Elizabeth Westwood

Growing up in Birmingham as the youngest daughter of a Lay-Reading Chemistry teacher and a nurse, I developed an interest in education and a passion for understanding other cultures and religions from an early age. I was demonstrating leadership even then, as Head Chorister and as a Warrant Officer in the Girls’ Brigade.

After reading Philosophy and World Religions at Westminster College in Oxford, I completed my teacher training at the University of Birmingham where I met my husband Joseph. Two years of teaching in Doncaster were followed by my first school leadership position as Head of Philosophy, Religious Studies and PSHE in Grantham at Sir Isaac Newton’s old school. Having completed a master’s degree in Psychology, I had further leadership positions in the UK before embarking on an international teaching career, first in Oman and then at The British International School of Shanghai, Puxi where I held a number of roles including Special Needs Coordinator, Year Leader and Assistant Head of the Primary School.

I have taught every year group from Reception to Year 13, prepared Year 6 students for SATs, prepared others for Oxbridge interviews, taught GCSE, A Level and IB TOK. After two years away as Deputy Head at Nord Anglia International School Al Khor, I was delighted to return to Shanghai and become part of the BISS Puxi pride once again as Head of the Primary School. 

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After three amazing years back in China, it will be time for another change because, although I love my job and I love China, I need to be somewhere I can reach my family more easily.