Welcoming the New Head of School to AIS

Steven Lupton, Australia

“A mentor once told me, “Integrity builds trust, and trust builds everything else.” Those words have become my compass in leadership and life”

Tell us more about yourself and your background Steven. How did you start in education?
Education has always been part of who I am. I began as a physical education teacher in Australia, where sport taught me teamwork, resilience, and humility, values that translate into the classroom.

My career took me from Head of PE in London to Sydney Grammar School, and then nearly nine rewarding years at Repton Abu Dhabi, where I became Principal.
Over two decades, my guiding values of integrity, respect, growth, and challenge have shaped how I live, teach, and lead. A mentor once told me, “Integrity builds trust, and trust builds everything else.” Those words have become my compass in leadership and life.

What do you think are key areas a school should focus on?
The most crucial focus for any school is creating the conditions for people to thrive. Academic excellence is always the goal, but it’s achieved through a culture that values wellbeing, creativity, and genuine inclusion.

Strong schools are built on strong relationships among teachers, students, and families, grounded in mutual trust and respect. In Australian culture, we pride ourselves on a flat structure in which everyone, regardless of title or role, deserves the same courtesy and voice.

Ultimately, schools should encourage personal growth, community connection, and character so that students leave not only academically prepared but also resilient, empathetic, and ready for whatever comes next.

“Joining AIS is deeply meaningful. When I first visited campus and heard students sing the Australian national anthem, I felt chills.”

What are you most excited about for the upcoming school year with AIS?
I’m excited to meet our students, families, and staff and experience the relationships that make this community special. I look forward to seeing students excel in academics, sport, the arts, and service learning, where character shines brightest.

I can’t wait for those whole-school moments that bring us together: assemblies, carnivals, performances, and milestones. Sport taught me that a great team always beats a great player, and that spirit of teamwork and shared success is what I hope to strengthen at AIS.

What aspects of Singaporeare you excited to exploreor enjoy?
Singapore is an incredible place, modern, dynamic, and wonderfully diverse. My family and I can’t wait to explore local neighbourhoods, visit the hawker centres (I already have quite a list!), and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.

After nearly a decade in the Middle East, being somewhere that blends nature with urban energy feels refreshing. Joining AIS is deeply meaningful. When I first visited campus and heard students sing the Australian national anthem, I felt chills. Moving here is both a new adventure and a homecoming, especially as our two sons reconnect with life closer to Australia.

What are the two or three most critical things you’re looking forward to focusing on in your new role at AIS?
I’m honoured to continue the legacy of excellence Ms. Karrie Dietz built at AIS. My priority is to listen, learn, and collaborate with our exceptional team to sustain that momentum.

My leadership philosophy is firmly rooted in “high support and high challenge”. When teachers thrive, students naturally thrive.

I’m excited to explore innovation and emerging technologies that enrich learning while preserving our human touch. Nurturing student voice and leadership will remain central, empowering them to shape their experiences and make an impact beyond the classroom.

Strong partnerships among parents, staff, and students will be a key focus because when we work together, incredible things happen.

“My leadership philosophy is firmly rooted in “high support and high challenge”. When teachers thrive, students naturally thrive.”

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Australian International School Pte Ltd | CPE Registration Number: 199204405H Period of registration of PEI: 6 July 2023 to 5 July 2027