In the dynamic tapestry of LEH International School Foshan, a quintessential British School nestled in the heart of the Greater Bay Area’s educational landscape, the heartbeat of academic excellence and holistic growth is orchestrated by a team of visionary educators and leaders who possess a collective wealth of experience spanning an impressive 27 years on average.
Committed to nurturing young minds and fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and character development, the LEH Foshan leadership team comprises of British educators whose passion and proficiency form the bedrock of our institution, enabling an authentic British learning experience that is truly immersive and mirrors the educational experience in the UK.
In this article, we would like to introduce you to the members of our leadership team who lay the solid groundwork for LEH Foshan's educational excellence.
Mrs Jane Arden is the Headteacher of LEH Foshan. She studied at both Liverpool, John Moores University and Liverpool University where she was awarded a BA (Hons) in History, and a PGCE. She has just completed her NPQH, the British qualification for Headteachers. Prior to this role, Mrs Arden was the Deputy Principal of the Chengdu Westminster founding team. Before that, she spent four years as Head of Academics and English at Wellington College International. With 30 years in education, seven of them as deputy head of a leading school in Cambridge, England, Mrs Arden has led schools to achieve outstanding IGCSE and A level results. She has also worked as an Assistant Principal examiner for AQA English language. Training and mentoring teachers is key for her in creating schools fit for the 21st century.
As a leader I aim to provide a clear vision of an outstanding school which inspires everyone to push beyond their capabilities to achieve great things. I truly believe that leadership is not about power, it is about relationships; a happy, motivated team will always accomplish more than a set of people working individually.
Ms Bateman is the Head of the Prep School and has 30 years of experience as an educator and leader in both British and international schools in the UK, Portugal, and Egypt. Her journey in education has been wide-ranging. In 2009 she established herself as a leader when she became the founding Headteacher of an independent school in the UK. In her last position, Ms Bateman worked as The Headteacher of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Primary, a 6-form entry school at a well-regarded British International School in Cairo, Egypt. Mrs Bateman holds a BA (Hon) in Education from Staffordshire University, a PGCE from Edge Hill University and an MA SEN Education from Cambridge UK. She is currently completing her NPQH.
As a leader and teacher, I am inspired to lead staff, and students alike to achieve their own goals and to reach for the stars. I believe in making learning exciting, fun, and motivating for all and enhancing an enthusiasm and passion for teaching and learning, encouraging teachers to deliver learning experiences that are often remembered for a lifetime. I believe we should all chase our dreams no matter how impossible they may seem to others. Learning is a fantastic lifelong journey!
Head of Academics and Head of Science Faculty
Dr Martin Kirk is the Head of Science Faculty & Head of Academics with over 25 years’ teaching experience. Previously Dr Kirk was in the UK teaching IGCSE and A Level Chemistry, and he has also taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics in British international schools around the world including in Thailand, Dubai and Spain. Dr Kirk has coached rugby and cricket sports teams and led students through the Duke of Edinburgh Award. He has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, both from the University of Leeds, as well as a PGCE from the University of Hull. He also works as an Examination Associate with Pearson Edexcel.
Every child that passes through the doors of LEHF is an individual, with their own special abilities, talents and potential. Our job, as educators, is to enable them to realise their potential while they are with us, while providing opportunities to expand their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Head of Sixth Form and Head of Mathematics Faculty
Mrs Debbie Kirk is the Founding Head of Mathematics Faculty and Head of Sixth Form. She graduated from the University of Exeter with a Mathematics degree and since then, Mrs Kirk has taught Mathematics for over 30 years around the world in top international schools, including Bogota (Colombia), Barcelona, Dubai and Bangkok. Before joining LEH Foshan she was teaching in the UK where she was not only teaching Mathematics, but also enjoyed the role of Sixth Form Tutor supporting pre-university candidates as well as being an Edexcel A-Level Examiner. Mrs Kirk is a COBIS peer accreditor.
As a teacher and mentor, I hope to lead people where they want to go. As part of the leadership team at LEHF I want to take staff and students where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be. I believe that no matter who you are, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself and I am here to help our staff and students become that person.
Head of Boarding & Pastoral Care and Head of Geography
Mr Steve Banks is the Head of Geography with over 23 years of experience in a variety of different teaching and school management roles since completing his PGCE in the University of Sheffield. He has taught Geography within the A level and IB programmes to both UK and international students and has led on many field trips to Thailand, Italy, France, Switzerland, Iceland and Nepal. With his contribution, his previous departments have been recognised as outstanding by Ofsted and the Geographical Association. Asides from his teaching role, Mr Banks is also our Head of Boarding and works with the boarding team to safeguard and support the development of the Boarding programme at LEH Foshan.
As a leader and teacher, I am fully committed and determined to work with young people to maximise their potential and achieve outstanding outcomes. I believe in challenging students through promoting a culture of achievement where all students are ambitious and courageous. Through communication and collaboration with students and staff alike, I believe we can achieve ‘success for all’. The path to success is never easy so an important part of my leadership responsibilities is to ensure that students are fully supported throughout their time at LEH Foshan.
With the visionary guidance of our leadership team and the commitment and support from the whole staff, LEH International School Foshan paves the way for students to become confident, compassionate, and capable global citizens. The collaborative efforts, unwavering commitment, and relentless pursuit of excellence truly define the ethos of our British School. Welcome to join LEH Foshan and become part of this exceptional learning community today!
