ISG Superintendent's Message
SHARE
BSD PRINCIPAL FINALISTS
I am happy to share that ISG leadership has identified three finalists for the BSD principal position. We look forward to welcoming them to BSD next week, where they will be interviewed by the leadership team, tour facilities and be introduced to our community. Please learn more about the three finalists below.
Richard Charlesworth
Richard is an experienced, dedicated and compassionate educational leader with over 18 years of experience in international education, including nearly a decade in leadership roles.
Currently serving as Principal of Sara Village School and Interim Principal at the British School Dhahran, Richard has successfully contributed to the school through multiple accreditations while fostering a positive, collaborative culture focused on learning and growth. His leadership emphasizes capacity-building, innovation and student empowerment through sustainability and enterprise initiatives. Richard holds a Master’s in Teaching and Learning from the University of Manchester and the NPQH from University College London.
Simon Fowler
Simon is an experienced international school leader with over 14 years of expertise in academic leadership, curriculum innovation and whole-school improvement.
Currently serving as Deputy Headmaster at Denla British School in Bangkok, Simon has led successful accreditation processes, introduced data-informed teaching strategies, and fostered a culture of inclusion and professional growth. His leadership is values-driven, grounded in empathy, integrity, and student wellbeing, with a proven record of empowering staff and strengthening school communities. Simon holds a master’s degree in Education Leadership and Management from the University of Derby and is completing his National Professional Qualification for Headship.
Tracey Francis
Tracey is an accomplished and visionary educational leader with over 20 years of experience across the UK, Middle East, and China.
Currently serving as Head of School at The Ducks School, Dulwich College Beijing, Tracey has led diverse international teams to raise standards, strengthen wellbeing, and embed inquiry-based, student-centered learning. She has extensive experience in school start-ups, curriculum design, accreditation, and community engagement, underpinned by a strong commitment to values-driven leadership. Tracey is pursuing her NPQ in Executive Leadership and holds an MBA in Educational Leadership (International) from University College London.
COMMON SENSE MEDIA AWARD
We are proud to share that ASD and BSD have been recognized as a Common Sense Education School for 2025–2026.
The Common Sense School recognition celebrates schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching students how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. It acknowledges schools that intentionally integrate digital citizenship into their teaching and learning practices, helping students develop critical thinking skills, protect their privacy and build healthy online habits.
Congratulations to Ms. Maha Sousak and Mr. Brian Ham for leading these efforts at BSD and ASD. Their leadership and dedication have ensured that our students are learning how to make smart and ethical choices in today’s digital world.
ISG is now working toward a district-wide Common Sense recognition, highlighting our collective commitment to digital literacy, student wellbeing and responsible technology use across all campuses.
Thank you, Maha and Brian, for your initiative and leadership, and congratulations to our BSD and ASD communities on this outstanding achievement.
DHAHRAN CAMPUS MULTIPURPOSE SPACE (MPS) UPDATE
As shared earlier this school year, ISG has experienced a delay in the completion of the MPS on the Dhahran Campus due to contractor financial challenges. We are pleased to share with you this recording showing the most recent developments in the multipurpose space on the Dhahran campus.
ISG’s project team is working with subcontractors to update and finalize the current project plan so that a final completion and handover date can be confirmed when it is ready.
REMINDER: KEEP YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATED
In order to ensure families have valuable and timely information, please ensure that your personal contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses and emergency contacts, is up to date with ISG. Having accurate information allows us to communicate with you effectively and reach out to you timely for your children in the event of an emergency.
With the change to using personal email addresses as of August 1, you may need to provide contact updates to ISG. If so, please make any updates by reaching out to the campus office for your child at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
SCHOOL UPDATES
American School Dhahran
Olympic Gold Medalist Anna Hopkin Inspires Students at ASD and BSD Visit.
ASD’s IB Peer Mentorship Program Kicks Off for the 2025–26 Academic Year.
ASD Students Attend Mini University Fair with U.S. Educational Group (USEG).
ASD PTG Hosts Monthly Meeting to Plan Exciting Community Events.
British School Dhahran
Adventure Begins with the Duke of Edinburgh International Award at BSD.
Inspiring Leadership Through Numbers: Meet Our BSD KS2 Maths Ambassadors.
BSD Students Win 1st and 3rd Place at the Mental Maths World Cup Grand Finale 2025.
Olympic Gold Medallist Anna Hopkin Inspires Students at the British School Dhahran (BSD).
BSD U16 Volleyball Teams Show Skill, Spirit and Sportsmanship at Weekend Jamboree.
ISG Dammam