Senior Leadership Team

he Principal of the British International School Gdańsk, Mr. Robert Grisdale, is a highly experienced educator with a deep passion for helping others. His leadership has fostered a generous and supportive community at the school, one that is dedicated to making a positive impact and supporting others in various ways. The school has consistently demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility, with students and staff alike actively contributing to both local and global causes.

Mr. Grisdale has an extensive background in international education, having previously worked as a teacher and KS2 coordinator at the British School Warsaw for seven years. He then served as the Head of Primary and Foundation at Garden International School in Rayong, Thailand, also for seven years. His career began as a Research Officer at Cambridge University, where he worked on various publications for the UK’s Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). Additionally, Mr. Grisdale co-authored the second part of the Polish Maths exercise book for class 6, Matematyka wokół nas, and the Przed sprawdzianem workbook, along with developing numerous teaching aids for Mathematics.

Mr. Grisdale completed an MPhil in Educational Research at Cambridge University, an MA in School Effectiveness and School Improvement at the Institute of Education, University of London, and a PGCE in Teaching English as a Foreign Language at Bangor University. He also holds a BA Hons in Geography from Durham University.

In addition to his extensive teaching and leadership experience, Mr. Grisdale was a School Inspector for the Council of International Schools (CIS) and an international bridge player. He has led the British International School Gdańsk since June 2013, inspiring the school community with his passion for education and commitment to helping others. He lives in Gdansk with his wife and two sons.

atarzyna Lewicka-Grisdale has been the Vice Director at the British International School Gdańsk since 2013. She values a strong sense of community and works hard to create a caring and supportive environment. She has played a key role in looking after the wellbeing of both students and staff. Her leadership focuses on making sure everyone in the school feels respected, supported, and motivated to do their best.

Mrs. Lewicka-Grisdale has an extensive background in education, having previously served as an English and Drama teacher at the British School Warsaw and as the Head of English and Drama at Garden International School in Rayong, Thailand. She is also the Head of Teaching and Learning at the British International School Gdańsk, where she leads efforts to continuously improve the quality of education and ensure that teaching practices meet the highest standards.

Her leadership has been crucial in guiding the school through the introduction of the new International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. She has been instrumental in leading the school through the candidacy phase and is now actively involved in the ongoing authorisation process, helping the school prepare for full IB accreditation.

Mrs. Lewicka-Grisdale holds a postgraduate degree in Educational Management from the University of Gdańsk, an MPhil in Philosophy and Sociology of Education from Cambridge University, a PGCE in English and Drama from the Central School of Speech and Drama at London University, and a BA (Hons) in English (1st Class) from Plymouth University.

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys a range of interests, including reading and outdoor sports, which further reflects her belief in the importance of balance, well-being, and physical activity. She lives in Gdańsk with her husband and two sons.

Joanna Zikau is an experienced educator with nearly 20 years of experience working with children in both the UK and Poland. She holds a Master’s degree in Pedagogy, specializing in Early Education and Teaching English, from the University of Gdańsk.

Her career began in London, where she gained valuable experience working with Hays Education and later at Gwendolen House Nursery, an OFSTED-rated outstanding private nursery in Putney. After becoming a mother, she transitioned to the public sector, joining Argyle Primary School in London.

During her time in the UK, she actively participated in numerous professional development workshops and earned an NVQ Level 3 in Management from South Thames College. Five years ago, she returned to Gdańsk and joined the British International School, where she has embraced the opportunity to continue her career in an international, multicultural environment, bringing her passion for early childhood education.

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys escaping to the picturesque village of Ostrów Mausz in the beautiful Kaszuby district. Surrounded by serene lakes and forests, she loves getting lost in a good book or taking long walks through the scenic countryside.

John was born in Huddersfield, a large town in the North of England. He studied at Leeds Metropolitan University and Anglia Ruskin University where he completed a B.Sc. (Hons) in Information Systems.

After working in the IT field for a year and realising it wasn’t for him, he retrained as a primary school teacher at the University of Bradford. He then worked in the English state school system for eighteen years, over ten as a senior leader.

John lives in Bojano with his wife and three children. He has a range of interests, from the sporting to the artistic.

atalia Knopik joined the BISG team in 2011, and has over sixteen years of experience in teaching, with over five as a manager.

Natalia holds an MA in Primary Education, and a BA in Early Education with English from the University of Gdansk. She also obtained a postgraduate diploma in Educational Management. With a background in teaching and a passion for educational law, she is dedicated to helping the leadership achieve their goals.

Natalia lives in Gdansk with her husband and two children. She enjoys reading non-fiction on self-development.