Singapore’s international school sector is entering the 2026-27 academic year with several notable leadership appointments. Experienced educators are stepping into senior roles, bringing a mix of institutional knowledge, international experience and fresh perspectives.
The appointments include both internal progression and leaders bringing extensive experience from schools across Asia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Together, they reflect a continued focus on high academic standards, student wellbeing, professional growth and the long-term development of each school community.
At a Glance
XCL
World Academy
Maria Sweeney Head of School
Justin Kirby Early and Primary Years Principal
NLCS
(Singapore)
Anthony Coles Director
Dover Court
International School
Richard Vaughan Principal
Nexus International
School (Singapore)
Karrie Dietz Principal
Singapore American
School
Jay Altman Deputy Superintendent
Meet the School Leaders
A closer look at the appointments shaping each school’s next chapter.
Maria Sweeney and Justin Kirby, XCL World Academy
XCL World Academy has appointed Maria Sweeney as Head of School, following a planned leadership transition, while Justin Kirby steps into the role of Early and Primary Years Principal.
Maria brings more than 36 years of experience in education, including 17 years in international schools. Having served as XWA’s Early and Primary Years Principal since 2024, she has helped strengthen the student experience while advancing innovation, personalised learning and academic growth across the school.
Justin brings more than 20 years of international education experience across nine countries. His background spans teaching and learning, curriculum development, assessment and personalised education, with a particular focus on using evidence and professional judgement to better understand student progress.
The school has also strengthened its Secondary Years and IB Diploma team with the appointment of David Butcher as Assistant Principal and Andrew Hay as IB Diploma Programme Coordinator. David brings more than 20 years of experience, including senior leadership roles in El Salvador and Bangkok, while Andrew brings IB Diploma experience from Austria and Korea alongside teaching experience in Business Management and Theory of Knowledge.
Together with Secondary Years Principal Mark Petterson, Maria Sweeney and Justin Kirby provide continuity across XWA’s academic leadership.
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Anthony Coles, NLCS (Singapore)
North London Collegiate School (Singapore) has appointed Anthony Coles as Director, bringing more than three decades of international educational leadership across Australia, Europe and Asia.
Before joining NLCS (Singapore), Anthony served as Head of College at Dulwich College Beijing, where he led a community of more than 1,600 students and 350 staff. His leadership encompassed teaching and learning, student wellbeing, sustainability, educational technology and future-focused learning, alongside strong academic and co-curricular outcomes.
Anthony is recognised for developing high-performing schools, building collaborative cultures and creating learning environments that support both academic ambition and personal growth. He has also strengthened partnerships between schools, universities, industry and local communities to broaden opportunities beyond the classroom.
As Director, he will work with Senior School Principal Sarah Richardson and Junior School Principal Louise McCabe-Arnold to guide the school’s next stage of development.
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Richard Vaughan, Dover Court International School
Dover Court International School has welcomed Richard Vaughan as Principal for the 2026–27 academic year, bringing more than 25 years of school leadership experience across the United Kingdom and international schools.
Richard began his career in the UK, where he led two primary schools, before moving into international education. His leadership experience spans Vietnam, Hungary and Cambodia, including roles as Principal of Northbridge International School Phnom Penh and the British International School Hanoi. He holds a Bachelor of Education and the UK National Professional Qualification for Headship.
His approach centres on developing strong teaching teams, sustaining excellent student outcomes and ensuring that every child learns within an inclusive and supportive environment.
At Dover Court, he will lead a school where personalised support, academic challenge and student wellbeing are central to the learning experience.
Visit Dover Court International School →
Karrie Dietz, Nexus International School (Singapore)
Nexus International School (Singapore) has appointed Karrie Dietz as Principal, bringing extensive international leadership experience to the school.
Karrie has worked across six IB World Schools in Asia and is experienced in leading diverse school communities, developing high-performing teams and strengthening professional growth across teaching and leadership.
She previously served as the founding Head of School at Stamford American School Hong Kong, where she supported sustained enrolment growth and the development of a second campus. She later continued her leadership work at the Australian International School Singapore.
At Nexus, her focus includes strengthening academic excellence, professional standards, school culture and community belonging while working closely with staff to further enrich the learner experience.
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Jay Altman, Singapore American School
Singapore American School has appointed Jay Altman as Deputy Superintendent for the 2026–27 academic year, with responsibility for the school’s academic programme and strategic initiatives.
Jay brings more than 30 years of experience in school and non-profit leadership across the United States and the United Kingdom. His work has included leading schools and helping to establish and advise programmes that prepare teachers and school leaders.
In his new role, he joins the senior leadership team supporting an American educational programme that combines academic excellence, extraordinary care and opportunities for students to pursue their interests and prepare for the future.
Visit Singapore American School →