Key People to Know
Key People to Know
This section introduces the key people who will support your child throughout their time at DHSZ. Our pastoral team works closely with every student to make sure they feel safe, known, and cared for.
Every student belongs to a tutor group and is supported by a Tutor, who they meet regularly and who gets to know them well. Each year group is led by a Head of Year and Assistant Head of Year. These are the people families will most often contact with questions or concerns.
Every student and staff member also belongs to one of our four Houses: Curie, Mandela, Turing, and Soong. The House system builds a strong sense of community and belonging within the wider school.
Our pastoral team is responsible for student behaviour and wellbeing, subject choices, and a programme of Lifeskills lessons that help students develop important life skills and personal qualities. They also oversee our tutor time and mentoring programme.
For students who board with us, our Boarding team is led by the Assistant Head Boarding and supported by House Parents, Assistant House Parents, and Boarding Mentors, who are present throughout the week and available to students at all times.
Our Social and Emotional Counsellor is available to any student who would like to talk in confidence about personal or emotional matters. Our University and Careers Counsellors begin working with students early to help them plan for their futures. Our medical centre is staffed by qualified nurses and can arrange access to doctors both on and off-site.
You will hear more from the pastoral team at the start of the academic year. They are always happy to answer questions and support your family.
Clare Winton, Assistant Head for Pastoral
A graduate of the University of Birmingham, with more than a decade of teaching experience, Clare Winton is the Assistant Head for Pastoral. This will be her 9th 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.
Welcome to the Lower School!
Umer Sohail, Head of Lower School
Dr. Umer Sohail is the Head of Lower School at Dulwich High School Suzhou and a Chemistry teacher with over a decade of educational experience in China, having worked in Shanxi, Changshu, and Suzhou. Originally from Pakistan, he completed his A-level studies before pursuing medicine and later earning a Master's degree in Molecular Biology. Prior to becoming Head of Lower School, he served as Head of Year for the Class of 2026, guiding and supporting students from Year 10 through to Year 13 and graduation. Passionate about science and education, he is committed not only to academic excellence but also to promoting strong social-emotional wellbeing and healthy student development. He believes schools should nurture confident, compassionate, and resilient young people who are prepared to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Outside school, he enjoys cooking and reading, and strongly encourages students to develop a love of literature and reading in English. He would always be delighted to discuss Harry Potter, Lord the Rings, science fiction, biology, astrophysics, or coding with students who share his enthusiasm for books and learning.
Welcome to Year 10!
Cherry Shen, Assistant Head of Year 10 and PAL
Cherry Shen has served at Dulwich for six years and earned her degree from Suzhou University of Science and Technology. As Assistant Head of Year and Parent Liaison with over 10 years of educational experience, she specializes in long‑term student development and moral education. Patient and approachable, she excels at communicating with students and parents to build trust. In her free time, she enjoys baking, puzzles, travelling and photography.
Welcome to Year 11, Pre-A Level and IG1!
Sammie Zhao, Assistant Head of Year 11 and IG1
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 the Upper School!
Welcome to Year 12!
Alex Whitwam, Head of Year 12
Mr Whitwam is an experienced English and Liberal Arts teacher with over a decade of teaching experience in Thailand and China. He is now in his fifth year at DHSZ. During his time at the school, he has held several pastoral and leadership roles, including Head of House and House Mentor, reflecting his strong commitment to student wellbeing and the wider school community.
Originally from the UK, Alex's professional interests include international education, student leadership and creating inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive and be more positive.
Sophine Li, Assistant Head of Year 12
Sophine graduated from Soochow University, majoring in International Business. She has been working at Dulwich for 5 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 8 years now. She has gained valuable experience in the education industry. In her free time, she loves traveling and photography, capturing beautiful moments.