Our school
Jump to...
500 years of academic innovation
The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai campus is designed for boys and girls aged from 3 to 18. We currently accept pupils in Prep and Year 7 (age 3 -12), and our school shall continue to grow year by year.
Our school embodies the ethos and values that have underpinned the Royal Grammar School Guildford in the UK for over 500 years. These, combined with a spirit of innovation and development, will prepare pupils for the challenges of the 21st and 22nd centuries. We lead by example, stay true to our values, innovate, collaborate and strive to be the very best we can be.
History
The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai (RGSGD) is a true sister school of one of the most respected and successful schools in the United Kingdom, the Royal Grammar School Guildford (RGS).
RGS continues to grow and flourish while retaining its proud historical roots and traditions. It is consistently one of the top boys’ schools at both A-Level and GCSE in the UK, according to national league tables. The school is exceptionally proud of its Oxbridge record; in the last decade alone, over 350 of our pupils received offers of places from Oxford and Cambridge universities.
Since its foundation in 1509, the Royal Grammar School has established a national and international reputation for academic excellence. Much admired among its peers, it is an ambitious school that values scholarship and community, striving for excellence in all things while acting with great compassion.
RGSGD reflects the same high standards and inspiring ethos of its home school in the UK.
Leadership
Mrs Clare Turnbull
Principal
Clare Turnbull has over 20 years of experience in educational leadership roles. She has direct senior leadership experience from RGS Guildford, where she was a member of the senior leadership team for 16 years, 13 of which she was Head of the Preparatory School of RGS Guildford.
Clare graduated from the University of Exeter with a Bachelor's degree and has a Masters in Educational Leadership (Distinction). She has been a governor of three independent schools in the UK and is an experienced inspector with the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
She brings the academic excellence of RGS Guildford to her role at Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai (RGSGD), as well as a deep understanding of its distinctive culture, values and learning habits.
Mr Nicholas Radbourne
Deputy Head, Senior School
As Deputy Head of Senior at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, I am excited to be part of this enthusiastic and dynamic community, and the RGS family. Our co-operative and supportive relationship with our sister school back in the UK gives us a wealth of experience to draw upon. Our alignment with the RGS learning habits and values, which are founded on 500 years of history, also gives us the foundations to create a new, exciting and happy community for our pupils to thrive.
I initially trained and qualified as a Physical Education and Geography teacher at the University of Exeter gaining a Bachelor of Education. I have a passion for teaching and have over 30 years of experience working in a range of schools in the UK in educational leadership.
Mrs Charlotte Grieves
Deputy Head, Prep School
I am delighted to be joining the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai and to have the opportunity to work and learn with the children and families, in a school where it is very evident that everyone wants to learn and thrive.
I have lived and worked in the UAE for 15 Years, I am here with my husband and 10-year-old daughter and have previously worked at 3 outstanding schools in Dubai. I am passionate about wellbeing and believe that all children deserve the absolute best education, to have that sense of belonging, to thrive beyond their potential and develop as pupils to be confident, world ready individuals.
Exceptional teachers
At the Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai (RGSGD), we value our community. Our staff are unquestionably one of our most valuable assets. Their expertise and guidance are vital to inspiring young minds, sparking curiosity and promoting a love of learning in and beyond the classroom.
To complement the experienced, passionate, innovative, creative and committed staff at RGS Guildford in the UK, the team at RGSGD are made up of outstanding international educators with vision and drive, who are also committed to making RGSGD a phenomenal experience for our pupils and their families.
Our Team
Key Stage 3
Claire Hulme
English Teacher
My name is Claire Hulme and I am delighted to be joining the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Secondary English teacher. I am from London in the UK, and after graduating from the University of Reading with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature (BA Hons), I worked as a teaching assistant and then obtained my PGCE from the Institute of Education in London. I began teaching in 2006 and have taught in Sydney, Australia, London and most recently in Bournemouth, on the south coast of England. I have also worked as a Head of English at an outstanding school in London, as a GCSE examiner and private tutor.
Joseph Hulme
Mathematics Teacher
Hello, my name is Joseph Hulme, and I will be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a teacher of Mathematics from August 2022. I am originally from Lancashire in England, and I have taught Secondary school Maths since 2009. I graduated from the University of Liverpool before completing my PGCE in Mathematics (Senior) at Liverpool Hope University. During my teaching career I have been a Head of Year, Head of Maths and most recently an Assistant Headteacher. I feel these roles have allowed me to fully experience school life and to learn what makes a successful, happy school. To watch pupils, grow and prosper in a learning environment, on their journey to becoming young adults, is a privilege.
Rachael Parkinson
Science Teacher
My name is Rachael Parkinson and I am very excited to be part of the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Science teacher in the Senior School. After graduating from Imperial College London with a degree in Biochemistry, I worked in the science industry for a short time, but soon realised my passion for teaching and travel, and subsequently moved to Japan where I taught English as a foreign language. I trained as a Science teacher at The University of Nottingham, and have taught Key Stage 3, GCSE, A level and the International Baccalaureate (IB) in all three Science disciplines. I was a Head of Science in the UK until I took a year away from the classroom to work in assessment, and to help develop the new A level Chemistry Specification in 2014, working closely with the Department of Education, UK, Ofqual, the National STEM Centre and the UK Exam Boards.
Chloe Amsellem
Head of Music
My name is Chloe Amsellem and I am delighted to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as Head of Music. After graduating from Royal Holloway, University of London with a BA in Music and Spanish, I decided to pursue a career in teaching. This led me to completing a PGCE at the University of Cambridge, where I obtained a Masters of Education the following year. For the past six years I have been working in Gibraltar, where I have benefitted from being a part of the founding team in a new school. I am looking forward to leading the music programme at RGSGD and I feel fortunate to be joining the founding Senior School team at a school whose aspirational ethos and values very much align with my own educational philosophy.
Colin Parkinson
History & Geography Teacher
My name is Colin Parkinson and I am delighted to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. I will be teaching History and Geography. After studying History in Canterbury in the UK, I taught English in Japan for three years and in Australia for a year. After returning to the UK and working in London, I trained as a History teacher at Warwick University and I worked in the East Midlands as a teacher of History and Geography, Head of History and as the Head of Humanities. In 2016, I moved to Dubai with my wife, where I worked for 5 years as Head of History teaching GCSE and A Level History. In 2021, we moved to Ecuador in South America, where I have been teaching International Baccalaureate (IB) History and Global Politics.
Melissa Bevan
Specialist Art Teacher
My name is Melissa Bevan and I am excited to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Specialist Art Teacher. I am from a small town called Maesteg in South Wales, I have been teaching in the UK for 18 years. I completed my BA Hons degree in Photography at Manchester Metropolitan University, and followed this with a PGCE in Art and Design at the University of Wales, Institute Cardiff. In my lessons I use a range of processes, methods and techniques to engage and enthuse pupils. I strongly believe that all children are creative and it is possible for everyone to be successful in creative arts. I currently teach GCSE Art and Design, GCSE Digital Photography and A Level Art and Design, I have also been an artist-in-residence, delivering art lessons to Primary aged pupils.
Rich Bennett
Computer Science Teacher
My name is Rich Bennett and I am thrilled to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Computer Science teacher in August 2022. Having been a huge fan of programming and building computers from a very early age, I always knew a career in the IT sector beckoned. After spending my formative years in South Africa, I returned to the UK with my family where I graduated with a BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Science back in 2004. An opportunity then arose to work at an outstanding school in Birmingham, UK and it was there I discovered a love for training staff and pupils within IT. I therefore decided to embark upon a teaching career, and completed a PGCE in Secondary Computer Science in 2016.
Leanne Patterson
Design Technology Teacher
My name is Leanne Patterson and I am originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland. I am absolutely delighted to be taking up the post as Teacher of Design Technology at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai this academic year. After completing a BA Hons Degree at Blackpool and the Flyde Arts College, I attended Liverpool John Moore’s University and completed my PGCE in Design Technology. It was in Liverpool where I began my teaching career and spent many years as Head of Design Technology - working in a comprehensive school, before moving into teaching pupils with additional educational needs. I then decided it was time for a new adventure and moved to the UAE where I enjoyed four very happy years at an outstanding rated school in Dubai.
Marie-Clare Sherriff
Performing Arts Teacher
My name is Marie-Clare Sherriff and I am excited to be joining the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai in August as a Performing Arts teacher. After graduating from the University of Glasgow with a Master of Arts in Theatre Studies, I then went on to complete my PGCE in Drama at the University of Aberdeen. I made the move to Dubai in 2015 as Head of Performing Arts after teaching in Scotland for three years, and now live here in Dubai with my husband and baby girl. I truly believe that drama, music and the arts are extremely important to a child’s education and wellbeing.
Upper Key Stage 2
Joe Creal
Assistant Head, Upper Key Stage 2
My name is Joe Creal, and I am the Assistant Head of Upper Key Stage 2 at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. I have thoroughly enjoyed returning to the UAE and being part of the founding team at RGSGD after holding many roles in a variety of Prep schools both in the UK and previously in Abu Dhabi. Before taking up the role here I was previously teaching at the Preparatory School of the Royal Grammar School Guildford, UK for the past 4 years. There I have served as Head of Science, Housemaster, teacher Mathematics to Years 5 and 6, and Games coach. I bring the full experience of the RGS to Dubai as I was a pupil myself at the Royal Grammar School Guildford in the UK.
Andi Price
Year 6 Teacher
My name is Andi Price and I have over 20 years of teaching experience across many roles. I have been a Headteacher both here in the UAE and in the United Kingdom, and a member of Senior Leadership Team for 13 years. In 2017 my craving for fully utilising Educational Technology to inspire and enhance learning led me back full-time into the classroom.
Carly Cannon
Year 6 Teacher
My name is Carly Cannon and I am really excited to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. I studied at St Mary’s University in Twickenham, London where I graduated with a BA Honours degree in Primary Education. After graduating, I began working in a primary school in central London before moving to Dubai in 2016, where I have been teaching ever since. I have been teaching now for 10 years and have had the pleasure to teach across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, as a Class Teacher and a Year Group Leader.
Toyin Godfrey
Year 6 Teacher
My name is Toyin Godfrey and I am delighted to be joining the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai in August as a specialist Art Teacher and Year 6 Form Teacher. I have been fortunate to have taught for over 14 years in outstanding rated schools in the UK, US, and UAE in various positions including Head of Year and Art Curriculum Lead. Originally from London in the UK, I relocated to Dubai 9 years ago, with my husband and we now have two young children.
Sam Townsend
Year 5 Teacher
My name is Sam Townsend and I am incredibly excited to have joined the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, initially as a Year 6 teacher and now as a Year 5 teacher for academic year 2022/23. During my eleven-year career as an educator, I have worked at numerous schools in England and gained a vast amount of experience during this time. Ahead of joining RGSGD my most recent post was Assistant Head Teacher at a large primary school in England, which allowed me to learn about how a school can move forward whilst still expanding.
Ana Maria Santos
Year 5 Teacher
My name is Ana Santos and I am part of the Key Stage 2 team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Year 5 teacher. I am an experienced Primary school teacher with 16 years of experience both in England and Dubai. I completed my PGCE Primary at London South Bank University and taught in London primary schools before deciding to embark on a career in teaching in Dubai. Before joining RGSGD in 2021, my most recent post was a class teacher and the mathematics lead for KS2. I have taught across KS1 and KS2 in well-established schools and private schools.
Rebecca Antoine
Year 5 Teacher
My name is Rebecca Antoine and I am really excited to join the amazing team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. Over my 15-year teaching career, I have worked across Key Stage 2 as a teacher and Year Group Leader and have also worked for my Local Authority creating schemes of work to be used in schools. As a teacher, my goal is to inspire every child to be the best version of themselves that they can be. To do this, I ensure that I create learning environments and learning experiences that enable pupils to become curious about the world around them and to continuously ask questions, promoting positive, happy and respectful relationships between all members of the class.
Louise Kelly
Year 5 Teacher
My name is Louise Kelly. I am thrilled to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai in August 2022 as a Key Stage 2 teacher. I bring over nineteen years of secondary and primary teaching experience to the team, having been an Assistant Headteacher of two successful and dynamic comprehensive schools in England. I graduated from the University of Surrey with a First-Class Honours degree in Drama and Theatre studies in 2001, then gained my PGCE from London’s Central School of Speech and Drama. I became an Assistant Headteacher in 2010 and led my teams with a vision and passion for collaborative and inspirational Teaching and Learning.
Lower Key Stage 2
Keirina Heatley
Year 4 Teacher
My name is Keirina Heatley and I am honoured to be part of the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD) team as a Key Stage 2 teacher, currently in Year 4. In my career to date, I have taught at highly regarded Independent Schools in the North-West of England, UK and within well-established and high-level UK curriculum Private Schools in the UAE.
Angela Neal
Year 4 Teacher
My name is Angela Neal, and I am delighted to be part of the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, as a Key Stage 2 class teacher. During my 17-year teaching career, I have held several different leadership positions, and completed my BA (ITT) Primary Education degree at St Mary’s College, University of Surrey in 2006.
Robert Clay
Year 4 Teacher
My name is Robert Clay and I will be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai in August this year. I have been teaching for the best part of seventeen years and am trained to teach all ages of students, after gaining PGCEs in both further Education and Primary Education. My teaching journey began in Wales but has also included a year in Japan and four years in Hong Kong. For the past ten years, I’ve been back in the UK, and I currently teach a Year 5 class at a small country school in North Yorkshire, UK.
Katie Campion
Year 4 Teacher
My name is Katie Campion and I am really excited to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. I studied at Leeds Trinity University, where I graduated with a BA Honours degree in Primary Education. After graduating, I began working in a primary school in Doncaster in the North of England before moving to Dubai where I have been teaching ever since. I have been teaching in Key Stage 2 for four years and have had the pleasure to teach at two outstanding schools as a class teacher and a subject leader of Science.
Nidhika Vohra
Year 4 Teacher
My name is Nidhika Vohra, and I am thrilled to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Year 4 class teacher. Over the past nine years I have taught across all three Key Stages, as well as leading several subject areas and year groups in a range of outstanding schools in London, UK and am now excited to be teaching in Dubai. I am passionate about education because as well as being an outstanding teacher, I also strive to be an inspirational role model for the children I work and care for.
Russell Phillips
Year 3 Teacher
My name is Russell Phillips, and I am a Key Stage 2 teacher at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. Over the course of my nine years of teaching experience, I have been a year leader and have coordinated subjects across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I has been a privilege to be part of the founding team at RGSGD and to have played a part in bringing our school to life with vibrant, rich and inspiring teaching and learning.
Pauline Gayle
Year 3 Teacher
My name is Pauline Gayle, and I am part of Key Stage 2 team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD), currently as a Year 3 teacher. Over the last 20 years I have worked in KS1 and KS2, and previous to joining RGSGD I have held positions within a Senior Leadership Team. I have led a number of subject areas, but my favourite is Global Learning, where children learn to respect and appreciate the world we live in through critical thinking, and by becoming future global citizens.
Georgina Davis
Year 3 Teacher
My name is Georgina Davis and I am delighted to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai ready for the new academic year. I graduated from York St John University in 2012 with a First-Class Honours Degree in Primary Education, where I specialised in Additional Educational Needs. Over the past 10 years, I have taught in the UK, Kuwait, Australia, and the UAE. I am currently working in Abu Dhabi as a Year 4 Teacher and have been there for a total of four years.
Charley Annan
Year 3 Teacher
My name is Charley Annan and I am incredibly excited to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Prep School Teacher in August 2022. Having graduated with my undergraduate degree in Maths and Philosophy, I went on to do my PGCE in Key Stage 2/3 Mathematics at the University of Sussex, completing placements as both a Secondary Maths Teacher and a Primary Classroom Teacher. Upon qualifying, I took on a role as a Year 3 Teacher at a prep school in West Sussex and after three years became Head of Maths.
Hannah Richards
Year 3 Teacher
My name is Hannah Richards and I am really looking forward to joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Key Stage 2 class teacher. I graduated from the University of Chester with a degree in English Literature and then went on to study for my PGCE in Primary Education. I have been teaching for nine years and have taught across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 in the UK and here in Dubai. As well as being a Key Stage 2 year group leader and a curriculum leader for both English and Computing, I have most recently led Year 4 at an outstanding school in Dubai.
Rachael Brown
Year 3 Teacher
My name is Rachael Brown and I am thrilled to have joined the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Key Stage Two teacher. I began working in education after graduating from Northampton University in 2003 with a BA honours degree. For the next six years I worked across a range of primary, secondary, specialist and Pupil referral schools in the UK in Dudley, Birmingham, and London, mainly in a pastoral capacity. I then obtained my PCGE in Primary Education in 2009 and went on to teach across Key Stage one & two. Most recently, I have worked in several senior leadership roles covering both academic and pastoral responsibilities.
Key Stage 1
Beckie Bennett
Assistant Head, Key Stage 1
My name is Beckie Bennett and I am honoured to have been part of the founding team at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as the Assistant Head of Key Stage 1. After I graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a specialist degree in Early Years and Sports Teaching, I looked for exceptional and challenging school environments where I could have the opportunity to pioneer forward-thinking learning environments for children in EAL and SEN programs.
Susan Russell
Year 2 Teacher
My name is Susan Russell and I am part of the Key Stage 1 team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD), currently as a Year 2 teacher. After graduating from Brighton University, I began my teaching career in the UK. Subsequently, I moved overseas to experience new countries and cultures and enjoyed the privilege of teaching and developing my leadership skills in International British Curriculum schools in Brunei, Singapore and Thailand. Prior to joining RGSGD in 2021 I spent the previous 15 years teaching in two prestigious schools in Dubai, holding the position of classroom teacher as well as continuing my role in management and leadership.
Adeleina Williams
Year 2 Teacher
My name is Adeleina Williams and I am thrilled to be teaching in Key Stage 1, this year as a Year 2 teacher at The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. After completing my degree at The University of Leeds, I decided to embark on a career in teaching, and then obtained a PGCE from the Institute of Education. Since then, I have worked in various schools across London and supported the development of a newly established school.
Hanifah Khan
Year 2 Teacher
My name is Hanifah Khan and I am a Year 2 teacher at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. After graduating from Queen’s University, Belfast with a degree in Music Performance, I decided to pursue a career in Primary Teaching and graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 2010. A desire to travel led me to the UAE in 2012 where I have taken on several roles from class teacher to subject specialist and STEM Coordinator, in leading British Curriculum schools.
Rae Bryan
Year 2 Teacher
My name is Rae Bryan and I will be joining the Key Stage 1 team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD), as a Year 2 teacher. I graduated from St Mary’s University, Twickenham, with a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education and have spent my teaching career as a Year 2 teacher and newly appointed Art Subject Leader. I have worked in various schools over the past few years, developing my knowledge of different teaching strategies and have tutored children in primary schools across London.
Elaine Forsythe
Year 2 Teacher
My name is Elaine Forsythe and I am delighted to be joining the Key Stage 1 team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Year 2 teacher. After completing my teaching degree in Scotland, I began my career in Abu Dhabi and have taught at schools in London, Spain and Italy before returning to the UAE with my family where I have now taught for more than 20 years.
Katy Taylor
Year 1 Teacher
My name is Katy Taylor and I am part of the Key Stage 1 team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD), currently as a Year 1 teacher. I graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2011, with a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, and have spent most of my teaching career as a Phase leader and then as a Director of Studies. I have worked in private schools around the Midlands and North West of England and have tutored children across the primary phase.
Sheena Karavadra
Year 1 Teacher
My name is Sheena Karavadra and I am part of the Key Stage 1 team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, as a Year 2 teacher during our founding year and now as a Year 1 teacher for academic year 2022/23. After graduating from Hertfordshire University, I began my teaching career in a boys’ prep school in Hertfordshire, UK. I became Head of Year 1 where I developed continuous provision within the year. I encourage children to learn through creative play which I thoroughly enjoy as I foster an environment where children can feel free to express themselves.
Penny Newell
Year 1 Teacher
It has been an honour to be part of the founding team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. I am originally from South Africa and have lived in the UAE for twenty years working in Early Years education as both a teacher and in a leadership position. I graduated from Anglia Ruskin University, UK with an Honours degree in Early Childhood Studies and received my PGCE from the University of Nottingham. I take pride in facilitating a seamless transition for all the pupils in my care from the EYFS to Key Stage 1.
Fauzia Afzal
Year 1 Teacher
My name is Fauzia Afzal and I am delighted to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai community in August 2022. I have lived in the UK, in leafy Surrey all of my life with my family. I have two grown up children, a son who is 23 and a daughter who is 17 years old. I am looking forward to joining RGSGD as I am well aware of the outstanding reputation held by RGS in Surrey, UK. I worked at an independent primary school where the majority of pupils chose to continue their secondary education at RGS.
Catherine Moon
Year 1 Teacher
I am delighted to be joining the RGSGD team in August 2022, ready for the next academic year. I was born and raised in Surrey, very close to where our sister school is located, and I look forward to joining the wonderful school community and promoting the ethos and values of RGS here in Dubai. I graduated with a BA Hons in English Language and Linguistics at The University of Kent and subsequently completed a PGCE at Kingston University where I graduated with a distinction. I taught as an FS2 teacher and a Year 1 Teacher at an outstanding infant school in outer London for three years and then progressed to become the Head of Physical Education.
Laura Haddow
Year 1 Teacher
My name is Laura Haddow and I am thrilled to be part of the Key Stage 1 team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD) as a Year 1 teacher. I graduated from Roehampton University in 2009 with a BA in Primary Education with a specialism in English. Throughout my many years of teaching, I have worked at outstanding schools in both the UK and UAE, across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. During my time in the UK, I lived in Surrey, very close to our sister school. I was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and then spent much of my own childhood in Dubai. I am delighted to have my own children joining me at RGS this year.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Angela Sutherland
Assistant Head, EYFS
My name is Angela Sutherland and I am Assistant Head of Early Years Foundation Stage at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. Along with my passion to help and guide young children through their early years, I have 17 years of School Leadership experience across the Primary age range, particularly in EYFS. I obtained my Bachelor of Education Degree from Liverpool Hope University and furthered my studies to achieve the National Award for Special Needs Co-ordination. It is through my education and experience that I have developed a deep understanding of how children learn, particularly in the acquisition of Language, Phonics, Reading and the Arts
Samantha Brusse
Head of Nursery
It has been an honour to be part of the founding team at The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD). I am Head of FS1 and am looking forward to meeting you and your children in person as you join us in our second year. I am entirely ethically aligned with the aspect of ‘quality’ in the RGSGD vision for education. I hold honours in a Bachelor of Arts with Psychology and English as majors. Having attained qualified teacher status, I continued to achieve a master’s in educational leadership from Bedfordshire University, UK. I stand before you with close to 20 years teaching experience and join you from an outstanding British curriculum school in Abu Dhabi.
Deanna Brown
FS2 Teacher
I feel privileged to be part of the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. Since graduating with BA Honours in Primary Education from Canterbury Christchurch University, I spent 14 years broadening my teaching experiences in the UK and held various leadership roles across Key Stage 1 and in Early Years. Prior to joining the founding team at RGSGD, I worked at one of the UK’s most successful prep schools in West London for 6 years, where I further developed my specialism in Early Years. During this time I completed my Masters in Early Years Education at UCL, London.
Gemma Mathis
FS2 Teacher
My name is Gemma Mathis and I have been teaching for almost 8 years now. I am part of the Early Years team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as an FS2 class teacher. Prior to my teaching career, I studied English at Bournemouth University and then went onto obtain my PGCE in Primary Teaching with Early Years specialism at Kingston University. From here, I completed 3 years of teaching in England before moving to the UAE for 2 years, to further develop my career overseas.
Danielle Owen
FS2 Teacher
My name is Danielle Owen and I am part of the Early Years Foundation Stage Team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. I am incredibly excited ahead of the second year at RGSGD, having joined in 2021 as part of the founding team. This is my tenth year of teaching and I have lived in the Middle East for eight years. I earned a degree in English Language from Bangor University where I also obtained my PGCE.
Rebecca Hall
FS2 Teacher
My name is Rebecca Hall and I am an FS2 class teacher at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, within the Early Years team. After graduating from the University of East Anglia, I have been working in the field of education for nine years, with children between the ages of 1-18 and this helped me discover my passion for the early years. Prior to joining RGSGD in 2021, I spent three years welcoming Nursery pupils into an international school in Thailand and starting them on their educational journey. My experience taught me the importance of an exceptionally strong early years education to build every child’s academic and social foundations and foster their love of learning.
Miranda Callaby
FS2 Teacher
My name is Miranda Callaby and I am very excited to be joining the Early Years Team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. I am originally from London, UK and graduated from St. Mary’s University College London with a Bachelors in Primary Education. After graduating, I worked in an outstanding primary school in London for many years. I have had the privilege of teaching in Dubai for the past seven years, specialising in the Foundation Stage.
Rebekah Conway
FS2 Teacher
My name is Rebekah Conway and I am honoured to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai for the next academic year. I have been living and working in Dubai for the past seven years and am very excited to meet my new pupils in August and start our journey at RGSGD together. I graduated from Edge Hill University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Years teaching and have been teaching for eight years both in the UK and UAE.
Tara Harrison
FS1 Teacher
My name is Tara Harrison and I am part of the Early Years team at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD) as an FS1 teacher. Teaching is my passion and I feel extremely lucky to have spent that last 9 years doing something that I love. I enjoy creating positive relationships with each of the pupils in my care so that I can inspire and support them in a way that is best suited to their individual needs; and create a learning environment that reflects their interests and ideas.
Charlotte Knight
FS1 Teacher
My name is Charlotte Knight and I have been teaching for over 8 years. It is a privilege to be part of the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai family, having joined in the founding year as an Early Years teacher. I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Years and Childhood Studies. Since then, I have gained teaching experience both in the UK and in Thailand.
Kerry Fawcett
FS1 Teacher
My name is Kerry Fawcett and I am delighted to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as an Early Years teacher. I am from Edinburgh, Scotland and graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2009. My teaching career began in the UK, before moving to the UAE where I have been teaching for the past 11 years across all Key Stages and in inclusion.
Rosie Douglas-Davies
FS1 Teacher
My name is Rosie Douglas-Davies and I will be joining The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai in August 2022 as one of the new Prep teachers. I am from South Wales in the UK and have been teaching since 2008. I graduated with a BA Honours Degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff and have teaching experience both in the United Kingdom and the UAE.
Wendy Tulley
FS1 Teacher
My name is Wendy Tulley and I am delighted to be joining the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as an Early Years Teacher. I am originally from Aberdeen in Scotland but lived in West Sussex for 10 years, before moving to Dubai 7 years ago. I graduated from Birmingham University with a BA Hons in Childhood Education and have taught in Early Years and across all Key Stages.
Olivia Adkins
FS1 Teacher
My name is Olivia Adkins and I am honoured to be teaching FS1 at The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD). I am from The Wirral, North West of England and I have most recently been teaching Early Years Foundation Stage for five years at an Outstanding OFSTED graded primary school in the UK. I graduated from the University of Bangor with Qualified Teacher Status in Early Years Education. My Early Years teaching experience has taught me how to stimulate learning through exciting activities and structured play opportunities in the classroom environment.
Sarah Noblett
FS1 Teacher
My name is Sarah Noblett and I have been teaching for over ten years, both in the UK and here in Dubai. I feel privileged to be a part of the Early Years team at RGSGD and am proud of the environment we create to welcome the children in every day with huge smiles on their faces. I graduated from Edge Hill University with BA Honours in Early Years Education, specialising in ages three to seven years old. A few years later, I obtained a Masters in Teaching and Learning and focused my studies on the benefits of play based learning for all children throughout the primary age range.
Specialist Teachers
James Bennett
Director of Sport
My name is James Bennett. I am honoured to be a part of the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai team as Director of Sport. Sport/s brings me joy, as can be seen from my over 20 years of experience as a PE and Games practitioner and leader. I started my teaching career at the Prep School of the Royal Grammar School Guildford, and progressed through the department until I became the Director of Sport.
Laura Evans
Head of Inclusion & Assessment Coordinator
My name is Laura Evans, and I am the Head of Inclusion and Assessment Coordinator at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. Prior to joining RGSGD as part of the founding team I was the Head of Learning Support for 12 years at the Royal Grammar School Guildford, UK where I managed a successful Learning Support Department that guided many children and their families by identifying and supporting their learning needs.
Sajida Al Bashir
Head of Arabic and Islamic Studies
As salamu alaikoom, parents and children! My name is Sajida Al Bashir. As Head of Arabic and Islamic Education at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, it brings me great joy and honour to be in a position to make a difference in the lives of our pupils. I have over 24 years of leadership and teaching experience, educating pupils in the fields of Arabic, Islamic and Social Studies, along with Personal, Social, Health, and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) in American, British and IB curriculum schools in Dubai.
Emily Steel
PE Teacher
My name is Emily Steel, and I am part of the Physical Education team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. Having joined RGSGD in 2021, I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing my passion for sport with our pupils, and I once again look forward to helping foster an enjoyment of sport in every child, allowing them to grow and progress as an individual in all aspects of their school life next year.
Victoria Baldwin
PE Teacher
My name is Victoria Baldwin, and i am part of the founding team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD), as a PE Teacher. I have 13 years of teaching experience both in Dubai and the UK, and have held various positions including; Head of Year, Head of Girls PE and as a Senior School Transition Manager. I have a real passion for physical education and sport in school - particularly netball, athletics, swimming and football. Having spent most of my teaching career here in Dubai, I enjoy maximizing the sporting opportunities that Dubai offers for young people and helping our pupils realise their sporting potential.
Joe Cahill
PE Teacher
My name is Joe Cahill, and I am delighted to be part of the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD), as a PE Teacher. This is my second time working at RGS, having previously spent six years at the Prep School of the Royal Grammar School Guildford, UK as a Computing, Physical Education and Games Teacher.
Jonny Bowles
PE Teacher
My name is Jonny Bowles and I will be joining the PE department at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai in August 2022. I have been teaching Secondary School PE for the last six years, and am very much looking forward to the exciting next chapter of my career, and continued development at RGSGD. I have enjoyed working in a highly successful school in Solihull, UK, where I have been an integral part of an outstanding department, holding positions of responsibility, particularly in a mentoring programme for trainee PE teachers and as a GCSE examiner for our Key Stage 4 pupils.
Syreeta Stanley-Vespero
PE Teacher
Hello, my name is Syreeta Stanley-Vespero and I am thrilled to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a PE teacher. I completed my undergraduate degree and PGCE at the University of Birmingham in the UK and taught at Secondary level in London for several years before moving to Dubai in 2013. In full circle, I am currently completing my MSc in Physical Education and Wellbeing through the University of Birmingham, Dubai. My extensive experience teaching in Dubai allows me to ensure that all the pupils I work with flourish and have positive experiences of PE. They will develop a lifelong love of physical activity that lasts well beyond their school years.
Callum Stevens
PE Teacher
My name is Callum Stevens and I am a passionate PE teacher and sports person. I completed my degree from Edinburgh University in 2001 and then completed my PGCE which allowed me to move into the world of teaching. I have been fortunate to have lived and travelled abroad for large portions of my life which has helped to shape the person I am now. I moved to Dubai in 2003, and have been teaching for nearly 20 years. I am really excited to be part of the RGSGD team and wonderful community, supporting the pupils in achieving their sporting goals and In life.
Andrew Hepburn
PE Teacher
My name is Andrew Hepburn and I am delighted to be part of the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai’s PE Department. I graduated from the University of Stirling with a Sports and Exercise Science degree and have been involved with teaching and coaching swimming for 10 years in the UK, USA and UAE. I moved to Dubai in 2021, initially as a swim coach at RGSGD and have loved watching the school grow and develop since opening. I have a passion for developing pupils’ competitive spirit and instilling a lifelong love for all sport.
Lily Joy Jackson
Art Teacher
My name is Lily-Joy Jackson and I am honoured to be part of the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as the lead Art Teacher in Prep. I grew up in Bath, UK then moved to Surrey to complete my fine art degree at UCA Farnham. I then began my teaching practice and I started to gain experience across local schools in both the independent and state sector. I then went on to obtain my IPGCE with the University of Buckinghamshire whilst working as a Key Stage 1 class teacher and the Head of Art.
Sophie Lamb
Music/Performance Teacher
My name is Sophie Lamb and I am part of the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD) as lead teacher in Music and Performance. After gaining a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Music, where I specialised in Performance (piano and flute), I continued my studies and achieved a Master of Arts Degree in Music and Piano Performance. I then trained for my PGCE where I specialised in the Early Years and Primary sectors.
Siobhan Terrington
Learning Support Teacher
My name is Siobhan Terrington and I am a learning support teacher at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. After obtaining my bachelor's degree in Spanish and International Relations (BA Hons) in Leeds, UK and then went on to gain my PGCE. I taught for 4years in the UK where I qualified as a Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCo) before moving abroad and teaching in both Thailand and the Czech Republic.
Nikki Grant
Learning Support Teacher
My name is Nikki Grant and I am delighted to be part of the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as an Inclusion Teacher. I am originally from Aberdeen, Scotland and moved to Dubai with my husband 8 years ago. I have been teaching for 13 years with the majority of my experience in supporting children with additional needs.
Lana Turner
EAL Teacher
Hello, my name is Lana Turner and I will be joining the inclusion team at RGSGD as an English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher. I am originally from London and received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Surrey. My teaching career began 16 years ago after completing my PGCE in Primary Education. I taught in London for six years before deciding to move to the UAE in 2013. Since completing my master's in Applied Linguistics, I have been supporting EAL pupils in both primary and secondary settings.
Elena Alcalde Garcia
Spanish Teacher
Hola, my name is Elena Alcalde and I am delighted to be joining the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Spanish teacher. I have been teaching Spanish for over 8 years and have experience teaching children from a variety of different countries and with varying degrees of expertise in the Spanish language. I completed two Bachelors Degrees in Primary Education, the second with a specialisation in English, from the Complutense University and the UCJC University in Spain. In 2020 I also completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language.
Claire Guillon
French Teacher
My name is Claire Guillon and I am the French teacher for Years 3, 4 and 7 at RGS Guildford Dubai. I come from a beautiful town in the Loire Valley in France and graduated with a BA in English and French as Foreign Languages. I obtained my Professional Degree in Elementary Education and Teaching and became Head of Elementary at a school in the Marais Poitevin. My nomadic life took me to Wales, Italy and Turkey, before settling in the UAE in 2018. I have over 15 years of experience as an instructor, coordinator and innovator in the fields of languages, education and digital technology.
Seham Albakar
Arabic Teacher
Assalamu Alaykom! My name is Seham Albakar and I am part of the Arabic & Islamic team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD), as an Arabic teacher. I am very honoured to be one of the founding teachers at RGSGD having joined in 2021. In 2003, I obtained my Bachelor of Education Degree in Jordan, I then went on to start my career in teaching and now have 18 years of teaching experience throughout different British schools within Dubai; teaching early years and primary pupils.
Hammadi Shaheen
Arabic Teacher
Assalamu Alaykom! My name is Hammadi Shaheen and I am part of the Arabic & Islamic team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD), as an Arabic Teacher. I have 15 years of experience teaching within international schools and for the last 8 years, have been teaching in prestigious schools within Dubai.
Alaa Abu Arab
Islamic Studies Teacher
Greetings, Salam! My name is Alaa Abu Arab, and I'm thrilled to have been be part of the founding team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. I grew up in Jordan and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Foundation from Jordan University in 2010 and a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies from Jordan University in 2014. I have over 11 years of experience teaching Islamic studies and have been teaching pupils at RGSGD from Years 1 to 6.
Shammaa Makieh
Arabic/Islamic Studies
I am honoured to be part of the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai’s founding team and have enjoyed teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies to our pupils this past academic year. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Arabic language from Damascus University, Syria and have over 11 years of teaching experience in the UAE. I look forward to further contributing to the success of the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai.
Tahani Abdullah
Arabic/Islamic Studies Teacher
My name is Tahani Abdullah and I am part of the Arabic & Islamic studies team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. Originally from Jordan, I have lived in Dubai since 2005 and have 19 Years of teaching experience, throughout British Curriculum and International Baccalaureate schools. I enjoy helping my pupils to grow and develop in a fun and enjoyable environment and having been part of the founding team at RGSGD, I am looking forward to helping the school continue the success of our first year.
Feda Sawalha
Arabic Teacher
My name is Feda Sawalha and I am delighted to be joining the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as an Arabic teacher for non-native speakers. I graduated from Jordan. I started my teaching Journey in 2005 in Dubai until now. I am very excited to start the new journey for the next academic year and use my long experience to help pupils learn Arabic using 21-century strategies.
Maisa Sirawan
Arabic Teacher
My name is Maisa Sirawan and I am delighted to be joining the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as an Arabic teacher. After graduating from the University of Warsaw with a master's in Arabic Literature, I moved to Dubai in 2010 and since then have been working as an Arabic Teacher at several outstanding schools within Dubai. Throughout my teaching journey, I have always been proud of creating a happy and exciting environment for my students. I am very passionate about teaching Arabic and building strong relationships in the classroom.
Khadijah Waeyi
Arabic/Islamic Studies Teacher
My name is Khadijah Waeyi, and I'm delighted to be starting as an Islamic Studies teacher at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai. I graduated from the International Islamic University Malaysia with a master’s degree in Arabic Language and Literature and a bachelor's degree in Arabic Language and Literature. I've been teaching for twenty years, and I've taught both Key Stage 1 and 2.
Wafa Ahmed
Arabic Teacher
My name is Wafa Ahmed, I am originally from Jordan and am excited to be joining the team at RGSGD next year. I hold a Masters degree in Education from the United Arab Emirates University and I hold a bachelor’s degree in Arabic from the University of Jordan. I have been teaching Arabic for the last 15 years and am honoured that teaching gives me the platform to make a difference in the lives of our students.
Kate Riddle
School Librarian
My name is Kate Riddle and I am delighted to be part of the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai community as the School Librarian. I began my teaching career as an Early Years practitioner. It was during this time that I developed a particular love and interest in literacy and storytelling. After obtaining my PGCE in Education, I went on to study for a Master of Arts in Teacher - Librarianship from Charles Stuart University, Australia.
Pastoral care
Maintaining the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of each pupil is our number one priority. Our pastoral care system is designed to support every pupil and includes a close working partnership with parents. At the Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai (RGSGD), we passionately believe in two principles: firstly, that if our pupils are happy, they will flourish and, secondly, that each pupil is an individual. Irrespective of their passions, outlook and interests, each pupil at RGSGD has the space in which to grow.
Building on the long tradition at the RGS in the UK, we expect our older pupils to take on a caring role for younger pupils. That is what makes the RGSGD a family. Our staff offer outstanding pastoral care overseen by the Deputy Head.
Safeguarding
The school has a duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of its pupils. Safeguarding our pupils is always our number one priority. Our commitment to safeguarding is outlined in our Safeguarding Policy.
All members of our team are trained in the latest safeguarding practices, and all new staff undergo extensive background checks before any appointment is confirmed.
Our campus
As part of our commitment to providing teachers and pupils with a quality learning environment, the Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai (RGSGD) delivers world-class facilities that provide every child with access to the level of education needed to thrive in the 21st century.
Ownership
The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai is a true partnership between the Royal Grammar School Guildford and Cognita. We work collaboratively on every aspect of the school – sharing the highest expectations and aspirations, underpinned by a deep respect for the respective organisation.
The Royal Grammar School Guildford brings a long and distinguished track record of excellence in all areas of education. For further details on the history of the Royal Grammar School please click here.
Cognita is an extraordinary group of diverse but connected schools, joining forces in an inspiring world of education with one common purpose: to build self-belief and empower individuals to succeed.
With over 80 schools in Europe, Asia and Latin America, including over 40 in the UK, we employ 8000+ teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 55,000 pupils.
You can find further information on Cognita here.