Key People to Know

Key People to Know

In this section, we introduce you to some of the key people who students will regularly meet with as they join our school. Our Pastoral team works closely with students to ensure they are safe, known, cared for, and monitored during their time at DHSZ. Our Assistant Heads of Year will be the main point of contact for our families.

Welcome to the Lower School! 

Clare Winton

A graduate of the University of Birmingham, with more than a decade of teaching experience, Clare Winton is the Assistant Director for Lower School. This will be her 7th year at DHSZ after previously working at schools in Thailand and the UK. She has held a number of different posts related to academics and pastoral care throughout her educational career and is looking forward to continuing her impactful work at DHSZ, supporting students and fostering a positive learning environment.   

Sammie Zhao

A graduate of University of Sheffield, Master of Science. She has been working in DHSZ for almost 6 years. She has a great passion for education and contributing to DHSZ students. Before joining DHSZ, she was in a luxury Company (Value Retail Group), a shopping mall named "Bicester Village Suzhou," near Yangcheng Lake. The most enjoyable thing for her in her free time is spending time with her family, travelling to many places, and enjoying different landscapes. 

Welcome to Year 10! 

Maria Villaescusa

Maria Villaescusa graduated from the University of Granada with a degree in Modern Languages (Chinese and French) and holds a Master’s in Teaching Spanish from the University of Barcelona. Now in her seventh year teaching in China and her fourth at DHSZ, she teaches English and is passionate about language learning and cultural exchange. She spent three years as Head of Mandela House, a role that gave her the chance to help students feel connected and supported. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her cats, exploring new places around China and Asia, and finding moments to be near the sea, which always feels like home to her.

Welcome to Year 11, Pre-A Level and IG1! 

Matthew Grech 

Matthew Grech graduated from Cardiff University with a BSc Zoology and University of Sunderland with his PGCE. He is a science and biology teacher who is in his third year at DHSZ, and he has extensive experience working and teaching across Asia. He is a travel and outdoor enthusiast who enjoys snow sports, running, and hiking with his dogs. His passion for biology and nature has helped to support the learning journeys of students at DHSZ, and his commitment to fostering growth mindsets ensures that students are always encouraged to achieve their full potential. 

Sophine Li

Sophine Li has been working at Dulwich for three years,serving as the assistant head of the year and the parent liaison.Since graduating from university, Sophine has been working in the education industry for 7 years now. She has gained valuable experience in the education industry. In her free time, she loves traveling and photography, capturing beautiful moments. 

Welcome to the Upper School! 

Steve Hodgkin 

A graduate of Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, with 28 years of teaching experience, Steve Hodgkin is the Assistant Director for Upper School. He is also responsible for the Scholars Programme (the DHSZ elite university preparation and mentoring scheme) as well as being an experienced teacher of Geography, Liberal Arts and a university guidance counsellor. He has worked in China for 11 years, as well as in prestigious schools in Dubai, Sri Lanka and the UK. He currently lives in Suzhou Industrial Park with his family and enjoys home baking (of variable quality) and learning Chinese (very badly.) 

Tina Wu

Tina Wu is pastoral lead of upper school, graduated from Nanjing Normal University, Master of Philosophy. She has worked in DHSZ for more than 7 years. She is a native of Suzhou and lives in SIP with her family. 

Welcome to Year 12! 

Keegan Ashton

Keegan Ashton graduated with a BA in Sports Studies from the University of Central Lancashire and his PGCE from the University of Sunderland. Keegan is Head of Lifeskills and a PE teacher at DHSZ. His other responsibilities include being Head Football coach and E-safety lead at the school. He emphasizes the importance of health and well-being in our daily lives by actively participating in sports, such as football, rugby, badminton, and snowboarding. Keegan looks forward to supporting and fostering meaningful relationships and creating impactful learning experiences for students to grow and flourish. 

Holly Zhang

Holly Zhang graduated from Seneca College, Canada. She has been working at Dulwich for five years, serving as the assistant head of the year and the parent liaison. Holly takes great pleasure in collaborating with students and parents to foster a robust and positive connection with them. During her spare time, she indulges in her passion for diverse cuisines and embarks on travel adventures alongside her family.