Committed to Nurturing Each Student's Success


We are dedicated to employing the very best staff from around the world and supporting their career development, ensuring they can contribute to each student's academic and personal achievement. Our exceptional staff are truly at the heart of our success, embodying the values we hold dear every day for our students to emulate. They are deeply passionate about their subjects and prioritise understanding each student’s individual needs, nurturing their development with care and compassion, and helping them reach their fullest potential from ages 18 months to 18 years.

Discover the members of our international team below.

Jon Standen

Jon Standen

Executive Principal


Jon Standen joined AIS Saigon in August 2023 as Executive Principal, bringing with him extensive school leadership experience from his roles in Thailand and the UK. Previously, Jon was Headmaster 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" for his achievements.

Jon read Ancient History and History at the University of Nottingham and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching in the UK, an accolade awarded to highly committed teachers and school leaders who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the teaching profession.

In addition to helping students 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.

Lee Childs

Lee Childs

Secondary School Principal


Lee has worked in education in the UK and Internationally as a senior leader for over 20 years. He has enjoyed integrating into a new, dynamic and vibrant community at AIS Saigon and helping the school become a truly special place to learn and grow. He is proud to lead the Secondary section of the school with a clear vision for academic excellence.

Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson

Deputy Secondary School Principal


Originally from Byron Bay, Australia, Trent completed his degree at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane. That is also where began his teaching career, spanning Mathematics, Science, and Physical Education. Seeking new experiences and challenges, he moved to London, where he taught for three years before joining AIS Saigon in August 2019.

As a Deputy Principal and Head of Year, Trent is passionate about student wellbeing and strives to make school a positive and memorable experience for all. He is dedicated to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth.

In his spare time, Trent enjoys staying active through triathlons and rugby. He also has a love for travel and exploring diverse cuisines.

Andrew Diamond

Andrew Diamond

Deputy Secondary School Principal


Andrew Diamond is a dedicated educator with nearly 20 years of experience. Throughout his career, Andrew has held various roles including English teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and Head of Secondary. His journey in education has been marked by a commitment to fostering a learning environment where students are at the heart of every decision. Andrew has made Vietnam his home, where he has lived for over 12 years, bringing his passion for teaching and learning to the international school community.

Andrew's teaching philosophy centres around the belief that children should always be the focal point of educational decisions. He is deeply committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. His approach emphasises the importance of understanding each student's unique needs, strengths, and interests, ensuring that they are given the tools and opportunities to succeed.

Allan Short

Allan Short

Principal Of Kindergarten and Primary


Mr Short has taught in schools across the UK and New Zealand, working with students ranging from ages 3 to 18. Since 2003, he has served as a Headmaster/Principal, leading schools with a strong sense of community, where students, staff, parents, and the wider community collaborate. He believes in providing a well-rounded, holistic education that helps young people grow into balanced individuals while discovering their passions and talents. In addition to traditional academics, he emphasizes the importance of sports, the arts, and cultural and social programs.

"I want my students to be curious, take risks, and develop a passion for learning and aspirations for the future. These values are central to life at AIS Saigon, and I am excited to work alongside an incredible team of staff and students to help make the school an exceptional place to learn and grow." – Mr. Allan Short.

Bridie Anderson

Bridie Anderson

Deputy Principal of Kindergarten and Primary


Originally from Queensland, Bridie studied at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane before beginning her teaching career as an Early Years class teacher in Melbourne. Always keen to experience new cultures and environments, Bridie relocated to Beijing in 2007 and has been teaching in international schools across Asia, South America and Europe since then.

Bridie joined AIS Vietnam in August 2024 as Deputy Principal of Kindergarten and Primary. She is passionate about developing creative educational experiences that ignite a lifelong love of learning and building supportive environments that help every child thrive academically and personally. 

In her spare time, Bridie enjoys travelling and dressmaking. She is currently working on a second master’s degree in education through the University of Queensland.

Meryl Fossey

Meryl Fossey

Deputy Principal of Kindergarten


Meryl has been working in Early Childhood education for over 14 years in the UK and internationally and has been in leadership roles for the last 8 years. In addition to teaching and leading, Meryl founded three successful Early Years centres in the UK, China and Qatar. In her current school in Qatar she worked hard to establish a vision, develop her team and build a strong community and the centre is now recognised as a place of excellence.

Her experiences have given her a clear understanding of what excellent Early Years environments and teaching should look and feel like. This year Meryl also attended a study group at Reggio Emila in Italy. She will bring skills and knowledge to AIS and work with the team to ensure that we are offering the best Early Years education and school community for our children and our families. Meryl is a passionate educator who leads by example. She states: ‘We are building the foundations for a child’s attitude towards and attainment in their future education. It is essential we get it right.’

When not at work Meryl enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors, exploring and going on adventures to new places. As a family she enjoys food, either cooking at home or finding good food spots in the local area. She can’t wait to experience all the delicious Vietnamese foods! Meryl also has a passion for art and design and enjoys visiting art galleries or design spaces and loves working on art projects at home with her daughter Eliza.

Meryl loves this quote by Sir Ken Robinson: ‘The gardener does not make a plant grow. The job of the gardener is to create optimal conditions for growth’.

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