Principal's Welcome

Our school offers a warm and welcoming setting, in which students can develop a love of learning and parents are an integral part of our school community. We encourage regular communication with parents as we believe that working in partnership is the key to a successful outcome.
My team of teaching and support staff is carefully selected for their knowledge of the curriculum but also, crucially, for their approach to learning. We make our teaching a child-centred process, whereby the learning is tailored to each individual so that they can achieve outstanding results.
We value every child for the contribution they can make to the whole school community and we teach values of respect, kindness and a passion for learning. Our methods are successful as demonstrated by the excellent results our students achieve.
Nicola Hemingway, Principal

Campus facilities
English International School, Moscow West has a very friendly setting and, within our well organised and wonderfully inviting classrooms, we enjoy:
- A sophisticated ICT system, including laptops and iPads, where technology based activities are integrated within the curriculum.
- Interactive whiteboards, enriching teaching and learning
- Structured reading materials, which have been refined to ensure each child’s success in the British education system
We also have:
- A well-stocked library that helps cultivate the love of reading and research
- A campus with high perimeter and internal security. The school’s priority is the safety of the pupils
- A secure and enclosed playground with a safe surface and age-appropriate play equipment
- Sports areas – including a small gymnasium in school and scheduled use of the superb University Sports Centre, 3 minutes’ walk from school
- A fully equipped kitchen for excellent on-site catering.
As is the case in the best of British private education, much of our students’ work is displayed around the school, giving them ownership and pride. In short, an excellent learning environment for your child.
Accreditations
English International School, Moscow West is British owned and managed by Orbital Education, a company with a proven track record and an excellent reputation for establishing and operating outstanding international schools.
As in the case of all Orbital Education schools, English International School, Moscow West has an educational programme and education environment of the highest quality. This affiliation with the company offers the school access to educational, technological and financial experts at the Head Office near Manchester, in the UK. The school is supported by an International Education Development Officer, who has lead responsibility for the school.
Our sister school, English International School, Moscow East has membership of the Council of International Schools. English International School, Moscow West will also seek membership of the Council of International Schools. A requirement for Council of International Schools membership is that the school shall have been established and in operation for a number of years, during which time the school will put into effect the Council of International Schools membership requirements. Having done this, English International School, Moscow West will seek membership and full accreditation. To find out more about the Council of International Schools go to www.cois.org
Our Teaching and Support Staff
In order to provide the highest standards of teaching, we offer an excellent staff to student ratio. Our class sizes are capped at 21 students per class.
Our native English speaking teaching staff are highly qualified and bring many years of teaching expertise, with enhanced knowledge of the English Curriculum and experience of the additional challenge of teaching in an international setting.
Our careful and child-centred approach ensures that all students progress well and benefit from being part of this international community.
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Ryan Hannah
Head of School
I am originally from the United Kingdom where I gained my BA (hons) degree in Media and my teaching qualification at the University of Wales. Since graduating as a teacher, I’ve taught in the UK, Germany, Ukraine and Russia. This is my fifth year at EIS West. I enjoy working in Moscow as it gives me the opportunity to travel and explore new countries and cultures.

Vanessa Burke
Class Teacher
I am excited to be commencing my third year with the EIS West team, and I have over eight years of experience teaching children aged from kindergarten to year 6 in a range of schools around the world - London, Moscow, Tatarstan, and in my native country of Australia. I gained an undergraduate qualification in primary teaching, and I am in the process of completing a master's degree specialising in international education. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, playing tennis and watching documentaries.

Oleg Balashov
PE Teacher
I graduated from the University of Moscow with a degree in physical education. I have taught since 2013 and I’ve worked at EIS West for three years. I teach children from Nursery through Year 6. I love sports, especially bodybuilding as I took part in competitions in the past.

Deborah Hopper
Class Teacher
I am originally from the North West of England. I gained my B.Ed degree from Liverpool Polytechnic and my MSc in Information Systems from the University of Liverpool. In the past 23 years I have taught in various countries as an Early Years teacher and held positions as a year leader, Head of Early Years and Deputy Head in Key Stage 1. When I return home I enjoy the slower pace of life, pursuing a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle with my husband, growing our own food and enjoying the magnificent scenery and tranquility of rural Ireland.

Ally Rector
Class Teacher
I was born in Western Australia, and from a young age was fortunate to live in different places around the world. Upon graduating from an international High School in Bangladesh I moved to Brisbane, Australia and completed my Bachelor of Education specialising in Primary. I then spent three years teaching in Clermont, Australia before moving overseas to teach in Cairo, where I have spent the previous two years. I look forward to teaching your children, and learning how to ski.

Cameron Utting
Class Teacher
I am originally from Hobart in Australia where I studied history and
classics as my undergraduate degree before earning my teaching qualification in
2013. For the last four years I have been teaching the English National
Curriculum across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 in Birmingham, Norfolk and London
in the UK. After successfully teaching in Australia and the UK, I am
looking forward to my first international teaching post to learning more about
life and culture here in Moscow. When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading,
exploring the world and sport.

Chris Marsh
Class Teacher and Music Teacher
I am very delighted to be teaching Music here at EIS as well as working with Year 6. I am originally from Canada and have been fortunate enough to have, been able to teach in many overseas positions including Dubai, Macau, and recently in Beijing before moving to Moscow. I look forward to creating a vibrant and enthusiastic classroom for the students of EIS.

Daria Kirbai
Head of Languages and CIS Chair
I come from Russia and I graduated from Moscow State Pedagogical University where I specialized in teaching English as Second Language. After graduating I headed to India and taught in New Delhi for a year and after this I also completed a three year program in teaching French as Second Language from MPSU. It has been a privilege to teach EAL (English as an Additional Language), French and Russian at EIS for the past five years and I am looking forward to spending another year here. I love travelling, jogging and cooking healthy meals.

Deirdre Waldron
Class Teacher
I was born and raised in Ireland. My qualifications include a BA Honours degree in Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Education. I taught for five years in the beautiful, historic town of Kells in Ireland. My class teaching experience ranges from Year 1 to Year 6. I also worked as a special education teacher for two years, helping children with dyslexia, autism or learning difficulties. This is my third year in Moscow, I am delighted to be teaching Year 2 at EIS Moscow West. My interests include yoga, baking, reading and learning the Russian language!

Ekaterina Chernova
Teacher Assistant
I was born in Kirov, Russia and graduated from the Nizhny Novgorod Pedagogical University. My specialty is as a philologist and linguist. I have worked with children of different ages for many years in a Russian school. This is my fifth year at EIS West and I’ll be working in nursery. In my spare time I like to travel and study Chinese culture and language.

Nastya Avtaeva
Russian Language Teacher
I am from the Mordovian Republic which is part of Russia. I graduated from the Mordovian State Pedagogical Institute with a degree in foreign languages. I have been at EIS West for five years and I am looking forward to being an EAL and Russian teacher for another year. I have taught students from Nursery through Year 6. I am fond of reading, knitting, drawing and craft-making.

Natasha Chertkova
Teacher Assistant
This is my fifth year at EIS. Previously I worked at EIS East as a TA in Year 2 and Year 6. I also have experience of teaching English to both children and adults in language and Russian comprehensive schools in Moscow. I am really looking forward to joining the team at EIS West and helping the children to develop their skills inside and outside the classroom.

Sofia Andreeva
Teacher Assistant
I am from Russia and studied at Saratov University, where I earned a degree in Teaching. After moving to Moscow, I worked at a Russian school as an English teacher for two years. This is my sixth year at EIS West and I will be a teacher assistant in Reception; previously, I also worked with Nursery children. I help out with Russian and Art lessons. I enjoy painting in my spare time.

Patricia Mulcahy
Class Teacher
After graduating with a degree in education I began my diverse teaching career in Ireland. During my time as an educator, I have taught internationally for many years in countries such as Bosnia, Ukraine, Israel and Cameroon. I am also a certified Montessori teacher as I love the early years which is focused on promoting the social, emotional and academic growth of the early learner. In my spare time I love to run and climb mountains, which I think with the long winters in Moscow I will have to find new hobbies.

Elena Kisteneva
Languages Teacher
Hello, I am a Russian-Canadian. I have a diploma in Architecture from Humber College in Toronto, Canada and a BA in Civil engineering at Moscow University. This will be my fourth year in EIS West, and the third with Reception team. I enjoy art, especially painting, and love travelling and exploring new places.

Tamara Melikova
Teacher Assistant
I am delighted to be returning for my third year here at EIS West. This Year I am a TA in the Year 1 class and am looking forward to working with the younger students. I enjoy working with children and assisting the class teachers in creating the positive environment in the class. My hobbies are reading, visiting museums, theatres, travelling, and making trips around Moscow.

Aida Tologonova
Teacher Assistant
Originally I am from the beautiful city of Frunze in Kirgizstan, where I graduated the National University with a degree in Economics; I also completed a two year course at the Russian Slovic University’s Humanitarian department. I worked in a kindergarten in Kirgizstan for two years before I moved to Russia in 2008. Since 2011, I have worked here at EIS West as a teaching assistant. I love to work with children. My hobbies are traveling, cooking and sports.

Abigail McDuff
Class Teacher
Hello, I am Abigail McDuff from Surrey, England. After studying at the University of Brighton, I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Primary Education. Following this I taught in England and Dubai, UAE. My training and teaching experience have shaped my teaching style to build character in a child whilst teaching with creativity, challenge and using clear communication. I feel privileged to be able to combine two of my greatest interests of travel and education as I explore the world. Other hobbies include hiking, reading and as a vegan I am passionate about cooking and living an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Orbital Education
English International School, Moscow East is British owned and British managed by Orbital Education, a company with a proven track record and an excellent reputation for establishing and operating outstanding British-style international schools.
Orbital Education was founded in 2005 by Kevin McNeany. The company runs a group of 10 schools offering British Education, which is owned and managed from the Head Office near Manchester in the UK. Orbital schools provide a British style of education which is nurturing, challenging and inspiring. They currently have school in Moscow, Shanghai, Quito, Doha, Ljubljana, Palma and Budapest and their portfolio continues to expand
As in the case of all Orbital Education schools, English International School, Moscow East has the benefit of support from educational, financial, marketing and IT experts in the UK. The school is regularly visited by an Orbital International Education Development Officer, who has lead responsibility for the school.
