Ian Evason 1
Ian Evason
Executive Principal
Ian Evason 1

Ian Evason

Executive Principal

Ian Evason brings more than 15 years’ experience of leadership to USI, having led a series of highly successful schools in the UK. Ian was previously Head of Secondary at one of Doha's leading British schools, and was previously Executive Principal in the UK. He has a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Bedfordshire, is a Local Leader of Education and a former OFSTED Inspector.

Michael Myford
Michael Myford
Head of Primary
Michael Myford

Michael Myford

Head of Primary

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Languages from Middlesex University
Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of East London
National Professional Qualification for Headteachers

Michael was previously Head of Primary at one of Doha's leading international schools. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Languages from Middlesex University, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of East London. He completed the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers in 2017 and has since been a facilitator for the National Professional Qualifications for International Leaders in Education.

Daisy Walsh
Daisy Walsh
Deputy Head of Primary
Daisy Walsh

Daisy Walsh

Deputy Head of Primary

Qualifications:

BA (HONS) Education Studies and English Literature at Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln
QTS Lincoln University, NPQML York University, Specialist Leader of Education Nottingham University and Currently doing the National Award Special Needs Coordinator Masters (Real Training)

9 Years' teaching experience

I am originally from Cambridgeshire, UK, but I completed my degree and my first 6 years of teaching in Lincolnshire where I taught in an SEN school and became a Specialist Leader of Education for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. I taught in Saudi Arabia for 2 years before moving to Qatar, and I have loved the change and experiences.

Stephanie Hopkinson
Stephanie Hopkinson
Assistant Head of Teaching & Learning for Primary
Stephanie Hopkinson

Stephanie Hopkinson

Assistant Head of Teaching & Learning for Primary

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Social and Cultural Studies with Film Studies, University of Nottingham
PGCE (Primary) Oxford Brookes University

11 years' experience

I am originally from Manchester, but began my teaching career in London where I taught years 6, 5 and 4 for three years. Before moving to Qatar, I was working in Shanghai teaching Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. I love travelling, scuba diving and exercise classes with friends such as barre and Pilates. I have loved working at USI and building a new school community.

Amy Morris 2023
Amy Morris
Assistant Head of Primary (Pastoral)
Amy Morris 2023

Amy Morris

Assistant Head of Primary (Pastoral)

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Primary Education with Qualified Teaching Status at Leeds Beckett University.

9 years' experience

I am originally from Durham but began my teaching career in Leeds where I taught Year 2 and ran intervention sessions across KS1. I then moved to Manchester where I taught Year 4 and Early Years for 3 years. Before moving to USI, I was working in another school in Qatar teaching Year 1 and Early Years. On top of this teaching experience, I have been a year group leader and whole school subject leader. I love travelling, attending fitness classes and reading. As a founding member of USI, I have enjoyed building a new school community and look forward to what the future brings as we move into Year 3 of USI.

Emma Day
Emma Day
Head of Secondary
Emma Day

Emma Day

Head of Secondary

Qualifications

Masters and Undergraduate degree in Chemistry from the University of Oxford
NPQ in Executive Leadership and Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Liverpool John Moores University

Emma was previously Head of Secondary at one of Doha's leading schools, and was previously Executive Principal in the UK. She has a Masters and Undergraduate degree in Chemistry from the University of Oxford, NPQ in Executive Leadership and Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Liverpool John Moores University. Emma is the mother of two teenage daughters and her husband is a pilot with the Qatari Airforce. She fully believes in leading by example and instilling in her children and students the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion.

Alexandra Burgess
Alexandra Burgess
Deputy Head of Secondary
Alexandra Burgess

Alexandra Burgess

Deputy Head of Secondary

16 years' experience

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts from Monash University majoring in History and Politics with an Honours degree in History
Graduate Certificate of Education (Secondary) from Australian Catholic University (Melbourne)
Graduate Certificate of Religious Studies from Australian Catholic University (Melbourne)
Overseas Trained Teacher Qualification 2009 – General Teaching Council for England
NSPCC Child Protection Level 3

Originally from Melbourne, Australia. I have 15 years’ experience in London (UK) secondary schools. My most recent leadership experience has been as a Deputy Headteacher and DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead). However, I have also been a Head of Department and a Head of Year. I believe in developing a challenging curriculum that encourages pupils to become lifelong learners whilst providing opportunities for pupils to identify and nurture all their skills and talents.

Hayden Taylor
Hayden Taylor
Assistant Head of Secondary, Pastoral
Hayden Taylor

Hayden Taylor

Assistant Head of Secondary, Pastoral

Qualifications

MA (Hons) - University of St Andrews
PGCE in Science Education - Sheffield Hallam University
MA in Educational Leadership - University of Manchester

8 years' experience

I started my teaching career in the United Kingdom teaching all three science disciplines at a school in Sheffield. After moving to Doha in 2018, I started to specialise in physics and took on the role of Head of 6th Form whilst completing my master’s degree in educational leadership and writing a dissertation on the effectiveness of restorative behaviour policies in different socio-economic environments. I joined USI as its founding Head of Science before moving to the pastoral role in 2024. I am passionate about establishing a safe, warm, welcoming environment for all students at USI, empowering them to flourish both inside and outside the classroom by being supportive of high expectations.

James Tear
James Tear
Assistant Head of Secondary (Teaching & Learning) & Drama Teacher
James Tear

James Tear

Assistant Head of Secondary (Teaching & Learning) & Drama Teacher

Qualifications

Drama Ba (Hons) Second-Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) with Loughborough University

7 years' experience

I have been teaching drama in Birmingham for the past 6 years with various roles leading departments and faculties, with my latest role being the Director of Learning for Creatives Arts. USI’s vision of instilling in the young people the core values of kindness, respect, passion for learning and the pursuit of excellence is something I also believe that every young person should have within them. I’m excited to be involved in USI’s journey as an Assistant Head and I'm eager to begin ensuring that our staff are well equipped in supporting our young people to unlock their full potential and achieve their dreams.

Graham Glew
Graham Glew
Assistant Head (Data & Reporting) & Maths Teacher
Graham Glew

Graham Glew

Assistant Head (Data & Reporting) & Maths Teacher

Qualifications

Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering
PGCSE and QTS in Secondary Mathematics

6 years' experience

I have been teaching secondary mathematics for 6 years including GCSEs, iGCSES and A levels. I have worked closely with the NCETM association for mastery in mathematics. Before teaching, I worked as head of mechanical design in industry in the UK for several years. Developing a robust and engaging learning environment to enable students to gain the skills they need to start meaningful careers.

Meryl Fossey
Meryl Fossey
Head of Early Years
Meryl Fossey

Meryl Fossey

Head of Early Years

Qualifications:

BA Joint Hons English Language and Community Studies, University of Leeds
PGCE Primary, University of Exeter

12 years' experience

I have progressed from Class Teacher to Founding Head of an international Early Years Centre. I have been on a learning journey to discover how, as educators, we can ensure that each child meets their full potential. I now know there are three key elements to success; high quality interactions, engaging and inviting environments and strong relationships with both the child and their family. Children come to school every day filled with a natural curiosity, creativity and eagerness to learn. It is our job to listen, interact and establish environments that interest and motivate all learners. I am so excited to meet our new children and to work with them to establish an Early Years setting that inspires a love of learning for all.