Lisa Thorpe is an experienced international school leader with over 20 years of experience in education and more than a decade in senior leadership. Having taught and led schools across Australia and internationally, Lisa is recognised for building high-performing learning communities where academic excellence, student wellbeing and strong relationships go hand in hand.
A passionate advocate for holistic education, Lisa believes that every child deserves to feel known, valued and challenged to reach their full potential. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that exceptional schools are built through trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. She is dedicated to creating a culture where students thrive, staff feel supported, and families are genuine partners in their children’s learning.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Education (PreK–Grade 12), a Professional Qualification in Headship from University College London (UCL), and is a qualified Child Protection and Safeguarding Lead. She is also an experienced accreditation and inspection visitor for NEASC, CIS and Tribal, supporting schools around the world to strengthen educational quality and continuous improvement. In addition, Lisa facilitates leadership development programmes through UCL and serves as an assessor for the UK’s National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), helping to develop the next generation of school leaders.
Throughout her career, Lisa has led curriculum innovation, school improvement initiatives and leadership development across Early Years, Primary and Secondary education. While experienced across all phases of schooling, her expertise lies in developing outstanding teaching and learning, strengthening instructional leadership and creating environments where both students and educators flourish.
As an experienced International Baccalaureate educator, Lisa is deeply committed to the IB philosophy and its mission of developing internationally minded, compassionate and reflective learners. She believes that inquiry, curiosity and meaningful learning experiences empower young people to become confident, resilient and responsible global citizens.
Lisa’s leadership philosophy is centred on balancing high expectations with genuine care. She is passionate about building a school culture where everyone belongs and where kindness, respect and integrity are valued as highly as academic success. She believes that the strongest schools are those in which every member of the community, students, staff and parents, feels connected, heard and empowered to contribute.
Under Lisa’s leadership, Ascot International School continues to strengthen its position as a leading IB Continuum School, providing an exceptional educational experience that prepares students not only for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom. Her vision is to ensure every student leaves Ascot as a confident learner, a compassionate leader and a positive contributor to an ever-changing world.
Outside of school, Lisa enjoys travelling and has explored more than 80 countries. Her experiences living and working across diverse cultures have strengthened her belief in the importance of global citizenship, cultural understanding and lifelong learning, values that are reflected throughout the Ascot community.
Gary Craggs has worked internationally in education for over 25 years, holding leadership and teaching roles in the UK, Spain, USA, Ghana, the UAE, and Qatar. His career has included positions as Assistant Principal, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, and district-level leadership roles with the Qatar Foundation, where he oversaw policy development, professional training, and assessment systems across multiple schools. Gary’s experience spans teaching students from Year 6 through to the IB Diploma, and he has consistently combined classroom teaching with school leadership to remain closely connected to student learning and well-being
An experienced International Baccalaureate educator, Gary has led Diploma Programme coordination, taught Theory of Knowledge, and contributed to global IB development, including piloting the Global Politics course. He is authorised as a workshop leader and has delivered professional training at IB conferences worldwide. At Lincoln Community School in Ghana and Qatar Academy Sidra, Gary guided teams that raised student achievement above global averages while strengthening systems of care, assessment, and teacher collaboration
Gary’s educational philosophy centres on three principles: putting students first, treating people with professional respect, and building systems that support both. He believes education should be academically rigorous while also fostering respect, balance, and fulfilment. For him, true student success comes from a culture where young people feel valued, supported, and challenged to reach their potential
Gary’s educational philosophy centres on three principles: putting students first, treating people with professional respect, and building systems that support both. He believes education should be academically rigorous while also fostering respect, balance, and fulfilment. For him, true student success comes from a culture where young people feel valued, supported, and challenged to reach their potential
At Ascot International School, Gary leads the Secondary School with a commitment to student-centred learning, inclusivity, and innovation. His priorities include strengthening the curriculum and academic attainment, and enhancing the already-great structures of pastoral support and student leadership. With a strong belief in collaborative improvement, Gary is dedicated to ensuring every student at Ascot has the opportunity to achieve academically, grow personally, and leave school ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world
Nicholas Nay has 13 years of experience in international education and has proudly been part of the Ascot International School community for nine years. Originally from the USA, Nicholas has lived and worked in Thailand since 2015. His experience spans different international curricula, including nine years within the International Baccalaureate framework. Having grown from classroom teacher to school leader at Ascot, Nicholas brings a strong understanding of the school, its community, and the importance of creating a place where every child feels known, supported, and inspired to learn.
Nicholas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and brings four years of leadership experience across curriculum development, pastoral care and well-being, staff development, and Primary School organization. Nicholas believes leadership starts with relationships. He strives to be visible, approachable, and present, working alongside his team and creating a culture of trust and open communication. He is passionate about empowering teachers to share ideas, take risks, learn from one another, and continue growing as educators.
With nine years of experience in the IB Primary Years Programme, Nicholas is passionate about inquiry-based, student-centered learning. He believes children learn best when they are curious, engaged, and encouraged to ask questions, make connections, and think independently. His focus is on creating meaningful and challenging learning experiences while ensuring every child has the support and opportunity to succeed.
Nicholas’s vision is to help create an environment where children and adults feel valued, connected, and proud to be part of the Primary community. Guided by the belief to Teach, Encourage, Influence, and Inspire, he sees education as more than what happens in the classroom; it is about the positive and lasting impact we have on the children and people around us.He believes academic success, well-being, strong relationships, and a love of learning should work together to help every child thrive.
As Head of Primary, his focus is on strengthening teaching and learning, supporting student and staff well-being, and continuing to build a strong, collaborative Primary community. Nicholas believes the greatest schools are defined by the people within them. When children feel valued, teachers feel empowered, and families feel connected, that is when extraordinary learning happens.
The Primary Leadership Team supports the daily leadership and development of the Primary School.
The Secondary Leadership Team supports the leadership of the Secondary School across both academic and pastoral areas.
