Our staff spotlight
At Southbank, we have recruited outstanding teachers and support staff from around the world who encourage a global perspective and educational adventure.
Our staff place great importance on assessing the individual needs of every student they teach at our school. This helps them to adapt to the needs of each student, provide tailored personal and academic support, and challenge students appropriately so they continually progress during their education.
Meet some of our fantastic team below!
Stuart Bain - Principal, Hampstead
I’ve been teaching since 1992, starting with summer camps in Italy and then qualifying as a teacher in Edinburgh. After three years in Scotland, I moved to Italy before joining Southbank Hampstead in the late nineties when the PYP was introduced. I’m now the school Principal at the Hampstead Campus.
My main focus is ensuring we create a safe, nurturing environment where students have the opportunity to reach their full potential—not just academically, but holistically. Southbank students are independent, creative, and endlessly fascinating. The dynamic, international community here, combined with the IB programs and our talented faculty, is what I love most about Southbank.
One of my most memorable moments was seeing my name on the Principal’s office door. Southbank is dynamic, international, and nurturing—three words that perfectly capture the essence of our school.
Stefanie Waterman - Deputy Principal and PYP Curriculum Coordinator, Kensington
I’ve been teaching for 30 years, with experience in California, Japan, and England. I’ve worked at Southbank for 23 years, initially at Hampstead before moving to Kensington.
At Southbank, I have many responsibilities, including overseeing the well-being of the school community and supporting the delivery of the IBPYP curriculum. I also encourage teachers to use London as a classroom and foster global connections with other schools.
My approach to leading the PYP is grounded in compassion, creativity, enthusiasm, and optimism. What matters most to me is fostering a collaborative, inquiry-based learning environment that promotes agency and international-mindedness.
Southbank students are curious, adaptable, and caring, always showing compassion for others and the world around them. I love the diverse, collaborative community that makes learning both fun and meaningful. My most memorable moments include laughing with students, hearing them share their learning, and the Grade 5 exhibition. Southbank is truly an inclusive, inspiring, and innovative place.
Julian Barnett - Humanities Teacher, Westminster
I have 38 years of teaching experience, including 17 years at Southbank, and my career has been fueled by my passion for history and student development. I teach a range of grades, from MYP to DP, specialising in history and individuals and societies.
What matters most to me is finding the balance between exam success and fostering a genuine love for learning, helping students reach their full potential while nurturing their curiosity. My approach to teaching emphasises student choice, humour, and cultural exchange.
Southbank students are hard-working, tolerant, and ambitious, all within a supportive environment. I deeply value the strong, intimate community here, where relationships between students, colleagues, and parents flourish.
The most memorable moments for me are always the excitement of meeting new students, particularly during the first lesson with grade 6. Southbank’s unique atmosphere, shaped by its liberal, tolerant, and principled ethos, offers a nurturing, high-achieving environment.
David MacMorran - Principal, Kensington
I’ve been at Southbank for six years, currently serving as the principal of the Kensington campus. I’m proud to lead a caring and diverse community.
My approach to leadership is centered on building strong relationships, leading with integrity, and fostering a sense of belonging for all students. What matters most to me is ensuring every student feels happy and that they belong, as I believe this is key to their success.
Southbank students are curious, caring, and fun – there’s never a dull moment! What I love most about Southbank is the rich, international environment created by families from all over the world.
One of my most memorable moments was seeing all our students return to school after the first lockdown; it was a joy to witness them back in their classrooms with friends. If I had to describe Southbank in three words, they would be caring, international, and progressive.
Jaz Akhtar - Laboratory Technician, Westminster
This is my third year working at Southbank as a Lab Technician Support staff member, helping students in Grades 6 to 10 with their science lessons.
What matters most to me is ensuring students understand, analyse, and interpret what they learn in a fun, engaging way. My approach is to break down learning objectives, encourage hands-on experimentation, and guide students to analyse and explain their findings.
Southbank students are inquisitive, aware, and high-spirited, always eager to ask questions and deepen their understanding. I love how students are encouraged to ask "why," and it’s fulfilling to see them enjoy learning through interactive lessons. At the end of each term, I host a fun science show, where students engage with experiments, like launching paper rockets or deciphering a song played by a Tesla coil.
The supportive and kind community at Southbank, along with its dynamic teaching approach, makes it truly special. If I had to describe it in three words, it’s open, thought-provoking, and kind.
Kara Van Aardt - Grade 2 teacher, Kensington
I’ve been teaching for 15 years, all of which have been at Southbank. Currently, I teach Grade 2, having previously taught Grade 1 and worked as an ICT teacher and a TA.
What matters most to me is ensuring the children feel safe, enjoy coming to school, and feel confident to express themselves. I aim to build a supportive classroom community where my students feel at home and know it’s okay to not have all the answers. My teaching approach adapts to meet the needs and interests of my students.
Southbank students are caring, collaborative, and open-minded, with a strong ability to challenge ideas and think critically. What I love most about teaching here is the international community and diverse perspectives it offers. My most memorable moments are when new students join and quickly settle in. Southbank is special because it feels like one big family.
Erika Dingli - Deputy Principal and PYP Curriculum Coordinator, Hampstead
I’ve been in education for over 20 years, working in primary school teaching and leadership roles. I joined Southbank in 2006, left in 2015 to start a family, and returned in 2021 as Deputy Principal and PYP Curriculum Coordinator at the Hampstead Campus.
In leadership, I work closely with senior leaders to shape the vision and culture that reflect the IB mission and values. My role as Curriculum Coordinator involves supporting teachers to ensure the curriculum is engaging, challenging, and aligned with the IB philosophy. I believe in empowering teachers and fostering collaboration to create a dynamic PYP program.
My focus is always on student impact, aiming to create an environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking. Southbank students are inquisitive, critical thinkers who offer innovative solutions. What I love most is the strong community built on trust, respect, and communication, making Southbank dynamic, diverse, and nurturing.
Chris Galley - Grade 5 teacher, Hampstead
I began my teaching career in Japan in 2008 and spent five years in Mexico City, where I also served as Deputy Curriculum Director. I joined Southbank in 2016 and have taught Grades 4 and 5 over the past eight years.
I love teaching Grade 5, as students at this age are curious, enthusiastic, and developing critical thinking skills, making the experience both exciting and rewarding. Building strong relationships with students is what matters most to me, as it helps me understand their individual needs and fosters an inclusive classroom.
My teaching approach focuses on creating a supportive, dynamic environment where students feel empowered and engaged in real-world challenges. Southbank students are curious, internationally minded, and eager to make a difference. The Grade 5 PYP Exhibition is my favorite moment of the year, as it showcases their growth and commitment to action, involving the whole school community.
Maria Mendez- Spanish Teacher, Westminster
I’ve been teaching for 16 years, with 10 of those spent at Southbank, where I teach Spanish to Grades 6 to 12. What matters most to me is ensuring every student leaves my lesson feeling empowered, regardless of their language ability. I create a fun and dynamic atmosphere where students can relax and unlock their potential.
Southbank students are the kindest, best-behaved students in London, and they make teaching here a true pleasure. My colleagues are also amazing, and I learn from them every day.
A memorable Southbank moment was setting off the fire alarm while making popcorn for Grade 12, followed by reading names at graduation—and giving birth the next day! Southbank’s curriculum, people, location, and supportive community make it truly special. In three words, Southbank is vibrant, hectic, and nurturing.