We’re excited to welcome a new Deputy Head this year on our Qingpu campus: Alex Capot. To get to know him better, we asked him about his journey, first impressions, and priorities for our students.
Can you tell us a bit about your background before joining LFS?
I started teaching PE (“EPS” en français) around 2000 in Lyon, while also coaching rugby. In 2012, I joined the AEFE network of French schools abroad and moved to Nouakchott, Mauritania, where I stayed for five years, an incredible experience that also gave me precious time with my family.
In 2017, we moved to Caracas, Venezuela. I kept teaching PE but also worked as a teacher trainer for the AEFE North Latin America region. During Covid, I decided to take the French school leadership exam. After passing, I returned to France and spent three great years as Deputy Principal at a high school in the Grenoble Academy.
From there, I applied to Shanghai French School… and here I am (laughs), with my wife and my son, who is now in 12th grade at LFS.
What made you want to join our school?
Shanghai had always been one of my top choices for working abroad, simply out of curiosity. And when I interviewed with the LFS leadership team, I immediately felt the school’s values aligned with mine.
I had also watched the videos on the school website to get a feel for the place, and that made me even more eager to come!
As Deputy Head, is there a particular focus you’d like to bring to the students?
I’ll be focusing on student well-being and success. Success is often defined by exams and university guidance, but for me, it’s just as important that students thrive at school and grow into future citizens and individuals.
Today’s young people, who have lived through Covid, who navigate social media and the constant flow of information, need a safe space where they feel good and can grow with peace of mind. For me, school should be that space.
What were your first impressions of Shanghai?
It’s hot (laughs)! The city feels huge, but it’s full of contrasts. For example, downtown is actually quite calm: even with the towering buildings, it doesn’t feel suffocating thanks to the wide avenues. And there’s so much greenery, canals, trees everywhere, it’s a pleasant surprise.
And what about your first impressions of LFS?
The welcome has been wonderful. From the moment we arrived at the airport, we felt expected and supported, it’s a great feeling.
The school itself has lived up to everything I had seen online. The start of the year has been intense, with lots of work, but it’s also really motivating. There’s so much to do, it’s an exciting challenge!
If you had to describe your job in three words, which would you choose?
Was there a teacher who had a big impact on you as a student?
Yes, M. Millet, my history teacher in middle school. He didn’t just teach us history, he told us stories. I was fascinated by his ability to make us feel like we were living it. It was a truly immersive experience, but forty years ago (laughs).
And finally, what are your hobbies outside of work?
I’m passionate about sports. I also love reading crime novels in the evenings, hiking, and outdoor sports like scuba diving, kite surfing, and skiing. But what really helps me disconnect is running. I need it, it’s simple, accessible, and always possible.
With plenty of ideas and projects already in mind, M. Capot is looking forward to rolling them out over the course of the year, a great boost to support our students’ success and personal growth!