Sean started his Uplands teaching career in 1994 as the Deputy Boarding Master in the Prep and had to check the water pumps each day, and then ended his rounds doing a fence-line security check each evening. He was part of the team that launched Uplands College, spending over eight years with us, in amongst time overseas teaching at Woodbridge School in the UK.
Sean has spent the past 11 years at Hilton College in several teaching and sporting roles. He was a member of Hilton College’s Executive Committee, having finished his contract as Executive Housemaster and Housemaster of Pearce House.
Sean has a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience working in both close communities and high-profile schools with demanding standards. As a former member of the Hilton College strategic planning review team, he helped shape a whole new contemporary approach to boarding that is proving to be highly successful. A seasoned educator who is greatly respected, Sean has a calm, thoughtful, collaborative and inclusive approach to work. His strategic, holistic and team experience will serve Uplands well, as our ‘One School’ moves into a new and exciting era.
Outside the academic day, Sean has coached both 1st team Rugby and 1st team Cricket, as well as a whole range of other sports. He is married to Kerry and they have two daughters, Megan and Hannah.
Allan has always been passionate about Pastoral Care, and Boarding in particular, for the past 25 years. He has thus made it his goal to increase the development of all involved in this vitally important aspect of the care of young people within schools. Allan is a Lay Minister in the local Anglican Church as well as at Michaelhouse and is also the National Director of the Boarding Schools of Southern Africa Association.
Allan is married to Caireen and they have four sons – Andrew, Jonathan, Ross and David. He enjoys a number of hobbies and interests, including sports, reading, fly fishing, caravanning and the bush.
Scott has also worked in the private sector outside of education. He has always had a passion for leadership, teaching and mentoring - and leads by example each day. He sees himself as an innovative, positive, patient, empathetic and compassionate leader who loves working with people. He is also well known for being highly competitive on the sporting front! Scott’s wife, Lorin, is an Educational Psychologist also working at Uplands as Head of the Learning Support Unit and they have two boys, Sam and Joey
Heather believes that a well-balanced, culturally-enriched and play-based programme builds self-confidence and inspires children to develop a lifelong love of learning. Heather’s core belief is that relationships are at the heart of her work and that a happy day at school includes plenty of laughter and creative fun outside on the beautiful playgrounds at Uplands. Establishing trusting relationships with families and working together as a team improves children’s academic achievement, social competencies and emotional well-being. She enjoys reading, relaxing in the bush and being with her family and friends in her spare time
Jaco is passionate to work in a school environment, hearing the laughter of children, watch kids develop into holistically educated young adults. His passion extends to the teaching staff as well as operations and outsourced staff. His philosophy is that everyone works hard and contributes to the success of our pupils and a happy and effective school.
Desiree has spent most of her career in the financial services industry, occupying various senior roles within the corporate environment which has added to her experience in leading and guiding her peers and colleagues to achieve their full potential through continuous professional development. Her aim is to promote the health and wellness of the Uplands Team to ensure we fulfil our dream and goal of becoming the school of choice, through valued relationships, respect and integrity. Her key responsibilities will include Human Capital Strategy and Planning, Professional Development, Wellness, Cross-Campus culture Engagement and Compliance, as well as Transformation, Diversity and Inclusion.
Desiree comes from the Western Cape, but has deep family roots in KZN. She is married with two children. She has a host of hobbies but loves travelling, good food and spending time with her family.