Executive Leadership team

Rebecca graduated from the University of Cambridge, serving as Head of Performing Arts in Southeast England before advancing into Sixth Form Leadership. As Director of Sixth Form with the Inspiration Trust, she rapidly enhanced Sixth Form provision, earning acclaim as one of the top performing Sixth Forms for progress in the UK.

Since relocating to Dubai in 2016, she has served as a senior leader at both Kings’ and Jumeirah College before assuming the position of Principal at Dubai British School Jumeirah Park. Her inspirational and visionary leadership culminated in the school receiving an “Outstanding” judgement from BSO in 2022 and KHDA in 2024, firmly establishing DBSJP as one of the leading schools in Dubai.

Rebecca is adept at spearheading school improvement and managing change, with particular expertise in safeguarding, leading staff and teacher development and curriculum design. Rebecca is also a certified trainer with UCL, specialising in senior leadership development.

Jen is an accomplished educational leader with a proven track record in fostering student development and growth. With experience in both private and state sectors, she has held pivotal leadership roles, underscoring her commitment to excellence in education. Jen holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), highlighting her expertise and dedication to school leadership.

Jen’s career began at Queen’s College London, where she taught Physical Education and Dance. She subsequently moved to St Anselm’s Catholic School in Kent, assuming leadership roles in Physical Education, Performing Arts, and Wellbeing.

In 2018, Jen joined GEMS FirstPoint School in Dubai as the Director of Creative Arts, where she strategically developed the faculty. She later advanced to Director of Key Stages 4 and 5, overseeing curriculum and pastoral care, before being appointed Deputy Headteacher of Secondary at DBSJP in August 2022. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in curriculum planning, assessment, student wellbeing, and school operations, significantly contributing to the school’s recognition as an ‘Outstanding’ institution in Dubai.

Jen is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and mental wellbeing. She believes in the potential of every student and is dedicated to fostering an environment where they can overcome challenges and achieve success. Her expertise in educational leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence underscores her commitment to creating supportive, inclusive educational settings where students from all backgrounds can thrive.

Her leadership is crucial in realising DBSJP’s vision to empower every learner to enjoy their journey, aspire to make a difference, and achieve beyond their potential, thereby making a positive impact on the world.

Laurie is an accomplished educational leader with a diverse background in design and a proven track record of success in primary education. With a Bachelor’s degree in Jewellery & Metal Design and a PGCE in Primary Education from the University of Dundee, Laurie’s academic foundation is complemented by certifications in leadership and coaching. Laurie taught in Scotland, Mexico and Qatar before joining DBSJP in 2017.

As Assistant Head, then Deputy Head of Primary since 2019, Laurie has been instrumental in elevating DSIB ratings, spearheading curriculum enhancements, and fostering a transformative culture within the school. Her skills as an adaptive communicator, strategic thinker, and visionary leader have driven impactful changes in teaching practices, curriculum design, and school evaluation methods, resulting in outstanding student progress and enhanced pedagogical awareness among staff.

With a passion for functional fitness, mindfulness, and community engagement, Laurie’s dedication, creativity, and steadfast commitment to excellence ensure high quality outcomes for students. Her collaborative approach, visionary mindset, and hands-on experience make her a dynamic and impactful leader in the field of primary education.

Russell graduated from Westminster Institute of Education, Oxford, with a BA (Hons) in Primary Education, specialising in History. He began his educational career in 2003 in his hometown of Swindon, initially serving as a Key Stage 2 teacher and leading the integration of IT in the classroom.

Russell’s passion for technology and history has shaped his career, enabling him to explore innovative educational practices. His early role as Head of Key Stage 2 in the UK allowed him to merge these interests, driving forward-thinking approaches in teaching and learning.

After moving to Dubai, Russell took on the role of Assistant Headteacher and more recently, Deputy Head of Primary at schools recognised for their outstanding performance. His leadership has seen him lead in a range of school improvement initiatives.

Russell holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and Tribal Inspector Certification. He has been a key member of leadership teams that elevated schools to Outstanding status, demonstrating his ability to lead staff and drive student achievement. One notable example is his work on integrating technology into the curriculum, which has significantly enhanced student engagement and learning outcomes.

Currently, as Deputy Head of Primary, Russell oversees Years 4 to 6 and manages assessment procedures, ensuring high academic standards and continuous improvement in teaching and learning. His role includes mentoring teachers, spearheading curriculum development, and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Russell’s educational philosophy centres on inspiring a love of learning and developing critical thinking skills in students. He believes in the power of innovative pedagogy and evidence-informed practices to transform education. His commitment to educational excellence and his visionary leadership continue to make a significant impact.

Nadine’s journey in the field of education has been both diverse and impactful. Graduating from Saint-Joseph University in Lebanon with a master’s degree in Arabic literature in 2002, she started out as a primary and secondary teacher for six years before venturing into new challenges in Dubai.

Throughout her nine years of teaching in Dubai, Nadine consistently excelled in her role, eventually transitioning into leadership positions within various schools. In 2019, Nadine took on a new role at Taaleem Central Office, showcasing her passion for education and languages. Her dedication to her work led her to become the Director of Arabic and Islamic at DBSJP in 2020. An advocate for continuous learning, Nadine is fluent in three languages – Arabic, French, and English – which speaks volumes about her commitment to growth and development.

Nadine firmly believes that effective leadership involves empowering team members to think creatively and push boundaries. She sees leadership as a privilege that involves genuinely caring about the success and well-being of her team. As both a parent and staff member at DBSJP, Nadine is committed to finding innovative ways to inspire a love for the Arabic language and Islamic studies in students, linking their studies to real-life practices. For Nadine, leadership is a privilege that entails genuinely caring about the success and well-being of the entire team.

Suzie Podesta is the Assistant Head at DBF, where she has had the pleasure of working for the past seven years. As the overseer of Inclusion and Wellbeing, she is deeply committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, feels included and supported in the school community. Her role allows her to create and implement strategies that promote inclusivity and provide tailored support to help all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

In addition to her work with students, Suzie also supports the dedicated staff and the parents of students with their wellbeing. She believes that a nurturing and positive environment is essential for everyone in the school community. Through various programs and initiatives, she strives to promote mental and emotional health, offering resources and support to ensure that everyone feels valued and cared for. Her passion for inclusion and wellbeing drives her to continually improve practices and foster a supportive, inclusive atmosphere for all.

Nadine Davis is an Early Years specialist with over a decade of experience in fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments for young children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, specialising in Early Years and Key Stage 1, from Middlesex University and maintains a track record of achieving and maintaining outstanding outcomes for children as a teacher in the UK, and as both a teacher and senior leader in the UAE. Nadine is currently undertaking her National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and is a trained facilitator for the National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leaders (NPQEYL).

A compassionate advocate for play-based learning, Nadine has undertaken and delivered numerous professional development courses, for both parents and professionals, focused on inclusive play-based teaching approaches and relational practice. Her approach to Early Years pedagogy, inspired by the Nicolette Sowder quote “If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs!”, underpins her expertise in developing and adapting curricula that reflect the diverse needs and identities of children and provides support and resources for families to engage actively in their children’s education. Nadine’s commitment to diversity, language development, and inclusion was profoundly inspired by her extensive work with families from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds in inner London boroughs. Nadine has always believed that each child’s unique experiences and perspectives are assets that enrich the learning environment. She strives to create educational spaces where all children can thrive, leveraging their diverse cultural backgrounds to enhance their learning experiences.