Mr Gareth Barnaby
Head of Primary
Mr Gareth Barnaby has over 15 years’ experience in education having taught and led schools in England, Spain and Russian. Most recently having been the Principal at an international school in Moscow, he understands the challenges and complexity of a comprehensive education system and the important role schools play in the mental and physical wellbeing of students.
Mr Barnaby has gained extensive experience in teaching English in the mainstream classroom to additional language learners, developed STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education programme with the curriculum, and created enhanced safeguarding systems within schools for the protection of its students. He was recently invited as a guest speaker at an event delivering a speech on ‘International Education and Student Wellbeing.’
Mrs Brenda Connolly
Head of Secondary
Mrs Connolly has vast experience in teaching both in the United Kingdom (UK) and internationally. She holds a BA Honours in English Language and Literature, MA with Distinction in Education, and the National Professional Qualification of Senior Leadership. Mrs Connolly started her teaching career in 1996 as an English teacher. After working in secondary schools in the UK and Russia and having the added responsibility of Head of Psychology while teaching in an OFSTED outstanding school in the UK, she then decided to further her professional career and gain experience in international education by joining a well-established international school in Bangkok in 2009 as a teacher of English Language and Literature, where after a year she was promoted to Head of English.
Mrs Connolly joined Sri KDU International School in August 2021 as Deputy Head of Secondary with direct responsibility for the academic programme in the secondary school, including teaching and learning, student achievement and progress, teacher training and professional development, while also teaching English at Key Stage 3, IGCSE and IBDP level. In the following year, Mrs Connolly took up a new role of Head of Secondary at Sri KDU International School.
Mrs Connolly firmly believes that every student, irrespective of their ability, language proficiency level or background, can achieve their full potential if they are safe and happy, and are given the right opportunities and support, therefore, she feels very passionate about creating a family-like and inclusive educational environment that supports all students in their personal and educational development, helping them to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.
In her leisure time, Mrs Connolly enjoys reading world literature along with traveling and absorbing the rich and varied cultural experiences that both Malaysia and Southeast Asia have to offer.
Mrs Jasmine Sabharwal
Deputy Head of Secondary (Pastoral)
Mrs Jasmine Sabharwal has been teaching in international schools since 2009 with over 10 years of experience in middle and senior leadership positions. After completing her studies in Biotechnology, she continued her research and publications in Microbiology at the Asian University of Medical, Science and Technology Malaysia. She then pursued her career in stem cell studies and found her interest in education after providing seminars and talks for medical students at various Malaysian universities.
Mrs Jasmine joined SKISS in 2011 teaching IB Diploma and IGCSE Biology as well as Key Stage 3 Sciences. She had taken on her first pastoral role in 2013 as the Head of Year 11 and was promoted into the Senior Leadership Team as Key Stage 4 Director in 2015. Working her way up, Mrs Jasmine was appointed as the Deputy Head Secondary in 2019, overseeing pastoral care and holistic education. Mrs Jasmine supports students, parents, and teachers as they learn and grow in their social, emotional, and academic skills as well as to help students transition from one international environment to the next. Working in collaboration with parents, teachers, administrators, learning support, and other staff. Mrs Jasmine is the Designated Safeguarding Officer in secondary who is responsible to create a safe and positive environment in which children of all ages can grow. She provides training to staff to ensure they conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism to create a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for children as well as to protect and safeguard children at the highest standards.
Mr Joshua Sheridan
Deputy Head of Primary
Previously the Assistant Head of Primary and Head of Year 3 and Year 5 at an international school in Malaysia, Mr Sheridan has experience in teaching SAT preparations and is also an experienced SEN and EAL teacher for both Year 6 and Year 3. During his PGCE duration, he has taught all years across KS1 and KS2 and is fully qualified in Safeguarding.
He has a passion for reading and recently spoke at a FOBISIA eConference on how to implement effective teaching of reading and its impact on overall child development. He is a keen sportsman and particularly enjoys rugby and competing in triathlons. He also enjoys taking part in drama with previous on-stage roles in the UK and has directed previous Primary and whole school performances.
Mr Gareth Shaw
Assistant Head of Secondary (Academics)
After completing his studies, Mr Gareth Shaw worked in both Finance and Local Government. After being involved in the implementation of a range of new systems Mr Shaw developed a passion and interest in helping others achieve their goals.This culminated in Mr Shaw undertaking his PGCE followed by completing his QTS year.
Mr Shaw has taught in schools both in the UK and internationally. In his previous school in the Middle East he held both middle and senior leadership positions. As a result of this he has developed a keen interest in leadership and reading around the topic. In the classroom Mr Shaw is always keen to try out new ideas in order to continue to engage and enthuse students.
In his spare time he enjoys travelling with his wife and two children. Mr Shaw is also taking the opportunity to sample the culinary delights Malaysia has to offer.
Mr David Crane
Assistant Head Teacher (Whole School Inclusion)
Mr David Crane completed his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Wolverhampton in the UK, before going on to study at the University of East Anglia, where he completed his Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
He has been teaching since 2010 in UK schools, starting as a class teacher and moving up to Head of Department, before returning to the University of Wolverhampton, where he received his National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination. Mr Crane then took up a role as Special Educational Needs Co Ordinator of a large secondary school in the east of England. This job included co-ordinating the additional support of students who experienced barriers to their learning as well as providing support and advice, to teachers and parents, regarding strategies to ensure students can be the best versions of themselves.
He joined Sri KDU International School in September 2019 as the Assistant Head Teacher - Inclusion and this is his first teaching role outside of the UK; his role covers both the International Secondary and International Primary schools.

Mr Steven Fisher
Assistant Head Teacher (Head of Key Stage 4 & Key Stage 5)