Jon Standen

EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL

• Bachelor of Arts
• Graduate Certificate in Education
• National Professional Qualification for Headship

Jon Standen joined AIS Saigon in August 2023 as Executive Principal, bringing with him extensive school leadership experience, having led schools in Thailand and the UK. Previously Jon was Head Master of Harrow International School Bangkok, and before that he was a Headmaster in the UK, where he was awarded the title of “National Leader of Education,” in recognition of his achievements. Jon read Ancient History and History at the University of Nottingham, and holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching in the UK, an accolade awarded to some of the most committed teachers and school leaders, who have shown a significant and sustained contribution to the teaching profession. Alongside helping students to achieve their best, Jon enjoys coaching and developing staff, and several members of his teams have gone on to lead their own schools as Executive Principals.

Julian Carroll

PRIMARY AND KINDERGARTEN PRINCIPAL

• Master of Education, Federation University (University of Ballarat)
• Bachelor of Education, Monash University
• Diploma of Teaching, Deakin University (Burwood State College)
• Graduate Diploma of Music Education, Federation University (Universityof Ballarat)

Julian Carroll has extensive experience as a Principal in both the government and independent school sectors and he is very excited to be joining the team at AIS Saigon. He moves from a PYP School, Kingswood College in Melbourne, where he has spent the last 3½ years as Head of the Junior School. He believes that to teach is an ‘honour and a privilege’. He is accompanied by his wife, Elisa, who is also an experienced educator. Julian’s passions include music, golf and architecture and he can’t wait to experience the culture, food and beautiful sites of Vietnam.

Beth Wills

DEPUTY PRIMARY AND KINDERGARTEN PRINCIPAL

• Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

This is Beth’s third year with AIS. She has 20 years of teaching experience ranging from 5-year-olds to 12-year-olds. Beth is a New Zealander and for the past 14 years has had the opportunity to be the lead teacher of Mathematics, a Team Leader and Deputy Principal. This is her 2nd year in the Deputy Principal role for Kindergarten and Primary. She believes it is important to build leadership capacity in schools so that it increases the opportunities for improving learning outcomes for all students. Her husband Brien is also a teacher at AIS. Their girls Lucy (12) and Isla (11) also attend AIS. Beth loves to play netball and yoga, enjoys most sports and keeping fit. She is a very active person and is enjoying life in Vietnam.

Ben Armstrong

SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

• Bachelor of Science (Mathematics), Griffith University, Australia
• Bachelor of Education (Physics), Griffith University, Australia
• Masters of Education - with Distinction (Leading & Managing Educational Organisations), University of Southern Queensland, Australia

After starting his Mathematics and Physics teaching career on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, Ben has been a member of the AIS community since 2012. In that time he has held a number of positions at the school such as Head of Mathematics, Head of Science and Deputy Principal of the Secondary School. He is looking forward to using his vast institutional knowledge to continue the growth of AIS into a premier education choice for Ho Chi Minh City families.

Ben finds great enjoyment and is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and wellbeing. He believes the three pillars of which AIS builds its education; academics, creative arts and sport, ensure we help our students become inquiring and knowledgeable learners, leading to a brighter future.

Stuart Evans

DEPUTY SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Physics (RMIT, Melbourne)
• Masters of Arts in Learning and Teaching through the University of Roehampton (U.K)
• Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education (VUT)

Originally from Exeter (U.K), Stuart taught Mathematics and Physics in Melbourne, Australia for 13 years before becoming Head of Mathematics at a large international school in the U.A.E for 3 years. After also fulfilling the role of Director of Studies at an independent school in Melbourne, he was appointed to an international school management position in the Czech Republic before moving to Vietnam to teach Secondary School Mathematics here at A.I.S. He holds a Degree in Applied Physics (RMIT, Melbourne), has recently completed an MA in Learning and Teaching through the University of Roehampton (U.K) and holds teaching qualifications in both Australia and the U.K. His passion is for education to be life-worthy and relevant to students in order that what is learned will matter in the lives that learners are likely to live.

Outside of school, he enjoys time with his wife and three children, playing drums, cricket, listening to country music and watching Liverpool win everything.