STAFF AND GOVERNORS

Leigh O’Hara is an educator with more than three decades of experience shaping outstanding schools and inspiring young people to achieve at the highest level. His career has been defined by a belief in academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and the transformative power of a truly holistic education. With a background in music and educational leadership, Educated as a musician and educational leader, Leigh holds degrees from the University of York, the University of London and Anglia Ruskin University. After senior teaching and leadership roles in some of London’s most distinguished schools, Leigh joined St Paul’s Girls’ School in 2012, where he was Director of Music and Deputy Head, contributing to the direction of one of the UK’s most accomplished schools.

From the outset, Leigh has contributed to the development of the SPGS International project. In 2023, he moved to Guangzhou, China, to work closely with SPGS International’s Chinese partners and to lead the establishment of a new school as Executive Head. His experience spans curriculum design, examination and educational consultancy, including work as an A Level examiner, writing syllabuses for the Cambridge Pre-U qualification and collaboration with the Mayor of London’s Music Taskforce. Alongside his leadership in education, Leigh has also enjoyed a career as a classical concert pianist and symphonic conductor and has examined and presented worldwide for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. As part of his lifelong love for classical music, Leigh still composes in his scarce spare time. He is passionate about travel, food and public transport, with a particular interest in railways, which he is looking forward to exploring in Thailand.

Originally from Australia, Jay has worked in education for the past 20 years at a number of prestigious British and IB international schools. Over the last 12 years, Jay has held leadership roles such as Head of Primary and Director of Learning Innovation, focusing on creating inspiring learning experiences and supporting staff to reach their full potential.

He holds a Bachelor of Information Technology and a Master’s in Education from the University of Queensland, and has completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). A fully accredited PENTA British Schools Overseas (BSO) School Inspector, Jay is also actively involved in the Federation of British Schools in Asia (FOBISIA).

He has successfully led BSO accreditation for his previous school and implemented the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework. He is passionate about helping students and teachers develop as curious, creative, and caring individuals who are confident in making a positive impact on the world. Jay believes in combining academic rigour with character development and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

Outside of school, Jay enjoys reading widely, exploring new places through travel, and embracing his love of food. He is particularly drawn to discovering new cultures and experiences that broaden his perspective and enrich his teaching.

Vicky has worked in education for over 20 years and has had the privilege of teaching across the full primary curriculum in a wide range of school settings. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of leadership roles, with a consistent focus on learning and teaching. She is particularly passionate about curriculum development and is committed to ensuring that every pupil experiences a rich, engaging and meaningful education that builds confidence and prepares them well for the future.

Vicky studied at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom and completed her PGCE in 2004. Since then, she has remained deeply committed to ongoing professional learning and to working collaboratively with teachers to support high-quality teaching and learning for all pupils.

Outside of school, Vicky enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly walking and swimming, and has a keen interest in travel and experiencing new cultures. These experiences continue to shape her belief in the importance of curiosity, global understanding, and openness to the wider world. She is delighted to be joining SPGS International School Bangkok as part of the founding team and very much looks forward to working in close partnership with families, staff and pupils to help build a warm, inclusive and inspiring school community where every child can thrive.

Originally from London, UK, Ben brings over 15 years of experience in education, having worked in prestigious UK preparatory schools and well-established international schools across Singapore, Egypt, and Japan. Most recently, for the past five years Ben was Assistant Head of Primary at the British School in Tokyo, where he led on pastoral care, wellbeing, and student leadership. He holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Bath and has completed both the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

Ben is deeply committed to pastoral care and wellbeing and is passionate about creating the conditions in which every child feels safe, supported, and able to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. He has successfully led the development of whole-school recognition systems that promote positive behaviour, motivation, and a strong sense of belonging within school communities. Ben believes strongly in working in close partnership with families and staff to ensure every child is known, valued, and supported.

Outside of school, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons, keeping active at the gym, and playing golf.

Emily brings over a decade of experience in Early Years education across a wide range of settings in the UK and internationally, including specialist early learning centres, primary schools including at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Her experience across both educational and clinical environments has shaped a thoughtful, child-centred approach that places equal value on emotional wellbeing and intellectual development.

She holds a BSc in Psychology from the University of Warwick and a PGCE from University College London. Emily is deeply committed to working in close partnership with families and believes that strong relationships are the foundation of successful early learning. Her priority is to create an Early Years environment that is intellectually stimulating, emotionally secure, and rooted in kindness.

Emily is delighted to be part of the founding team at SPGS International School Bangkok and looks forward to helping shape an Early Years experience in which every child feels known, supported and confident to flourish.

Isabelle brings over eight years of experience in marketing, including six years working in international education in senior leadership roles. Her work is guided by a strong belief that families should choose schools offering a truly holistic education, one that supports academic development alongside wellbeing, character, and a sense of belonging.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Isabelle has lived in Bangkok for the past six years, where she lives with her fiancé, who also works in a top international school. During this time, she has worked closely with international families across leading schools in the city and in regional roles across Southeast Asia. Central to her approach is a commitment to exceptional, parent-centered admissions, from the first conversation through to joining the school. She believes the admissions process should be seamless, thoughtful, and grounded in genuine, human relationships built on trust and understanding.

Isabelle studied Marketing Communications at university in Bristol and began her career in marketing in London, working with technology companies before moving into international education.

Outside her professional role, Isabelle enjoys sport, reading and learning Thai. She is deeply committed to supporting families in finding the right environment for their children and to helping shape a school community where students feel known, supported and able to thrive.