I was brought up in the North of England in a town called York and had a wonderful childhood with a close-knit family, including three brothers. I graduated from Bishop Grosseteste College, Lincoln with a degree in education. After spending my first few years as a teacher in the Lincoln area I was offered a position at the British International School in New York. It was here that I had my first experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and also where I met the woman that is now my wife.

Working within an IB education is central to who I am and this was recognised when I was selected to be part of the International Baccalaureate Educator Network in March 2014. This training allowed me to visit IB schools around the world and both authorise and verify their implementation of the programmes. I believe that the IB provides a fantastic framework for all stakeholders within a school and gives an opportunity for everyone to learn about who they are and the world around them. In particular, it is essential that students are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in a community and use these to to make significant contributions. In today's world, perhaps more than ever, an IB education is needed not least because it fosters students who approach things with an open mind, intercultural understanding and respect.

My international education adventures took me to Italy before eventually settling back into New York life with Dwight School. I found myself attracted to the school by both the mission and vision as well as their three pillars: Personalised Learning, Global Vision and Community. Ensuring that a school is committed to promoting and engaging a students Spark of Genius, and focusing on the holistic development of our learners, resonated with me and has become central to my own philosophy of education. After seven years at Dwight New York, most recently as an Assistant Principal, I was delighted to accept the position of Upper School Principal at Dwight London.

It is great to be in London and I am looking forward to exploring all of the delights that the city has to offer with my young family. I am excited to be part of the community of Dwight School London and be in a position to continue to ensure the School is collaborative, joyful and a constant hive of activity.

Born and raised in Perthshire, I had the great privilege of exploring the Scottish countryside as a child, instilling a love of curiosity and the outdoors. After reading English Literature at the University of York, I then followed that with a MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in 20th Century Theatre, from the University of London. My interest in the relationship between the written word and performance inevitably led me to train as an English and Drama teacher, in schools in London and then in Suffolk.

In 2012, I joined the British International School of Boston, and gained my first experience of the International Baccalaureate, spearheading the inaugural theatre programme. The experience instilled in me a love of international education and the vibrant dynamism that the IB curriculum can offer. After a brief stint working at an EdTech start-up, I joined Dwight School London, firstly as the Subject Leader of English Language and Literature, before becoming the Diploma Coordinator in September 2019. During this time, under my leadership of the DP, the school became the leading international school in the UK for DP results, as well as being ranked in the top 100 schools globally.

In September 2022, I had the great privilege of taking on the role of Senior School Principal; in this role, it is a real pleasure to lead a group of world-class educators, who are firmly committed to the values and principles of an IB Education. I firmly believe, having taught a variety of different curriculums, from AP, iGCSE to A Level, that an IB education is the preeminent foundation for any young person to thrive and achieve in the flux of our modern world. Within Dwight, I believe that every student should have the opportunity to follow their ambitions and dreams, igniting their spark of genius; I also believe that education should not be confined to the classroom and constantly look to broker bonds between the communities of the other global Dwight schools.

Outside the classroom, I have a diverse range of interests, ranging from contemporary poetry, 1940s swing dancing to the beguiling game of cricket. I am also a keen marathon runner, having completed the Berlin, Boston and London marathons. Although I am looking to continue my international marathon travels in the years to come, I am very committed to the dynamic education offered at Dwight School London.

I am the Business Operations Director at Dwight School London, where I play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth and efficient operations across the school and overseeing the development and implementation of strategic financial plans, working closely with the school's leadership team to optimise resources and support academic excellence.

I am an experienced business executive who worked in a commercial environment throughout most of my career before moving into education 7 years ago as a result of my voluntary work with young people. After graduating in business studies in Manchester, I qualified as an accountant and chartered company secretary. I have broad financial and compliance experience in both small and large companies and has worked extensively alongside non-financial executives providing commercial, governance and corporate strategic support.

I am proficient in German and has qualifications from the Goethe Institut London and also the Chartered Institute of Housing as part of the work I did setting up Tenant Reward schemes with Social Housing Landlords.

When I am not busy working, I enjoy reading, arts and crafts and throughout my life have carried out voluntary work with several charitable organisations.

I realised I wanted to be a teacher when I was just 4 years old. My first teacher, Mrs Fitzpatrick, was amazing and took a real interest in me, making me feel like the centre of her class. But, that's what great teachers do - they make every student feel important. During my teacher training, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work alongside Mrs Fitzpatrick for my teaching practice. She retired around the same time I graduated, almost like passing on the baton.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Education from Queensland University of Technology, in Australia and have been working as the Deputy Head at three schools since 2005, learning and growing from this wealth of experience. I strongly believe that learning goes beyond just the classroom. The IB program supports this idea by encouraging students to be lifelong learners. I also appreciate the IB's focus on developing a curriculum that considers a child's overall development - not just academically, but also mentally, emotionally, and pastorally. Having been a senior leader in both an Independent Prep School here in North London, as well Outstanding schools in the State Sector I can acutely see the IB difference and finally feel education is as it should be.

When I’m not at work, you might find me at a museum or an art gallery. I have a passion for art and completed a training course with the Tate on how to explore art with children. I even had the opportunity to meet Catherine, Princess of Wales, to share with her an art project I co-founded between The Foundling Museum and my then-school Thomas Coram!

I have been a teacher for a number of years working both in the UK and overseas. Although my specialism is in Early Years, I have taught children from Nursery to Year 3. My time overseas took me to large International Schools in Indonesia, Vietnam and Hungary in roles such as Year Group Leader, Music and Assessment Coordinator and Early Years Coordinator. I am passionate about learning through play and child-centred learning. I love being outdoors and I am a Level 3 Forest School practitioner leading outdoor learning and Forest School experiences for our younger students.

Outside of school I am interested in Photography and film-making.