Get to know our Head of Primary, Kephren Sherry
Get to know Kephren Sherry, the dynamic Head of Pelicans & Junior School at The Perse. With a career leading and teaching at international schools in Japan, Malaysia, Dubai, and more, Kephren brings a wealth of experience, cultural insight, and a deep passion for nurturing young minds. In this Q&A, Kephren shares her personal journey, teaching philosophy, and excitement for shaping the future of education at The Perse School Singapore.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I grew up in the quaint village of Keele in Staffordshire, UK. Keele is best known for its university, where my father taught for a time. My childhood was spent outdoors, playing in fields and woods, and cycling everywhere. Both my primary and secondary schools were small, close-knit communities where everyone knew each other.
My own educational journey began at Lancaster University, and since then, I’ve been fortunate to teach in international schools around the world. Teaching abroad has been a fulfilling experience, allowing me to immerse myself in new cultures and meet people from diverse backgrounds.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I’ve always known I wanted to work with children. Hearing my friends who were teachers share their experiences sparked my curiosity and made me realise it was a path I wanted to follow.
My father also worked in education, so he had a big influence on my early interest in teaching. Education has always been a strong part of my family, and it felt like a natural fit for me.
You’ve worked in international schools for many years. Where have you taught, and what drew you to these places?
I’ve taught in Japan, Malaysia, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, and each country added a different cultural dimension to my teaching. What drew me to these places was a desire to explore new educational practices and, of course, the opportunity to experience life in vibrant and diverse communities. Each place has taught me something new, both professionally and personally.
How did your time in Japan influence your teaching approach?
Japan was my first experience working outside of the UK, and it was quite a culture shock! However, the warm welcome from both teachers and students helped me settle in quickly. One thing that really stood out to me was the level of commitment from Japanese teachers – they would often come in on weekends to give extra classes.
Another interesting aspect was that classrooms were very minimalistic, as teachers believed displays could be distracting. This has stayed with me, and I now ensure that classroom environments are always designed to enhance learning, not distract from it.
What are some of your favorite memories from teaching in Malaysia?
Malaysia was special because of the sense of community. Both local and expat teachers worked together harmoniously, creating a culture of shared knowledge and mutual respect. It was a truly collaborative environment, and I carry those memories of teamwork and generosity with me to this day.
You’ve taught in many different countries. How do you bring multiculturalism into your teaching?
Incorporating students’ cultural backgrounds into lessons is so important. I try to tie learning to local landmarks, stories, and experiences to make it more relatable. At The Perse, we’ll be embracing Singapore’s multiculturalism by exposing students to a wide range of cultures and traditions. This builds not just awareness, but respect and understanding, which are crucial in today’s world.
What excites you most about your new role at The Perse School Singapore?
Being the founding Head of Primary at such a prestigious school is both an honour and a thrilling challenge. I’m particularly excited about helping to shape the school’s early years programme and fostering a love of learning in our young Pelicans. Singapore has long been on my radar, and now being part of this wonderful country and community feels like a dream come true.
What’s one teaching experience that stands out in your international career?
The first day of a new school year is always memorable. At a previous school, the inaugural day was ‘Superheroes Day,’ and I welcomed students dressed as Superwoman! It was a great way to break the ice and start the year on a high note. The energy from the students and families was incredible, and it’s something I look forward to recreating at The Perse School Singapore.
How do you plan to enhance learning at The Perse School Singapore with your international experience?
Having worked in diverse educational settings, I’ve learned that a strong curriculum combined with cultural sensitivity and experiential learning creates a well-rounded student. At The Perse, I plan to bring that same approach by introducing global connections and a rich curriculum that focuses on developing intellectual curiosity and creativity.
Fun fact: What’s something people might not know about you?
I once ran a half marathon with almost no training! By the fourth mile, I seriously regretted my lack of preparation, but I persevered and finished. It’s a lesson I like to share with students – that with a bit of determination, you can achieve more than you think! It’s a little like Tao Tortoise, our Pelicans Learning Friend who teaches students about Perseverance.
What are your goals for your future here in Singapore?
Living and working in Singapore has always been a goal of mine. With its reputation for academic excellence, I feel I’m in the right place to continue growing as an educator. While I still enjoy traveling, I’m happy to call Singapore my home for the foreseeable future.
You can meet with Kephren and our other academic leadership team members at our Admissions Suite in Holland Village. Reach out to admissions@perse.com.sg to book an appointment.
Check out our other blogs here:
- The top benefits of the Cambridge curriculum for student development
- How to choose the right school offering the Cambridge curriculum
- The benefits of Project-Based Learning in the classroom
- Get to know our Head of Primary, Kephren Sherry
- Exciting News: Ed Elliott, Head of The Perse School Cambridge, is Coming to Singapore!