Katie Tomlinson - Testimonials

Louise Wyeth - Deputy Headteacher

North London Collegiate School, Singapore

Few people have the opportunity to work with someone who is not only an outstanding manager but also a coach and mentor, I have been lucky enough to do so whilst working for Katie. I have had the pleasure of working with Katie as her Deputy Head for 4 years at Sri KDU International School where we have collaborated not only on the day to day running of the school but also on a number of transformational projects. The school certainly has transformed under her leadership!

As well as being exceptionally hard working, Katie is an ‘ideas’ person too and strives to improve the school and all who are in it. I have always been inspired by Katie’s natural ability to command a room, share her ideas and vision and get people on board – even the most reluctant. Katie develops great rapport with parents, students and staff. She is firm but fair and gains respect by all who work with her.

Even at the toughest times when Covid and break duties were sent to challenge us, Katie would always bring out the chocolate and be sure to make us laugh in the staffroom! Creating a close and happy team is one of her priorities.

Katie has had a huge impact on me as a teacher, parent and leader and anyone who is lucky enough to work for her would be extremely lucky, she will make a great asset to any school or organisation.

Matthew Hunt-Brown - Assistant Headteacher (T&L)

Head of Primary Hailibury, Almaty

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Katie for 4 years at Sri KDU International Primary School.

As my Headteacher, Katie has tirelessly supported and coached me into the Teacher/Leader that I am today. Katie worked with me as a Class Teacher, recognising my potential for middle leadership, before supporting me with every step while I transitioned into senior leadership. I am very grateful for all of the time and effort she has spent over the years with me, giving me the chance to learn from her and see exactly how an outstanding Primary School should be cultivated and run.

Katie is dynamic, incredibly passionate, and completely dedicated to the Children and Staff at our school. I am constantly in awe of her incredible knowledge of not only the Primary phase, but also the dealings and processes which are ongoing in our Secondary School. Katie is completely in tune with the priorities for our whole school and regularly consults (and leads) on everything from Teaching and Learning / Curriculum, all the way to Pastoral and safeguarding proceedings.

I know that with the nature of International Teaching, it is likely that I will not be working with Katie for much longer, but I honestly hope that we cross paths in the future as I feel I can still learn so much from her.

Anna Gledhill

Deputy Head, The Biritsh School of Warsaw

Katie is a dedicated and conscientious leader, who is an excellent role model for her staff. Katie was the Headteacher at Sri KDU International Primary (SKIPS) while I worked there for three years. She led an expanding and rapidly-changing team, within a large campus of four schools. She ‘champions’ the work and successes of the primary school and staff as part of a large all-through school and private company. As a result, her staff feel valued and proud to be part of the SKIPS team.

As a Headteacher, Katie is approachable and makes time for her staff. She has an ‘open door’ policy for her office and is welcoming to both staff and students. She is transparent with leadership decisions and ensures that staff understand the reasons why we are taking a particular approach. Katie is perceptive and astute: she understands the needs and motivations of her staff. She then recognises the value of knowing her colleagues’ external priorities and how this can impact staff wellbeing.

Katie is organised and methodical in her approach to projects and day-to-day life in school. She sets achievable deadlines for projects and tasks, leaving middle leaders to be independent and accountable for their own subject or phase area. She then follows up to ensure these have been completed, giving precise feedback where necessary. Katie advocates for equality of workload to share responsibility within a team and reduce undue pressure on staff. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Katie remained a pillar of strength for her staff, staying consistently calm and optimistic during multiple lockdowns and extended periods of online teaching.

Nadia Al Qudsi - Parent of Y1, Y4 and Y6 children

Sri KDU International Primary School (SKIPS)

I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude towards Mrs. Tomlinson, Principal of Sri KDU International School. Principals’ hard work may often go unnoticed, but I believe success of a school hinges in the tone set by the leader; and Mrs. Tomlinson has done an amazing job in the success of teachers, staff and students. She has continually fostered a great sense of support and appreciation not only to the educators, but to the parents of SKIPS included. I am impressed with her ability to unite our campus community and continue to work hard together with the Senior Lead Team & Parent Reps to ensure the learning and growth of SKIPS students continue to improve. Over the past 3 years in SKIPS, I saw my children bloom into happy, confident, caring, and motivated individuals.

I am also very thankful that SKIPS is blessed with a leader who collaborates and interacts with Parents Reps and families in the school community in a fair and positive manner – in matters that can help/improve SKIPS’ student’s learning growth and learning environment. Mrs Tomlinson had successfully built a strong support team for the school, where Senior Team Leaders, teachers & parents have all collaborated/communicated positively (even during distress/problematic situations).

Staff Testimonial

MJo testimonial.pdf

Parent Testimonial

KJo testimonial.pdf

Staff Testimonial

ZF KT testimonial (1).pdf

Parent Testimonial

testimonial Lissa April 2021.pdf

Staff Testimonial

ACa testimonial.pdf