Member of the Month | Steve Lupton of Australian International School
Mr. Steve Lupton
Head of School at Australian International School in Singapore
1. What drew you to Australian International School, and what excites you most about leading the AIS community at this point in its journey?
AIS is known for its close-knit community, built on shared values of achievement, respect, and opportunity. The chance to be part of that community and to embody these values drew not only me to the school, but my family as well (my children have also started at AIS). Making the move from the UAE to Singapore was a big step for us, but from the moment we set foot on campus, we felt at home and immediately welcomed. There is something very special about joining a school where students, staff, and families are so deeply committed to a shared purpose.
Looking ahead, what excites me about AIS is that we already stand on such strong foundations, which means there is so much more we can achieve together. We are focused on balanced academic excellence and outstanding teaching, while maintaining a uniquely vibrant and supportive school culture. My focus is on ensuring students are well-rounded and prepared not just for exams, but for life beyond the school gates. This means excelling not only academically, but also in sport, the arts, and service learning. These are all key areas where character is developed and can truly thrive.
2. You’ve led international schools across different regions, most recently at Repton Abu Dhabi. What key leadership lessons from your global experience are you bringing with you to AIS?
Throughout my career, my guiding values of integrity, respect, growth, and challenge have shaped how I live, teach, and lead. A mentor once told me, “Integrity builds trust, and trust builds everything else,” and that idea has been my compass ever since.
Building on what I said earlier about creating the conditions for character to thrive, I believe that while academic excellence must always be a goal, it should be achieved within environments that value balance, creativity, wellbeing, and future-ready skills. When schools prioritise personal growth, community connection, and character development alongside strong academics, students graduate not only capable, but resilient, empathetic, and ready for the challenges ahead. That is the mindset and leadership philosophy I am excited to bring to AIS.
3. You’ve spoken about the importance of strong relationships and high-quality teaching. How do these principles shape the day-to-day experience for AIS students and families?
Strong relationships and high‑quality teaching are important aspects of the day‑to‑day experience I want for AIS students and families. As a seasoned educator, I've learned that when teachers feel valued, supported, and trusted, they're able to deliver their best work, and that's when the magic happens in the classroom.
When teachers are thriving in their roles, this translates to conducive learning environments for students. The classroom becomes a space where they feel known, encouraged, and appropriately challenged, allowing them to grow and develop into well-rounded students who excel academically, socially, and emotionally.
4. Student wellbeing and holistic development are increasingly front of mind for parents today. How does AIS balance academic excellence with wellbeing, character development, and learning beyond the classroom?
The AIS school experience goes beyond academics. Placing student wellbeing at the heart of learning and having a strong commitment to pastoral care, we closely monitor each child’s growth to ensure they are supported at every stage, empowering them to thrive in a dynamic world.
Beyond the classroom, our extensive co‑curricular and outdoor education programmes give students opportunities to develop character, leadership, resilience, and a spirit of adventure. With over 300 co-curricular activities, ranging from sporting to social and cultural activities, students can develop their creative, musical and sporting capacities alongside a group of students with similar interests. The common bonds created through participation in these groups, help form the basis of a rich school culture and a community that celebrates diversity and excellence.
We also have a progressive outdoor learning journey from Prep to Year 11, designed to provide students with immersive, hands-on experiences that develop resilience, teamwork, leadership, and a spirit of adventure.
Whether students are preparing for university or exploring their passions, I strongly believe that AIS can equip them with the skills, mindset, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
5. With AIS offering a diverse range of curricula, including IB, Australian Curriculum, IGCSE, HSC and IBDP, what do you see as AIS’s unique strength in preparing students for the future?
Whether it’s the extra-curricular opportunities I just mentioned, or academics, AIS offers students choice. When it comes to academic pathways, particularly for senior school students, we have distinct pathways – IBDP, HSC, IGCSE and the IB Courses Plus Pathway. This means that each student can really tailor their learning journey to suit their needs, as well as their future ambitions.
6. As a former Australian Institute of Sport graduate, your background in high-performance sport is distinctive. How has this influenced your approach to education, leadership, and building school culture?
Sport taught me about teamwork, resilience, and humility - these qualities translate beautifully into the classroom and into a school community. Leadership, for me, is rooted in the idea that a great team will always beat a great player. This shaped my belief in collaborative leadership and pushes me to create an environment where every member of the community feels valued, and where we work together toward a common purpose.
In terms of school culture, my sporting background pushes me to foster a culture built on respect, humility, and resilience. These values are essential for young people to thrive both in and beyond school.
Ultimately, what I hope to strengthen across AIS is that sense of team where every student, staff member, and family feels part of something bigger than themselves.
7. Looking ahead, what are your key priorities for AIS over the next 12–18 months, and what can families and the wider community expect to see more of?
A key focus for me will be strengthening the academic, physical, and spiritual dimensions of school life.
Academically, I’m looking at continually elevating teaching and learning, which is our core business. Great schools keep learning at the centre by refining practice, raising expectations, and ensuring every student is known, challenged, and supported. I’m committed to championing teacher growth so that AIS continues to be a place where excellent teaching is the norm.
Physically, I want to expand opportunities beyond the classroom by making the most of our facilities and further enhancing them. Sporting programs, outdoor education, service, and challenge-based experiences all build resilience, teamwork, and the Australian spirit of healthy competition and grit.
Spiritually, my focus is on culture, the sense of belonging, connection, and community. Schools thrive when students, staff, and families feel part of something bigger than themselves. Continuing to nurture AIS’s warm, inclusive, and grounded environment will remain a central priority.
8. Finally, outside of school leadership, how do you like to spend your time, and what’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Outside of school, you’ll usually find me outdoors. I love cycling, as well as hiking together with my family. My wife and I even once climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak! You’ll also find me out walking our dog, Bindi, an Australian Cobberdog that we brought with us from Australia.
One thing that people might be surprised to learn about me is that I do have a Chinese name, Chi Wah.
