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I want every child here to feel that
IMS is a place where they are
seen, challenged, and inspired.

Message From Head of School

Dr Timothy Veale

Message From Head of School

Dear IMS Community,

It is with great honor and excitement that I introduce myself as the inaugural Head of School at IMS. During the past three decades, my journey as an educator has spanned eight countries—from classroom teaching to school leadership, and most recently, from Denmark to the vibrant community of Hong Kong. With a PhD in transformational leadership, I am thrilled to join a school that so beautifully integrates international, bilingual, and Montessori education.

At IMS, we see learning not as a race, but as a natural, unfolding journey—one that is active, joyful, and deeply personal. Our tagline, “The natural way to learn,” reflects a profound respect for how children grow and discover. In our purposefully prepared Montessori environments, each child’s path is honoured, and their development met with patience, expertise, and care. This commitment to authenticity is why IMS is proud to be Asia’s largest employer of AMI-trained educators—ensuring every classroom is guided by professionals dedicated to the integrity of Montessori principles. Our school has a commitment to high-quality, mastery learning like no other I have ever seen.

This year marks a special moment in IMS’s story: the launch of our Middle School programme—the first of its kind in Hong Kong. This expansion allows us to extend our distinctive bilingual Montessori vision to adolescents, offering a seamless and supportive pathway from elementary years. It is a testament to our belief that education should nurture not only academic growth, but meaningful and real-world experiences. 

As the inaugural Head of School at IMS, I believe in leading with vision, clarity, and humility. I am committed to fostering an environment where every student and teacher can flourish. Here, every voice matters. Whether you are a student, parent, or staff member, your perspective helps shape the future of IMS.

We welcome you to consider joining our IMS family, and encourage you to reach out at any time should you have questions. In the meantime, we wish you every success in your educational journey and thank you sincerely for your valued interest in our school.

With gratitude,
Dr. Timothy Veale | Head of School
The International Montessori School

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Vision and Goal

My vision is for IMS to strengthen its recognition as a world leader in dual-language Montessori education, not just in Hong Kong but internationally. Over the coming years, I want us to focus on solidifying the excellence of the Middle School, along with the high level of academic and personal outcomes for every student already well-established at IMS. Above all, I want every child here to feel that IMS is a place where they are seen, challenged, and inspired.

More About Dr. Timothy Veale

Almost 30 years of international education experience across the globe.
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, informing a research-based approach.
A visionary committed to inspiring agency, inquiry, and rigour in every student.

Dr. Timothy Veale is the Head of School at the International Montessori School in Hong Kong, where he leads four campuses serving students from early childhood to Grade 8. He provides strategic and operational leadership across the school, guiding programme development, faculty growth, and long-term planning. His work at IMS includes strengthening continuity across Montessori pathways, expanding the Middle School, and advancing the school’s strategic direction with a focus on personalised learning, operational resilience, and sustainable enrolment growth.

Before joining IMS, Dr. Veale held senior leadership roles in international schools in Europe, North America, and Asia. His experience includes establishing new academic programmes, supporting whole-school improvement initiatives, and leading curriculum development within mainly IB contexts. He has worked extensively in areas such as school governance, faculty development, and student pathways from primary through secondary levels to university.

Dr. Veale holds a PhD in Educational Leadership with his dissertation focusing on the relationship between school governance and transformational leadership. He has lived and worked internationally in eight countries since 1998. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, he comes from a family deeply rooted in education—his father served as a school principal, his mother taught for many years, and his wife is also a teacher. His eldest daughter recently completed the IB Diploma, and his youngest attends IMS. He and his family enjoy making their home in Stanley.

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