Dubai English Speaking School And College

Tony Clarkson has been with DESS Oud Metha since 2007, serving in various roles including Subject Leader, Year Leader, Assistant Headteacher, and Deputy Headteacher before becoming Headteacher. He holds a PGCE (QTS) in Primary Education, an ILM Level 3 Workplace Coach qualification, and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

Ruth Gibson joined DESS Primary Oud Metha in 2016 as a Year Leader and is now Deputy Headteacher for both DESS Oud Metha and DESS Academic City. She holds a PGCE from Swansea Metropolitan University and SENDCO teacher accreditation, and previously served as a Deputy Headteacher in Mombasa, Kenya.

Liz Miller joined DESS Oud Metha in 2008 as a Foundation Stage 2 Year Leader, became Phase Leader for Foundation Stage in 2014, and joined the Senior Leadership Team in 2019. She holds a BEd honours degree from Plymouth University and is a qualified workplace coach.

Victoria Atkinson joined DESS Oud Metha in 2019 as Year Leader for Year 4, having previously worked in a West Midlands primary school and as a senior leader at an independent girls’ school in London. She holds a first-class degree in Early Childhood Studies and a PGCE from the University of Warwick.

Lorna Rowsell joined DESS Oud Metha in 2022 as a teacher and Year Leader in FS2, and was appointed Assistant Headteacher in her fourth year. She holds a BA (Hons) in Education Studies and English and a PGCE from Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Jodie Smith joined DESS Oud Metha in August 2025 as Assistant Headteacher, having previously held various roles in primary and secondary education in Dubai and the UK. She holds a first-class degree and PGCE from Leeds Metropolitan University, a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Buckingham, and the NPQSL.

Catherine (Katie) Dando earned a First-Class Honours degree in Education from Brighton University and spent 30 years teaching in primary schools. She served as Headteacher of DESS Oud Metha starting in 2014 before becoming Primary Principal of DESS Academic City.

Sam Bowen holds an English Language degree from Cardiff University and a PGCE from the University of Portsmouth. He moved to Dubai in 2015 and has worked in two primary schools in senior leadership and teaching roles.

Georgia Lavery joined DESS Oud Metha in 2024 and moved to DESS Academic City in 2025. She holds a B.Ed from Liverpool Hope University and has held various teaching and leadership roles, including Primary Headteacher, in Dubai since 2002.

Asma Bi has over 12 years of experience in education and is a qualified SENDCo and Phase Lead. She is originally from Greater Manchester, England.

Anthony Hall joined DESS Oud Metha in 2010 and has over two decades of experience in education. He holds a degree from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC), the NPQSL, and a Level 3 Workplace Coaching qualification.

Matthew Cotgrove joined DESS College in 2011 and leads the day-to-day functions of the College. He has been instrumental in the school's inspection ratings and focuses on the growth of the College family.