Deputy Head Sharon McAloon shares her journey in education, her vision for NAS Jakarta, and how the school is preparing students for global opportunities.
As one of the top international schools in Jakarta, Nord Anglia School (NAS) Jakarta continues to enhance its standards. Recently, they have hired a new Deputy Head, Sharon McAloon, bringing her years of experience and mission to shape a brighter future for NAS Jakarta and the whole school community.
Indonesia Expat had an opportunity to exclusively talk to Sharon and discuss her experience in the education sector, her vision for the school’s development, students’ global opportunities, and much more.
Read on to discover her insights in the following Q&A session.
Hi, Sharon! Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Sharon McAloon; I have very recently been appointed as Deputy Head at NAS Jakarta, which is truly exciting. This year marks my 20th year in education, with teaching and leadership experience spanning the UK, Switzerland, and Indonesia. I have worked across both the state and independent sectors in the UK and internationally within the Nord Anglia Education family.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to creating inclusive, child-led environments where every child feels valued and supported. My own children have experienced a wide range of educational settings—both state and independent—in the UK and Switzerland, giving me a deeply personal understanding of the importance of tailored, high-quality education.
I hold a BA (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status, with a specialist in English, from the University of Warwick, UK.
For new readers, could you elaborate on Nord Anglia School (NAS) Jakarta and what makes it unique compared to other international schools in Jakarta?
I believe that NAS Jakarta’s uniqueness lies in its personalised, nurturing approach to education within a green, thoughtfully designed campus. It combines creative and rigorous curricula, global partnerships, strong academic and emotional support, and a culturally enriched environment steeped in its rich heritage. All of this is presented in a close-knit international school community with deep roots and a forward-thinking vision.
You have experience in educational leadership in the UK and Switzerland. How do the challenges of leading a school in Indonesia differ from those in Europe?
Leading a school in Indonesia presents a distinct set of challenges compared to leading one in Europe, due to differences in regulatory environments, cultural expectations, infrastructure, and socio-economic diversity. I prefer to perceive any new challenge as an opportunity to grow and learn—to embody and model the values that we aim to instil in our students is pivotal.
When did you join NAS Jakarta, and what was your first experience here like?
I joined NAS Jakarta at the beginning of the academic year, and my first experience of Jakarta has been shaped by its vibrant diversity. The city is truly a melting pot of cultures, as is NAS Jakarta —not just Indonesian, but also expatriate communities from all over the world. You can see this in the food, the language mix, the traditions celebrated, and even in everyday conversations.
At NAS Jakarta, this cultural richness is reflected in the school environment. Both local and international peers have been warm, friendly, and welcoming, which has made settling in easier. The sense of community here is strong—teachers and students alike make an effort to embrace difference. It’s a place where cultural backgrounds are not just respected, but celebrated.
What is your vision for NAS Jakarta, and how do you see your role as Deputy Head contributing to that vision?
At the heart of my vision for NAS Jakarta is the unwavering belief that a child’s happiness is intrinsic to their academic and personal growth. No ceilings must be placed upon children’s abilities. A growth mindset ensures that children are not afraid to take risks in their learning and recognise that mistakes support the learning process.
Fostering a growth mindset is central to this vision. When children are encouraged to embrace challenges, take risks and see mistakes as valuable learning opportunities, they become confident, independent thinkers ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
As a leader, I strive to be approachable, passionate, and solutions-focused—building a collaborative and nurturing school culture where students, staff, and families feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute.
With education rapidly evolving, what innovative teaching methods or technologies are being used at NAS Jakarta?
Learning is inquiry-based and thematic, rooted in frameworks like the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), International Primary Curriculum (IPC), and the English National Curriculum. This encourages students to explore interconnected subjects around central themes, building skills in emotional, social, and physical development alongside academic learning.
As part of an international educational institution, what opportunities are available for students to connect with the wider Nord Anglia Education global community?
Through Global Campus, students lead and engage in collaborative, virtual learning challenges with peers across the Nord Anglia network—extending learning beyond the physical classroom.
NAS Jakarta participates in exclusive partnerships such as MIT for a cutting-edge STEAM curriculum. These collaborations bring world-class expertise and inspire students to explore creativity, problem-solving, and innovation beyond standard classroom offerings.
With families from diverse backgrounds, how does NAS Jakarta celebrate cultural diversity?
NAS Jakarta weaves cultural diversity into every facet of school life—from celebrating national traditions to fostering international dialogue and creative collaboration. It’s a vibrant environment where respect for identity and global citizenship flourish side by side.
What’s next for Nord Anglia School Jakarta?
NAS Jakarta is evolving into a full-through school, extending its current Early Years and Primary provision into Secondary education. The first Year 7 (Grade 6) cohort is set to begin in the 2026–27 academic year. A brand-new, purpose-built Secondary facility is under development.
Concurrent with academic expansion, NAS Jakarta has renovated its swimming pool, reflecting the school’s ongoing investment in student well-being, safety, and enriched campus life.
Finally, how can our readers reach you and NAS Jakarta?
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this feature or my professional practice, please do not hesitate to reach out to sharon.mcaloon@nasjakarta.sch.id.