meet the team

Michelle Thomas is a distinguished school leader with over two decades of senior leadership experience.  

Her leadership career began in 2004 with her first headship, and she has since been recognised as a National Leader of Education and Lead Ofsted Inspector in the UK. Michelle has successfully guided schools from Special Measures to Outstanding, emphasising consistency and whole school approaches as the secret to this success.  

In 2019, she became the Director of Education at an all-through school in Dubai. Before this, she was the Executive Headteacher of The New Wave Federation in London, overseeing three high performing primary schools.  

Michelle is committed to ensuring GEMS Al Barsha National School is a successful, high performing school and the first choice for families in the region.  

Sarah is an experienced senior leader who has worked in the UAE for 10 years working in at GNS and previously at an outstanding Primary school in Abu Dhabi. 

Sarah began her educational career in Birmingham, England where she gained her degree in Primary Education with a specialism in Geography. After working in England for 6 years in 2 schools, Sarah moved to Abu Dhabi to work in a Primary only school where her leadership career began. Sarah has had a variety of leadership roles and her previous school received 2 consecutive Outstanding ratings by ADEK. 

Sarah is a passionate educator who has continued her professional development and gained her NPQH accreditation in May 2021. She understands the importance of the balance of providing high quality and culturally relevant education alongside a nurturing and caring environment.  

Georgina is an experienced school leader with a strong track record in education spanning over two decades. She has extensive expertise in school leadership, curriculum development, and enhancing student outcomes. 

Her career began in the UK, where she quickly progressed to Head of Mathematics before joining the senior leadership team at Chelsea Academy. Her contributions played a key role in the school's ongoing success, earning her recognition as an outstanding teacher and leader. In 2020, she moved to Cyprus as Principal of a large British international school, where she made a significant impact on academic achievement, student wellbeing and the school’s expanding student body. 

Now serving as Head of Secondary at GNS, Georgina is passionate about nurturing young people and shaping future leaders. She values the opportunity to work with the exceptional students who make up the school community and finds great fulfillment in supporting their growth and development, helping them reach their full potential

Laura has extensive teaching experience having taught in all primary key stages from the Foundation Stage to Key Stage 2. She graduated from Canterbury Christchurch University in 2006 with a BA Hons in Primary Education, specialising in Mathematics and History. Laura began her teaching career teaching in a small school in South East London. 

In 2013, Laura moved to Dubai where she worked in another GEMS school for 8 years before joining GNS in 2021. Laura has held a number of leadership positions including Primary Assessment Leader, Head of FS2, Head of Year 1 and now Assistant Principal.  

Michelle is in her sixth year with GEMS and her third year as Assistant Principal for Primary. ​ 

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Being Irish, she trained as a primary school teacher in Dublin, where she completed her Bachelor of Education degree. Michelle is in her 11th year of teaching, all of which have been spent delivering the English Curriculum in central London or right here at GNS. She recently completed her Masters in Educational Leadership and Management, with a keen focus on English Language Learners achievement and continues to push the boundaries for all students she works with

In 2013, Laura moved to Dubai where she worked in another GEMS school for 8 years before joining GNS in 2021. Laura has held a number of leadership positions including Primary Assessment Leader, Head of FS2, Head of Year 1 and now Assistant Principal.  

Ahmed started his career as a secondary school Mathematics Teacher in the UK.  He holds 2 Masters Degrees in Finance and Investments and has worked in the investment industry for several years before training to be a teacher. Prior to joining GNS, he held a number of leadership roles and has contributed to the strategic development and implementation of a high quality curriculum, learning and teaching programs and platforms across a high performing school here in Dubai.  

Ahmed believes that all students deserve an outstanding education and an opportunity to thrive. He has always held a passion for mathematics and after training as a teacher, he enjoys instilling this passion into all the students he teaches. He is a firm believer that an excellent education will lead to young people being able to access exciting opportunities across many fields.​ 

Nick joined GNS having moved to the UAE in August 2013. He arrived as a middle leader, with 6 years’ experience from a school in the North West of England. In 2015, he was appointed as a senior leader with one of the top British schools in Abu Dhabi. In 2016, the school was one of the first all-through schools to be graded as ‘Outstanding’. Nick’s professional development training has allowed him to become a British School’s Overseas inspector. 

Prior to being part of the leadership team, Nick was a Drama teacher having taught students from Year 4 to Year 13. Nick is passionate about ensuring every child can become the best version of themselves, allowing them to be ready for life in an evolving world. 

Gareth has worked in education for 12 years, beginning after he completed his Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of Hull. Gareth’s experience has been focused on Primary Education, and since moving to the UAE in 2015, he has been with GNS since 2017. 

Over the years, Gareth has progressed into leadership roles, and after successfully completing the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL) in 2021. He has spent the last three years working as an Assistant Principal at GNS each year growing and developing in this role.  

Recently, Gareth has taken on the roles of whole school Assistant Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead where he is responsible for student experiences. 

Hala has over 17 years of advocating for the rights of students of determination (with the last 11 years being in the UAE). She brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as the Head of Inclusion at GNS.​ 

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Her expatriate experience began in Muscat-Oman, where she attended a multicultural British Curriculum school. This she believes uniquely positions her to understand the challenges and opportunities our students can encounter. Hala is also fully bilingual in both English and Arabic which enhances her ability to connect with diverse student populations and their families.​ 

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At GNS, her mission is clear: to ensure that every learner receives the support and resources they need to succeed socially, emotionally and academically and enjoy a fulfilling and enriching learning experience.