Meet some of the key academic team at King's InterHigh

The quality of King’s InterHigh School’s education is driven by its senior academic team. Meet these key staff members here.

Ashley Harrold

Ashley Harrold is the CEO of Inspired Online Schools, leading with a commitment to inclusivity and educational excellence. He oversees the operation of King’s InterHigh, the world’s leading British curriculum and IB Diploma online school, and Academy21, a market leader in alternative provision in the UK.

Ashley qualified as a teacher at University College London’s renowned Institute of Education, beginning his education career in London before ascending to a school leadership position in Sussex. After six years as a Headteacher, Ashley joined King’s InterHigh, where he excelled as Executive Headteacher before rising to his current role.

Holding both the NPQH and NPQEL, two world-respected British qualifications for headship and executive leadership, Ashley Harrold brings a wealth of experience to his role as CEO. Alongside his strong foundation and background in education, Ashley is also deeply committed to fostering an environment where all students can excel, no matter their circumstances.

Ashley sees learning as a transformative force for good, and technology as a tool that can unlock the boundless potential of each student. Under his direction, Inspired Online Schools continues to grow as a leader in education where every learner is supported to thrive.

EXECUTIVE HEAD

Catriona Olsen

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 hails from Castlebar in Ireland, with a BA Information Systems Management and a University of Edinburgh Post Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education Computing. Catriona began her teaching career in Edinburgh before moving to London where she was Assistant Principal at London Academy. Moving to South Africa in 2014, she was Deputy Head Academics and later College Head at Reddam House Durbanville, a member of Inspired.

HEAD OF PRIMARY SCHOOL

Penny Alston

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.

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Fiona Henderson

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.

HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Elaine Teale

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.

HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

Alastair Summers

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.

HEAD OF MIDDLE EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIA

Tahoora Khalil Urehman

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.

Read some of our pupil stories

Find out about the experiences of others at King’s InterHigh school and where they are now.

View stories

How we teach

Timetabled lessons are delivered in live, interactive online classrooms by a professionally qualified teacher. Students are encouraged to engage and interact throughout and have 24/7 access to multiple resources including the cloud-based lesson library.

Learn more

Learn more about our online curriculum

King's InterHigh offers a full British secondary curriculum in a wide range of subjects online from Key Stage 2. As pupils progress through the school, they can study a full range of IGCSE, AS and A Level courses.

Learn more