meet the team

I graduated from University with a First Class Honours degree in Primary Education. Prior to moving to Dubai, I taught in the South East of England across the Primary phases in Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I became a teacher to inspire young children across the world to develop a love of learning, through infinite opportunities and rich learning experiences.

I joined GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa in 2016 and have worked in various roles to ensure our children are happy, confident and resilient learners. Having completed my National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), I am deeply committed to the holistic development of every child. As education evolves, leaders and teachers need to be able to prepare children for their success in a changing world. At FPS, we provide an enriched curriculum that allows our children to be creative, challenged and adventurous with the freedom, time and space to learn and demonstrate their independence.

We look forward to welcoming your children into our stimulating learning environments that open up a world of possibility and opportunity.

I began my journey at GEMS FirstPoint School in 2017, working within Key Stage 2. Over the years, I've had the privilege to work in various roles and areas of the school, and I am delighted to be Assistant Principal of School Improvement. In this role, I support all areas of the school, ensuring we offer an inspiring curriculum that motivates our students, helping them to be happy and successful. It is my passion to create an environment where every child thrives, and I am dedicated to contributing to their academic and personal growth.

Originally from Durham in the North East of England, I have a strong background in primary education, having worked in a small school in Key Stage 2 before joining GEMS FirstPoint. This year, I am excited to be completing my National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), furthering my commitment to ensuring our young learners receive the best possible start in an ever-changing world.

I am incredibly proud to be part of GEMS FirstPoint School, where we believe in empowering our students to take ownership of their learning, developing their growing sense of curiosity and resilience that will serve them throughout their lives.

As Assistant Head of Primary and Foundation Stage Lead at GEMS FirstPoint School, I bring over 20 years of experience as a passionate Early Years educator, with the last decade spent here in Dubai. I hold a BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies and Education from Sunderland University and a PGCE from the University of Leeds.

I believe young children learn best through purposeful play in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. By developing confidence and independence from an early age, we lay the foundations for future success.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is inspiring others and sharing my passion for Early Years education. At GEMS FirstPoint School, our inquiry-based ethos encourages children to think critically, solve problems, and embrace challenge without limits.

I’m especially proud of our vibrant Nursery, welcoming children from age two. With British-trained teachers, outstanding facilities, and a unique blend of the EYFS curriculum and Reggio Emilia approach, our youngest learners thrive in a home-from-home setting.

We offer the FirstSteps to lifelong learning, building strong foundations for every child’s journey.

I’m from the coastal town of Bournemouth in the South West of England. I spent much of my early life competing in dance competitions across the UK—something I still enjoy today. My teaching journey began in 2016 after graduating from the University of Winchester with a BA (Hons) in English and a PGCE.

I began my career teaching in a diverse school in Southampton, where I spent four years teaching Year 4 and Year 5 and held leadership roles in English as an Additional Language and as Head of Year.

I joined GEMS FirstPoint School five years ago, starting in Year 5 before moving to Year 4, where I’ve proudly led the year group for the past four years. I love creating a learning environment where children feel safe, valued, and motivated. I'm passionate about helping every child become an independent, confident learner by setting high expectations and delivering exciting, engaging lessons.

This year, I’m excited to step into my new role as Assistant Headteacher (Behaviour and Culture). I’m really looking forward to supporting more children across the school and playing a positive role in the wider FirstPoint community that I feel so proud to be a part of.

I began my teaching career in the South of England as a Primary School Teacher after graduating from Edge Hill University with a B.A. (Hons) in Primary Education with Physical Education. Over the past 19 years, I have gained a broad and varied range of teaching and leadership experience across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Throughout my career, I have held a range of leadership roles, including subject leadership, pastoral responsibility, and leading provision for More Able and Talented students. I am passionate about designing learning experiences that are meaningful, inclusive, and engaging for all children, underpinned by a rich and enriched curriculum.

I am currently enjoying my new role as Assistant Head of Primary, where I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on school development and contribute to a positive, inclusive learning environment for both staff and pupils. I am also working towards the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), which is further strengthening my ability to lead with impact and contribute to the wider school improvement.

My constant drive is to help every child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, so they grow into confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals.

My role of Assistant Principal for School Improvement is to support the brilliant work across the through school, working with students and leaders. I seek new ways to reinvigorate the classroom and currently focus on how oracy and feedback from student-led enquiries can improve outcomes for learners.

I gained my undergraduate degree in History and Politics from the University of Warwick. During my time there, I found a passion for the classroom as I was fortunate enough to be a part of Warwick in Africa, where I supported developing teachers in an all-through school in Morogoro, Tanzania. I completed my PGCE in History through Sheffield Hallam University, as part of the Teach First programme, and developed my practice in a school in Bradford. Soon after, I completed my MA in Educational Leadership through the University of Manchester and took on department and faculty-wide leadership roles focusing on attainment and progress for a wide range of subjects. Prior to joining GEMS FirstPoint in 2023, I was an all-through leader for Character and the Quality of Education in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and had been a leader at the school for six years. Here I focused on developing exceptional personal development opportunities, as well as an excellent academic provision.

At FirstPoint, all staff and leaders are committed to providing your children with an exceptional education and school experience. My current role enables me to work more closely with leaders and teachers across the school to continue to build on our brilliant success. Students are at the heart of our school, and it’s a pleasure to see my daughter thrive here as part of our amazing Primary School.

I joined GEMS FirstPoint School in 2017 and from the moment I arrived, I knew I’d found a community unlike any other. Our students’ curiosity, compassion, and drive continue to inspire me every day, and it is a privilege to help shape an environment where they can truly flourish.

As Senior Assistant Principal, I have the joy of working across the entire school from Nursery to Year 13, leading Teaching & Learning, Inclusion, EAL, and supporting our talented staff to provide the very best educational experience. I am passionate about bringing research and practice together in meaningful ways, whether through our teacher-led research partnership with the University of Cambridge or through the professional learning and leadership pathways we design for our colleagues who make FirstPoint such a vibrant place to learn and work.

I lead whole-school professional development and steward key strategic processes for school improvement planning and have also been proud to help strengthen our culture of wellbeing through elevating student voice, oracy, and inclusive practice across the school.

Originally a Law graduate from the University of Warwick, I retrained as an English teacher through Teach First and quickly discovered my passion for literacy, leadership, and school improvement. Over the years, I’ve held roles including Head of English, Assistant Principal, and NPQ facilitator, and these experiences have shaped my belief that great schools grow through collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Most of all, I am grateful to be part of a school community where every child is known, challenged, and celebrated. FirstPoint is a special place, and I am excited to continue helping our students, and our staff, reach their full potential.