Leadership Team

Bas van Haver became a member of The BSA in 2019, initially contributing to the Havenstraat building project before assuming the role of Bursar on the Management Board. As Bursar, Bas oversees the operational functions of the school and spearheads risk management, compliance, and community engagement, leveraging his Dutch nationality to foster relations with local stakeholders. Prior to his tenure at The BSA, Bas accumulated diverse experience in financial, operational, and leadership positions across international companies outside the realm of education. His professional journey spans the events industry with notable stints at Reed Exhibitions, Royal Jaarbeurs, and VNU Exhibitions Asia, as well as the consumer goods sector with engagements at Orangina-Schweppes and Obrigado Bahia, both in The Netherlands and China. Bas holds a master’s degree in business economics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a post-master’s degree in Finance & Control (RC) from UvA - Amsterdam Business School. In his leisure time, Bas delights in partaking in sports and other activities with his young family of three.

Originally from the UK, Claudia van de Laar trained in Brighton and lived and worked in Bristol before relocating to the Netherlands. This year marks her 29th year of service at the British School of Amsterdam. Claudia has worked in a variety of educational roles at the British School but it is within the Early Years Section (EYS) where her passion truly resides. The British School serves not only as a professional hub but also as a vibrant social community, fostering enduring friendships among its members. Claudia considers working with families from across the globe one of the most fulfilling aspects of her position.

Lindsay Bellis assumed the role of Head of Admissions and Marketing at The BSA on 1 June 2023. With a rich professional background spanning 25 years across educational, retail, and industrial domains, Lindsay brings a wealth of expertise to her position. Notably,  her recent roles include serving as the Director of Admissions and Marketing at other prestigious institutions such as Wellington College Hangzhou, Dulwich College Shanghai in China, and Terra Nova Prep School in Cheshire, UK. Throughout her career, Lindsay has demonstrated proficiency in developing and executing marketing strategies and campaigns. Her collaborative approach extends across various educational settings, from nursery to sixth-form, catering to children aged 2-18 years. In her capacity, Lindsay spearheads key functions including brand development, digital marketing, content creation, public relations, and event management. During her free time, Lindsay finds pleasure in skiing, horse riding, exploring foreign destinations, and sharing meals with her friends and family.

Melanie Fidge joined The BSA as Head of Junior School in August 2023. Melanie brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise, particularly in fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. She has a proven track record of leadership, a deep commitment to academic excellence, and a genuine passion for supporting the holistic development of each child. After graduating from Cambridge University with a first-class degree in Modern Languages, Melanie began her working life in the voluntary sector leading corporate fundraising teams at VSO and Save the Children. She then completed her teacher training (with a Primary/MFL specialism) at Goldsmiths University and spent her formative teaching years in London. Melanie developed her teaching and leadership experience working at international schools in Thailand and the UAE before returning to the UK to work in both state and prep school. She has now brought her breadth of knowledge and experience to The BSA.

Five years ago, Rosanna Russo stepped into the position of Operations Manager at The BSA. With a rich background spanning 18 years in school business management and 15 years in corporate administration, Rosanna brings a formidable blend of expertise to her role. Holding a specialised certification from the National College of School Leadership in the UK, she has honed her skills through diverse experiences in prominent organisations across South Africa, including The Board of Executors, Marriott Property Group, NBS Bank, and Gestetner.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Rosanna finds joy in music and sports.

Introducing Zee Mirza: a dynamic and innovative leader within the realm of educational technology. His journey commenced in August 2023 as the Head of Technology at The BSA. With an extensive background spanning nearly two decades in Educational IT, Zee has traversed a diverse array of roles, from nurturing individual establishments to strategically steering Academy Trusts through IT transitions. His approach is not just about technology; it's about revolutionising learning and operational environments with a blend of knowledge and innovative ideas. Zee's visionary contributions have earned numerous accolades for school innovation and hard work for delivering outstanding customer service which reflects his dedication to shaping the future of education. His passion for blending technology with learning makes him not just a leader but a innovator in the educational landscape. Beyond his professional endeavours, Zee harbours a profound passion for technology, AI, and home automation, embracing their ever-evolving nature. Equally significant to him is the cherished time spent with friends and family, savouring the moments they share together.