Claire Smith

Now entering my seventh year at WIS, I continue to feel inspired by the vibrant learning community we have built together. I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher, driven by a deep desire to inspire, support, and empower students to achieve success and lead fulfilling lives. Learning is the heart of everything we do, and I firmly believe that it is through challenges, not ease, that we grow most. Every setback is a stepping stone to resilience, and this belief continues to shape my approach as an educator and leader.

Learning and Teaching is my passion, the heartbeat of every Outstanding school, and especially so here at WIS. A quote I often return to is by Henri Matisse: “Without hard work, talent is not enough.” This simple yet powerful message drives my purpose: to ensure every student is supported in recognising their strengths, challenged to push their boundaries, and inspired to achieve their dreams through passion, perseverance, and purposeful effort.

My teaching journey began with a combined Art and Education Degree in the UK, equipping me to teach across both Primary and Secondary phases. Over the past 17+ years, I have held several leadership roles including Head of Year, Safeguarding Officer, Head of Department, and Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning. These experiences have shaped my holistic understanding of school life and student development.

Being part of such a forward-thinking, international community continues to be one of the most rewarding chapters of my career, and I look forward to building on this journey as we move into another exciting year.