Senior Academic Team

Catriona Olsen

Executive Head

Catriona is the Executive Head of King’s InterHigh. She equips students and teachers with the tools and skills required to be successful, with a strong emphasis on belonging and building a school community that every student feels a part of.

Catriona holds a BA Information Systems Management and a University of Edinburgh Post Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education Computing and has developed a robust career in education, holding various significant positions across the globe. Her journey has taken her from Edinburgh to London and onto South Africa, where she was the Deputy Head of Academics and later the College Head at Reddam House Durbanville, also part of the Inspired Education group of schools.

Penny Alston

Head of Primary School

Penny completed her initial teaching degree in South Africa before registering with the University of Pretoria to study for her Honours in Education Management, Law and Policy followed by her Master’s in Education Curriculum and Policy Studies.

After nine years’ experience as Deputy Head of Chelsea Preparatory School and then Headmistress of Glenashley Preparatory School in Durban North, Penny joined Reddam House Umhlanga, a member of Inspired in 2018 as Headmistress. Penny is currently completing her PhD under the supervision of the distinguished Professor Jonathan Jansen at Stellenbosch University.

Fiona Henderson

Head of Middle School

Fiona comes from a fine art background and is an arts educator with over 20 years’ experience teaching and leading teams in independent and international schools.

Fiona’s previous role was as Faculty Head for Art and Design, at an ESF school in Hong Kong and at King’s InterHigh was Head of the Arts Faculty, including English, Modern Foreign Languages, Art, Photography, Music, Drama, Media and Film studies. She is now Head of Key Stage 3 – bringing her experience and love of learning and teaching to the Middle School years.

Elaine Teale

Head of Senior School

Elaine Teale’s vibrant experience and diverse educational knowledge shape the way she guides our Year 10 and 11 students. With an PGCE from the University of Exeter and an MSc in Learning and Teaching from the University of Oxford, Elaine has impressive expertise in pedagogy and development.

First teaching at Dulwich College, London, Elaine later served as Head of Science at top schools around the world. Having led students at a bicultural school in Mexico and the United World College in Singapore, she brings a wealth of international experience to our global online community.

Most recently serving as Deputy Head Pastoral at Bedford Girls’ School, Elaine also deeply understands that children learn best when they feel safe and supported. Now, she is delighted to bring her experience and vision to an innovate, forward-thinking school environment.

Alastair Summers

Head of Sixth Form

Alastair Summers oversees the academic and pastoral development of our Sixth Form students as we guide them to achieve their personal goals and plan bright futures. With vast experience, strong values, and a dedication to student success, Alastair ensures every learner enjoys a fulfilling, inspiring A Level or IB experience with us.

Alastair’s educational philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that students should be empowered to be active stakeholders in their learning. Educated at the University of Edinburgh, he has developed a passion for collaborative learning and direct interactions with students.

As the former Vice Principal Academic at St. Clare’s, Oxford (the oldest IB World School in England), Alastair championed all aspects of the school’s academic programmes. Leading in a variety of education environments throughout his career, his adaptability is perfectly suited to our evolving online school.

Tahoora Khalil Urehman

Head of Middle East and Southeast Asia

Tahoora’s teaching career began in state schools and multi-academy trusts, where she eventually progressed to a vice principal role. After several years of this, she moved to the UAE to work in school leadership positions. While here, she took on as many duties as possible, including inspection work and ministry remits.

As an experienced education leader, Tahoora is responsible for guiding King’s InterHigh’s learners on the Gulf Standard Time and the Southeast Asia timetable. By studying on any of our universal timetables students can access a British education from our UK qualified teachers, on a schedule that suits them.