Cormac O Donnell

I am thrilled to be Head of Year 9 and look forward to guiding these terrific students to unlocking their potential and being the best version of themselves.

Having greatly benefited from the pastoral help of my mentors as a student myself, I strive to provide the same guidance for my students. My responsibility will be to help create the conditions that will
support the academic progress and wellbeing of students. This is my third year working in GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa teaching Media Studies and English in such a reputable school with a wonderful school community.

I received my BA Honors Degree in English from Maynooth University, Ireland. Following this, I earned both my Master’s Degree in Film Studies and Postgraduate Diploma in Education at the University of Galway, Ireland. More recently, I obtained the CSML Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School Online. Outside of school, I enjoy journalism and have written for many international publications.

I have a keen interest in boxing and am currently helping the World Boxing Council – WBC promote the sport in the Middle East. I have been married to my Saudi-American wife for 3 years now and we have recently welcomed our baby son, Tariq. We are enjoying this new journey of parenthood together.