Nicholas Andrew Fawcett
Singapore
Summary
British-trained international school leader with over 25 years in education, including extensive leadership of high-performing Primary phases. Experienced in leading whole-school strategy while maintaining a strong focus on high-quality teaching and learning, pastoral care and curriculum development within Early Years and Primary settings. Having led a large, successful Preparatory School, I bring deep expertise in Primary education alongside recent experience as a Principal, strengthening whole-school systems, culture and strategic direction. Known for building strong teams, creating positive and purposeful school cultures and driving sustained improvement through clear vision, inclusive practice and high expectations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Whole School Principal
The Winstedt School
Singapore
01.2024 - Current
- Led the development and expansion of specialist provision for younger learners with higher support needs, establishing a model now embedded across Early Years and Prep
- Strengthened teaching and learning through clearer expectations, improved leadership accountability and a more consistent approach across phases
- Introduced a middle leadership structure, building leadership capacity and improving ownership of standards within Primary and Secondary
- Guided the school through key stages of WASC and COBIS accreditation, strengthening quality assurance, governance and alignment with international standards
- Developed and extended inclusive curriculum pathways, including the introduction of ASDAN programmes, to better support a wider range of learners across Prep and Secondary
- Re-launched the whole-school House system, increasing student leadership opportunities and strengthening community across age groups
- Expanded external partnerships and positioning, including FOBISIA membership, White Rose Maths Champion School status and Duke of Edinburgh International Award Centre approval
- Strengthened collaboration between teaching, therapy and pastoral teams, ensuring more joined-up support for students’ academic and personal development
- Specialist international school supporting neurodiverse learners from Early Years to Year 13 (approx. 160 students, 50 staff).
Executive Headmaster
Sherborne Qatar Preparatory School
Qatar
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Provided strategic leadership across the newly opened Junior School and the established Preparatory School within the Sherborne Qatar family
- Worked closely with the CEO, governing body and Sherborne Schools Worldwide to ensure alignment with group strategy and standards
- Strengthened distributed leadership and organisational capacity across both schools
- Introduced initiatives to support staff wellbeing, professional growth and a positive school culture
- Ensured compliance with Ministry of Education requirements and international school expectations
Headmaster
Sherborne Qatar Preparatory School
Qatar
09.2016 - 08.2022
- Led the strategic direction of a large, high-performing Preparatory School, driving improvements in teaching quality, curriculum coherence and student outcomes across Key Stages 1 and 2
- Secured an ‘Outstanding overall’ judgement in the British Schools Overseas inspection (2022), with particular strengths in teaching, leadership and pastoral care
- Delivered over 90% student progress across the school, supported by robust assessment, tracking and targeted intervention
- Strengthened consistency in teaching and learning through clear expectations, effective monitoring and a strong culture of professional development
- Developed a positive, inclusive school culture with a strong focus on wellbeing, behaviour and relationships
- Built strong partnerships with parents, increasing engagement and confidence in the school
- Led and developed middle leaders, strengthening accountability and leadership capacity across the Primary phase
- Preparatory school of 664 students and 60 staff.
Deputy Head
Sherborne Qatar Preparatory School
Qatar
04.2014 - 08.2016
- Led day-to-day leadership of teaching, learning and pastoral care
- Strengthened systems for tracking pupil progress through effective use of assessment data
- Supported whole-school improvement planning and policy development
- Led staff development and performance management processes
Head of Year 5 & 6 / Year 5 Teacher / Head of House
Sherborne Qatar Preparatory School
09.2012 - 04.2014
Deputy Head (Acting Head for one term) / Year 4 Class Teacher
Moorlands Preparatory School
UK
09.2008 - 08.2012
Year 4 Class Teacher
Moorlands Preparatory School
UK
09.2005 - 08.2008
Year 3 Class Teacher
Victoria English School
Sharjah, UAE
09.2003 - 08.2005
Year 3 Class Teacher
Bronte House School
UK
09.2001 - 08.2003
Education
Bachelor of Education - Qualified Teacher Status
University of Bradford
Bradford01-2001
Master of Science - Educational Leadership and Management
University of Portsmouth
United Kingdom01-2021
BEd (Hons) - Qualified Teacher Status
University of Bradford
United Kingdom01-2001
Skills
- Primary school leadership (EYFS, KS1 and KS2)
- Teaching and learning standards
- Staff development, coaching and appraisal
- Whole-school strategy and improvement
- Inclusive education and personalised learning
- Accreditation and inspection leadership (WASC, BSO)
- Community engagement and stakeholder relations
- Organisational growth and change management
- Staff management
- Instructional leadership
- Ethical leadership
- Student engagement
- Collaborative learning
- Budget administration
- Parent involvement
- Team collaboration
- Strategic leadership
- Team building
- Community engagement
Interests
Active in sport and community initiatives including coaching school teams and supporting charitable organisations focused on educational development, Participation in endurance events including the London Marathon, Dubai Marathon, Everest Challenge and Qatar Coast-to-Coast, raising funds for charitable causes
Professional Development
- Level 2 Mental Health First Aid – Mind Your Health
- FOBISIA Leadership & Business Conference
- East Asia Regional Council of Schools Leadership Conference
- Executive Mentoring and Coaching – Mann Consultancy
- Leading with Wellbeing – Mann Consultancy
- BSME Leadership and Safeguarding Training
- Visible Learning – IAPS
- Various international leadership and school improvement conferences
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Whole School Principal
The Winstedt School
01.2024 - Current
Executive Headmaster
Sherborne Qatar Preparatory School
09.2022 - 08.2023
Headmaster
Sherborne Qatar Preparatory School
09.2016 - 08.2022
Deputy Head
Sherborne Qatar Preparatory School
04.2014 - 08.2016
Head of Year 5 & 6 / Year 5 Teacher / Head of House
Sherborne Qatar Preparatory School
09.2012 - 04.2014
Deputy Head (Acting Head for one term) / Year 4 Class Teacher
Moorlands Preparatory School
09.2008 - 08.2012
Year 4 Class Teacher
Moorlands Preparatory School
09.2005 - 08.2008
Year 3 Class Teacher
Victoria English School
09.2003 - 08.2005
Year 3 Class Teacher
Bronte House School
09.2001 - 08.2003
Bachelor of Education - Qualified Teacher Status
University of Bradford
Master of Science - Educational Leadership and Management
University of Portsmouth
BEd (Hons) - Qualified Teacher Status
University of Bradford