LEADERSHIP TEAM

James Stenning is the Executive Principal of the Four Forest Group of Schools and the International School Zurich North (ISZN). Born and raised in East Africa, he pursued his passion for education after studying Economics at university and obtaining a postgraduate diploma in education. James spent many years teaching Economics in London before transitioning into school leadership roles. He served as Deputy Principal at North Bridge House Senior School and later as Head Teacher at North Bridge House Prep School. In 2022, he moved to Switzerland to lead ISZN, and in 2024, he took on the leadership of Four Forest after it joined the Cognita family. Outside of his professional responsibilities, James enjoys running, participating in triathlons, and exploring the natural beauty of Switzerland! 

Christopher serves as Head of Secondary at ISZN. Originally from Scotland, he was an active sportsman who knew from a young age that his dream was to become a Physical Education teacher. He earned his Bachelor of Education degree from Edinburgh University and quickly progressed from classroom teacher to Head of Department, gaining experience in high-performing schools and those serving families facing socioeconomic challenges. 

From 2011, he held the position of Deputy Head Teacher with responsibilities spanning timetabling, curriculum development, teaching and learning, wellbeing, safeguarding, student transitions, and academic monitoring and tracking. From 2015 to 2017, Christopher worked at an international school in Dubai as Head of Sixth Form. Most recently, before relocating to Switzerland, he served as Academic Deputy at Kelvinside Academy, a leading independent school in Scotland. During this time, he completed his Qualification for Headship, awarded by Strathclyde University, and went on to achieve a Master’s in Educational Leadership, with the University of Glasgow, where his research focused on developing schools as professional learning communities. 

In May 2024, Christopher and his wife Kathryn, an English teacher and Head of English, moved to Switzerland to take up his current role at ISZN. Outside of school, he remains active and enjoys hillwalking, golf, and skiing, having transitioned from his earlier passion of rugby. 

Sarah Lowery is the Head of Primary at the International School Zurich North. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of the Witwatersrand. After relocating to Switzerland, Sarah joined ISZN and has spent nine years contributing across both the Primary and Secondary campuses. In 2024, while serving as Deputy Head of Primary, she completed her Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Essex. Following her maternity leave, she stepped into her current role as Head of Primary in 2025. Sarah is passionate about fostering curiosity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning within her school community. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family, often drawing inspiration from new cultures and experiences. 

Dermot Kelly is Deputy Head of Whole School and Designated Safeguarding Lead at ISZN. With extensive experience from challenging schools in Dublin and over a decade of leadership at ISZN, he is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and high-achieving environment. Dermot began his career teaching music before moving into whole-school leadership, where he champions student empowerment through leadership opportunities and prioritizes mental and physical wellbeing as essential to academic success. His advanced academic background and hands-on experience drive a culture of care and excellence. 

Sandra serves as the Admissions Director at ISZN, bringing a strong international background and extensive teaching experience to her role. Originally from South Africa, she began her career in education after earning her Bachelor of Education in Zimbabwe. She went on to teach English Literature and History in South Africa for ten years, developing a deep appreciation for supporting young people through their secondary school journey. 

Guided by her love of travel and experiencing new cultures, Sandra moved to Hong Kong, where she later married. In 2016, she and her husband relocated to Zurich, Switzerland, where she joined ISZN as a History teacher—a position she continues to hold at a senior level. Her classroom experience and cultural awareness have enabled her to build meaningful relationships with students and families alike. In her role as Admissions Director, Sandra is dedicated to welcoming new students and guiding families through a smooth transition into the ISZN community, ensuring that every family feels supported, informed, and connected from the very start. 

Trained as a School Psychologist in the USA, Lynn has worked in a variety of roles in Education across the USA and Europe. Before moving to Switzerland, she was the Director of Educational Support in a large private school near Chicago, tasked with developing a multi-tiered academic and behavioural support system to allow all learners to flourish. She also has experience as an EAL teacher, a preschool teacher and evaluator, a university lecturer, staff trainer, and has most recently worked at Foundations for Learning in Zürich, providing assessment and intervention for children and adolescents. Outside of work, Lynn enjoys exploring new cities, cooking, music, and keeping up with far-flung family and friends.