Paul Farrell
Paul Farrell
Principal
Paul Farrell

Paul Farrell

Principal

BSC Hons

Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, Paul studied at the University of Strathclyde and received a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Physics, Mathematics and Education. After several years of teaching and educational leadership Paul is now pursuing the NPQH qualification alongside studying for his MBA.

Paul began his educational career in Scotland as a Physics and Mathematics teacher before making the transition to international education which has included spells in Romania, Dubai, London and now Shanghai. He has been teaching for fourteen years, with the last nine of those in a range of educational leadership positions. This is Paul’s fifth year at Britannica Shanghai.

His educational experiences have afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. His educational philosophy is based on his uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family. All of which Britannica International Shanghai possess.

Katherine Mustoe
Katherine Mustoe
Vice Principal and Head of Primary
Katherine Mustoe

Katherine Mustoe

Vice Principal and Head of Primary

BA Hons, PGCE, MA

I completed my PGCE in Primary Education and my MA in Education with the University of Nottingham. Prior to that I graduated from Swansea University with a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Psychology. Before coming to Shanghai in 2015, I taught at Outstanding Primary Schools in the UK. I am now in my eighth year at Britannica, having taught across both Key Stage 1 and 2, and am looking forward to continue leading our Primary phase for another successful year. My aim is to inspire and empower each child so they have the best opportunity to succeed now and in the future, ready to be leaders of tomorrow.

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Anthony O'Brien
Head of Secondary
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Anthony O'Brien

Head of Secondary

B.Sc. (Hons) , PGCSE

I graduated from St Mary's University, London with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Sports Science and then completed my PGCSE in Secondary Education at the University of Wales, Cardiff. I began my teaching career over 20 years ago on the playing fields of South Wales and since then, I have taught in Kuwait, Venezuela, China (Beijing) and Romania. I have extensive leadership experience as a Head of Department, Assessment Coordinator and Deputy Head. This is my first year in Britannica and I am looking forward to a successful year.

Maria Smyth
Maria Smyth
Head of Early Years, Reception B Teacher
Maria Smyth

Maria Smyth

Head of Early Years, Reception B Teacher

BA Hons., PGCE

In 2008 I graduated with a BA Hons in History with Education Studies from Manchester Metropolitan University before completing my PGCE with QTS in London. I initially taught in an inner-city school in London for two years before moving to the North of England where I worked for a further four years. I joined Britannica in 2016 and now look forward to beginning my sixth academic year. During my time at Britannica I have taught in both EYFS and Primary alongside my role as Cross Phase English Coordinator. I am in the final stages of completing my Masters in Inclusionary Practice where I have specifically researched strategies to support children learning English as an additional language. This year I am very much looking forward to leading our EYFS team here at Britannica.