Our Team
FOUNDING HEAD MASTER
Mr Alex Reed
Mr Alex Reed, the Founding Head Master of Harrow Guangzhou, is a distinguished educational leader with over 30 years of experience in building, developing, and leading outstanding school communities.
He holds a degree in English Literature from the University of Cambridge and trained as a teacher in Sheffield. He qualified as a Head as one of the very first teachers to receive the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) through the Institute of Education, now part of University College London (UCL). He also completed a Master’s degree in Literature on the novels of Muriel Spark (the wonderful Scottish writer) at the University of Auckland during his time in New Zealand.
Alex is currently the Head Master of Harrow International School in Shanghai, one of China’s leading schools, renowned for both academic excellence and vibrant co-curricular programmes in sport and music. In his time at the school, he has overseen exceptional examination performances, with A Level results placing the school amongst the very best in the world. He takes particular pride in the university destinations of Harrow Shanghai graduates, with students progressing to top global universities each year, including Cambridge and other G5 institutions, as well as leading universities in the US and across the Russell Group.
FOUNDING HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Mr Jack Benstead
Mr Jack Benstead graduated from Bishop Grosseteste University with a degree in Primary Education with QTS and holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). He has extensive leadership experience within the AISL Harrow family of schools, most recently as a founding member of staff and leader at Harrow Hengqin, where he combined curriculum innovation with a strong focus on early language development for young learners.
A trained facilitator for the UCL Institute of Education National Professional Qualifications, Jack is passionate about staff professional development and building capacity within teaching teams. His leadership across AISL Harrow schools has included curriculum innovation, cross-campus collaboration, and the design of forward-looking approaches that combine academic rigour with holistic student growth.
In August 2026, Jack will take up the role of Founding Head of Lower School at Harrow Guangzhou, where he is committed to establishing a world-class, future-focused school that provides an outstanding foundation for learning, firmly rooted in Harrow’s values of Courage, Honour, Humility, and Fellowship.
Beyond his professional life, Jack enjoys travelling and exploring new cultures. He also takes every opportunity to pursue his favourite sport of skiing, which reflects his love of adventure and the outdoors.
