Our Team

Introducing key faculty and staff members, highlighting their expertise and dedication.

Richard Davidson

Headteacher

Richard Davidson is an esteemed educator with a wealth of experience in international education leadership. With a career spanning 30 years, Richard has held significant roles in schools across Malaysia, Pakistan, Portugal, Greece, and the UK.

Past Experience

Former Headteacher of Links School, Karachi, Pakistan
Former Campus Principal at Tenby Schools Ipoh, Malaysia
28 Years Experience in International Education Leadership

Education

University of Leeds, M.A Master in International Education Management
University of Wales, B. Ed (Hons) Business Studies

A Visionary Leader:

Richard has dedicated over 28 years to developing educational philosophies and programs that prioritise student-centred learning and a holistic approach to education. He firmly believes in fostering high academic standards while recognising and nurturing the diverse intelligences of each student.

A Focus on Future Readiness:

At Charterhouse Malaysia, Richard finds alignment with his vision for a ‘Future Ready’ education program. He passionately supports the school’s mission to create lifelong learners and prepare students for a dynamic world. Richard believes in equipping students with not only academic knowledge but also essential character traits, a growth mindset, and transferable skills that will ensure their success in an ever-changing future.

Founding Headteacher:

Richard Davidson serves as our Founding Headteacher, bringing his invaluable experience and dedication to our community. With his leadership, Charterhouse Malaysia aims to provide a nurturing and challenging environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

We are proud to have Richard Davidson as our Headteacher, shaping the future of education at Charterhouse Malaysia.

Rachael Smith

Deputy Headteacher (Future Ready)

Rachael Smith is a highly experienced educator with a passion for teaching and learning. With an impressive background in educational leadership, Rachael brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as Deputy Headteacher (Academic) at Charterhouse Malaysia.

Past Experience

Assistant Principal, Head of Teaching and Learning – The Sheffield Private School, Dubai
Head of House – Edmonton County School, London
11 Years of Experience in Teaching and Learning

Education

University of Worcester, BA (Hons) 1st Class – Business Management and Politics
University of Bath, MA Education – Leadership Management
University College London – NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership)
University College London, PGCE Economics and Business Education

Inspired by Malaysia’s beauty, friendliness, and ambition, Rachael knew that joining Charterhouse Malaysia was the perfect fit for her.

A Shared Educational Philosophy

At Charterhouse Malaysia, Rachael is thrilled to share her educational philosophy, which closely aligns with the school’s approach to learning. She strongly believes in the value of service learning and social enterprise opportunities, which empower students to acquire the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Embracing ‘Future Ready’ Education

Rachael advocates for problem-solving and design thinking-based pedagogies, where students take ownership of creative problem-solving. These approaches, which lie at the core of learning at Charterhouse Malaysia, make her proud to be part of a team of educators that embrace a ‘Future Ready’ approach to education.

A Commitment to Student Success

As Deputy Headteacher (Future Ready), Rachael is dedicated to ensuring academic excellence and fostering a supportive learning environment. She believes in creating opportunities for students to grow and develop their full potential, both academically and personally.

Tom Robinson

Deputy Headteacher (Student Pastoral)

Tom Robinson is an experienced and dedicated educator with a strong focus on student development. With over 30 years of leadership experience in schools, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as Deputy Headteacher (Student Development) at Charterhouse Malaysia.

Past Experience

Head of Pastoral then Head of Community, Enrichment and Compliance, Tenby Schools, Setia Eco Park, Malaysia
Deputy Head (Pastoral), Garden International School, Malaysia
Head of Sport and P.E. and Deputy Head of Boarding, Parkside School, Surrey, UK
Over 30 years experience in School Leadership Roles

Education Background

University of Surrey, U.K., BA Combined studies (History and Geography)
University of Leicester, U.K., Post Graduate Diploma in Education Management

Education Beyond the Classroom

Tom is a passionate advocate for education beyond the confines of the classroom. He firmly believes in providing students with outstanding opportunities through community and charity initiatives, sports, and competitions. At Charterhouse Malaysia, Tom is excited to create a learning environment that goes beyond traditional boundaries, offering students unique and enriching experiences.

Building a Strong Community

Creating a community of Carthusians within the local community is a top priority for Tom. He believes in placing students at the centre of this community, fostering a sense of belonging, and encouraging active participation and collaboration. By nurturing strong connections and partnerships, Tom aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive.

Safeguarding and Student Well-being

Tom is highly experienced in safeguarding and promoting student well-being. He recognises the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment where students feel supported and valued. Through his leadership, he prioritises the holistic development of students, empowering them to become ‘Future Ready’ individuals.

nikki smith

Nikki Smith

Deputy Headteacher (Academic)

Nikki Smith is a dynamic practitioner, driven by an instinctive love of learning (and her subject specialism) and an inclusive desire to ensure that all students aspire to and achieve the highest standards of personal and academic success. With almost twenty years of experience across a variety of leadership roles in the UK & Malaysia, Nikki is highly skilled in leading transformative initiatives.

Past Experience

Specialist Leader in Education – Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust, UK
Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Pastoral and then Teaching & Learning – North Cambridge Academy, UK

Education

University of Nottingham, MA – Literature & Creative Writing (Distinction)
Specialist Schools & Academies Trust, Diploma – Middle Level Leadership
University of Cambridge, PGCE
University of Aberdeen, MA (Hons) – English Language & Literature (2.1)
University of South Florida, Certificate of Academic Excellence – English Literature

An Ambitious Leader

Nikki believes that students thrive most when given broad opportunities of challenge, coupled with appropriate resource, guidance and support to achieve aspirational potential. She is personally driven to achieve the highest standards and works hard to inspire the same for all students and staff.

Inclusive Focus

Even greater than achieving personal success, Nikki’s firm intention is that all students’ use the opportunities of their ‘Future Ready’ curriculum at Charterhouse Malaysia to add positive value in whichever career they dedicate themselves to. She maintains a rigorous focus on the personal skill, potential and progress of every student in the school.

An Eye for Detail

In her role as academic leader, Nikki employs data-driven systems to set targets and measure progress towards their accomplishment. In the classroom, she doesn’t leave any stone unturned and employs the same approach in her leadership of teaching and learning across the school.