British International School Hanoi | BIS Hanoi

primary

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM

MEET OUR TEAM

Our leadership team drives our culture of excellence and inclusivity, making sure every child is supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their very best.

Rebecca Carroll

Principal

An experienced primary and senior leader, Rebecca taught in the UK, UAE, and Slovakia, before moving to Hanoi with her family. Rebecca has completed the Nord Anglia Senior Leadership Programme and is committed to supporting our primary team’s continued professional development.

Rebecca Carroll

After qualifying in 1999, Rebecca taught in the UK before moving to the United Arab Emirates, where she worked for five years. She subsequently joined the British International School Bratislava (BISB), also a Nord Anglia School, where she was part of the primary and senior leadership team.

While at BISB, Rebecca successfully completed the Nord Anglia Senior Leadership Programme. She’s also a tutor for the Middle Leaders Programme. Rebecca is passionate about learning and enjoys developing both her own and her team’s knowledge in leadership and education.

Rebecca moved to Hanoi with her husband and two young children. Outside of school, she likes spending time with her family, travelling, and running. She also enjoys playing the piano.

Laurence Cabanne

Head of Primary

A lifelong learner, Laurence has studied and worked across the globe, gaining a Master’s in International Trade in the process. Laurence is currently studying for the Certificate of School Management and Leadership at Harvard and is passionate about providing exceptional opportunities that inspire every child to fulfil their potential.

Laurence Cabanne

Born in France, Laurence has studied in Spain, the UK, USA, and Taiwan. She graduated with a Master’s in International Trade before completing her PGCE at Sunderland University in England.

After spending 15 years in Thailand – where she held various teaching and leadership roles – Laurence was appointed Assistant Principal at GIS Eastern Seaboard.

Laurence is a firm believer in providing opportunities for every student to fulfil their potential. A lifelong learner, she is passionate about the latest educational, leadership, and learning techniques, and is currently completing the Certificate of School Management and Leadership at Harvard.

Outside of school, Laurence enjoys discovering new places, trying new food, and practicing yoga.

Lee Falconer

Head of Secondary

With 17 years of experience in education, Lee has taught French and German in the UK and Hong Kong before serving as Deputy Head Teacher at BIS HCMC since 2017. Passionate about holistic learning and strong school values, he is eager to collaborate with students, staff, and parents to foster a place of belonging and ambition.

Lee Falconer

Lee grew up in Wolverhampton, UK, and began his teaching career as a French and German teacher at Bromsgrove School. He later moved to Kellett School in Hong Kong before settling in Vietnam in 2017, where he has been Deputy Head Teacher (Curriculum & Learning) at BIS HCMC.

Passionate about fostering a holistic and rigorous education, Lee believes in building a strong sense of belonging and ambition within the school community. He is dedicated to ensuring every student experiences excellence and has the opportunity to create their future.

As Head of Secondary at BIS Hanoi, Lee is excited to work closely with students, staff, and parents to continue shaping a values-driven and dynamic learning environment. Outside of school, he is a keen trail runner and a devoted Wolverhampton Wanderers fan, embracing both with enthusiasm and perseverance.

Lan Doan

Business Director

Lan is a longstanding member of the BIS Hanoi family, having joined us in 2012. With more than 17 years' experience in finance and accounting – including roles at high-profile global businesses – Lan ensures the highest possible standards.

Lan Doan

Lan has worked for more than 17 years in accounting and finance, including General Accountant, Chief Accountant, and Finance Manager roles in Vietnam and overseas.

In 2012, Lan joined BIS Hanoi from MWH Global, an international consulting, engineering, and construction company. She was promoted from Chief Accountant to Business Director in July 2017.

Outside of school, Lan loves yoga, practicing regularly to strengthen the body and calm the mind. She also enjoys spending time with her children, cooking, travelling, and reading books.

Vanessa Allepuz

Director of Admissions and Marketing

The friendly face you’ll meet when you get in touch with us, Vanessa is a vastly experienced admissions and marketing specialist, who’s fluent in four languages. She leads a team that’s passionate about making sure every family feels like they belong, helping to create a community and culture that embraces diversity.

Vanessa Allepuz

Originally from Barcelona, Vanessa graduated with a Master’s in Business Engineering from l'Universite Catholique de Louvain-La-Neuve in Belgium before working for an American consultancy firm while pursuing a Master’s in International Management.

Working in a diverse range of industries – including banking, logistics, and utilities – Vanessa managed complex projects, coaching and training staff at high profile companies including ABN AMRO Bank, DHL and APM Terminals. After discovering a passion for marketing and communications, Vanessa moved into education, joining BIS Hanoi in 2022.

Vanessa has lived and worked across three continents, and is fluent in Spanish, English, French and Italian, as well as having a good knowledge of Dutch. She has also spent more than 10 years in Korea. A proud parent of four children (three of whom attend BIS Hanoi), she knows how important it is to make parents feel welcome and part of a thriving community.

MEET OUR TEAM

Our leadership team drives our culture of excellence and inclusivity, making sure every child is supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their very best.

Robert Taylor

Deputy Head of Secondary

An experienced PE and maths teacher, Rob has held leadership positions in schools across the UK and in the United States. Rob is committed to providing a broad range of high-quality learning experiences beyond the classroom, and is a firm believer in the power of sport to improve health and wellbeing.

Robert Taylor

After graduating from the University of Southampton, Rob worked as a PE teacher, Head of PE, and Director of Sport in a variety of schools in England.

In 2010, Rob joined the British International School of Washington as Head of PE, before being appointed Director of Sport. Six years later, Rob assumed the role of Assistant Head of Upper Secondary, with a focus on student wellbeing. He was also responsible for exploring and implementing a wide range of learning experiences for students.

Rob enjoys keeping fit and taking part in almost every sport, and – in his younger days – played semi-professional football for Havant and Waterlooville FC in England. A proud parent of two boys, Rob and his family enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures. He is a firm believer that ‘traveling broadens the mind’.

Jamie Scott

Deputy Head of Primary

Throughout her career, Jamie has been committed to creating inclusive, nurturing, and high-achieving learning environments where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. With a strong sense of curiosity and innovation, Jamie continually seeks ways to drive practice forward and ensure that every child receives the very best education.

Jamie Scott

After completing a master’s degree at the University of Warwick, Jamie began teaching and leading in international schools in both China and the UK. Prior to joining BIS Hanoi in August 2025, Jamie worked at Dulwich College Beijing, where roles included Director of Professional Learning and Development and Assistant Head of Early Years.

Throughout her career, Jamie has been committed to creating inclusive, nurturing, and high-achieving learning environments where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. With a strong sense of curiosity and innovation, she continually seeks ways to drive practice forward and ensure that every child receives the very best education.

Outside of school, Jamie enjoys travelling, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and taking road trips in a vintage VW campervan. A keen snowboarder, she also values time spent with family and friends.

Simon Hoare

Assistant Head of Secondary (IBDP)

Since joining BIS Hanoi in 2014, Simon has been committed to creating a school where all students can achieve and feel a strong sense of belonging. He is passionate about internationally minded education and the benefits of the IB Diploma Programme in helping young people develop the collaboration and communication skills they need for the future.

Simon Hoare

Simon holds a BSc in Business with Sociology from Oxford Brookes University, a PGCE from the University of Sunderland, and a Master of Education, also from the University of Sunderland. He has also completed International Accreditation Evaluation training with the Council of International Schools.

Since joining BIS Hanoi in 2014, Simon has been committed to creating a school where every student can achieve and feel a strong sense of belonging. He is particularly passionate about internationally minded education and the value of the IB Diploma Programme in helping young people develop the collaboration and communication skills needed for the future.

Outside of school, Simon enjoys spending time with his family.

Sarah Rothenburg

Assistant Head of Secondary (Wellbeing)

Drawing on pastoral and academic leadership experience in UK state schools, MoD schools, and international schools, Sarah brings a breadth of expertise to BIS Hanoi. Her focus is on helping students, staff, and families feel a strong sense of belonging, while nurturing confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who are prepared to thrive both academically and personally.

Sarah Rothenburg

After seven years as Assistant Head at The British School in the Netherlands, Sarah joined BIS Hanoi in August 2025. With 26 years of teaching experience, including 24 years in leadership roles, she has worked in schools across the UK, Germany, Cyprus, and the Netherlands.

Outside of school, Sarah enjoys travelling and exploring new places. She has also been actively involved in theatre groups in Germany, Cyprus, and the Netherlands, taking on roles as a chorus member, choreographer, assistant director, and co-director.

Holly Carmichael

Assistant Head of EYFS/EYFS Phase Leader

A qualified primary and early years educator, Holly has extensive experience teaching across Key Stage 1 and 2, as well as coordinating maths curricula. Holly loves the opportunities offered by international education and helps to embed global experiences into our youngest students’ learning experience.

Holly Carmichael

Holly trained in the UK, graduating with a degree in Primary Education from Brighton University.

Holly then taught for eight years in London, as a Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 classroom teacher and a Maths Coordinator. On a recent trip to Vietnam, Holly spent five months teaching English as a foreign language in Hanoi.

Holly thoroughly enjoys learning about the history and culture of Vietnam. In her spare time, she loves running, swimming, cycling, walking, and socialising with friends.