Our Team
Peter Thompson, Principal
After graduating from the University of Exeter (in English literature, history and philosophy), Peter initially forged a successful career in public relations, becoming a director in the London office of the world’s largest PR consultancy. He then moved into academia, joining his grandparents, mother, brother, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins in teaching and academic management – a family history stretching back over more than a century. Peter taught in Thailand and Saudi Arabia as well as the UK and was the founder and Principal of a school in Brighton and of another in Oxford – a post he held for 22 years – before joining KCO in 2024.
Julia Yang, Assistant to Principal
Julia holds an MChem from the University of Oxford and is currently completing a PhD at the Institute of Education, UCL. Bilingual in Mandarin and English, Julia spent her childhood in China before moving to the UK in her early teens and has direct personal experience of the challenges facing students from overseas and of the strengths and benefits of the British education system.
Julia specialises in British and Chinese secondary education systems, focusing on comparative studies of educational ethos, pedagogy, and practices in both contexts. Passionate about fostering a growth mindset, Julia is dedicated to guiding students to reach their full potential by tailoring support to individual learning needs and encouraging personal development.
Roald Morgan, Economics tutor
Roald Morgan studied History and Economics at Brasenose College, Oxford. He has worked as a teacher of economics for over 20 years and also works with academics in the field, editing academic papers. Roald previously worked in industry, as international marketing manager for a manufacturer of machinery. He has considerable experience teaching international students and is a firm believer in the benefits of international education, both for the individual student and as a means of helping to make the world a better place. Roald, though British, is half German and grew up speaking both languages. He also speaks Spanish, having lived and worked in Spain for many years.
Kathryn Aveyard, maths tutor
Holding a BSc in mathematics from the University of York and an MSc in Teaching and Learning from the University of Oxford, Kathryn is an experienced maths tutor with more than 10 years’ teaching experience. Kathryn is dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment and is passionate about differentiated instruction and technology integration, with a firm belief in the importance of tailored education to meet individual requirements.
Much of Kathryn’s teaching has been with students from diverse backgrounds and with a range of special needs, and she brings a great wealth of knowledge and expertise to her lessons.
Djihan Skinner, English language tutor
Djihan studied at the University of Cambridge, from where she has an MA in social anthropology and an MPhil in modern Indian history.
Djihan lived overseas during much of her childhood – and speaks several languages as a result – and has subsequently spent considerable time working abroad, but since 2008 has been living and teaching English in Oxford. Over the years she has developed extensive expertise tutoring a wide range of international students, from children to seasoned professionals. Djihan’s passion lies in one-to-one or small group teaching, in which she can truly tailor the lessons to a student’s individual needs.
Francesca Pagano, English language tutor
Francesca graduated in English literature from the University of Cambridge before gaining an MA from King’s College London, in contemporary literature, culture and theory (awarded a Distinction). She is currently working on her doctoral thesis at Linacre College, University of Oxford.
Bilingual in English and Italian, Francesca was born in Italy but attended English-language schools in her home country before moving to the UK to attend university. She has been here ever since. Teaching English literature, English language and IELTS, Francesca is known for her kind and friendly tutoring style and places special emphasis on student wellbeing, tailoring each session to the individual interests and needs of learners.
Zoe Lundy, Science tutor
Zoe studied at the University of Oxford (St John’s College), where she gained a Master of Biochemistry (in Molecular and Cellular biochemistry) and a Doctorate in Clinical Medicine. She then devoted her energies to becoming a biology tutor, working closely with several of Oxford’s leading colleges and over the years helping a large number of her students achieve entry to the world’s top universities. Her many strengths include individualised student coaching, personal statement guidance, and preparation for interviews and entrance tests.
Zoe is also much involved with rowing and has won many competitions – and on top of that, holds a brown belt in judo and jiu jitsu!
Eiko Kato, Administrator
Eiko attended boarding school in Oxford as well as school in Japan, studied Classical Japanese Literature at Keio University and returned to Oxford to gain an MA in Education. She remained in Oxford and has built a career in the education sector, gaining extensive experience in administrative and marketing roles at a leading Oxford college. Eiko also acts as a guardian for Japanese children attending UK boarding schools and for many years has been a key figure in annual exchange group visits to Oxford by Japanese students.
Over the years Eiko has dealt directly with many of the UK’s leading private schools and possesses a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing international students as well as an in-depth knowledge of the private education sector itself.