Sarah Harrison as the new Head of Senior School at St Christopher’s

We are delighted to welcome Sarah Harrison as the new Head of Senior School at St Christopher’s. With a wealth of international leadership experience and a deep commitment to student-centred education, Sarah joins us at an exciting moment in the school’s history, as we prepare for the opening of our new state-of-the-art senior school in August 2026.

In this interview, Sarah shares what inspired her to join St Chris, her first impressions of the new campus project, and her vision for an outstanding senior school experience. From her passion for global education to her enthusiasm for diving, hiking, and baking, we invite you to get to know Sarah as she steps into this important leadership role.

Q1: What inspired you to join St Christopher’s School and what are you most looking forward to in your new role?

I was inspired to join St Christopher’s because of its reputation for academic excellence, its commitment to nurturing well-rounded, globally-minded students, and the value it places on community. Friends and former colleagues who have lived and worked in Bahrain had also spoken highly of the school.  When I visited in December, I received a warm welcome and was struck by the school’s positive atmosphere and strong sense of purpose. It confirmed that St Christopher’s was exactly the kind of school I wanted to be part of, and I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to lead the senior school. 

I am looking forward to getting to know the school community and working with them to drive St Christopher’s towards even greater success.  Of course, the new senior school campus is an incredibly exciting development. I can’t wait to see the spaces come alive.  However, we have a whole year ahead of us, and I am committed to ensuring that the senior school’s final year at the Isa Town campus is its best yet!

Q2: Can you share a bit about your professional background and experience in school leadership?

I began my career as a Geography teacher in the UK, but I had always wanted to live and work abroad.  I have since been fortunate to teach and lead in a range of diverse cultural and educational contexts in Sri Lanka, Egypt, El Salvador, South Korea, and Germany. I am now looking forward to making Bahrain my new home.  

I have served as Head of Senior School in international schools in South Korea and Germany. Before stepping into headship, I held a variety of academic and pastoral leadership roles and led whole-school initiatives focused on teaching and learning, student wellbeing, and professional development.  

I am an active member of the International Coaching Federation and, as a leadership performance coach, I support educators around the world on the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership. I have extensive experience in leading, facilitating and guiding candidates through a variety of professional development programmes.  In addition, I have contributed to the development of a number of international schools as a CIS Accreditation Evaluator.

I am excited to bring my international school leadership experience to St Christopher’s and to contribute to its continued success. 

Q3: You’re joining us at a transformative time. What are your first impressions of the new Senior School project?

I feel enormously privileged to be leading the senior school as the new campus takes shape.  I have not yet visited the site, but the plans are really impressive: inspiring learning spaces, world-class facilities, and design that reflects the school’s commitment to provide the very best environments for academics, extra-curricular activities, and student support.  When I visited St Christopher’s in April, everybody I spoke to shared their excitement and enthusiasm for the project. Like the rest of the community, I can’t wait to see the campus come to life. 

Q4: What do you believe makes a truly outstanding senior school experience for students?

Senior school is a time when students discover their passion, define their purpose and begin to shape their future.  In an outstanding school, a world-class curriculum is taught by inspiring teachers, and students are given opportunities and support to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.  Success is celebrated, and students are motivated to aim higher and achieve more than they ever thought possible.  

St Christopher’s already provides an outstanding senior school experience for students, but the very best schools are constantly striving to be even better.  Putting  students at the heart of decision-making, we will consistently review our policies and procedures, respond to student feedback, and work with the student leadership team to ensure we are providing the incredible senior school experience our community deserves. 

Q5: How would you describe the kind of school culture you hope to help shape at St Christopher’s?

My goal is to shape a school culture in which students and staff feel truly valued, supported in their growth, and inspired to excel.  This means delivering a dynamic, future-ready curriculum taught by passionate, reflective teachers who are continually developing through personalised professional learning. We will celebrate each student’s success, foster curiosity and creativity, and encourage service and global responsibility.  I aim to lead a school in which the vision and values are lived daily and where student voice and agency thrive.  

Q6: What are some activities you like to pursue outside of school?

I have made the most of opportunities wherever I have lived.  In Munich, I have enjoyed hiking in the Alps with my dog, exploring the city, going to the theatre and musical performances, and learning German.  I am now looking forward to exploring everything Bahrain has to offer.  As an experienced scuba diver, I will definitely be diving regularly, and I would love to learn to sail.  In my downtime, I enjoy baking and I usually have at least one crochet project on the go. During the holidays, I tend to combine my passion for travel with outdoor adventures - usually hiking or cycling.