Although I originally enrolled at university to study Mechanical Engineering, I discovered a passion for both teaching and travel whilst volunteering in an orphanage in Romania for six months. Inspired, I returned to the UK to complete a 4-year B(Ed) at Exeter University, specialising in Primary Science. Graduating in 1996, I have worked in schools in the UK and Asia – from Tashkent to Taipei, London to Nanjing.
Although I had never left the UK (even for a holiday) until my late teens, I attended nine very different schools in the UK and have a deep understanding of “third culture kids” who have grown up attending international schools. My own two sons were born in different countries and have benefited from a truly international experience, travelling to most continents before their own teens.
I have been in Nanjing since 2007 and the founding of the British School. Over that time, I have seen it increase from 32 to well over 400 students and move to a new purpose-built campus. I have worked hard to see the school become the ‘heart of the community’ and was presented with the “Friend of Nanjing” award given to a dozen cultural leaders each year by the city.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading about science or history, following the fortunes of Stockport County, and drinking tea.