Meet the Team

Ms. Hitchcocks came to teaching later in life after a career in publishing sales. Having spent eight years in special education in the UK, she moved into international education. As Academic Director of the British School of Ulaanbaatar, Ms. Hitchcocks oversaw the raising of student attainment and the introduction of new qualifications. In 2020 she joined Orbital Education as the Head of School at the English International School of Moscow (South West). During her tenure, the school doubled in size and achieved 100% A*-C passes at A Level.

Ms. Hitchcocks has been the Principal of the British International School of Ljubljana since April 2023. She has a BA (Hons) degree in History from Newcastle University, a Masters degree in Medieval History from Lincoln University and completed her PGCE in Secondary Education at Durham University. In 2022 Ms. Hitchcocks completed her National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), and in 2024 achieved a post graduate certificate in Coaching and Mentoring for Education Professionals from Leeds Beckett University.

Ms. Hitchcocks believes that education changed her life and instills her love of learning in students by maintaining a small teaching timetable. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and walking (although she has a fear of heights!) and she continues to indulge her life long love of History.

Mr. Batson joined BISL in 2010. He has a BSc in Psychology from Kingston University and a PGCE in Mathematics from Brunel, as well as UK teaching experience. 

As Assistant Head for Curriculum and Assessment, Mr. Batson oversees the exams process and whole school assessment. His extensive knowledge of the curriculums offered at IGCSE and A Level enables him to offer expert advice to students regarding IGCSE and A Level options.

Mr. Batson divides his free time between long distance running and running after his daughters.

Mr Lowe is a committed and experienced educational leader with a strong background in curriculum development, staff mentoring and school improvement. In previous roles in both Qatar and Slovakia, he has led key initiatives that have enhanced teaching quality, student engagement and academic achievement. With a passion for fostering a positive learning environment, John has successfully introduced whole-school literacy programs, assessment models, student leadership and mentoring schemes. His leadership has played a vital role in raising standards, mentoring teachers and implementing innovative learning strategies. Committed to excellence in education, John continuously works to empower students and staff to reach their full potential.

Mrs. Železinger was born in Slovenia, but grew up in the UK. She gained a BSc in Psychology and Social Anthropology from Brunel University and trained as a TEFL teacher before joining the International School of London. She later moved to Spain, as School Psychologist and SEN Coordinator at the International College of Marbella and other schools in the area.

After returning to Slovenia, Mrs. Železinger joined BISL in its opening year as a Music and Art Teacher, working with both Primary and Secondary students, and as SEN Coordinator and Administrator. From 2014-2023 Mrs. Zelezinger was the Head of Primary. In 2023, Mrs. Zelezinger became the Director of Student Welfare, overseeing the schools pastoral, special needs and safeguarding provision. She is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead. 

With her musical background and her experience in performing arts and training young people, Mr.s Železinger has been a keen member of the school´s musical provision. She enjoys singing in a local choir during her free time.

After gaining a BEd (Honours) in Primary Education, Mrs. Thomas-Hayes worked in a school in North Wales for the first 7 years of her teaching career. Whilst teaching full time, she gained her Masters in Education and specialised in Special Educational Needs and English as an Additional Language.

Experienced in the world of international education, she has taught in China, Australia and Italy, before moving to Slovenia. She believes outdoor education is very important as it develops children’s creativity, problem-solving, independence and confidence.

As Assistant Head of Primary Teaching and Learning, Ms. Thomas-Hayes ensures that the Early Years and Primary curriculums are innovative, challenging and reflect students' interests.

In her spare time, Mrs. Thomas-Hayes loves to hike, read and travel. She has visited every continent in the world and has been on an expedition to Antarctica!