Although born in the UK, David grew up in Hong Kong and went to an international school that he loved, his teachers inspiring him to move into the profession.

He returned to UK for university before beginning his teaching career there, leading Design and Technology programmes at Taunton School, Whitgift School and Wellington College. From Wellington, David joined a brand-new Airbus sponsored school in Toulouse, France where he led the Design faculty. It was the first fully lap-topped school in the northern hemisphere in 1999 where every student aged 4 to 18 had a laptop.

David then worked at Stowe school and Cranleigh School as Director of the brand-new Creative Arts Faculty before another overseas opportunity beckoned, this time in Geneva for Nord Anglia, where David led the creative arts faculty and guided the secondary digital strategy. He joins Beech Hall International School KSA after finishing an assistant headship role at the Lyceum Alpinum, Zuoz near Saint Moritz – an international boarding school in the Swiss Alps.

David’s passions include education, classic cars, collecting product design, rugby, listening to rock music and reading. He is married to his French wife, Laurence, and they call ‘home’ the Gers, near Toulouse. They have two grown up daughters, Alexia and Charlotte, and a dog called Dexter.

On the appointment, Anita Gleave, Founder and CEO of Blenheim Schools said “We are so excited about David’s appointment as Founding Principal for Beech Hall International School. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise as an innovative educator and leader and shares our passion for bringing a game-changing new international educational experience to generations of young people in Saudi Arabia.”

With a doctorate in early years and gifted and talented education, Dr Claire Leyshon brings a wealth of learning and teaching expertise to Beech Hall International School having held senior educational leadership positions at school, school group and government levels. Claire’s most recent position was at national level, working for the Ministry of Education in the UAE, as Acting Head of Educational Design for the Early Childhood Education and Care and Cycle 1 Curriculum Department and Curriculum Development Specialist.

As an educational expert, Claire co-authored the first National Curriculum for Early Childhood Education in the UAE, for babies from birth to eight years old which has been internationally benchmarked and informed by contemporary research. She also independently authored the first UAE National Vocational Qualifications for Nursery Educators, Nannies, Assistants and Nursery Managers.

A mother of twelve-year-old twins, Claire loves spending time with them – swimming, cycling and watching movies as well as having a passion for the arts and travel.

On her appointment, Claire said “I am passionate about creating memorable and engaging learning opportunities for all children, enabling them to flourish, grow in confidence as individuals and fulfil their potential. I am thrilled to be starting a new role as Director of Learning and Teaching at Beech Hall International School and cannot wait to work alongside teachers and children to build a truly inclusive and creative learning environment.”

“In Claire we have found someone who is passionate about constructing innovative and bespoke learning experiences, routed in academic research, and determined to build and nurture a team of professionals to bring out the best in us all. I am so excited to be working alongside her.” Said Clemmie Stewart, Director of Learning and Teaching for Blenheim Schools.

Julia Knight has been working in education since 2004 with roles in the UK and internationally. She has been nominated for awards for her leadership skills and focus in wellbeing in school.

Julia was also named an Edruptor in the prestigious ICS Research for being a change maker and opinion shaper. Julia is a passionate advocate for inclusive education and firmly believes that teaching should always start where the child is. “Teaching should be bespoke and tailored to each child whilst ensuring the whole child is tended to.”

“I absolutely love the Beech Hall School Riyadh Tapestry and like all tapestries, a student’s learning is individually crafted with a unique story to tell.”

Faiza Mubeen is a senior academic advisor carrying more than a decade of expertise in pastoral care and inclusive education at international schools.

With a Masters Degree in International Education Management from Pädagogische Hochschule, Ludwigsburg, Germany and an additional Post Graduate degree in Mass Communication & Social Sciences, Faiza has an extensive track record of working with children in schools in Dubai, Al Ain and Kuwait.

Away from work, Faiza’s passions include writing, reading literature and poetry. She is married to her husband, Mohammed, and is a proud mummy to ‘her lovely’ 11-year-old boy, Yahya, and a 2-year-old cat called King!

On her appointment, Faiza said “Being appointed as Founding Head of Inclusion at Beech Hall International School is exciting as it provides me an opportunity to contribute and implement inclusive practices incorporated in the education system, to remove participation barriers, and to support the inclusion of children with additional needs at Beech Hall International School.”

“We’re delighted to welcome Faiza to the Founding Team of Beech Hall International School. As the first truly inclusive international school in Saudi Arabia, appointing a great Head of Inclusion and embedding our inclusive vision and values from our very first day was so important to us. Faiza’s passion for children and inclusion shines through.” said Anita Gleave, CEO and Founder of Blenheim Schools.

Shereen is an experienced and energetic marketing expert with more than a decade of experience in marketing globally recognised brands.

With a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Jordan University and an additional degree in Marketing and Communication from Yarmouk University, Shereen has an extensive track record of success both from a personal development perspective and professionally in the Middle East.

Away from work, Shereen is married to her husband, Mohammed, and is a proud mummy to her lovely 10-year-old twins, Tia and AbdelRahman, and a 3-year-old “awesome” boy, Rakan!

Abla Nabulsi has over 28 years of successful teaching and leadership experience; Abla has held various roles including GCSE teacher, Homeroom Teacher, Head of Department, Kindergarten Principal, and Assistant Principal.

Abla Nabulsi has a Bachelor’s degree in Languages from Jordan University,  International Professional Certificate in Educational Leadership (iPGCertEL) / Liverpool University, CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services and Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies in Education- Melbourne University, Australia.

Abla has always believed that students are all born intelligent and learn from the world around them accordingly. Students learn best when the learning environment is designed to meet the developmental needs of each student and one that encourages exploration, creativity and independence. The role of the educator is to design the environment that provokes an understanding of new concepts and to interact with students in ways that develop language, thinking skills and a love of nature.

She believes that instilling the student’s first language is a priority that ensures that students are able to develop their mother tongue and learn any other languages at the same time.