The Primary Leadership Team supports the daily leadership and development of the Primary School.
“The greatest schools are defined by the people within them and the positive, lasting impact they have on children.”
Nicholas Nay brings 13 years of experience in international education and has been a valued member of the Ascot community for nine years. Originally from the USA, he has lived and worked in Thailand since 2015. With a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and nine years of experience within the IB framework, Nicholas has grown from classroom teacher to school leader at Ascot, giving him a deep understanding of the school, its students and its community.
Nicholas believes that strong leadership begins with relationships. He strives to be visible, approachable and present, creating a culture where students feel known and supported, teachers feel empowered, and families feel connected. He is passionate about inquiry-based, student-centred learning and believes that curiosity, challenge, wellbeing and strong relationships should work together to help every child thrive.
As Head of Primary, Nicholas focuses on strengthening teaching and learning, supporting student and staff wellbeing, and building a collaborative and connected Primary community. Guided by his belief to Teach, Encourage, Influence and Inspire, he believes the greatest schools are defined by the people within them and the positive, lasting impact they have on children.
“I want every child to leave Early Years feeling confident, caring and capable, ready and excited for the next stage of their learning journey.”
Tom Green brings more than 17 years of experience in education, having worked internationally in South Korea and Thailand. Originally from the UK and a graduate of the University of Nottingham, Tom has called Thailand home for nine years and has been part of the Ascot community for eight years. As Deputy Head of Early Years, he leads Ascot’s youngest learners and the educators who support them during these important first stages of their educational journey.
Tom is a passionate and reflective Early Years educator whose approach is grounded in curiosity, play and meaningful relationships. Drawing on his experience with both the EYFS and IB Primary Years Programme, he advocates for play-based, inquiry-driven and inclusive learning in which children feel safe, confident and excited to explore. He also places great importance on strong partnerships with families, recognising the invaluable role parents and caregivers play in a child’s early development.
As a leader, Tom believes in listening, collaboration and empowering others. His focus is on creating an inclusive and nurturing Early Years community where every child feels valued, heard and supported, and where educators feel trusted and encouraged to grow.
“When children feel safe, valued and supported, they develop the confidence and resilience to thrive.”
Joanne Kearney brings 14 years of experience working with children and young people across Ireland, China and Thailand. Originally from Ireland, Joanne began her professional career in Social Care before transitioning into Early Years education. Her international teaching journey has since taken her from Kindergarten through Lower and Upper Primary, providing her with a broad understanding of children’s development and the different needs they experience as they grow.
Now in her fifth year at Ascot, Joanne has previously served as a Year 5 Homeroom Teacher and brings her combined experience in social care, education and child development to her role as Deputy Head of Primary for Pastoral and Wellbeing. Her background gives her a particularly strong perspective on the importance of looking beyond academic achievement and ensuring that every child feels safe, valued, understood and able to flourish.
Joanne’s leadership focuses on creating a Primary community in which wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. She works closely with students, teachers and families to strengthen pastoral care, positive relationships and a sense of belonging across the school. She believes that when children feel secure, connected and supported, they are better equipped to develop confidence, resilience and independence and to achieve their potential both personally and academically.
Strong teaching grows through collaboration, clarity and shared purpose, creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences for every student.
Greg Whitmell brings 16 years of international education experience across private and international schools in South Korea and Thailand. Originally from Canada, Greg holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. His experience across different schools and curricula has given him a broad perspective on curriculum, teaching and learning and the importance of adapting learning to meet the needs of students.
Greg has spent the majority of his time at Ascot as a Year 6 Homeroom Teacher and has also served as Deputy Head of Years 4–6. He has played a significant role in leading the Year 6 PYP Exhibition over several years, developing a strong practical understanding of the IB Primary Years Programme. As PYP Coordinator and Deputy Head of Primary, Greg now provides pedagogical leadership across Primary while continuing to work directly with students through STEM.
Greg believes effective leadership means working alongside teachers, providing clarity and guidance while empowering educators to bring their own strengths to their classrooms. He is particularly passionate about curriculum alignment, assessment, collaborative planning and conceptual, inquiry-based learning.
His focus is on building greater consistency and clarity across Primary while continually strengthening the quality of teaching and learning. Greg’s vision is for teachers to feel supported and confident in their practice and for every student to benefit from consistent, engaging and high-quality learning experiences.
