Wendy Ellis – Principal

Born in Canada, Wendy was educated in the UK, graduating from Lancaster University in History and Politics, following a year at King’s College, London where she completed her P.G.C.E. Wendy taught in a number of independent schools in the UK. Following a 7 year headship at Windermere School, Wendy took a ‘gap year’ to complete a full-time MBA at Lancaster Management School before taking up the role of Principal at BISB in 2007. Having once lived only to climb mountains, Wendy’s out of school pursuits now include walking, visiting vineyards, travel, film and literature.

Nicola Meehan – Head of Primary School

After graduating with an Education Degree from Edinburgh, Niki spent 5 years working overseas in development education in China, Vietnam and Eritrea. A few years were then spent back in Scotland teaching in inner city schools and on education projects for children with behavioural problems. The wanderlust then caught up with her again and she moved to Spain, then Thailand where she was a Deputy Head and then Head of Primary, before joining BISB as Head of Primary in 2008. Between working and studying for a MA in International Education, Niki tries to spend quality time with her husband, two young daughters and collie dog Hamish. Niki loves walking, cycling, yoga, reading and travelling.

Gary Minnitt – Head of SecondarySchool

Gary joins us from the British School in The Netherlands where he has been Deputy Headteacher since 2001. Prior to that he taught in four state schools in the UK and, latterly, as Assistant Principal. He has also taught English in Japan in a 'junior university' and EAL with a Flemish organisation over ten summers and to IBM employees in Brussels. Gary holds an MA (Hons) in Modern History from Oxford University; a PGCE (teaching qualification) from Manchester University the NPQH (school leadership qualification) from Newcastle University. He is an experienced school inspector for ISI and has presented to national staff development conferences, at European conferences for CEM (University of Durham) and UCAS and has been engaged in organising staff conferences for HMC deputy head teacher.

Bernie Cox – Deputy Head of SecondarySchool (Pastoral Care)

Bernie completed his BA degree in History and Economics at Queen Mary University London before going onto do his PGCE at West Sussex Institute of Education. He taught at two large comprehensive schools in the UK before spending 5 years teaching at two international schools in Spain where he gained experience as a department and pastoral head. After joining the BIS in 2005 Bernie was given responsibility for KS4 and was appointed as Deputy Head of Secondary in 2009. Bernie spends most of his free time with his wife and two young children although he likes to find a little time to play sport and coach the junior football team.