Years of outstanding professional experience
Simon Higham
Principal
Ho Chi Minh City
Summary
Inspirational, highly committed and motivational leader rated by both OFSTED and BSO as an Outstanding classroom practitioner and school leader.
Creative, innovative and visionary Principal, driven by a philosophy to develop the whole child and to lead with a data driven strategic style coupled with empathy and compassion.
30 years of educational experience across both the UK and International schools, together with 15 years of building a strong and respected reputation within the global Nord Anglia Education network, across Vietnam and in particular, in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overview
29
29
20
20
Years of outstanding educational leadership
Work History
Principal
British Vietnamese International School
08.2018 - Current
- Dynamically and decisively led the school through its most successful period of FTE growth, academic success and financial success.
- Collaborated with the wider school community to address parent concerns and foster a supportive community for student success.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Streamlined school operations by evaluating processes and procedures, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending improvements.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders to foster trust, collaboration, and commitment to shared goals.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Managed budgets and resources efficiently to ensure optimal outcomes year on year.
- Promoted diversity within the school community through inclusive policies, programming, and recruitment efforts.
- Conducted comprehensive data analysis to identify areas for improved and enhanced marketing opportunities relating to brand awareness and a premium reputation.
- Led school improvement efforts gaining CIS and WASC accreditation and re-accreditation.
- Shortlisted as a top 10 school in the World's Best School Prizes for Innovation in 2023
Head Teacher
British International School
08.2014 - 07.2018
- To lead, manage and further develop a large international primary school with overall responsibility for the day to day operational overview of the whole Campus.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Actively participated in school-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall quality of education provided by the institution.
- Fostered a stimulating learning environment by maintaining well-organized and dynamic classroom spaces for daily use.
Deputy Head Teacher
British International School
08.2009 - 07.2014
- Facilitated collaboration between teachers, counselors, and parents to create individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Promoted a positive school climate by addressing behavioral issues proactively and implementing effective discipline policies.
- Coordinated extracurricular activities that enriched student life beyond the classroom setting.
- Managed budgets and allocated resources effectively to support educational initiatives and maintain fiscal responsibility.
Deputy Head Teacher
Reid Street Primary School
09.2006 - 07.2009
- Member of SMT, SENCo, Designated Teacher for Child Protection, KS 2 Leader.
Head of Junior School
Jerudong International School
01.2000 - 07.2006
- Support Principal and whole school SMT, Coordinate and develop report systems, Marketing whole school and strategic planning.
Year 5 and Year 6 teacher
Whitmore Park Primary School
09.1995 - 12.1999
- Year 5 and 6 experience (including SAT management), Responsibility point for coordinating Literacy.
Education
Aspiring Principals Leadership Programme (APLP)
Nord Anglia Education
07.2019
NPQH -
National College For School Leadership
01.2006 - 04.2008
BA (QTS) Hons in History and Education - undefined
University of Warwick, UK
01.1991 - 04.1995
x4 A-levels: English Lang, History, Economics and General Studies -
Runshaw Tertiary College, Leyland, Lancashire, UK
01.1989 - 04.1991
10 GCSE’s including English, Mathematics and Science -
Albany High School, Chorley, Lancashire, UK
Chorley, Lancashire 09.1983 - 08.1989
Skills
Strategic and innovative leadership
Education administration
Financial Leadership
Educational and Administrative staff development
Positive reputation builder
Interpersonal strengths - within and outside of the school community
Data-Driven Instruction
Collaborative learning
School safety
Human Resources
Teaching and leadership positions
- 08/2018, Present, Principal, British Vietnamese International School, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Number on role for whole school: 1200 (0 – 18yrs)
- 01/2018, 07/2018, Head Teacher, BIS HCMC, Junior Campus, Number on role for Junior Campus: 730 (7 – 11yrs)Number on roll whole school: 2000+
- 08/2014, 01/2018, Head Teacher, An Phu Primary Campus (AP1), Number on role for An Phu Primary: 840 (0 – 11yrs)Number on roll whole school: 2000+
- 08/2009, 07/2014, Deputy Head Teacher, An Phu Primary Campus (AP1), Number on role for AP1: 800 (0 – 11yrs)Number on roll whole school: 1800+
- 09/2006, 08/2009, Deputy Head Teacher, Reid Street Primary School, Darlington, UK, Number on role: 426 (R – Y6)
- 01/2000, 07/2006, Head of Junior School, Jerudong International School, Brunei Darussalam, Number on roll: 1,350 (K to Y13)
- 09/1995, 12/1999, Year 5 and Year 6 teacher, Whitmore Park Primary School, Coventry, UK, Number on roll: 450
Professional Development
- NAE Senior Leaders Conferences (2018 - present)
- NAE Regional Conferences
- FOBISIA Leaders Business Meetings / Leadership Conferences
- 09/2021 - 06/2024, NAE SLP Global Tutor
- 05/2024 - Present, NAE Peer Coaching Lead
- 05/2024, Level 3 Child Protection and Safeguarding
- 05/2018, NAE – Aspiring Principals Development Programme
- 03/2018, FOBISIA Heads Business Meeting
- 12/2017, Level 3 Child Protection and Safeguarding
- 11/2017, FOBISIA Senior Leader's Conference
- 10/2017, EduTech Conference
- 03/2016, Level 3 BSO and BSME accreditation Inspection
- 2014/15, Level 1,2 BSO School Inspection Training
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 04/012/1972
- Nationality: British
- Marital Status: Common Law Wife + two children (19 and 21 yrs)
References
- Mr Anthony Rowlands, Principal, BIS HCMC, 246 Nguyen Van Huong St, Thao Dien Street, District 2
anthony.rowlands@bisvietnam.com
- Mr Shaun Williams, Regional Managing Director (SEAMEI), Floor 12, 72 Le Thanh Ton & 45A Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe Ward, District I, Ho Chi Minh City
shaun.williams@nordanglia.com
Timeline
Principal
British Vietnamese International School
08.2018 - Current
Head Teacher
British International School
08.2014 - 07.2018
Deputy Head Teacher
British International School
08.2009 - 07.2014
Deputy Head Teacher
Reid Street Primary School
09.2006 - 07.2009
NPQH -
National College For School Leadership
01.2006 - 04.2008
Head of Junior School
Jerudong International School
01.2000 - 07.2006
Year 5 and Year 6 teacher
Whitmore Park Primary School
09.1995 - 12.1999
BA (QTS) Hons in History and Education - undefined
University of Warwick, UK
01.1991 - 04.1995
x4 A-levels: English Lang, History, Economics and General Studies -
Runshaw Tertiary College, Leyland, Lancashire, UK
01.1989 - 04.1991
10 GCSE’s including English, Mathematics and Science -
Albany High School, Chorley, Lancashire, UK
09.1983 - 08.1989
Aspiring Principals Leadership Programme (APLP)
Nord Anglia Education