GIS Staff

Peter has been a teacher for 50yrs and a school Head or Principal for 40 of those years in the UK, the Middle East, China and Asia. His vast experience of what works and what doesn’t in schools, informs and guides his nurturing and collaborative approach to leadership. Peter regards everyone in a school community as equally important in the ever-present drive to do better and raise standards. He believes that schools are about learning and growing… and that applies to everyone, not just students. Known to the community as ‘Mr Peter’, he is accessible and visible as he becomes an active member of the community, commanding a trust and respect relevant to his role. He believes that schools should be a part of life not apart from it and as such endeavours to bring life into the school and the school into real life.

He sees his job as developing the school community such that everyone wakes up in the morning and thinks ‘Great! Another school day!’. Fun should be an aspect of school life, alongside challenge, opportunity and support. Kindness is his favourite human quality and he believes that this is far more effective and influential than operating on fear. His mantra is ‘This is a dynamic learning community, where everyone is nurtured, supported and inspired to be the best they can be. We aim to produce ‘good people’. In 2018, Peter was awareded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for his services in education to British communities abroad.

Amy brings over 20 years of rich educational experience to Garden International School, having dedicated the majority of her career to senior leadership positions across both the UK and Malaysia. Since joining GIS in 2016, she has been instrumental in fostering academic growth and community development, currently serving with distinction as the Head of Secondary.

Amy is deeply passionate about developing the whole child, ensuring that every student’s unique potential is nurtured both inside and outside the classroom. Her leadership is anchored in excellence and integrity, guiding the secondary school with a vision that empowers students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

With a strong academic background in the sciences, Amy is dedicated to maintaining high-quality teaching standards that inspire critical thinking and a lifelong love for learning. Her collaborative leadership style supports a dynamic and inclusive school culture where both staff and students can excel.

Nicola has dedicated more than 32 years to education, working equally across both primary and secondary schools in the UK and internationally. Her career began as a secondary music teacher, a role she enjoyed for 16 years whilst also moving into leadership. She has been a school leader for 23 years and her career has included a range of leadership roles, from Director of Sixth Form to CEO of a multi-academy trust. Since 2019 she has proudly led the Early Years and Primary School at Garden.

At the heart of Nicola’s work is a belief that every child deserves to feel known, valued, and supported to reach their full potential. She is passionate about inclusive education and whole-child development, recognising that wellbeing, relationships, and character are just as important as academic success.

Having experienced both the rewards and challenges of leadership, Nicola brings a thoughtful and authentic perspective to conversations about resilience, ambition, and sustainable leadership. As a qualified leadership coach, she is a strong advocate for coaching and believes that great leaders continue to learn, reflect, and grow throughout their careers. She is committed to creating a positive school culture where children, staff, and families can flourish together.

Outside of school, Nicola loves travelling and discovering new places and cultures. She also enjoys strength training and can often be found in the gym lifting weights, something she values not only for physical fitness but also for the focus and balance it brings to everyday life.

Emma joined GIS in 2025 with a wealth of leadership experience, spanning 23 years, in a range of settings in Europe, the gulf region and Malaysia. Known for her high expectations of self and others, Emma is passionate about creating environments where both students and staff flourish. She believes that kindness, integrity and a growth mindset are essential ingredients for success and works to foster a culture where everyone is supported. Emma enjoys the camaraderie, challenge and joy that sport brings. She is also the proud mum of four incredible children, who continue to inspire her every day. Bringing a genuine joie de vivre to all aspects of her life and work, Emma approaches each day with energy, optimism and gratitude.

Caroline is a values-led educational leader who believes that, no matter the role, she is first and foremost a teacher. For her, the quality of classroom learning is always the utmost priority – not only to secure the best progress for her students, but because her leadership is underpinned by leading by example and authentically modeling a positive school culture.

Having successfully led teams across both primary and secondary education within the UK and Malaysia, including serving as a primary Headteacher and in senior secondary roles, she offers a unique cross-phase perspective, that focuses on the continuous, holistic development of students. At Garden International School, Caroline adds value by fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, bridging high academic standards with relational care to ensure every student is prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.

At home, Caroline finds her greatest joy in spending quality time with her family and her 11-year-old daughter. To stay grounded and healthy, she loves nothing more than clearing her mind with a good run, enjoying a quiet afternoon horse riding, or exploring new places together.

With a career spanning almost three decades across three continents, Kelly brings extensive experience in teaching, leadership and school improvement within international education. Passionate about helping both students and educators become the very best versions of themselves, she has dedicated much of her career to coaching, mentoring and teacher development.

Kelly is a strong advocate for evidence-informed practice and has collaborated with leading educational organisations in the UK. She is particularly interested in translating research into practical classroom approaches that improve student progress whilst fostering agency, inquiry and creativity in learning. She believes that exceptional schools are built through strong relationships, purposeful professional growth and a culture where both staff and students are empowered to thrive.

Outside of school, Kelly is the proud parent of three unique children, each following their own path and reinforcing her belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to flourish in their own way. She loves to travel and believes that the journey is often as important as the destination—a philosophy that shapes both her personal life and her approach to leadership. Bringing curiosity, optimism and a commitment to continuous improvement to everything she does, Kelly embraces opportunities to learn from people, places and experiences.

Etienne joined GIS in 2013 as a relief teacher in Primary and has since progressed through several leadership roles, including primary class teacher, assistant head of year, head of year, and assistant head teacher. He now serves as deputy head of primary, where he is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments in which every child can thrive.

Originally from South Africa, Etienne brings more than two decades of experience in international education across Asia, with extensive expertise in teaching, curriculum development, safeguarding, and educational leadership. He holds a Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership with a specialisation in Leading Inclusion and is committed to empowering teachers through collaboration, coaching, and evidence-informed practice.

Etienne is particularly interested in developing innovative approaches to learning that promote belonging, student wellbeing, and high-quality teaching. Outside of school, he enjoys writing, exploring emerging technologies in education, and contributing to projects that expand access to quality education for underserved communities.

David Crane is the Whole School Deputy Head (Enrichment) at Garden International School. With over 20 years of experience in education across the United Kingdom and Malaysia, David has held a range of leadership positions spanning teaching, pastoral care, sport, and whole-school enrichment. He joined GIS in 2023 as Head of Co-Curricular Activities before being appointed to his current role.

Passionate about holistic education, David believes in providing every student with the tools and opportunities to become the best version of themselves. He leads the school’s enrichment programme, creating opportunities for students to discover their passions, develop new skills, and build confidence through sport, performing arts, leadership, outdoor education, and co-curricular activities.

A keen sportsman, coach and advocate for youth development, David is passionate about helping young people grow both in and beyond the classroom. He values strong relationships, teamwork, and creating inclusive environments where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their full potential.