We’re about
to take off.

Miss Catarina Simão is a visionary educational leader with over two decades of experience, deeply committed to nurturing the academic and personal growth of every child.
Beginning her career at the age of 18, she has been at the forefront of transformative educational projects, most notably her time at St. Peter’s International School. There, she served as LEARS Coordinator and later as Head of School, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation, leadership, and excellence.
Her academic background in Educational Neuroscience, complemented by certifications in Dyslexia and ADHD, allows Miss Simão to adopt a deeply empathetic and inclusive approach to education, ensuring that every child’s needs are met with care and precision. She also holds a Leadership Management qualification from AESE and an MBA from ISCTE, which have empowered her to lead with strategic clarity, inspire her teams, and guide educational institutions towards sustained success.
As an Executive Head of School, Miss Simão combines bold vision with a results-driven mindset, consistently working to empower students to not only excel academically but also develop the skills and confidence needed to make a positive difference in the world. She believes that education is the key to unlocking limitless potential, and every child has the power to change the world in their own unique way.

Miss Angela Harris is an inspirational and dedicated school leader with over 35 years of enriching experience in education.
Throughout her remarkable career, she has embraced a variety of roles, including Classroom Teacher, Key Stage Leader, Vice Principal, Deputy Principal, and most recently, Principal of a Primary School, nurturing children from Nursery to Year 6.
Educated in the UK, Miss Harris earned her BA (Hons) and PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education) in Primary Education from Liverpool, laying a strong foundation for her passion for teaching and learning. Her career spans both the UK and Portugal, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to international education.
A compassionate, hands-on leader, Miss Harris has also contributed globally as a peer accreditor for the Council of International Schools (CIS), participating in numerous school accreditation visits around the world. Her wealth of expertise and dedication make her an invaluable addition to any educational community.
In this exciting new chapter, Miss Harris will serve as a vital member of Beyond International School leadership team, combining her deep knowledge of education with her love for children to create a safe, nurturing, and inspiring learning environment.
Her vision is to ensure every child is empowered to achieve their best and to leave a lasting, positive impact on the school community.

Michaela Horvathova is a co-founder, board member, and Chief Education Officer at Beyond Education. She is an international education policy expert, specializing in shaping the future of education and skills within the context of the digital age. With a rich background as a policy analyst at the OECD and consultancy roles with UNICEF, International Baccalaureate, and various public, private, and non-profit sector entities, she possesses extensive experience and a deep understanding of global education systems and key trends. Additionally, she has served as an Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, offering critical guidance on primary and secondary education reform. In her role as a Researcher at the Center for Curriculum Redesign, she led projects aimed at redefining education for the 21st century with a global impact. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Education Policy from Harvard University.

Miss Joana Pinote is an inspiring personality, bringing a wealth of international experience and a unique outlook to her role.
A devoted mother of an 8-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy, Miss Pinote’s journey in education is driven by her deep commitment to nurturing young minds and creating a welcoming, inspiring environment for all.
Having lived in Madrid, where she studied Communication and Journalism, Miss Pinote developed a strong multicultural perspective that continues to shape her approach to education. With a solid academic foundation in Social, Cultural, and Organisational Communication, complemented by a Master’s degree in Communication and Leadership in Organisations, she possesses the expertise and insight to navigate the evolving landscape of education with energy and passion.
With over 20 years of experience in customer service, public relations, and team leadership, Miss Pinote has proven her ability to build meaningful relationships and manage diverse, multicultural teams. In her previous role as Head of Recruitment and HR at a leading education company in the Middle East, she successfully led the recruitment of over 500 teachers from around the world to work in the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and excellence in education.
Now, as Head of Admissions and People at Beyond International School, Miss Pinote is dedicated to creating a vibrant, supportive environment where families, students, and staff can flourish. She firmly believes that schools are the passport to the future, the place where dreams are nurtured, and the foundation upon which success is built.