meet the team

PRIMARY SENIOR
Leadership TEAM

ISABEL BRANNOCK

Head of Primary School
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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.

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EMILY GALLONE

Deputy Head of Primary School
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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.

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CLAIR NAMI

Assistant Head Teacher
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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.

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NATALIE MEAD

Assistant Principal
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Originally from Yorkshire, England, I joined GEMS FirstPoint School in 2020 after four rewarding years at a small primary school in England. Throughout my career, I have held various positions, including Primary Mathematics Coordinator and Year 6 Leader, fostering a deep passion for education and student development.


In the 2024-2025 academic year, I am excited to take on the role of Assistant Head of Primary. I am dedicated to nurturing and inspiring students to become lifelong learners who strive for excellence.


My goal is to support each child in their academic and personal growth, ensuring they leave FPS Primary as caring, respectful, and resilient individuals, proud of their unique abilities and talents.
I believe that the best learning occurs in a stimulating environment where personalised learning journeys empower students to excel academically while also developing morally, socially, and culturally.

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HANNAH JONES

Year 4 Leader and Assistant Head Teacher
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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.

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school admissions
NURSERY - YEAR 13