Senior Leadership Team | Collège Alpin Beau Soleil

Stuart White

Principal

I am a passionate advocate for boarding schools and the unique opportunities that they bring for the development of young people. I started at boarding school myself aged 11, and have lived and worked within boarding environments for much of the intervening 40 years.

I am an enthusiast for the value of international schools in promoting globalism, mutual respect, understanding and tolerance. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I also have strong views on academic and holistic teaching and learning, and the need to be at the forefront of modern schooling, leading rather than being led by trends in education.

I like to say that I will attempt to turn my hand to anything, and therefore greatly enjoy the life of a boarding school community. Skiing, walking, mountain biking, playing the clarinet (badly), playing golf (worse) and improving my French are all part of life in the Swiss mountains.

“It is important to jump in – to seize the chances that life presents with both hands – and I very much hope to see all of our students making the most of life here at Beau Soleil.”

Ian Ray

Vice Principal

A passionate outdoor educator, I have worked at Beau Soleil since 2002, building an inspiring and varied range of co-curricular activities. I have a wide experience in mountaineering, sailing and skiing, and managed the outdoor activity programmes at a number of educational establishments in Scotland prior to joining Beau Soleil. I hold the Mountain Instructor Award and am also a qualified Alpine Ski Instructor.

“It gives me great pleasure to be able to provide experiences that both challenge and help shape the development of our students – the outdoor programmes and expeditions make this a possibility.”

Jane White

Vice Principal

After graduating from Cambridge University, I spent the first part of my teaching career working in academic and pastoral roles in boarding schools in the UK, where I became a head of department and a boarding housemistress. Discovering the exciting world of international education, I spent six years working in China, most recently as Head of Sixth Form at the British International School, Shanghai.

“I understand the joys, opportunities and challenges that life as an international student presents.”

I joined Beau Soleil as Deputy Head (Pastoral) in September 2016 and am responsible for all aspects of the pastoral care and well-being of students, working closely with house parents, boarding staff and the medical team. I am determined to ensure that our students are happy, healthy and confident in every aspect of their school lives.

Stephen O’Hara

Director of Studies

As the Director of Studies at Beau Soleil, I am privileged to have a unique opportunity to not only care for but also influence the development of the young people in our care.

“I am a strong believer that we can always improve in what we do.”

I believe it is essential, to take on new experiences and challenges which take us outside of our comfort zone, to develop confidence, resilience, and overall student development in their early adult years.

I joined Beau Soleil in September 2015 as the Director of Sport and Physical Education, prior to which I was Coordinator of Physical Education at a leading sports academy based in South East London and responsible for the pastoral care of 220 students.

My focus is on innovation, enjoyment and education through physical activity using creative education methods, to develop independent thinking pupils. I bring experience and creativity to my role from my time in the UK education system, with the addition of international representations in alpine skiing and coaching.

Elizabeth Cobb

Director of Boarding

Boarding is such a unique experience for a young person and my role is to make sure that all the students in our care are safe, happy, achieve their full potential and take full advantage of everything this incredible school has to offer.

After completing a degree in Sport Studies and a PGCE in Physical Education I began my teaching career at St. Edmund’s College, Hertfordshire. Here I soon realised the great benefits of a boarding experience and an education that truly focuses on developing the whole person. During my time at the College I taught PE and held various roles including; Head of Boarding, Director of Activities, IB CAS Coordinator, Educational Visits Coordinator and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Coordinator. I enjoy a wide variety of sports including Hockey, Football, Cricket, Tennis, Badminton, Canoeing, Skiing and hiking.

I enjoy adventure based holidays and have been fortunate to experience expeditions in Nepal, New Zealand, Canada, Alaska and across Europe.