Robert brings with him over 25 years of educational experience in both the UK and Singapore. He joins us from Tanglin Trust School, Singapore where for the past 14 years he has successfully held several senior leadership positions including the Head of Sixth Form and Assistant Head. He went to school and university in London where he developed his passion for rugby and education. Upon completing his teacher training in 1996, Robert worked at The London Oratory School teaching Economics and Business to both GCSE and A level. He also became a Housemaster and Head of Department during his time at the Oratory where he gained and developed extensive academic and pastoral leadership experience.
In 2007, after eleven years in London, he joined Tanglin Trust School, Singapore as the Head of Sixth Form where he was responsible for leading the introduction of the IB Diploma Programme alongside the well-established A Level curriculum. He later went on to become an Assistant Headteacher responsible for Teaching & Learning and then led the Upper school where he was responsible for the academic and pastoral needs of students aged 14 – 16.
Since August 2018, he has been the Deputy Headteacher – Academic with responsibility for all academic matters working very closely with the Head of the Senior School and Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral) on both a daily and strategic basis.
In October 2020, Robert gained his NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) from University College London/Institute of Education. His final project focused on leading a change in the assessment and culture of the school to improve student progress and attainment to address concerns regarding student well-being and mental health.
With his stellar track record and extensive experience in both pastoral and academic matters, we are confident that Robert has the skills to effectively lead the school into its next stage of development. His knowledge of international education within Singapore will prove a tremendous asset as we move forward. Robert also brings with him leadership experience in a top school in London prior to joining Tanglin Trust.
Robert is a motivated and committed senior leader who strongly believes in a value-based education system where the student is placed at the heart of the decision-making process. Fundamental to his beliefs is the view that every student should be provided with the opportunities to be the best they can be both in and out of the classroom.
His educational philosophy is clearly aligned with our ethos and values, and we are very excited about his appointment. He has a strong belief that a successful school should be a happy and thriving learning community where each child is provided with the opportunity to flourish and be the very best they can be.
Rain Jones Vice Principal
Rain Jones brings with her a wealth of educational and leadership experience from the UK, Middle East, Africa and Asia. She joins us from The International School of Egypt where she was the Executive Head. She has also held various leadership positions at prestigious schools and brings inclusive and diverse global perspectives that honour individuality and foster a sense of belonging.
Rain holds a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a Master of Arts (MA) in Linguistics, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and National Professional Qualifications for Headship (NPQH) and Executive Leadership qualifications. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership.
Rain’s hallmark as an educational leader lies in her fervent passion for innovation. She firmly believes that education must evolve to equip students for the challenges of tomorrow and ensure students develop the mindset and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Her innovative teaching methods promote critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.
With her extensive experience, academic qualifications, and unwavering commitment to innovation, Rain is committed to empower students to reach their full potential and thrive as responsible global citizens. Under her leadership, she aims to provide educational excellence to children, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Mike Carrigan Head of Primary
Mike is from the UK and he has been living and working in Singapore with EtonHouse for more than eight years. He has been a teacher for over eleven years. His approach to education is strongly influenced by the work of the educators in Reggio Emilia and particularly their philosophy and beliefs regarding children. He strongly believes that children are capable individuals and that by carefully listening and following their ideas and questions, their inquiries will be challenging, relevant and engaging for all members of the class.
He believes that inquiry learning is the primary way that humans learn and make sense of our world. The two curriculum frameworks that are used at Orchard offer us many possibilities to engage in inquiries that build our knowledge of the world collaboratively and explore multiple perspectives. This supports us as we develop as internationally minded people.
Another area that he appreciates about working at a school with our philosophy and approach is the strong sense of community that the school aims to encourage and develop. Recognising the vital role educators all play in the children’s lives is of the utmost importance. Due to this belief, he feels privileged to be able to work alongside all of our children, families and staff.
Away from school, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, reading and watching sports.
Phillip Gray Upper School Coordinator
Phil joined EtonHouse in July 2020 as the Business Studies subject specialist whilst he has also utilized his experience teaching both Maths and ICT, allowing him the opportunity to engage with students across year groups and gain perspective on the learning differences of these key subjects.
Phil holds a Business Master’s degree and Prior to joining the teaching profession, he worked for several years within the property sector. His academic knowledge, coupled with the real-world application of business management tools, subsequently led him to pursue a career in teaching and he takes great pleasure in helping to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to fulfil their true potential within the working world.
Phil’s previous experience within UK schools and colleges means he is well placed as Head of Upper School to support students in making appropriate academic choices and evaluating the different pathways available to them, in order to realise their own career aspirations. He also puts great emphasis on the importance of creating a positive learning environment, with mutual respect between students and teachers which applies both inside and outside the classroom. This enables students to succeed academically, whilst also building the skills that are required to become mature, young adults. Given that the breadth of Phil’s specialist subject, Business Studies, allows students to explore a variety of career routes and further education, he enjoys nothing more than hearing stories of success from returning students who are currently navigating their way through the business world.
Away from teaching Phil is an avid sports fan, enjoying playing and watching both football and tennis regularly. He has travelled extensively across Europe, Australia, Asia and North America and is looking forward to embarking on the next phase of his career at EtonHouse, Orchard.
Lee Taylor Lower School Coordinator
Lee joins EtonHouse with an enthusiasm to share his love of the natural world with a new generation of students here in Singapore. Spending his childhood reading books such as, “The ocean world of Jacques Cousteau”, he soon followed a path to complete degrees in Science and Education. Lee went on to undertake scientific research with both private and government agencies in Australia, and his subsequent move to education enabled him to share this knowledge and experience with his students. The ethos that underpins Lee’s approach to teaching and learning is a focus on building a community within the school. His passion for developing differentiated learning environments has empowered students, families and teachers to do their best work and excel. Having moved from Hong Kong, Lee and his wife look forward to exploring their new home and the various experiences it has to offer.
Kentaro and Miho Tajimi, Parents of Tamaki and Itsuki, Orchard
I like the comprehensive or interdisciplinary study style used. The curriculum is planned to integrate science, social studies, math, language and art. For example, “human rights” was the theme in the first term and Year 6 students read stories about refugees, watched photo collections, made dioramas. The annual plan of study includes themes on religion, faith and culture. I am happy to be a part of EtonHouse International School at Orchard.
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