Meet the
Team

MBA, M.A, 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 has obtained a Master’s in Business Administration, MBA, and a Master’s in Corporate Communication, MA. Paul is currently pursuing his NPQH qualification with the UK Department of Education.

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 fifteen years, with the last ten of those in a range of educational leadership positions. This is Paul’s sixth 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.

BA (Hons) History and Politics, University of Oxford
PGCE Citizenship, UCL Institute of Education
NPQH, MSc History (in progress), University of Edinburgh

BA (Hons), QTS

Lauren grew up in the North East of England and earned her degree in Early Primary Education (BA Hons) with QTS at Northumbria University. She began her career teaching Nursery in England for two years before moving to Malawi to be an Early Years teacher. Lauren worked in Malawi for 7 years teaching Nursery, Reception and Year 1, as well as leading the EY and KS1 department for her final two years. Having taught across two international schools in Malawi, Lauren brings diverse experience that has shaped her ability to connect with multicultural families and create an inclusive environment for all students.

Lauren is thrilled to be joining Britannica this year and is passionate about creating an environment where curiosity can thrive. She specialises in hands-on, play-based learning that encourages students to explore the world around them and ask big questions. Dedicated to building strong, positive relationships, Lauren ensures every child feels supported as they discover the joy of learning.

M.Ed, B.Ed (Hons), QTS, NPQML, NPQSL

John was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland. He studied at the University of Dundee, where he earned a B.Ed in Primary Teaching. After graduating, John gained his Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and taught in Inverness in the North of Scotland. John has obtained his NPQSL and is currently pursuing his M.Ed in Management and Leadership and his BSO qualification as a school inspector.

John also trained formally as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher, which ultimately led him to Shanghai, China. This experience then brought John to Britannica International School Shanghai, where he has been teaching for the past 9 years. In total, John has over 12 years of teaching experience.

At Britannica, John has taken on various leadership roles, including serving as the Global Citizenship Coordinator and a Year Lead, before moving into a senior leadership position. Throughout his career, John has had the privilege of collaborating with diverse groups of people, all working towards the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being.

BA(Hons), PGCE

Roma grew up in Derry, Ireland, and earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Liverpool. She began her career at the university, focusing on widening access to higher education and developing pathways for secondary students to pursue university education.

After completing her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University of Nottingham, Roma transitioned into primary teaching. Her commitment to education extended to her role as a special education needs teaching assistant, where she gained valuable insights into inclusive practices.

At Britannica International School, Roma is actively involved in running after-school activities, including Britannica Voices and the Drama Club. With a strong passion for the arts and a dedication to student engagement, she strives to create enriching experiences that foster creativity and build confidence among her students.

BSc (Hons), PGCE, QTS, NPQSL

Thomas hails from the city of Exeter in the picturesque Southwest of England. He graduated from the University of Plymouth with a Bachelor of Science degree, igniting his passion for education. To pursue this, he then completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and obtained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the following year.

With four years of UK teaching experience at a school recognised by Ofsted for its outstanding teaching, Thomas then embarked on an international journey to broaden his educational understanding. He spent two years at a Nord Anglia school in China before joining Britannica International School, where he has been for the past five years as the Head of Year 4.

Thomas is passionate about the holistic development of young learners. He strives to unlock each student’s potential while fostering a sense of curiosity and engagement with the world around them.

BA (Hons), PGCE, QTS

Christopher grew up in Southampton, United Kingdom. He studied at University College London, attaining a First-Class degree in History. After graduating, Christopher gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and taught in a secondary school in London. He is currently completing an NPQSL.

After teaching in the UK for five years, Christopher moved to China. He taught at an American international school in Guangdong, then relocated to teach in Shanghai. He has taught at Britannica for four years; Christopher has 10 years of teaching experience in total.

At Britannica, Christopher has been a teacher of History and Humanities. He has held a variety of other positions, including Head of Department, Head of Sixth Form and University Counsellor. In addition to continuing his role as University Counsellor, Christopher is currently Head of Secondary (Academics). Christopher’s main aims in his work are to promote passion for History and to support students in achieving their ambitions.

MA, BA, PGCE, QTS

Cristina was born and raised in Spain. She studied at the University of Sevilla, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. After graduating, Cristina moved to the UK to teach Languages at the University of Newcastle as an Assistant Professor.

Seeking a Secondary school environment, Cristina then moved back to Spain to complete a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, gaining her Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and a Master’s in Interpreting and Translation. After completing her Postgraduate Education, she returned to the UK to teach Spanish across different schools and cities, lastly in London, at a large Secondary school rated Outstanding by OFSTED, where she worked for 5 years.

After these experiences, and given her interest in Chinese language and culture, Cristina moved to Shanghai, where she worked as the Director of World Languages at Britannica for two years, and then moved to Harrow International, where she worked as a Housemistress and Pastoral Lead for 3 years. Cristina is now back at Britannica, where she has taken on the role of Deputy Head of Secondary, in charge of Pastoral Care.

Cristina is now entering the 13^th year of her teaching career.