Education Leaders

Sigve Austheim, Chief Learning Officer

Sigve Austheim has served as Chief Learning Officer of ABQ Education Group since August 2018, contributing to the development of teaching, learning, assessment and academic performance across the group’s four international schools in Muscat and Sohar. During his tenure, ABQ has established a strong and sustained record of academic achievement.

An international education leader with more than two decades of headship and senior leadership experience, Sigve has worked in Spain, Kenya, Azerbaijan, Oman and Norway. His career has included leading substantial improvements in external examination performance, developing schools and curricula, securing international accreditations and building effective systems for assessment, staff performance and institutional improvement.

Sigve is a qualified teacher and holds bachelor’s degrees in History, Political Science and History of Religions from the University of Oslo, together with an MBA from the University of Wales Cardiff Business School. His leadership is evidence-informed, transparent and outcomes-focused, combining high expectations and accountability with professional autonomy, collaboration and practical support.

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 School

Sharl Prinsloo has been involved in education for more than 30 years, with much of his career dedicated to international education and school leadership.

After completing his studies at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa, he began teaching at a primary school in Cape Town. His experience working with large classes and navigating the challenges of inner-city education shaped his belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Several years teaching in the UK broadened his educational perspective and sparked his interest in international education. After returning to South Africa, he gained valuable business and financial experience before returning to education, progressing from science teacher to Head of Department and ultimately Deputy Principal at a prestigious school in Pretoria.

In 2009, Sharl joined ABQ Sohar, where he served as Head of Primary before becoming Principal, a position he held for eight years. In 2021, he moved to sister school ABQ Seeb, where he has served as Principal for five years.

During his time with ABQ Education Group, Sharl has contributed significantly to the development and growth of the schools he has led, including successfully guiding ABQ Seeb through the rigorous CIS and COBIS accreditation processes.

With nearly 20 years in education in Oman, including 13 years as a Principal, Sharl brings extensive international experience and a leadership philosophy centred on academic excellence, student wellbeing, strong relationships and continuous improvement.

Barney Kruger, Principal, ABQ Sohar International School

Barney Kruger has more than 17 years of experience in international education, with a career spanning Asia, the Middle East and South Africa. His extensive leadership experience reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, staff development and effective school operations.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism Management from North-West University, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of South Africa and an MBA from Business School Netherlands. He is also an Advanced Designated Safeguarding Lead, certified through the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), reflecting his commitment to maintaining safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.

Since first joining ABQ in 2016 as a teacher at ABQ Azzan Bin Qais, Barney has taken on a range of leadership roles, including Head of Secondary at ABQ Seeb. Since 2024, he has served as Principal of ABQ Sohar International School, providing strategic and operational leadership across the school community.

Barney has also previously served as Executive Head of Ashton John’s Private School in South Africa. His experience across teaching and school leadership has given him a strong understanding of education from the classroom upwards.

Throughout his career, Barney has led initiatives focused on academic improvement, safeguarding, curriculum development, staff capacity building, financial management and school operations. He believes effective leadership is built on clarity, fairness, consistency and accountability. His approach centres on creating stable, positive learning environments in which students are encouraged to achieve their potential and staff are supported to grow, collaborate and succeed. He is committed to fostering school communities where high expectations are balanced with care, respect, and a shared sense of purpose.

Hanane Feggadi, Principal, ABQ Al Imtiaz Private School

With more than 20 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, Hanane developed a passion for teaching from an early age.

She began her career as a teacher in Morocco before joining ABQ Sohar nearly 20 years ago as a French teacher and Head of Foreign Languages. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, she connects well with students and parents from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Her commitment to student development and well-being led her to serve as Head of Student Affairs, followed by roles as Head of Quality Control and Vice Principal at ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School from 2017.

In 2022, Hanane joined ABQ Al Imtiaz Private School as its Founding Principal. She is dedicated to creating an innovative and supportive learning environment that inspires both students and educators to achieve their full potential.

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.