School Leadership

Matthew Pearce is the current Principal at RGS Guildford Dubai, bringing over two decades of experience in education and leadership. Prior to his appointment, he served as Rector at The Glasgow Academy, where he led the school to achieve the highest academic results in Scotland. He also held the position of Deputy Head at Bishopbriggs Academy, which was recognised as The Sunday Times’ State School of the Year in 2013 and State School of the Decade in 2021. Mr. Pearce’s career spans senior schools, early years education, and international projects, with a focus on raising academic standards, promoting co-curricular innovation, and supporting pastoral care. He holds a Master’s degree in Education, which has equipped him with the expertise to guide RGS Guildford Dubai into its next chapter.

Louise Ford is an experienced senior leader and English teacher, having worked in schools across the UK, USA, and Dubai. She holds a degree in History, an MA in Educational Leadership from University College London (UCL), and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). She was part of the leadership team at one of Dubai’s top Outstanding-rated schools for over a decade, where she led the award-winning Sixth Form and contributed to its recognised excellence in both academics and sport. Her professional expertise lies in designing research-informed curricula that support high-quality teaching and learning. Alongside her work in education, she maintains a personal interest in non-fiction reading, fashion and fitness.

Nicholas Radbourne brings over 25 years of leadership experience in education across both the UK and international settings. Since joining the school in 2021, he has been committed to creating a culture where students and staff feel supported, challenged, and inspired. His passion lies in developing teaching and learning that is both innovative and inclusive, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Mr Radbourne holds a teaching degree from Exeter University. Outside of school, he enjoys skiing, water sports, and cycling, and brings the same energy and enthusiasm to his work each day. As a father of two, he understands the trust families place in schools and is proud to be part of a community that places children’s well-being and personal growth at the heart of everything it does.

Jess Townsend’s professional journey began as a primary teacher in South Wales and she has since held Assistant Headteacher roles in both a fast-growing school and an Outstanding-rated institution, developing a broad and dynamic leadership style. She has a particular passion for laying strong foundations in early education, ensuring every child feels happy, secure and ready to learn each day while making the best possible progress. Mrs Townsend is also committed to the professional development of colleagues, with a focus on high-quality teaching and learning, meaningful interactions, and the effective use of assessment to enhance pupil outcomes. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Daisy and Barney, and exploring the many attractions and landscapes the UAE has to offer.

Rebecca Bennett has 20 years of experience in teaching and school leadership across the UK and UAE and is a founding member of RGS Guildford Dubai. She is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where every pupil can flourish, recognising that happy children are best placed to achieve their full potential. A strong advocate of play-based and enquiry-led learning, she believes children learn most effectively through exploration, curiosity and meaningful experiences. She has also collaborated with University College London (UCL) on research exploring the impact of additional adults in schools. Outside of school, Mrs Bennett enjoys travelling and has visited more than 49 countries across six continents, experiences that have enriched her global outlook and appreciation of different cultures.

Craig Jeavons is an experienced mathematics educator with a strong background in leadership, having served as both Head of Department and Senior Leader in schools across the UK and UAE. His professional interests include pedagogy, educational research and evidence-informed practice, with a particular focus on enhancing teacher effectiveness and improving student outcomes. Outside of school, Mr Jeavons is an enthusiastic traveller with a passion for exploring new places and cultures, and when he is not travelling, he is planning his next adventure.

Aoife McHugh is a dedicated educator committed to creating pastoral systems which foster a holistic, positive and inclusive learning environment, where every pupil feels known, supported and valued. Throughout her career, she has been committed to supporting pupils through key stages of their academic, personal and emotional development. She is particularly passionate about fostering a culture where praise, recognition and rewards inspire motivation, build confidence and celebrate success. Outside of school, Miss McHugh enjoys reading, playing padel and exploring new cultures through travel. These experiences continue to broaden her perspective, enrich her educational practice and reinforce her commitment to developing well-rounded, resilient and confident young people.

Isaac Ince began his teaching career in the UK, where he taught and held leadership roles within a highly successful Multi Academy Trust in Cheshire. Since relocating to the UAE, he has continued to develop his leadership experience in a number of high-performing schools. He has a particular passion for inclusion, with a strong commitment to supporting neurodivergent pupils, those with special educational needs, exceptionally able learners and pupils who speak English as an additional language, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. From age six to seventeen, Mr Ince trained and competed for England in elite gymnastics. He later coached gymnastics in both the UK and China, experiences that helped shape his belief in the importance of resilience, discipline and continuous improvement.

James Sherriff holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Gloucestershire and began his teaching career in the UK before moving to the UAE, where he has taught across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and held a range of leadership roles. He is passionate about creating a happy, healthy and inspiring learning environment where every child can flourish. With a particular interest in curriculum development and implementation, he is committed to designing and delivering enriching learning experiences that spark curiosity and promote a lifelong love of learning. Encouraging a passion for reading and nurturing creativity through the arts are central to his educational philosophy. Outside of school, Mr Sherriff enjoys exploring new places and inspiring his young family to experience different cultures and memorable adventures together.

James Bennett began his teaching career at the Royal Grammar School in Guildford and a large comprehensive school in London, before broadening his experience in co-educational settings. As one of the founding members of staff at RGS Guildford Dubai, he has played a key role in developing the school’s sporting provision and is especially proud of the progress pupils have made and the success they have achieved on Dubai’s competitive school sports circuit.

Outside of school, Mr Bennett is a loyal, if often disappointed, Gloucester Rugby supporter. He also enjoys mountain biking, travelling with his family and hosting barbecues, ideally accompanied by country and western music.