The Non Executive Board

ACS International Schools is guided by a Board of independent, non executive directors, with a wealth of international and UK experience in a wide range of areas including education, finance, and law. The Board work closely with the Chairman to support and develop the schools.

		Ram Gossain – Director since 2000 Ram Gossain began his working life as a member of the Indian Diplomatic Service. Through his foreign postings, which included China, he forged a truly global perspective that has subsequently helped establish the ACS ethos. Mr. Gossain joined ACS in 1973, working in a number of senior roles within the Finance Department, culminating in heading up the department for 17 years.  He has contributed significantly to the organisation’s outstanding growth and now, after retirement, his knowledge and experience continues to help ACS maintain its financial stability.
		Brian Murphy – Director since 1992 Brian Murphy was a partner of Farrer & Co, a leading law firm with a long working association with ACS. On retirement he was duly appointed UK Ombudsman for the Building Societies industry, a position he held until 1999. In addition to his role with ACS, Mr. Murphy served as a Chairman of one of the London Employment Tribunals. Mr. Murphy’s portfolio of strengths brings particular expertise to ACS recruitment strategies and HR practices.
		Jill Rutherford – Director since 2005 Dr. Jill Rutherford is a leading International Baccalaureate (IB) expert, with over 25 years teaching experience within international and UK schools.        Dr. Rutherford holds two degrees from Oxford University and was the first Director of the IB Diploma at Oakham School, England (2000-2005).  Previous positions have included Vice-Chair of the IBO Examining Board, and the IB Environmental Systems Chief Examiner. As a pre-eminent educationalist,     Dr. Rutherford’s expertise and experience will help support ACS’s continued growth and development in educational excellence.

 

 

The Management Committee

The responsibility of developing and implementing the organisation's strategy, learning goals, and day-to-day management is undertaken by the Management Committee, led by the Managing Director:

		Janet Magee – Managing Director Janet Magee joined ACS International Schools as Managing Director in 2004, bringing with her a strong commercial background. Her portfolio of experience includes Sales, Marketing, Human Resources and General Management, gained in six leading organisations and sectors over the last 24 years. Immediately prior to joining ACS, Janet was Vice President Global Learning and Development at Interbrew based in Brussels, where she lived for 3 years. Her primary role at ACS is to lead the Management Committee in its stewardship of the organisation, and to ensure the continued growth and success of the schools through the implementation of a comprehensive Strategic Plan. Janet has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Studies, and a Master's of Business Administration from Nottingham Business School.
		Clive Abbott – Chief Accountant After graduating from Lancaster University, Clive Abbott qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young. After an 18-month secondment to an Enterprise Agency, and 5 years working on mergers and acquisitions with Ernst & Young’s Corporate Finance department, he joined ACS in 1993. Clive was appointed Chief Accountant in 2002 following his predecessor's, Mr Ram Gossains, move to the ACS Board of Directors. Supported by a highly experienced and dedicated team, Clive controls the overall financial administration of the organisation and the three schools. This expansive role includes the planning and streaming of funding for new capital projects and refurbishments, as well as the day-to-day operational financial management of ACS.
		Malcolm J Kay – Superintendent Malcolm Kay is the Superintendent of ACS International Schools, a position he has held since 1995. He is responsible for driving the educational programmes and their co-ordination and alignment across the three schools. Malcolm has 29 years experience in international education as both an IB teacher and in a variety of senior administrator positions. Malcolm joined ACS in 1983 from the International School of Geneva, a founding International Baccalaureate school. Malcolm completed his graduate and postgraduate study at Nottingham University and has since studied at Bath University/Centre for Education in the International Context, and Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is a regular co-chair of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges visiting accreditation teams and also works with the IBO in authorising UK schools.
		Fergus Rose – Head of Marketing Fergus Rose joined ACS as Head of Marketing in 2004. Working with a small professional team his immediate focus has been to lead a re-branding initiative to provide ACS with a new identity to reflect its dynamic international mix, enhance its position as the leading international school in Europe, and establish a solid platform to promote future growth and development. Fergus has over 15 years experience in blue-chip organisations in a number of senior Marketing and Business Development roles in both the service and manufacturing sectors. He is passionate about the education and business sectors working together to develop opportunities for educational organisations, their student bodies and wider communities. Fergus graduated from the University of London, is a member of the Marketing Society and a tutor at the Leadership Trust.
		Karen Todd – Head of Human Resources Karen brings 17 years of Training & Development and Human Resources experience to ACS, which she joined in 2004.  She has worked predominantly for leading High Street Retailers and international Theme Parks, including The Tussauds Group and Disney (both in the USA and France). Karen was a member of the Disneyland Paris launch team that recruited and trained over 8,000 new staff from over 75 nationalities. As part of the Tussauds Group, Karen was a Senior Manager responsible for HR sites supporting over 2,000 employees. Karen is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and her focus over the last few years has been on development, change management, and implementing professional HR processes. Karen and her HR team manage the recruitment, development, and training of our people.
		Jeff Watson – Head of Property & Facilities Jeff Watson joined ACS with over 20 years experience in estates management, both in the private and public sectors. Jeff also brings specific educational expertise from his work in senior management positions at The University of Bath and Wiltshire College. Trained as a building surveyor, Jeff has managed significant projects in his career including a £26M Sports Institute. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Building Surveying, and a Master’s Degree in Construction Management, Jeff is also a member of the British Institute of Facilities Management. Joining ACS in 2004, Jeff leads an experienced team on each campus responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and implementation of enhancements to our facilities.

 

 

The Heads of School

The Head of Schools establish the character, style, and educational ethos of their campus. Working with the Superintendent, a comprehensive administration structure that includes divisional Principals, Department Heads, and parents, ensures each school promotes a student-centred philosophy that encourages lifelong learning.

		Tom Lehman – Head of School, ACS Cobham Tom Lehman joined ACS Cobham in 1987 and served first as a teacher, and then Lower School Principal before assuming the role of Head of School in 1992. Tom's previous educational experience includes 13 years of teaching in his native New York State, involving specific work in the field of gifted education.  He holds degrees in philosophy (Thiel College) and in education (Syracuse University), and has pursued advanced study in educational policy at the Institute of Education at the University of London. He has served several international education organisations in a variety of roles. Tom's leadership of the strong educational team at ACS Cobham highlights his commitment to best learning practices and to the extraordinary benefits that an international education can bring to all learners.
		Moyra Hadley – Head of School, ACS Egham Moyra Hadley was educated in the UK and has worked within the British, American and International education systems across Africa, Europe and the Far East. She has a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Education and Administration, and has completed all Doctoral course work in Educational Leadership from Boston University. In 1997 she was awarded the prestigious National Distinguished Principal Award. Moyra has been Head of School at ACS Egham since 1998, and has championed the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Primary, Middle, and Diploma Programmes. Moyra is a strong student advocate, and fundamentally believes in the ability of every child to succeed. Along with a dynamic team of administrators, teachers and staff, she promotes high standards of scholarship and creates an ethos that facilitates the development of global citizens.
		Ginger Apple – Head of School, ACS Hillingdon Ginger G Apple received her Bachelor’s Degree from Miami University of Ohio in Education, and her Master’s in Education from Trenton State University. Ginger has completed post graduate hours in Educational Psychology from Miami University, and all Doctoral course work in Educational Research from Oxford Brookes University. Ginger joined ACS in 2002, with four years of experience in Europe, eight years in Africa, and 14 years in South America, working at various international schools. Ginger has previously held positions as Lower, Middle, and High School Principal, Head of School, and the Director of the Optimal Learning Centre. With her broad range of administrative experience in international schools, Ginger brings to ACS a rich package of expertise in global education.

 

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