Our Staff

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.

Academic Leadership

Head of School

Richard Parker, Principal

Richard Parker

Richard Parker joined 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, 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

Elise Furr

Elise Furr joined ISL in September 2022, having been at the Swiss Scientific School in Dubai, most recently as Head of Secondary since 2019. She spent a considerable amount of time working on developing and restructuring the MYP curriculum, particularly languages, to allow for more personalised learning and student choice, at the same time as ensuring that there are effective assessment procedures in place. Previously she was Deputy Head at Deira International School where she led learning and teaching, and student wellbeing and was responsible for leading learning skills to an outstanding rating. She is also an NPQSL facilitator and has worked in conjunction with the Institute of Education and Infinite Learning to deliver courses to senior leaders.

Elise is a linguist, with an undergraduate degree in French and German from Middlesex University, a PGCE in French with German and a Masters in Performing Arts in France from University of Bristol.

PYP Coordinator

Elizabeth Foster, PYP Coordinator

Iliana Gutierrez

Prior to joining ISL London, Iliana Gutierrez served as an instructional coach for Harvard University's educational research centre, Project Zero. She taught both kindergarten and fifth grade at an International Baccalaureate school in Texas, where she also helped students through the fifth grade exhibition process. She holds an Ed.M. in Arts in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

MYP Coordinator

Hyun Jung Owe, MYP Coordinator

Hyun Jung Owen

Hyun Jung Owen has extensive experience in teaching in international education and has written educational texts for the IB DP English B course. She completed the ECIS International Teacher Certificate course with distinction and was awarded the IB certificate in teaching and learning. She has a strong belief in concept-based learning. Hyun Jung Owen was the Head of Language Acquisition at ISL before she became the MYP Coordinator.

Diploma College Deputy Principal & DP Coordinator

Paul Morris

Paul Morris has broad experience of the IB Middle Years and Diploma programmes and has also taught in France, Mexico and Spain. He teaches Theory of Knowledge and Physics and is also responsible for higher education guidance for Grades 11 and 12 students. Mr Morris is has written curriculum materials for the IBMYP, has led IB teacher workshops internationally, and is an author of educational texts. Mr Morris has been with ISL since 2006.

Head of Student Wellbeing

Benoit Gouttenoire, Head of Student Welbeing

Benoît Gouttenoire

Benoît completed a BA in Literature and Theatre in Lyon before moving to London to assist a director of drama for two years. Since then he has worked as an actor, a theatre director and drama teacher in the UK, France, Italy and Greece. He holds a PGCE and an MA from UCL, has taught the IB for several years and is currently completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Child, Adolescent and Family Wellbeing at the Tavistock and Portman centre, which will prove beneficial in his role as the Head of Student Wellbeing.

Head of Advancement, Transitions & Student Support

Claudine Hakim, UK Head of Learning Support & Transitions

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 has now 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.

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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