 at Dulwich College Suzhou. My experience across KS1 and KS2, in diverse contexts, has enabled me to have a sound understanding of the primary learning journey.

Amy Naisbitt

Year 4 Class Teacher, Lower School Leadership and Service Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSc in Psychology, University of Nottingham
PGCE, Birmingham City University

Teaching Experience:

For the past five years, I have taught Upper Key Stage 2 in a large primary school in Stoke-on-Trent. For two years of this, I enjoyed being Head of Mathematics and developing reasoning and problem solving throughout the school. Before moving to Shanghai, I was Assistant Head Teacher with responsibility for Key Stage 2 and curriculum development.

Kathryn Oldroyd

Year 3 Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Politics, Keele University

PGCE, University of Warwick

Teaching Experience:

I started my teaching career in the UK where I taught children in Year 1 and Year 6. Having visited Shanghai during my travels, I decided to continue my career teaching English to children in Grades 1-8 before moving to Harrow in 2020 to teach Year 3.

Leigh Orman-Rutene

Reception Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Nationality: New Zealander

Degrees: BA in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood); PGC TESOL University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Teaching Experience:

After training as a teacher, I taught in a range of Early Childhood settings in New Zealand. I then moved with my family to teach internationally in 2007. I am experienced in teaching English as a Second Language and I enjoy applying my knowledge in an early years context.

Cristina Ortiz-Zurita

Teacher of Spanish and Churchill Housemistress

Nationality: Spanish

Degrees:

BA in English Language and Literature, University of Seville

MEd in Education, University of Seville

MA in Interpreting and Translation, University of Seville

Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching for 10 years, both as an English and Spanish teacher across different schools and universities in Spain, the United Kingdom and internationally, including in Shanghai prior to joining Harrow.

Nigel Penfold

Head of Music

Nationality: British

Degrees: BMUS Hons, Trinity College of Music London

MA, University of Reading

Teaching Experience:

After a career as a visiting Saxophone and Clarinet teacher in a number of schools, including Harrow UK, I relocated to Hong Kong to become an inaugural teacher of Harrow School Hong Kong. I then took up a Head of Music position at the ISF Academy before joining Harrow Shanghai. In addition to my teaching career, I am a published composer and arranger, an examiner for ABRSM and an experienced performer.

Hannah Phillips

Teacher of PE, Head of Aquatics

Nationality: British

Degrees: BSC Hons in Sports Studies, University of Sunderland

PGCE, Northumbria University

Teaching Experience:

I started teaching 8 years ago in Northumberland, where I taught in Year 3 and was PE and swimming coordinator. After 5 years of teaching in the UK, I moved to Penang in Malaysia, where I was a Year 4 teacher for a year, before becoming a PE teacher and swimming coordinator.

Paul Phillips

Head of EAL

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in English Language and Literature, MA in Applied Linguistics, Birmingham University

Teaching Experience:

I have been working as a teacher and teacher trainer since 2002. I have travelled extensively, working in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Since 2006 I have been involved in Educational Management, Teacher Training and working with pupils of all ages to help improve their English proficiency and communication skills. I am very excited about the huge potential at Harrow Shanghai and look forward to supporting our students’ journey throughout their journey with us.

Thomas Ready

Year 1 Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in French and English, University of Liverpool

PGCE, University of Manchester

MA in Education, University of Manchester

Teaching Experience:

I taught in the North West of England prior to Harrow, training with Teach First. I have been proud to work in numerous contexts, upholding high standards of behaviour and progress in my classes. I am a believer in teaching through high expectations and positivity; cornerstones of my practice.

Wanda Stephens

Nursery Class Teacher

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Education, University of Reading

Teaching Experience:

I have ten years’ teaching experience. Before moving to China, I worked in a preparatory school in Reading. I helped to achieve ‘Excellent’ with aspects of ‘Exceptional’ during their last inspection. During my teaching career I have become increasingly influenced by Reggio Emilia and the Curiosity approach, and I have adapted my classroom practice to encompass the core philosophies.

Frances Ward

Head of Art

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in Metalwork/Silversmithing and Ceramics, Camberwell College of Arts, London

PGCE, University of Central England

Teaching Experience:

I was based in the Midlands in the UK for twenty years, teaching in a range of schools in Coventry, Birmingham and most recently in Wednesbury in the Black Country where I was Head of Department for Art, Design Technology and Food Technology. I am very excited to be given the opportunity to work for, and become part of, the Harrow community here in Shanghai.

Grace Xu

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: MA in International Education of Chinese Language, Fudan University

Teaching Experience:

I worked in a public Middle School and High School in Shanghai before joining Harrow. Working at Harrow is a lovely experience. It enables me to utilise both traditional Chinese teaching practices alongside different teaching methods to help students reach their potential. In my opinion, learning Chinese isn’t simply learning a language, but a complete way of thinking.

Hannah Wray

Pre-Nursery Class Teacher and Year Group Coordinator

Nationality: British

Degrees: BA in French, King’s College, University of London

PGCE, Goldsmith’s College, University of London

MA, Bilingual Learners, Institute of Education, University of London

Teaching Experience:

I began my career teaching English to adults in London and Modern Foreign Languages at secondary school level. I moved to teaching French at primary level and finally specialised in Early Years. I was lead teacher for Languages in the primary school I worked at in London.

Claire Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: MA in Landscape Architecture, Tongji University

Teaching Experience:

I have been working at Harrow School for 5 years. Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing the children having fun learning Mandarin, knowing that the lessons I give them will make a positive difference.

Spring Xing

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: BA in Chinese Literature, Shanghai Normal University

Teaching Experience:

I am a native Mandarin speaker with twenty years’ experience of teaching Mandarin and Chinese Culture to first and second language speakers. I was a class teacher and Year Group Leader at Ping He Bilingual School, YCIS and Dulwich College Shanghai. I have had the opportunity to be employed in a variety of educational settings, from the public to private sector and local to international schools; this has enabled me to adapt to new situations and faculty curriculums.

May Zhao

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: MA in Arts, Shanghai Jiaotong University

Teaching Experience:

With over ten years of Mandarin teaching experiences across all ages, I enjoy teaching in an orderly and lively classroom atmosphere. I like to accompany and support the students to develop their Mandarin education.

Sarah Zhu

Teacher of Mandarin

Nationality: Chinese

Degrees: BA in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Shanghai University

MA in Humanities, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Teaching Experience:

I have qualifications for teaching Chinese as a native language and as a second language. In my teaching career, I served as a Chinese teacher in an international school, a bilingual school and a university in Shanghai. I am so happy to be a member of Harrow Shanghai.