meet the team

I am proud to work at such a prestigious school as GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa, and am driven to achieve the best for every child and family. I expect all staff and students to achieve and exceed their peak potential, and I support them to do so by making learning enjoyable, enabling students to achieve skills and qualifications which will support them in later life.

I have a BA Honours degree in European and International Politics from Northumbria University, a PGCE from Middlesex University, the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership from the Institute of Education, and am currently studying for an MA in Educational Leadership. I taught Geography and Politics in the UK for ten years and held various leadership roles, including Head of Department, Head of Year, and Senior Leader in charge of Intervention, before moving to Dubai in 2016. At each school I have worked, and in each leadership role, I have raised standards and enabled students to set new school records for attainment.

My wife is also a teacher, and we have two young sons, Thomas and Oliver, and I am enjoying the challenges of parenthood. In my spare time, I am interested in rugby, which I played to a high standard for over 20 years and presently enjoy cycling. As a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, I enjoy all things Geography, including international travel.

It is with immense pride that I hold the role of Deputy Head of Secondary at GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa, a community that has had a great impact on my life since 2016.

I graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2010 with a BA (Hons) in Physical Education, before moving to the USA to lead on the delivery of Soccer Camps for young people aged 3-18; an experience that ignited my passion for international education. In 2012, I completed a PGCE in Secondary Physical Education at Edge Hill University and started teaching at an ‘Outstanding’ Academy Federation in London. I spent 4 years delivering Physical Education to Key Stage 3-5 students and led as Head of Most Able and Talented.

In my time at GEMS FirstPoint School, I have delivered ‘Outstanding’ outcomes in a number of Middle and Senior Leadership roles, including Head of Year, Director, and Assistant Principal. I am currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and look forward to refining and implementing research-driven initiatives for your children.

As parents, students, and staff, we have achieved so much together. With continued positive relationships, high expectations, and application, we will work cohesively to provide the best learning environment for all of our young people: happy, well-rounded, and globally aware students who have the highest aspirations and an intrinsic desire to achieve and be the best individuals that they can be.

I joined FirstPoint in 2017 and since working here I have been continually inspired by our students’ enthusiasm for learning. Throughout my career, I have been motivated to build a culture of academic excellence and to equip students with the skills to become global citizens who are poised to avail of every opportunity in their future.

I gained my undergraduate degree in Law (LLB) from the University of Warwick and whilst at university became involved with a number of education societies which inspired me to pursue a career in education. I completed my PGCE in English at Canterbury Christ Church University with the Teach First programme and began working in a school in Kent where I took on leadership roles in advancing progress and attainment outcomes. It was there that I developed my passion for improving standards of literacy and I continued to develop literacy pedagogy at FirstPoint in positions as Deputy Head of English and Head of English.

At FirstPoint, our teachers are committed to following evidence-based research practices that ensure we maximise the potential of every single student. It is a privilege to work with such a talented team of educators and I am thrilled to take on the role of developing teaching and learning across our school.

Here at GEMS FirstPoint School – The Villa, I work as an Assistant Principal for School Improvement. My role 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 help here.

I gained my undergraduate degree in History and Politics BA from the University of Warwick. During my time here, I found a passion for the classroom where 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 FS2.

I have been part of the GEMS Education family since 2012, working in two fantastic schools—GEMS Wellington International School and GEMS FirstPoint School. This is now my fifth year at FPS, and I’m thrilled to have been appointed Assistant Headteacher for Secondary.

After completing my BA (Hons) in Sports, Health and Exercise at Durham University in 2003, I began a career in Sports Development in the UK, working with several National Governing Bodies and coaching County-level netball squads. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for inspiring young people—not just in sport, but in their wider learning journeys.

In 2009, I qualified as a PE teacher after gaining my PGCE from the University of Birmingham, and I’m currently studying for my National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL) through University College London (UCL).

I believe that school should be a place where students feel happy, confident, and supported to step outside of their comfort zones. My philosophy centres on encouraging young people to enjoy school life and aim high. I’m excited to lead the Key Stage 3 team and to continue supporting students as they grow, achieve, and thrive through their secondary years.

I’m originally from Guisborough, a small town in the North East of England, and studied Secondary Design Technology Education at Edge Hill University in Liverpool, graduating with First-Class Honours in Product Design. I began my teaching career in London, where I spent three years teaching across all year groups and working as a Deputy Head of Year. During this time, my classes achieved some of the highest GCSE and A Level D&T results in the school’s history.

In 2015, I moved to Dubai to pursue my passion for pastoral care and leadership. Over the past nine years at GEMS FirstPoint School, I’ve held several key roles including Head of Year 10 through to Year 13, supporting students during critical phases of their education. I joined the Secondary Senior Leadership Team five years ago and am proud to now serve as Assistant Headteacher.

I am deeply passionate about student wellbeing and success—both academic and personal. I strive to innovate and find new ways to help every student thrive in an ever-changing world.

Aside from education I am a keen sportsman, playing both competitive football in Dubai and Cricket in the UAE and spend my spare time on the golf course.  I am also an avid DJ and this has allowed time to DJ around the world including helping at school events such as proms.

I have had the privilege of working at GEMS FirstPoint School since 2016. After graduating from Queen's University Belfast with a BSc Honours in Psychology in 2011, I moved to Thailand to teach English as a foreign language. It was there that I discovered teaching was my passion. In 2013, I enrolled in Manchester Metropolitan University to complete my Postgraduate Certificate in Education, graduating with honours.

I have always had a passion for travel, so after two years of teaching in an Outstanding school in North West England, I moved to Dubai in 2016. Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed my role at FPS, overseeing student leadership, advocating for student voice, and focusing on improving the school community. Watching students achieve their aspirations is truly inspiring to me.

One of my favourite aspects of my role is having responsibility for the academic achievement of KS5 students. I find it incredibly rewarding to see their independence grow and to support them in securing entry to further education.

In addition, I thoroughly enjoy my responsibility for secondary wellbeing. I love being able to support students and provide them with opportunities to develop mentoring skills through our Wellbeing Warrior programme. Observing their growth and seeing them build personal resilience is something I’m deeply passionate about.

Having been part of the GEMS FirstPoint School family for a year, I am privileged to continue my journey with the school and its students.

After graduating with a BA Hons in Journalism and English, I began my career as a newspaper staff writer, with work published locally, nationally, and internationally. My passion for reading and writing soon led me to education, where I began as a Teaching Assistant—an experience that inspired me to pursue a PGCE in English with Media and Drama.

I completed my PGCE in 2012 and went on to teach in schools across London and Birmingham. Over the years, I held various leadership roles including Assistant Head of Year, Head of English, and Director of Progress, before becoming Assistant Headteacher for Quality of Education and Curriculum. In this role, I focused on ensuring students received a broad and balanced curriculum, both inside and outside the classroom.

It’s this passion and experience I bring to FPS. I love working with students, staff, and families to shape a curriculum that not only drives academic achievement but also creates meaningful experiences and lifelong memories for every student.