Campus Principal’s Message
Andy Hill
Andy was born and raised in the beautiful town of Dronfield in Derbyshire, UK. He completed his degree in Physics in Sheffield, (The same campus where his eldest son is now studying), before completing his Post Graduate Certificate in Education at St Martin’s College (University of Lancaster). After teaching for short time in the independent sector in the UK, Andy decided to give back to the world and move overseas with the VSO (Volunteer Service Overseas) to work as a teacher in some of the poorer parts of Kenya and that is how he came to fall in love with Africa. After completing his service, Andy decided to stay in Kenya and became a teacher of Physics at Braeburn School.
Over the next twenty-five years, Andy’s career flourished, and he progressed through the middle leadership ranks as Head of Boarding, Head of Physics and Head of Science before taking on Deputy headship and then Headship in 2004 of three schools within the Braeburn Group of International Schools.
In 2012 Andy was appointed Executive Head Teacher of Braeside School (now known as Braeside Lavington). Under Andy’s leadership the school went from strength to strength both in terms of student numbers, teacher training, pastorally and academically. Braeside is now recognised as one of the leading schools in Kenya with his long-lasting legacy resulting in the best IGCSE results in Kenya this year. In 2018, Andy was appointed the Managing Director of the whole Braeburn Group and under his guidance the group not only acquired two more schools but also the reputation of being the Premium International Schools Group in East Africa and Tanzania.
As a great advocate of Lifelong Learning, Andy holds his NPQEL (National Professional Qualification for Executive Leaders) and was awarded Fellowship of the Chartered College of Teaching in 2022 (an award which recognises the commitments and achievements of leaders who have shown a significant and sustained contribution to the teaching profession) He is now working on his masters in educational leadership but is still thinking about his area of research!
Loving the mindset of “good struggles” Andy fully embrace the Tenby and ISP learning philosophy; to fall in love with the Malaysian culture and continue the amazing work of the teachers of Tenby Schools Ipoh. Andy is accompanied by his wife Leigh (who also has a background in education) and their youngest sons; twins Gabrael and Zachariah who are 3 and a half.
Welcome to Tenby Schools Ipoh!
At our school, we want to support your child’s development into a capable, well-balanced adult. To achieve this, we draw on our 60-year heritage of educational experience as well as the best of evidence-based pedagogy. Our purpose-designed campus provides students with a conducive environment to learn new skills, discover new interests, and grow in knowledge of themselves and the world around them.
Our holistic approach to education is an effective blend of intellectual endeavour coupled with a broad range of co-curricular activities, which not only facilitate academic excellence but character development as well.
The foundation for academic excellence
We believe in an approach to education that emphasises the active involvement of students in their own learning. This involves helping our students constantly discover new things about themselves and the people and world around them. In this way, students are empowered to be lifelong, independent learners.
Additionally, our experienced staff and faculty actively seek opportunities for students to meet and exceed their potential in all areas of academia. From our Early Years to our A Level classes, students are challenged, supported and guided in order to stretch their capabilities beyond their comfort zone.
This approach has resulted in consistently outstanding results in both our Malaysian National and International schools. We are regularly ranked among the top schools in Perak for UPSR, PT3 and SPM results, while our students at Tenby International School have regularly been recognised as some of the Top in the World in various subjects.
Well-rounded individuals
While academic success is important for university placement and career pathways, it is also important to provide a balance with a co-curricular programme that helps children develop the skills to thrive amidst a fast-changing world.
This includes the nurturing of soft skills such as agility to adapt to changing situations, collaboration with other parties, and communicating with diverse people effectively. We also enable our students to learn leadership skills by providing opportunities for them to initiate ideas and be involved in student-driven projects. Furthermore, we prepare students to be critical thinkers, where they develop the ability to define problems, develop multiple solutions and apply their knowledge in new ways.
It is our experience that students who develop these skills are able to achieve greater levels of learning than standardized tests can measure.
Amazing students
We especially want to inspire children to learn to levels that amaze them. Those moments where students can say “I didn’t realise I could do that until now!” are what we call Amazing Learning moments. When we help them realise that there is always another level to be reached, students will strive to reach that level, and will keep the memory of breaking through with them into their adult life.
We are committed to facilitating students in this journey to becoming better versions of themselves. This will enable our students to develop excellence of character so that they can realise their true potential. And ultimately, a person of excellent character will bring about excellence to all that they do.
I invite you to explore our website further to get a small taste of what our learning community is all about. Please visit us in person to experience the Tenby Schools Ipoh environment for yourself and learn more about how we help nurture your child to become the best he or she can be.
