Welcoming our New Head of Secondary!

We are delighted to introduce Mr. Paul Highdale to his new role as Head of Secondary.

Paul has over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience in both UK and International schools. Paul will move into his new role from the 1st of August and comes with a breadth of experience in implementing and launching both the IB Diploma and Middle Years Programme's.

Personal Experiences

Originally from Liverpool in the UK, Paul studied Mathematical Physics at the University of Liverpool followed by his PGCE at Liverpool John Moore's University. The first 6 years of his career were spent at schools around the UK before moving to the Bahamas for his first International teaching position teaching IB Physics and Mathematics.

The Bahamas was followed by Sao Paulo, Brazil where Paul developed his leadership skills in a number of positions spanning 9 years. These included Head of KS3 science, Pastoral Lead, and IB Diploma Coordinator.

After Sao Paulo, Paul and his young family moved to Cairo where he worked as Head of KS5, IB Diploma Coordinator, and associate assistant principal at New Cairo British International School. Whilst in Cairo, Paul was invited to speak about developing school culture at the IB's Global Conference in Abu Dhabi.&

In his most recent role as Whole School Deputy Principal at the International School of Ticino in Switzerland, Paul launched the IB Diploma and saw the first graduates successfully completing the Diploma this year. Paul was also responsible for staff professional development and appraisals, school philosophy and culture, and leading the IB Diploma coordinator network across the Inspired group of schools.

Aims for new role 

Paul is looking forward to working with the team at Léman International School Chengdu. Focusing on ensuring outstanding provision in all subjects in terms of teaching and learning, communication, and aligning the MYP and DP programmes.

"This is an extremely exciting time in the school's history and I am very proud to play a part in it. My family and I are extremely excited about joining the community at the school and we can't wait to arrive in Chengdu and meet everyone. "