How We Teach

Mr. K. Duncan

Principal

Kenny has over three decades’ experience as an educator, specialising in academic excellence, collaboration, and community building. He’s a highly experienced school leader and served as a principal of two other schools, prior to joining NAIS Hong Kong.

Kenny completed his teacher training in Scotland and holds a Bachelor of Education from The University of Edinburgh. He also holds a Master’s in Education from Bath University in England, where he specialised in educational leadership, partnership, and the development of educational networks. He completed his National Professional Qualification for Headship in 2011.

He formerly served as the Principal of Kingsbridge Community College, a highly successful school ranked as ‘outstanding’ in the UK and recognised as a leading hub of innovation and educational best practice. His school became established as an EEF Research School, and in 2019, was selected as a ‘National Teaching Schools Hub’, one of only six schools in the UK to benchmark improvements in the quality of education and the professional development of teachers and school leaders.

Prior to his roles within school leadership, Kenny was formerly an adviser to the UK Department for Education and served as part of the development team responsible for the creation of the National Curriculum for England and Wales. Throughout his career, he has raised educational standards in schools and helped students achieve offers at top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

A pioneer in teaching with technology, Kenny led collaborations with leaders in industry and academia – including the University of Bristol, Rolls-Royce, and British Aerospace – to design an innovative STEAM programme for primary and secondary schools across the UK. These collaborations boosted teaching techniques to educate UK students for the future, ensuring they would acquire the skills and mind-sets to thrive in our changing world.

Kenny is a strong advocate for community involvement and parent collaboration. He considers this crucial in supporting young people throughout their academic journey. He is an enthusiastic member and supporter of our vibrant PTA, encouraging wide opportunities for parents to collaborate and participate in the life of our school.

He is also an avid lover of the outdoors and a keen windsurfer, paddle boarder, and cyclist. When he’s not on the water or on a bike, he and his wife thoroughly enjoy hiking on local trails and enjoying the variety and diversity of life in Hong Kong.

Mrs. S. Harley

Deputy Principal

Sarah began her teaching career in 1996 at The Pointer School, an Independent Prep School in London. Before moving into Senior Leadership, she taught across all three primary key stages and had taken on additional areas of responsibility.

In 2001, Sarah became Deputy Head and continued in this role, while maintaining a teaching responsibility and preparing the school for Inspections until 2011. She then moved to become Head of Preparatory School at Babington House School in Kent, England, before leaving this post to relocate to Hong Kong in December 2013 with her husband and two children.

Sarah is Deputy Principal of NAIS Hong Kong and Head of Campus Lam Tin. As a highly skilled and experienced international and independent school leader, Sarah has been a founding member of the NAIS Hong Kong team.

Sarah’s professional qualifications include a LLB (Hons) as well as a PGCE (IoE). She has completed both UK and international leadership courses through IAPS and COBIS, and she has also recently completed her ISI Inspector training.

Mrs. F. Thorndike

Head of Secondary

Fiona joined NAISHK in August 2023 as Head of Secondary and is an experienced Senior Leader and Headteacher who has driven academic improvements and innovation in London schools.

Fiona joined NAISHK in August 2023 as Head of Secondary and is an experienced Senior Leader and Headteacher who has driven academic improvements and innovation in London schools. She has worked as part of United Learning, the United Kingdom’s largest academy trust and specialised in leading Teaching and Learning and Professional Development. Fiona is a Design Technology teaching specialist and a Future Leaders graduate from the National College for Teaching and Leadership, Nottingham UK.

Mrs. R. Hanson

Head of Early Years

Ruth has over 20 years’ teaching experience in education, including over 10 years in senior leadership. She is deeply committed to delivering outstanding education and care for children, their families, and the colleagues she works with.

Ruth holds a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education from the University of Wales, Cardiff. After finishing her master’s, Ruth moved with her family to London from her home in Wales to work at one of the UK’s leading children’s centres, The Thomas Coram Centre, which was also the UK’s first designated Early Excellence Centre. During Ruth’s seven years there, she became Assistant Head of Centre and received ‘Outstanding’ grading from OFSTED twice.

In 2009, Ruth then became an Early Years Consultant at The Children’s Hospital School at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Working alongside the leadership team, she set up and developed a Children’s Centre for patients under five, their siblings, and parents. The centre was a huge success and a first for children’s hospitals around the world.

Ruth then joined Nord Anglia Education in 2012 at The British International School in Shanghai, Puxi. For six years, she served as part of their Senior Leadership Team, developing their Early Years and Key Stage 1 departments as Assistant Head of Primary.

Ruth is now Head of Campus at Nord Anglia International Pre-School, Sai Kung and is thrilled to be work alongside the NAIS Hong Kong team. Here, she develops outstanding pre-school education and oversees the ASN and EAL departments across the whole school.

Ruth lives in Hong Kong with her husband, Abby, and their two sons, Ben and Morgan.

Ms. S. Burton

Director of Admissions and Marketing

Sandra joined NAIS Hong Kong in 2023, having previously worked in marketing roles across the globe, including our Nord Anglia Education schools in Abu Dhabi and Budapest. The friendly face you'll meet when you get in touch with us, Sandra is passionate about the school, the opportunities we offer, and our wonderful city.

Sandra started her career in the luxury travel industry in 1989, before joining Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts as Sales Manager.

In 2014, Sandra and her family relocated to Abu Dhabi in the UAE, where she was appointed Head of Admissions and Marketing at a Nord Anglia Education school. After four years, Sandra returned to the UK to embark on a career in the hospitality industry.

Sandra joined another Nord Anglia School, British International School Budapest in 2021 as the Director of Admissions and Marketing. During her time with the school, she oversaw a period of unprecedented growth and advancement by ensuring each family received the personalised care and attention they need.

As our new Director of Admissions and Marketing in NAIS Hong Kong and working alongside her fabulous team, Sandra will create a warm, welcoming admissions journey that’s tailored to your needs.

In her spare time, Sandra enjoys exploring new places with her two children.