Our Staff - ISL London | IB International School

What makes our staff special

Every ISL student's potential and ambition is nurtured by a team of professionals that have the expertise and experience to facilitate a successful learning journey.

Our staff population reflects the diversity and internationalism of our student community, with staff from over 40 countries working at ISL. This provides an environment of understanding, relatability and nurturing for students.

Over the years our staff have inspired and supported thousands of students in their journey from early years to university.

Head of School

Richard Parker

Richard Parker joined the International School of London (ISL) in 2017 as Principal. Prior to his appointment, he was Principal at ISL Surrey and has previously held various leadership roles in Hong Kong, Portugal, Brunei and Spain. He is an IB Workshop Leader for administrators new to the Middle Years Programme and MYP Humanities, and is active in the Alliance of International Education. He holds an MA and BA in history from Cambridge University.

Primary Principal

Kathryn Firebrace

Kathryn Firebrace has extensive experience in international teaching and was the Assistant Principal at ACS Cobham. Amongst her many achievements, she has participated and presented at conferences around the world, such as Harvard's Project Zero. Kathryn holds a Certificate of International School Leadership through the International Principals' Training Centre. She has also received a Golden Apple Award for outstanding teaching in her career.

Secondary Principal

Jed Petsinger

Jed Petsinger is the Secondary School Principal at the International School of London (ISL) and brings with him over 15 years of school leadership experience in the USA and UK. He has an undergraduate degree in Business Education, a Master’s degree from the University of Maine, and a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine. He is recognised for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to creating inclusive, student-centred learning environments.

PYP Coordinator

Emily Loughead

Emily is a passionate primary educator with experience in diverse cultural and linguistic settings. She has extensive experience in curricular development that is rooted in conceptual understanding, social emotional learning and multilingualism. Emily has her Literacy Specialist Masters Degree from Columbia University and is dedicated to coaching students and teachers in effective literacy practices. She aims to foster agency and joy, empowering students and teachers to take ownership of their life-long learning journey.

MYP Coordinator

David Slaney

Originally from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, with a degree in Molecular Genetics in Biotechnology from Sussex University, David is an experienced Science teacher of 17 years in both the state and independent sector. In his eight years at ISL he has become a familiar face to parents and students as the previous Personal Project Coordinator. He has a strong background in MYP teaching and learning, having worked with the IBO to enhance the future of MYP assessments and has played an instrumental role in designing and implementing the new grade 6 curriculum alongside a committed team.

IB Diploma Coordinator

Dr El Kahina Meziane

After joining ISL in 2015 as a MYP Science and Diploma Biology teacher, Dr Meziane has since held a variety of positions including Extended Essay Coordinator, Head of Department for Diploma Science, Diploma tutor and STEM higher education adviser. Kahina holds a PhD in Immunology/Medical Oncology and worked in scientific research for over a decade at the universities of Manchester and Cambridge before embracing international education and academic writing. She has co-authored IB MYP and DP resource books and online material and led international webinars on Diploma Biology and the Extended Essay.

Head of Student Support and Transitions Care

Claudine Hakim

Claudine joined ISL Surrey in 2009 as one of the founding Heads and led the school through the MYP and DP authorisations. She then joined ISL London as Dean of Students and the ISL UK Schools Learning Support and Transitions Coordinator. Claudine has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management from the Institute of Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Counselling. Claudine is originally from Lebanon but spent most of her childhood in Ghana. Claudine is very passionate about international education and has over 20 years’ experience in the field of special educational needs, both as a Head of School and as a special needs consultant. Claudine is one of the founding members of the ECIS Admissions committee and is a School Governor.

Head of Safeguarding and Child Protection

Sormeh Nikourazm

Sormeh is a safeguarding expert with a distinguished career dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults. Sormeh holds advanced qualifications in Criminology and Safeguarding from UCL and London Guildhall University, specialising in areas such as FGM and sexual abuse. Over the years Sormeh has held roles in numerous organisations and worked on many international projects in Portugal, Thailand, Nepal and Türkiye. She has been recognised for her extensive research and work in the field of child protection and this has led her to be a frequent speaker at conferences and development of training programmes that cover faith, race and cultural diversity. Sormeh has achieved the Wellbeing Award for schools in Ealing for the outstanding work she contributed to in the wellbeing of students.

SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator)

Raul Rodriguez

Raul holds a bachelor’s degree in English Studies, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, both from Universidad de Almeria, Spain, and the National Award for SEN from University College of London. With 15+ years in education, Raul previously worked in the public education sector where he discovered his passion for supporting learners with a variety of special educational needs and gained a vast experience working in close partnership with lots of other specialists such as Educational Psychology, Mental Health services, Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Since joining ISL, he has continued to improve and develop our SEN practice and knowledge to offer the best provision for our students, leading a team committed to ensuring that every child’s need is met to reach their full potential.

Senior Safeguarding Lead, Diploma College

Max Hull

Max Hull joined the International School of London in 2017, having previously worked in leadership roles in Singapore and the United Kingdom. He holds a PhD in Human Geography from Royal Holloway, University of London, and an MA and BA in History from the University of Durham. He is Head of Individuals and Societies and has had much experience of pastoral care and safeguarding. He is an enthusiastic advocate for Individuals and Societies (Humanities) for IB and MYP, as well as being a very experienced teacher of IB History.

Head of Student Wellbeing

Benoît Gouttenoire

Benoît obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature and Theatre from the University of Lyon prior to relocating to London. Subsequently, he has established himself as an actor, theatre director, and educator, having contributed his expertise in the field across the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Greece. His educational credentials encompass a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and a Master of Arts degree obtained from University College London (UCL). Benoît possesses a wealth of experience in instructing the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and he is a graduate of the Tavistock and Portman Centre in the field of Child, Adolescent and Family Wellbeing as well as Psychodynamic and Systemic Therapy.

Meet our Experts in Their Field

As well as being first class teachers, mentors and leaders, our faculty also consists of a number of published authors and co-authors of IB textbooks.

Professional Development

At ISL we invest in our staff with a range of Professional Development opportunities. From dedicated time set aside each week, to LinkedIn Learning subscriptions and Away Days, staff continue to grow professionally throughout their journey with us.

Careers at ISL

Do you want to make a difference to education in the 21st century?

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