School Leadership

As the newly appointed Head of Senior, I am privileged to have the opportunity to lead the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai through the next phase of its growth in Senior. I am committed to providing a world class learning experience for our pupils and their families and bring my understanding and knowledge of the educational landscape of Dubai to this role. With respect for the incredible legacy of our sister school in the UK, I look to capture the essence of its culture of integrity, mutual respect and tolerance whilst also helping to create an inclusive, aspirational community fit for context and location.

Initially graduating with a History degree from the University of Wales, I have dedicated the past 20 years to education coupled with a commitment to lifelong learning. I gained a post-graduate certificate in the Teaching of Shakespeare from Warwick University a few years into my teaching career and have since gone on to complete a Masters in Educational Leadership, awarded with Merit by UCL in 2019 and most recently completed my NPQH in July 2021.

Holding senior leadership positions in both the UAE and the USA for the past decade has empowered me with the knowledge and experience to lead in a dynamic international setting. This new role excites and motivates me in equal measure, and I believe is the one I have been preparing and training for all my professional life. For me, building confidence is key. Education ignites possibilities and every pupil must be provided with endless, diverse opportunities to learn and achieve. Success, however small or significant, motivates pupils and creating an environment that is exciting, vibrant and enjoyable is paramount.

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.

This has given me an excellent understanding of what is required when developing outstanding teaching and learning in schools, and how to create an innovative and challenging environment for our pupils. How we foster and develop teams within the school is important, and then how those teams communicate, overlap, co-operate and nourish each other will be the key to a successful and outstanding environment for all our pupils, teachers and the wider community. This is my second Leadership role in an international setting after moving out to the Middle East with my wife, and when the chance to work at RGSGD building our Senior school came up, this was opportunity that could not be missed.

I am a very enthusiastic sportsperson, and enjoy Skiing, Water Sports, Rugby and Cycling. I have two sons so I understand the value of education and how important good schooling is to any child. I look forward to supporting our pupils as they start their journey through RGSGD.

Hello, my name is Craig Jeavons and I am extremely excited to be joining the team at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a Mathematics teacher. Originally from Cheshire in the North West of England, I completed a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne before obtaining a PGCE and PGD at Manchester Metropolitan University. I have been teaching for 14 years in various positions and whilst in the UK, I held the position of Head of Mathematics, Specialist Leader of Education and was part of the first cohort of the DfE’s China-England Exchange Program. Six years ago, I moved to Al Ain, where I have been working as an Assistant Headteacher (Teaching and Learning) at the only school in the city rated as outstanding.

I have spoken at several national mathematics conferences and delivered workshops and keynote speeches across the UAE during my time here. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, watching football and traveling.

Hello, my name is Joseph Hulme, and I am part of the team at the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai as a teacher of Mathematics. 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.

Outside of school, I like to spend time with my family and friends, playing or watching many sports, and I also enjoy travelling and experiencing new cultures and places. I am extremely excited about joining RGSGD and will be joining with my wife, Claire Hulme, and our two children. I look forward to meeting you all very soon.

Hello, my name is Laura Regan, and it is my pleasure to be joining RGS as a Teacher of English this September. I look forward to an exciting year ahead. I am originally from Birmingham, but later moved to Nottingham to study a degree in English Literature at Nottingham Trent University. I worked as a Higher Teaching Assistant for a year before completing my PGCE at the University of Birmingham. Since completing my teaching training, I have had the fantastic opportunity to work in an ‘Outstanding’ Academy in Birmingham, before moving to Dubai in 2019 where I worked at another established school in the area, teaching across Key Stage 3 – Key Stage 5.

I have developed an ethos as an innovative and forward-thinking practitioner. I am a teacher that is dedicated to the attainment and progression of each individual pupil, to the inclusion of every pupil, and to the success of the establishment I am part of.

In terms of classroom practice, exploring different pedagogy approaches is vital to ensure success in the subject. The skills we learn when we study English are more than just reading books and writing stories and the climate in the classroom must reflect the different levels of skills being developed. Reading teaches us empathy and allows us to express our feelings regarding situations we are yet to experience, in worlds we are yet to discover. Writing reminds us that making mistakes is part of a wider process, therefore building resilience. I work hard to ensure I incorporate these ideas into my lessons.
I look forward to meeting you all very soon.