Singapore’s international school sector is entering the 2026-27 academic year with several new and notable leadership appointments.
The appointments span senior roles at XCL World Academy, North London Collegiate School Singapore, Dover Court International School, Nexus International School Singapore and Singapore American School.
Together, the appointments bring extensive experience across international education, curriculum development, student wellbeing, academic leadership and school improvement.
For parents and educators, leadership changes can offer useful insight into the priorities and direction of a school. Here is a closer look at the education leaders taking on new roles across Singapore’s international school sector.
Maria Sweeney And Justin Kirby, XCL World Academy
XCL World Academy has appointed Maria Sweeney as Head of School following a planned leadership transition. Justin Kirby has also stepped into the role of Early and Primary Years Principal.
Sweeney brings more than 36 years of experience in education, including 17 years in international schools. She previously served as XCL World Academy’s Early and Primary Years Principal from 2024.
During her time at the school, she has contributed to student experience, personalised learning and academic development.
Kirby brings more than 20 years of international education experience across nine countries. His background includes teaching and learning, curriculum development, assessment and personalised education.
His work has focused on using evidence and professional judgement to understand student progress and support learning.
XCL World Academy has also appointed David Butcher as Assistant Principal and Andrew Hay as IB Diploma Programme Coordinator. Together with Secondary Years Principal Mark Petterson, the leadership team provides continuity across the school’s academic provision.
Anthony Coles, North London Collegiate School Singapore
North London Collegiate School Singapore has appointed Anthony Coles as Director.
Coles brings more than three decades of international education leadership experience across Australia, Europe and Asia. Before joining NLCS Singapore, he served as Head of College at Dulwich College Beijing.
There, he led a community of more than 1,600 students and 350 staff. His responsibilities included teaching and learning, student wellbeing, sustainability, educational technology and future-focused learning.
Coles has also worked on developing high-performing schools and collaborative cultures. His experience includes building partnerships between schools, universities, industry and local communities.
As Director, he will work alongside Senior School Principal Sarah Richardson and Junior School Principal Louise McCabe-Arnold as the school develops its next stage.
Richard Vaughan, Dover Court International School
Dover Court International School has appointed Richard Vaughan as Principal for the 2026-27 academic year.
Vaughan brings more than 25 years of school leadership experience across the United Kingdom and international schools.
He began his career in the UK, where he led two primary schools, before moving into international education. His leadership experience includes schools in Vietnam, Hungary and Cambodia.
He has served as Principal of Northbridge International School Phnom Penh and the British International School Hanoi.
At Dover Court, Vaughan will focus on strong teaching teams, student outcomes and an inclusive learning environment.
His approach also places emphasis on personalised support, academic challenge and student wellbeing.
Karrie Dietz, Nexus International School Singapore
Nexus International School Singapore has appointed Karrie Dietz as Principal.
Dietz has worked across six IB World Schools in Asia and brings experience in leading diverse school communities and developing high-performing teams.
She previously served as founding Head of School at Stamford American School Hong Kong. During her time there, she supported enrolment growth and the development of a second campus.
She later continued her leadership work at the Australian International School Singapore.
At Nexus, Dietz will focus on academic excellence, professional standards, school culture and community belonging.
Her role will also include working with staff to strengthen the learner experience.
Jay Altman, Singapore American School
Singapore American School has appointed Jay Altman as Deputy Superintendent for the 2026-27 academic year.
Altman will have responsibility for the school’s academic programme and strategic initiatives.
He brings more than 30 years of experience in school and non-profit leadership across the United States and the United Kingdom.
His career has included leading schools and helping establish and advise programmes focused on preparing teachers and school leaders.
At Singapore American School, he joins the senior leadership team supporting an American educational programme centred on academic achievement, student care and opportunities for learners to pursue their interests.
What The New Appointments Mean For Singapore Schools
The appointments bring a broad range of international leadership experience to Singapore’s school sector.
Across the schools, the new leaders bring experience in academic development, student wellbeing, personalised learning, professional growth and international curricula.
Meanwhile, several appointments involve leaders who have already worked within Singapore or the wider Asian education sector.
For parents, leadership appointments can offer an indication of a school’s priorities and direction. For educators, they can also signal new approaches to professional development, curriculum and teaching practice.
As the 2026-27 academic year begins, these leaders will play an important role in shaping school communities and supporting students across Singapore’s international education sector.
