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.
Nathan Sadler
Vice Principal & Head of Primary
Nathan Sadler
Vice Principal & Head of Primary
Nathan graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with a First-Class Honours degree in Primary Education, beginning his career as a Key Stage 2 teacher in the UK before relocating to Dubai in 2011. He has held a range of leadership positions, including senior leadership roles at GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis, where he served as Head of Primary.
Most recently, Nathan was Headmaster of an outstanding independent school in the UK, where he successfully led the school through an ISI inspection achieving the highest possible grading. He holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), which has supported his progression into senior leadership and headship. His expertise lies in raising teaching and learning standards, developing leadership capacity, and driving whole-school improvement.
Nathan’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child should feel at home in school, valued, safe, and loved. He views strong relationships as the foundation of a thriving school community and believes learning should equip children with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in the modern world.
With his wife and three children all part of the DBSJP Primary community, Nathan leads with a personal commitment to the school’s continued success. Outside of school, he has a keen passion for health, fitness, and personal growth, bringing the same dedication to his own development as he does to the children and staff he leads.
Jen Cruickshank
Head of Secondary
Jen Cruickshank
Head of Secondary
Jen is an accomplished and influential educational leader with a proven track record of driving sustained school improvement and securing excellence across diverse contexts. With leadership experience spanning both private and state sectors, she is known for combining strategic precision with a deeply held moral purpose, consistently delivering strong outcomes for students and staff.
She holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship, reflecting her expertise and leadership at the highest level of the profession.
Jen began her career teaching Physical Education and Dance before rapidly progressing into leadership across Physical Education, Performing Arts and Wellbeing. Early in her career, she established a reputation for building inclusive, high-performing teams and for championing a holistic approach to student development, where high expectations are matched by strong pastoral care.
Her transition to senior leadership in Dubai saw her lead the development of Creative Arts before moving into whole-school responsibility for Key Stages 4 and 5 and, subsequently, Deputy Headteacher. Across these roles, she led curriculum, assessment and pastoral strategy, bringing coherence, rigour and alignment that translated into strong outcomes and sustained improvement.
Now in her third year as Head of Secondary at DBSJP, Jen plays a central role in sustaining and building on the school’s Outstanding status, as recognised by both KHDA and BSO. Her leadership has focused on embedding consistency, strengthening teaching and learning, and ensuring that systems and structures translate into meaningful classroom impact while remaining purposeful and manageable for staff. She is particularly recognised for her ability to lead sustained improvement beyond inspection outcomes, maintaining momentum while protecting staff capacity and continuing to raise standards across the secondary phase.
Jen is a passionate advocate for student wellbeing, underpinned by a belief that exceptional outcomes are built on a foundation of psychological safety, inclusion and high expectations. She is uncompromising in her drive to ensure every student can succeed, leading work that removes barriers, raises ambition and supports students to achieve beyond their perceived limits.
At the core of her leadership is a commitment to developing future-ready learners who enjoy their journey, aspire to make a difference and have a meaningful impact on the world. She believes, unapologetically, that learning should be fun, and that joy, challenge and high expectations are not competing forces but essential partners in exceptional education.
Laurie Joiner
Deputy Head of Primary Y1-Y3
Laurie Joiner
Deputy Head of Primary Y1-Y3
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 Smart
Deputy Head of Primary Y4-Y6
Russell Smart
Deputy Head of Primary Y4-Y6
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.