Senior Leadership Team

Senior Leadership Team

The Head

Ms Ann Haydon (University of Surrey) from Surbiton High School, England

Ms Haydon took up her position as Head of Harrow School Hong Kong on 1 August 2017. She is the first woman to lead a Harrow School.

After reading Economics and Geography at University of Surrey, Ms. Haydon completed her PGCE at the University of Nottingham. In 2007 she gained the National Qualification for Headship from the University of London. In 2013 she was awarded a distinction in the Pearson UK, Headteacher of the Year Award.

Ms Haydon has gained national recognition for work in leadership, governance, teaching and learning and marketing in Schools. Ms. Haydon and her Senior Leadership Team have won the Independent Schools ‘Outstanding Senior Leadership Team of the Year’ and received the accolade of ‘Outstanding Governing Board of the Year’.

Ms Haydon has held the position as HMC London Division Secretary and was a member of the HMC Sports Committee. She was a member of the United Learning Heads Reference Group working on strategic developments across a group of Independent Schools and Academies in the UK and she has sat on the Governing Body of several Independent Schools in London. She is a Governor of Repton School UK.

Ms Haydon was Deputy Head at Guildford High School before taking up the position as Principal of Surbiton High School in 2008, an independent, HMC (Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference) and IAPC (Independent Association of Prep Schools) School with circa 1500 pupils aged 4 to 18, both of which are consistently placed in the Top Ten Schools in the Times League Tables. Ms. Haydon has had the privilege of leading Harrow Hong Kong for the last five years.

As a leading educator, Ms Haydon is committed to getting the very best out of young people and preparing them for top universities across the world.

Ms Haydon’s interests include travel, sport and the arts. Ms. Haydon is married to Nigel and has two step children.

Principal Deputy Head (Curricular)

Ms Laura Yandell (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire & Goldsmiths, University of London) from Ark Greenwich Free School, England

Ms Yandell graduated from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with a BA Honours degree in Acting. She then went on to do a PGCE in Drama and a Masters in Education at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Ms Yandell worked as a Head of Department at Ravens Wood School in Kent and Sydenham High School (GDST) in London before becoming Deputy Headteacher in charge of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum at Ark Greenwich Free School in London.

Ms Yandell has a keen interest in the topic of women and leadership and has read and conducted a lot of research in this area. She is a keen member of the #WomenEd educational movement and has spoken at various conferences regarding the global in-balance of females in leadership roles in the workplace.

Ms Yandell enjoys travelling, visiting the theatre and reading, as well as keeping at the forefront of the latest research in education. She feels very privileged to have a job where she can help shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Principal Deputy Head (Pastoral & Wellbeing)

Mr. Tom Hicks (St Catherine’s College, University of Oxford) from Uppingham School, England

Mr Hicks comes from a family steeped in pastoral care. Having grown up in boarding houses in the South of England, Mr Hicks followed his father’s footsteps, becoming Housemaster at Wellington College, UK, having previously been Head of Sixth Form and Assistant HM at Lord Wandsworth College, Hampshire. Prior to moving to Hong Kong to join Harrow, he was Assistant Head: Pastoral at Uppingham School, one of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools in Britain.

Mr Hicks is an experienced international educator, and spent three years as Head of Group Boarding for the Wellington Group of schools, paying annual inspection visits to schools in Tianjin and Shanghai. He also set up a national Prep Schools Boarding Conference, in conjunction with the Boarding Schools Association, for whom he has been a speaker at their annual national conference and acts as a lecturer and tutor. Mr Hicks sat on the governing body and the academic committee of The Wellington Academy – a state boarding school in Wiltshire. At Uppingham, he spearheaded a brand-new Wellbeing curriculum, founded on the principles of Positive Psychology, following research in schools as far-ranging as the United States, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

Although a teacher of English, Mr Hicks studied Modern Languages (French and Linguistics) at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford University and gained his PGCE from the University of Buckingham. Whilst at university, he gained four Blues for cricket and was captain in 2000, the final first-class fixture between Oxford and Cambridge at Lord’s. He went on to captain his county, Dorset, for several years, and has also captained the MCC at the home of cricket and sat on the Players and Fixtures Sub-Committee. He now writes about the game and is a published author.

Mr Hicks joined Harrow with his wife, Penny, who works as Head of Scholarships and Bursaries and in the Admissions Department at Harrow. Their three children all attend the school.

Deputy Head (Academic)

Mr. James Brewer (Queen’s University Belfast) from Epsom College in Malaysia

Mr Brewer hails from Londonderry, Northern Ireland where he attended school at Foyle and Londonderry College. He graduated with a BSc in Physics before completing a MSc in Electronics and PGCE in Science, all from Queen’s University Belfast.

His first teaching post was teaching Physics at Bexley Grammar School in Bexley, Kent. In Bexley, he gained experience in the roles of Head of Physics and Head of Houses. Mr Brewer thought London was far from home until he moved to the Middle East to Qatar International School in Doha, Qatar. He was part of the senior leadership team that developed QIS into a teaching and learning school. He then moved further east to Epsom College in Malaysia, Epsom was his introduction into boarding school. He thoroughly enjoyed the additional aspects that boarding school brings to teaching and to the students’ school experience.

Mr Brewer enjoyed playing various sports at school, university and club level. He played rugby with Queen’s and City Of Derry and cricket with Brigade. After hanging up his boots, he coached rugby and cricket in schools as well as regularly playing golf.

Mr Brewer is married to Mrs Mitchell, who is Housemistress of Fry House, and their two children Noah and Ella who both attend the lower school.

Deputy Head (Co-Curricular & Organisation)

Mr Jonny Franks (Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge) from Whittle School & Studios Shenzhen, China

Mr Franks attended the Royal Grammar School High Wycombe before studying Philosophy at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge. After graduation he joined the Religious Studies Department at Wycombe Abbey School in the UK, gaining Qualified Teacher Status as part of the Graduate Teacher Programme. He was appointed as Director of Higher Education at Wycombe Abbey in 2014 before taking on the role of Director of Sixth Form in 2016, overseeing the academic progress, wellbeing and higher education applications of around 200 senior students each year. 

After a total of 13 years at Wycombe Abbey, he moved to Shenzhen, China, in 2019 as founding Upper School Division Head at a new start-up school, Whittle School & Studios. He was later appointed Vice-Principal of the school, a wide-ranging role which included responsibility for all expatriate teacher matters as well as compliance issues, teacher recruitment and retention and accreditation. 

Mr Franks is thrilled to join Harrow Hong Kong as Deputy Head (Co-Curricular and Organisation). An enthusiastic advocate of the skills and competencies fostered by activities outside and beyond the classroom, he is looking forward to maintaining the excellence of the Harrow Horizons programme and developing exciting new pathways within it. 

Mr Franks lives on the school site with his wife, Isabel, who was born in Hong Kong. They enjoy hiking, travelling and exploring, usually with their naughty toy poodle, Evie.



Deputy Head (Pastoral and Wellbeing)

Ms. Kirsten McLintock (University of Kent & University College London) from Bedales School, England

After graduating from the University of Kent with a BA (Honours) in Sociology & Social Anthropology and post graduate studies at UCL in the Psychology of Education, Ms McLintock followed in the family tradition and completed her PGCE, embarking on a teaching career that spans British, International, state and independent school settings.

Ms McLintock joins Harrow following her role as Head of Wellbeing at Bedales School in Hampshire, an Independent Boarding and Day School for pupils aged 3-18 years. Prior to this she was Director of Pupil Welfare, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Head of PSHE at Stowe School, in Buckinghamshire.

Ms McLintock has previously taught at South Island School, Hong Kong and was a Housemistress and Head of PRS, PSHE and Wellbeing at Harrow International School Bangkok. Ms McLintock is passionate about holistic pastoral practice; she has established pupil peer mentoring and leadership teams, is a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) and is a UK and overseas Team Inspector (Compliance, Curriculum and Boarding) for the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

As an educator, Ms McLintock seeks to challenge, nurture and empower students and is passionate about the teaching of PSHE and Wellbeing for which she has designed bespoke programs in each of her previous schools. Ms McLintock believes an academically rigorous and research-led PSHE curriculum fosters self-awareness, sparks curiosity and empathy whilst opening minds.

Ms McLintock enjoys outdoor adventures: hiking, sailing and surfing. She joins Harrow with her certified Pets as Therapy dog, Rosie who is looking forward to receiving her usual tummy rubs and treats when she visits the boarding houses. 

Assistant Head (Pastoral & Wellbeing)

Ms. Kim Gration (Magdalen College, University of Oxford) from Luanda International School, Angola

Ms Gration graduated from the University of Oxford (Magdalen College) with a degree in Music and then went on to La Sainte Union College of Higher Education to do a PGCE. 

 

After teaching at two schools in Portsmouth and running the extra curricular music programme, she left the UK to teach abroad “for a couple of years” and is still waiting to go back! Ms Gration set up the English programme at Komeetta School in Espoo, Finland and enjoyed a year teaching in New York at the United Nations International School as a Fulbright Scholar. She moved to Lucaya International School in Freeport, Bahamas as a Y6 teacher and then set up a Middle School programme there for Y7 – 9. After four years, she moved to Luanda International School, Angola, first as a Music Teacher and then as an IB Curriculum Coordinator. 

Ms Gration moved to Harrow Hong Kong in 2015 as Head of Individual Needs. She was then appointed as founding House Mistress of Anderson House in 2018. 

When not teaching, Ms Gration enjoys spending time with her children, one who graduated from Harrow in 2022 and one who currently studies at the school. She also loves exploring the hiking trails of Hong Kong and listening to and playing music. 

Ms Gration is passionate about Wellbeing and Pastoral Care and is excited to take up the role of Assistant Head Pastoral and Wellbeing. 

Assistant Head (Academic)

Ms. Freya Crofton (University of Leeds) from Saltus Grammar School, Bermuda

After graduating from the University of Leeds with a BA (Honours) in English Language and Literature, Ms Crofton completed a Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP before returning to the University of Leeds to complete her PGCE. 

She began her career in England, teaching English and leading EAL as well as becoming heavily involved in extracurricular Music and Musical Theatre.  She developed a passion for pedagogy, as well as for coaching and mentoring staff.

Ms Crofton’s first international teaching post was in Bermuda, where she taught American AP courses alongside the British curriculum, coached Debate and Public Speaking teams for national and international competitions and completed her NPQML.

Ms Crofton joined Harrow Hong Kong in 2016 and took on the role of Head of English the following year. After 5 years in this role, and experience as Associate Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning), she was appointed Assistant Head (Academic) in 2022.  Ms Crofton is committed to the School’s vision of Educational Excellence for Life and Leadership and is passionate about ensuring that all pupils have the best learning experience possible, as well as developing the skills for success both in exams and in the world beyond Harrow Hong Kong.

Ms Crofton is very enthusiastic about Shakespearean Tragedy and has co-authored an A-Level critical guide to ‘Hamlet’.  She also enjoys choral singing, the theatre, and travel.

Head of Lower School

Mr Brendan Shanahan (University of Liverpool) from St Barnabas’ CE Primary School & Nursery, England

Mr Shanahan took up his position as head of the Lower School at Harrow School Hong Kong on 17th August 2020.

Mr Shanahan graduated from the University of Liverpool with a BA (Hons) degree in Social & Economic History in 2005. He then completed his PGCE at Leeds Beckett University before starting teaching in Kirklees. Mr Shanahan has held a range of posts in his career including leading on PE, Maths, English, Safeguarding, Curriculum, Standards and Assessment. He was a headteacher in Westminster, where he was also the secretary of the Westminster South group of schools, before taking up the role as Head of Lower School at Harrow International School Hong Kong.

He is a keen sportsman and represented his University at football, lacrosse, hockey and rugby league. He also represented Huddersfield and Yorkshire playing Gaelic Football. He also enjoys hiking and has completed all four of the Hong Kong trails.

Deputy Head of Lower School (Pupil Wellbeing)

Mrs. Lauren Berner (University of Leicester) from Discovery School Academy Trust, England

Mrs Berner joined Harrow Hong Kong in August 2017. During her time at Harrow she has held the position of Assistant Head of Lower School (Pupil Progress), developing the use of data to support Teaching and Learning and is currently Deputy Head (Pupil Wellbeing). 

Mrs Berner holds a BA (Hons) in Primary Education from Sheffield Hallam University and qualified as a teacher in 2006. She gained a Masters in Teaching and Learning at the University of Leicester. After teaching across the primary age range, Mrs Berner pursued her interest in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs and completed the National Award for SENDCo’s. She has worked as part of the Senior Leadership Team at two schools in Leicestershire, much of this time was focused on pupil wellbeing and inclusion. Mrs Berner has also completed the NPQSL with the National College and became a Specialist Leader of Education in 2015, supporting and advising schools on a range of priorities.

Mrs Berner lives in one of Harrow’s senior boarding houses (Peel House) with her husband, Mr Berner and their son, Ignatius.

Assistant Head of Lower School (Pupil Progress)

Ms. Dawn Chambers (Dublin City University) from Derwentwater Primary School, England

Ms Dawn Chambers graduated from Dublin City University with a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Art specialism in History.  After eight years living and teaching in London, she moved to Hong Kong, joining Harrow in January 2019. Preparing our young pupils for future success is her passion and she holds pupil progress at the heart of teaching and learning. She is a champion for all children and is passionate about seeing every pupil strive to achieve their full potential. 

During her time at Harrow, she has held the position of Humanities coordinator and has worked with the wider curriculum team to develop and implement a bespoke and rigorous curriculum for our pupils.

 She took on the role of Assistant Head of Lower School (Pupil Progress) in August 2021 and is looking forward to integrating assessment into teaching and learning and using data to enable every pupil’s pursuit of excellence.

Assistant Head of Lower School (Digital Strategy & Continuing Professional Development)

Ms. Abi Hiley (University of Sheffield) from Kings’ School Al Barsha, Dubai

Ms Abi Hiley graduated from the University of Sheffield with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Financial Business Management in 2008, before going on to Edge Hill University to complete a PGCE in Primary Education.

She taught for four years in England, where she led on Maths and assessments, before moving to Dubai for two years where she was Year Leader at a British International School. Since joining Harrow Hong Kong five years ago, she has led the Theme curriculum and has been Year Leader in Year 1. Over the past two years, she has led the Computing curriculum, enjoying integrating new technologies and learning platforms throughout the Lower School. She believes that technology, when appropriately integrated into the curriculum, revolutionises the learning process for pupils.

Ms Hiley strives to ensure that the pupils in her care experience a broad, challenging, exciting and personalised curriculum within a safe, nurturing environment. For her, there is nothing more satisfying than watching children learn with smiles on their faces, beaming with confidence.

Taking on the role of Assistant Head of Lower School (Digital Strategy and Continuing Professional Development) in August 2021, she is looking forward to developing the digital strategy at Harrow Hong Kong and empowering pupils to be the competent and confident digital leaders of our future.

Assistant Head (Early Years)

Mr Christopher Russell 

Chris graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2004 with a BA (Hons) in Journalism. After this, he worked in Swaziland, Africa on a conservation project and then continued to travel across Africa, Australasia and North America.

Chris later attended The Forest Independent Primary Collegiate, where he did a SCITT course, gaining his PGCE and attaining QTS in 2010.

Chris’ first teaching post was at Lavender Primary School in North London, where he taught for three years, teaching Reception and Year 1. Passionate about sport in education, he accepted the role of PE coordinator, running both the boys’ and girls’ football teams, the mixed cricket teams and athletics teams. He took the girls’ team to the London Youth Games at Crystal Palace as the representative of the London Borough of Enfield.

In 2013, Chris moved to Dubai after accepting a role as class teacher at Kings’ School, Al Barsha. He was there for three years teaching Year 2 and Year 4. He also accepted the role of Computing coordinator.

In 2017, Chris moved to Hong Kong and began working at Harrow International School. In his second year, he became the Year 4 Leader, Lower Key Stage 2 Phase Leader (maternity cover) then Year 5 Leader. During this time, Chris has continued in his passion for sport in education by running The KS2 mixed cricket team. In 2023, Chris accepted the post of Assistant Head, Early Years. It was a passion of Chris’ to lead a key stage, especially one where he started his teaching career.