Education Leaders

Sigve Austheim, Chief Learning Officer

Sigve Austheim has been ABQ’s Chief Learning Officer since August 2018. His main task is to improve teaching and learning across the group, in collaboration with our academic staff. He is a qualified teacher and has Bachelor of Arts degrees in both History and Political Science from the University of Oslo, in addition to an MBA from the University of Wales. He came from the position as Principal of Azerbaijan British College and was previously the Founding Principal of a British school in Spain, as well as a private Norwegian upper secondary school in Oslo. He has over 10 years of experience as a principal and more than 15 years of teaching practice.

He is very familiar with Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level, as well as other examination boards. Through developing, implementing and supervising comprehensive systems for achieving academic excellence, his previous school ranked among the best international schools for their first IGCSE results (A*-A). By writing comprehensive sets of policies, procedures, and guidelines for international schools, he was able to put into effect proper structures and academic strategies. He has successfully hosted several school inspections, including the COBIS Compliance programme, CIS Membership and Accreditation, NABSS and several LEAs.

Nigel Wilsonlock, Principal, ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School

Nigel Wilsonlock is a highly experienced international school leader with a strong track record of driving academic excellence while cultivating inclusive, values-driven cultures. Now leading ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School in Muscat, he brings over three decades of global educational expertise across the UK, Middle East and Far East Asia.

A results-oriented professional, Nigel has held senior leadership roles in schools offering the English National Curriculum, IB, IGCSE, and A Levels, as well as local Ministry of Education programmes. He excels in strategic planning, curriculum development, and data-informed school improvement. His leadership is marked by a commitment to high standards, professional growth, and operational excellence.

Nigel holds a Master’s degree in Applied Educational Leadership and Management from the University of London and is an IB-certified leadership researcher. He is a qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead and trained coach with extensive experience in teacher development, school accreditations (WASC, CIS, QNSA, IBO), and leading through change.

From establishing strong middle leadership teams to improving parental engagement and student outcomes, Nigel consistently fosters environments where students and staff thrive. His appointment at ABQ Azzan reinforces the school’s commitment to high-quality education, innovation, and inclusive growth within the international education landscape of the Sultanate of Oman.

Sharl Prinsloo, Principal, ABQ Seeb International Private School

Sharl has been involved with education for more than 20 years. After completing his education at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa, he started his career at a primary school in Cape Town. Having to deal with large class sizes and other socio-economic problems associated with inner-city schools at the start of his career, prepared him for his future in the multicultural environment of international education. He accepted an excellent opportunity to further his career in the UK dividing his time between playing cricket and teaching. Teaching in the UK for several years exposed him to different teaching methods and viewpoints and planted the seed of international education.

On his return to South Africa, he spent three years in their family business, gaining valuable experience on the financial front. However, the call of the education sector proved too strong, and he returned to teach science at a primary school.

He worked his way up through the ranks of teacher, followed by Head of Department, and then Deputy Principal at a prestigious school in Pretoria. Sharl joined Sohar International School in 2009. He held the position of Head of Primary at Sohar International School for four years before gaining a promotion to principal. He joined the sister school, ABQ Seeb, as principal at the start of the 2021-22 academic year.

Barney Kruger, Principal, ABQ Sohar International Private School

Barney Kruger has a robust background in international education, with 17 years of experience. He began his journey with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental and Tourism Management from North-West University, South Africa, in 2007. He started his teaching career in prestigious international schools in Qatar and later completed a PGCE focused on Geography and Mathematics, along with an extended teaching diploma in Mathematics and Mathematics Literacy.

Currently pursuing an MBA in Action Learning and Project-Based Management at the Business School of the Netherlands, Barney is equipped with advanced strategic and operational management skills. Before joining ABQ Sohar, he served as the Head of Secondary at ABQ Seeb International School in Muscat, Oman, where his leadership led to significant academic and operational improvements. He also held the position of Executive Head at Ashton John’s Private School in South Africa, guiding the school from its inception in 2021.

Barney’s professional experience includes roles in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and leadership positions across the Middle East, giving him a deep understanding of international curricula and educational leadership. His leadership philosophy centres on creating student-focused learning environments and innovative educational methods.

Hanane Feggadi, Principal, ABQ Al Imtiaz Private School and Interim Principal of ABQ Azzan Bin Qais

With 18 years of diverse experience in various educational roles, Hanane Feggadi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Education and teaching qualifications in French as a Foreign Language. Growing up in a family dedicated to education, she developed a passion for teaching from an early age.

Hanane began her career as a teacher in Morocco, where she honed her skills before transitioning to a Key Marketing Executive role in Oman. Her love for education brought her back to the classroom as a French teacher and Head of Foreign Languages at Sohar International School. She is fluent in Arabic, French, and English and effectively connects with students from diverse backgrounds.

Her commitment to student affairs led her to serve as Head of Student Affairs, and she later became Head of Quality Control and Vice Principal at ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International. Currently, as the Founding Principal of ABQ Al Imtiaz School, Hanane is dedicated to creating an innovative learning environment that inspires both students and educators.

Believing in the transformative power of knowledge, she is passionate about enhancing educational practices through creative material development and collaborative training. Hanane’s goal is to foster a culture of success and continuous improvement for all members of the school community.