Principal’s Message

Mr. Barton is a committed professional who has brought with him more than 25 years of service in the Royal Air Force as a commissioned officer, and subsequently 15 years of school experience spanning the globe. Working in a state school in the UK, profit schooling in China and not for profit in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia has allowed him to build a full repertoire of skills required to navigate all elements of school life; not just business. He has managed many educational departments and led school improvement strategies throughout his career.

As a Fellow of the Institute of School Business Management, he has utilised the skills gained to change the current school building into a school that all the pupils, parents and staff can be proud of.

Shaun is a dedicated family man, a supporter of Blackburn Rovers and has played many sports to a high level, although his knees (and age) preclude him from being anything other than a golfer now. He is also a true advocate for charitable foundations and has personally raised many thousands of pounds for others.

Tammy Naidoo serves as the Head of Preparatory School at the British International School Al Khobar (BISAK). She holds a Bachelor of Primary Education (B. PrimEd), a Master of Education (M.Ed), the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL).

Prior to her appointment at BISAK, Ms Naidoo taught in South Africa and held school leadership roles in a UK state school, where she led curriculum innovation, staff development, and high-performing learning environments.

In 2010, Ms Naidoo transitioned to her second international role, joining BISAK as a Prep School class teacher and key stage leader. She was appointed as Deputy Head of Preparatory in 2015. Ms Naidoo has also gained extensive experience in international education and school leadership through her work as a British Schools Overseas (BSO) team inspector. She was promoted to Head of Preparatory School in 2020. Her vision of high standards for teaching and learning, safeguarding, wellbeing, and global mindedness has resulted in outstanding academic and pastoral outcomes.

William Lee Marsh is the Headteacher of Senior School and Sixth Form of BISAK. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and IT (BSC), a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and a National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH).

Before working in education, Mr Marsh had worked in the construction and manufacturing industry with a focus on operations and project management and started teaching in 2009. His main subjects were Business Studies and Information Technology and he worked as a Head of Department in a UK school for 5 years before arriving in Saudi Arabia. Since then, Mr Marsh has held senior roles in BISAK working as Assistant Head, Deputy Head and now Headteacher.

Mr Marsh is a passionate educator who has a pupil first focus. He takes pride in pupils being well mannered, trying their best and respectful global citizens who enjoy coming to school.

Robin van der Eyken is the Deputy Headteacher of the Prep School. He has a Bachelor of Arts (BA, 2001) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE, 1996).

Mr. V has worked in several schools both in the Middle East and in the UK and has 30 years' experience of working in primary education. He has held many leadership roles including the leading of Year Groups, Phases, Assessment and Maths. Currently, he is working towards a qualification in Coaching and Mentoring.

Mr. V joined BISAK in 2021 as Maths Lead and Year 5 teacher before leading Years 5 and 6 and then becoming Deputy Headteacher of Prep in 2023. He is committed to providing a first-class education within a caring environment that promotes wellbeing alongside academic success.

Jack Odam is an experienced Primary leader with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality teaching and learning. He holds a BA in Primary Education and Teaching and is currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) as part of his ongoing leadership development.

Mr. Odam has held a range of impactful leadership roles within outstanding schools in the UK, working in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. His experience includes driving writing curriculum improvements, raising expectations for teaching and learning, and supporting all pupils to ensure they are able to achieve success. He is passionate about creating a positive, collaborative school culture rooted in strong relationships and high aspirations.

In 2023, Mr. Odam joined the British International School Al Khobar (BISAK) as Assistant Head of Prep. Since then, he has led key areas of whole-school development and strengthened professional collaboration across the Prep team. Mr. Odam continues to contribute to the school’s strategic direction while helping to ensure that every child feels valued, challenged and inspired.

James Coll is currently Deputy Head of Senior School & Sixth Form. He holds a Bachelor of Education (Honours) degree in Physical Education and is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Moray House.

Before joining BISAK in 2023 as Deputy Head Teacher of the Senior School, Mr. Coll held a number of leadership positions in both the United Kingdom and Qatar. His previous roles included Head of Pupil Support in Glasgow, Scotland, as well as Deputy Head Teacher and Housemaster in Qatar.

With over 15 years of experience in education, Mr. Coll is deeply passionate about promoting positive outcomes for pupils and ensuring they have the best opportunities and environment in which to succeed. He places great importance on pupil wellbeing and strives to create a supportive and inclusive school culture where every pupil can thrive both academically and personally.