Durham International is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Sue Small as the Headteacher of Durham International Nursery & Pre-Prep School which opens in Nairobi in January 2021.

Already the Headteacher at a reputed international school in Nairobi, and having worked with premium international schools in Nairobi for almost 8 years, Sue brings a tremendous understanding of the needs and expectations of families in Kenya. Importantly for Durham, Sue also has a wealth of international education experience, including positions as the Head of Learning Enrichment at Feltonfleet Preparatory School in Surrey, UK and Deputy Head of Learning Development at Millfield School in Somerset, UK. Additionally, she has spent six years teaching at some of the best British International schools in the Middle East.

Sue is a passionate educator and leader, with a deep understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum as well as primary education. In addition to a Masters degree in Inclusive Education from Middlesex University, Sue holds a PGCE and is a qualified Special Education Needs practitioner.

Speaking on the appointment, Mrs Ann Champion, Durham’s EYFS Director, said: “From our very first meeting, it was obvious Sue absolutely shares Durham educational ethos and values. She will be a wonderful and inspiring role model, establishing a happy, safe and vibrant community at our new school where a sense of belonging and self-confidence is nurtured and where pupils and teachers from diverse backgrounds, both local and international, will feel cared for and supported”.

Mr Kieran McLaughlin, Headmaster of Durham School UK, commented, “Sue brings a proven track record of strong academic and pastoral leadership gained in some of the best UK and international schools. As a serving Headteacher in Nairobi, Sue is uniquely placed to lead the development of Durham International Nursery & Pre-Prep School when it opens in Nairobi in Janary 2021”.

On her appointment Sue said, “The opportunity to lead Durham International Nursery & Pre-Prep School as Headteacher is hugely exciting. I look forward to building on Durham’s traditions of excellence across all areas of school life in the unique and beautiful setting of Kenya”.

Sue and her husband Dave have a son and a daughter who both work in the UK having completed their studies at Edinburgh, LSE and Southampton universities.

Sue formally takes up her appointment at the start of the academic year. The Directors of Durham International look forward to welcoming Sue to the Durham family of schools.