GEMS Al Barsha National School

Michelle Thomas is a distinguished school leader with over two decades of senior leadership experience. She has served as a National Leader of Education and Lead Ofsted Inspector in the UK, and previously held the role of Director of Education at an all-through school in Dubai and Executive Headteacher of The New Wave Federation in London. She is committed to ensuring GEMS Al Barsha National School is a high-performing school.

Youlande Biosah is a Vice Principal at the school.

Sarah is an experienced senior leader who has worked in the UAE for 10 years, including at GNS and previously at an outstanding Primary school in Abu Dhabi. She holds a degree in Primary Education with a specialism in Geography and gained her NPQH accreditation in May 2021. She is a passionate educator focused on providing high-quality, culturally relevant education in a nurturing environment.

With over 13 years of experience in education, 12 of those in Dubai, Claudia brings a passion for curriculum innovation, inclusive leadership, and student-centred learning. She is committed to fostering a culture where every student feels supported and stretched, and where strong partnerships with families are central to success.

Eddie is a Secondary PE teacher who has worked across alternative and specialist settings and served as a SENDCo for five years. He moved to Dubai in 2024 and is a strong advocate for embracing differences and adopting a positive, proactive approach to inclusion.

Laura has extensive teaching experience across all primary key stages and graduated from Canterbury Christchurch University in 2006 with a BA Hons in Primary Education. She moved to Dubai in 2013, working in another GEMS school for 8 years before joining GNS in 2021, where she has held leadership positions including Primary Assessment Leader and Head of FS2.

Erin is beginning her fifth year at GNS and brings over 13 years of teaching experience in the UK and Dubai. She holds a Masters in Inclusive Education and is focused on raising standards, building capacity, and driving innovation across KS2 and mathematics.

Gareth has worked in education for 12 years and has been with GNS since 2017. He completed his NPQSL in 2021 and has served as an Assistant Principal for the last three years, recently taking on the roles of whole school Assistant Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Ahmed started his career as a secondary school Mathematics teacher in the UK and holds two Masters degrees in Finance and Investments. Prior to joining GNS, he held several leadership roles and contributed to the strategic development of curriculum and learning programs in Dubai.

Scott has over a decade of experience in education, including the past eight years in the UAE, and has held senior leadership roles focused on curriculum development, school improvement, and whole-school literacy. He has recently completed the NPQSL and has a particular interest in evidence-informed practice and supporting staff development.

Vanessa has over 10 years of experience as a senior leader and is passionate about delivering high-quality education and supporting students from diverse cultural backgrounds. She has developed expertise in strategic planning, curriculum design, and fostering positive learning environments.