Surrey


<p><em>Bryan Nixon has been steering the TASIS England ship since July 2017, but his route into the role has been anything but ordinary. Over the years, his career has taken him on quite the international wander &#8211; from the Bahamas to Germany, the United States, and the UK &#8211; almost always in senior leadership positions, giving him a front-row seat to just about every version of school life imaginable. Born and raised in Belfast, he’s spent over 30 years in education, long enough to collect a few stories, a few lessons, and a very clear sense of what really matters in schools.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/03/Tasis-THE-HEAD_Bryan-Nixon-with-students-1.jpg" alt="Bryan Nixon, head master at TASIS England, in Thorpe, Surrey," class="wp-image-43932" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/03/Tasis-THE-HEAD_Bryan-Nixon-with-students-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/03/Tasis-THE-HEAD_Bryan-Nixon-with-students-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/03/Tasis-THE-HEAD_Bryan-Nixon-with-students-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/03/Tasis-THE-HEAD_Bryan-Nixon-with-students-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/03/Tasis-THE-HEAD_Bryan-Nixon-with-students-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/03/Tasis-THE-HEAD_Bryan-Nixon-with-students-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bryan Nixon with pupils at TASIS England.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-top-3-things-to-tackle-in-your-inbox"><em>What are the top 3 things to tackle in your inbox?</em></h3>



<p>First and foremost, anything to do with community and relationships, so how we continue to engage our community. Second, what can I do to help and support my colleagues so they can be at their best and provide their best for our students? The third thing is, what are we doing to ensure that the student experience is everything that it should be based on our mission?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-30-second-elevator-pitch-for-your-school-sell-it"><em>30 second elevator pitch for your school – sell it!</em></h3>



<p>TASIS has four unique selling points that are really important. First, TASIS offers a truly individualised pathway. In other words, students have a bespoke pathway for their learning needs, their learning challenges and extension, and their learning styles, and that is supported through a myriad of courses and programs.</p>



<p>Second is the expert pastoral care and support. Whether you&#8217;re a day or boarding student, there are people to support and guide you, and help you develop as a person. That includes in all our co-curricular activities through sports, the arts and many other clubs.</p>



<p>The third thing is the diversity of our community. We have over 70 nationalities, and who knows how many cultures that represents. This international community is shared and experienced both in the classroom and through various events, like the International Festival we just enjoyed together.</p>



<p>And finally, there&#8217;s a real sense of community that is truly palpable. We hear that from our students, colleagues, parents, visitors, prospective parents, and alumni, who come back to what they call their ‘second home’.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-would-to-star-as-bryan-nixon-in-the-movie-of-your-life"><em>Who would to star as Bryan Nixon in the movie</em> <em>of your life?</em></h3>



<p>Kenneth Branagh &#8211; because he’s from Northern Ireland. He would understand the background I come from and why my family and I feel so strongly about helping students see the world through different lenses. If young people can ask better questions, they can come up with better solutions &#8211; and hopefully grow up with more openness and understanding than the hate, segregation, and sectarianism we experienced as children.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-ve-been-given-a-1m-donation-for-the-school-what-will-you-spend-it-on"><em>You’ve been given a £1m donation for the school, what will you spend it on?</em></h3>



<p>First and foremost, it would go towards strengthening the academic programme and enhancing student learning &#8211; whether that’s through additional teacher training or supporting some of our newer courses. We’re expanding into areas like AP Cyber Security, so the priority would absolutely be investing in opportunities and support for students. We’ve also just held a gala in aid of financial assistance, so I’m sure part of that £1m would go towards supporting families too.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/10/Tasis-England-Campus_Drone-view_Sept-22-1.jpg" alt="Drone view of the TASIS England campus in Thorpe, Surrey." class="wp-image-63842" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/10/Tasis-England-Campus_Drone-view_Sept-22-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/10/Tasis-England-Campus_Drone-view_Sept-22-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/10/Tasis-England-Campus_Drone-view_Sept-22-1-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/10/Tasis-England-Campus_Drone-view_Sept-22-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/10/Tasis-England-Campus_Drone-view_Sept-22-1-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The TASIS England campus in Surrey.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-describe-your-own-childhood-school-days"><em>Describe your own childhood school days.</em></h3>



<p>I would say it was mixed, but one of the life-changing moments I had was from a history teacher. I was 16, and he challenged all my held beliefs about my culture, my country, and the conflict around me. He opened my eyes to other perspectives.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-was-the-common-theme-of-your-school-reports"><em>What was the common theme of your school reports?</em></h3>



<p>I could be a good student when I applied myself, and I was an engaged and supportive class member.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-and-worst-subject-at-school"><em>Best and worst subject at school?</em></h3>



<p>My best was history, because of the way my teacher challenged me and opened up stories beyond the victors’ narratives. Physics was probably my weakest subject.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-did-you-go-to-uni-what-did-you-study"><em>Where did you go to uni? What did you study?</em></h3>



<p>I went to university at the University of Ulster in Belfast where I studied Sports and Leisure Science first, and then did my PGCSE in Physical Education Teaching.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-was-your-high-and-low-of-student-life"><em>What was your high and low of student life?</em></h3>



<p>I played football at quite a high level while studying sports science and enjoying university life. I genuinely don’t feel I had a low point; I really enjoyed it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-weren-t-a-head-what-would-you-be"><em>If you weren’t a Head, what would you be?</em></h3>



<p>Something public-facing, likely in a charity or NGO, helping communities and supporting people to find their “heartbeat.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-describe-what-s-on-your-work-desk"><em>Describe what’s on your work desk.</em></h3>



<p>Little artifacts and keepsakes from different countries, often given to me by families in our community. They’re lovely reminders of just how international TASIS really is. Other than that, I try to keep my desk fairly clear &#8211; I work better without too much clutter.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-what-s-in-the-top-drawer"><em>And what’s in the top drawer?</em></h3>



<p>Some very special Irish boiled sweets that you can’t easily get here.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tell-us-your-favourite-books-in-childhood-uni-and-now"><em>Tell us your favourite books – in childhood, uni and now.</em></h3>



<p>My favourite children’s book is <em>Thank you, Mr. Falker</em> by Patricia Polacco, which I discovered as an adult and which reflects the impact teachers can have.</p>



<p>For pleasure, I return to Roddy Doyle’s <em>The Commitments</em> and <em>The Táin</em>, which connects me to my Irish heritage.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-best-school-trip-you-ve-been-on"><em>What’s the best school trip</em> <em>you’ve been on?</em></h3>



<p>A cross-community project from Northern Ireland that took children from Protestant and Catholic backgrounds to Minnesota. It helped broaden perspectives and build connection across divides.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="995" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/film-mamma-mia_NVvFqj.jpg" alt="Mamma Mia! " class="wp-image-65471" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/film-mamma-mia_NVvFqj.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/film-mamma-mia_NVvFqj-800x531.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/film-mamma-mia_NVvFqj-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/film-mamma-mia_NVvFqj-400x265.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/film-mamma-mia_NVvFqj-768x509.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mamma Mia! is Nixon family favourite &#8211; and a should be on every child&#8217;s cultural bucket list says Bryan Nixon.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-play-book-and-film-should-be-on-every-child-s-cultural-bucket-list"><em>What play, book and film should be on every child’s cultural bucket list?</em></h3>



<p><em>Mamma Mia!</em> would be a family favourite. Personally, <em>The Crucible</em> stands out for its themes of community, prejudice, and responsibility.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-want-to-hide-from-the-kids-and-staff-for-half-an-hour-where-do-you-go"><em>If you want to hide from the kids and staff for half an hour, where do you go?</em></h3>



<p>There isn’t really a hiding place in a community like this, but I’ll step into my office briefly for focused, reflective time when needed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-songs-you-sing-at-full-volume-when-everyone-s-gone-home"><em>The songs you sing at full volume when everyone’s gone home?</em></h3>



<p>‘The Town I Love So Well&#8217;, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, and ‘Sweet Caroline’.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-advice-would-you-give-to-a-younger-bryan-nixon"><em>What advice would you give to a younger Bryan Nixon?</em></h3>



<p>Focus on today rather than worrying too much about tomorrow. And take more time to celebrate progress rather than always pushing forward.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-your-current-students"><em>And your current students?</em></h3>



<p>Try things that challenge you, even if they might not go well. You’ll learn more from both success <em>and</em> failure. And play an active, purposeful role in your community.</p>



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<p><strong><em>TASIS England is an American-international day and boarding school set in the Surrey countryside, blending global outlook, strong academics and a welcoming community for pupils aged 4 to 18. With around 630 students from more than 70 countries, it offers a genuinely international experience.</em></strong> <strong><em><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/school-reviews/tasis-england-thorpe-surrey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read our full review here.</a></em></strong></p>



<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.tasisengland.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TASIS England</a>, Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey, TW20 8TE. Tel: 01932 582316.</strong></em></p>


Head’s Up! – Bryan Nixon, TASIS England

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