Meet our leadership team

Craig becomes Principal of Reach British School from his previous role as a School Improvement Leader with the ISP regional team. He worked closely with the team at Reach British School team in this role. Craig brings with him over 17 years of experience in senior leadership positions across the US, USA, Middle East and Asia, including seven years of experience as a Head of School. 

Andrew's educational journey began in the coastal town of Poole, located on the south coast of the United Kingdom. At Winchester University, he immersed himself in a four-year BA Honours program in Primary Education, with a specialism in Design and Technology, laying the foundation for his passion for innovative teaching methods.

Bringing 18 years of experience in education, Andrew's career has taken him on a richly diverse path, shaping his understanding of curriculum and assessment in both the UK and UAE. Through careful adaptation of learning opportunities, he ensures each student receives tailored education that meets their unique context and needs, fostering a holistic learning experience.

Having held various leadership roles, including his most recent position as the founding Head of Primary at a new school in Abu Dhabi, Andrew is now thrilled to embark on a new chapter as the Head of Primary at Reach British School. He firmly believes in nurturing each student's individual journey, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing world as global citisens.

Collaboration is key for Andrew, as he enjoys working alongside a team of educators to enhance learning opportunities for students, always striving to deliver high-quality education that empowers every learner to reach their full potential.

Andrew's dedication to personalised, student-centered learning and his commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment make him a valuable addition to Reach British School.

Adam was born and raised in Yorkshire in the north of England. He completed his university studies at the University of Leicester with a BA in History. During this course, one year was spent at Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin and it was during this time that he was able to truly experience and understand the benefits an international education can bring. As part of his professional development, Adam has also obtained a Masters in Education from the University of Nottingham as well as the National Professional Qualification in Headship (NPQH) through the Institute of Education, UCL. 

In 2010, Adam made the decision to move to Abu Dhabi and take up the opportunity to work at a leading international school in the emirate. That has proved to be a career-defining move which has led to leadership roles in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai prior to joining Reach British School. In that time, a common trend Adam has always strived for with students and teachers he works with has been through creating opportunities via the curriculum, subject offerings and the skills required to be successful global learners to create pathways, whether academic, vocational or blended, to meet the needs of all within the community. 

Osama Elsayed is a dedicated educator hailing from the vibrant region of Sharkya, Egypt. With a strong passion for teaching, Osama completed his university studies at the esteemed University of Zagazig, where he earned a BA in History. With over 16 years of experience in the field of education, including more than 12 years as a leader in Ministry of Education (MoE) subjects, Osama brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.

Continuing his commitment to personal growth and professional development, Osama obtained a certification in leadership and development from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Additionally, he holds a school leadership license from ADEK, further enhancing his ability to lead and inspire change.

Throughout his teaching career, Osama has had the privilege of working in various schools, both in the capacity of a teacher and as a leader in the MoE subjects department. His leadership roles span schools with Arabic, American, and British curricula, allowing him to gain holistic insights into different educational systems and pedagogical approaches.

At the heart of Osama's vision lies a profound dedication to empowering students in ministerial subjects. He believes in equipping them with the necessary language skills and fostering the application of Islamic and national values in their lives. Osama achieves this by bridging the gap between the academic curriculum and the realities of students' lives, both now and in the future. His commitment to creating meaningful connections within the school community paves the way for students' personal and academic growth.

Osama Elsayed epitomises the values of inclusivity, professionalism, and a global outlook that we embrace at Reach. His unwavering dedication to educational excellence and the holistic development of students make him an invaluable asset to our community.

Manal's journey in education began in her beloved UAE, specifically in Abu Dhabi, where she was born and raised. This connection to her homeland fills her with deep love and loyalty, shaping her approach to teaching and learning.

Embarking on her teaching career at the age of 18, Manal gained invaluable insights that have guided her path ever since. Through her early experiences, she learned the importance of patience, adaptability, and the individualised nature of learning. Recognising that students learn at their own pace and in diverse ways, she honed her skills in classroom management, creating a positive and engaging learning environment. Constant self-improvement became a cornerstone of her philosophy, driving her to reflect on her teaching methods and stay abreast of innovative educational techniques and technologies.

Manal has considerable proven whole MoE team leadership experience and knows the MoE curriculum and assessment procedures. She has built a positive work environment and developed and adapted the assessments, practices and processes to monitor student attainment and progress in the Arabic subjects. She has enjoyed leading MoE teams and empowering them to move forward.

Manal's dedication to education and her commitment to nurturing both students and educators reflect the ethos of inclusivity, professionalism, and global awareness that we embrace at Reach. Her story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of continuous learning and leadership in shaping the educational landscape.

Pooja is a seasoned HR professional with a wealth of experience spanning over a decade in human resource management. Specialising in crucial areas such as recruitment and retention, conflict resolution, change management, labour relations, and benefits administration, Pooja's expertise shines through. Holding a Master's degree and recently acquiring CHRM (Certified Human Resource Manager) and CHRP (Certified Human Resource Professional) certifications, she showcases a deep commitment and knowledge of the HR field.

Throughout her career journey, Pooja has exemplified exceptional leadership skills in steering HR departments towards meeting organisational goals while fostering a positive and productive work environment. Her impactful tenure with a prominent education investment company in Dubai underscores her pivotal role in shaping HR strategies and practices within the organisation.

Pooja’s dedication and expertise exemplify the values of professionalism, inclusivity, and global awareness that we hold dear at Reach.

We are honoured to have Pooja as part of our global team, as her contributions and leadership continue to inspire and drive excellence in the field of human resources.

Hala is an exceptional professional with more than 15 years of valuable experience. We welcomed her to our team in 2014 as Head of Registration and ADEK Liaison Manager, and she has certainly made her mark since then. Hala's dedication and abilities have been highly recognised by the ADEK team, who greatly appreciated her outstanding work and the high-quality data she provided while working closely with them on the new student system data, ESIS Beta. Her valuable suggestions and feedback have played an instrumental role in enhancing the system.

Hala is known for her exceptional communication skills, as well as her proficiency in time management and problem-solving. With precision and discretion, she adeptly manages a variety of tasks. Whether she is liaising with applicants, their nominated advisers, or family members, Hala ensures that they are guided through the application process with all the necessary information at hand. Additionally, she takes charge of student data management, ensuring strict compliance with the Data Protection Act. Hala's expertise shines through as she organises the entire admissions process, from the initial contact to enrollment, working collaboratively with other admissions team members and academic colleagues. Her well-developed influencing skills play a key role in fostering this collaborative effort.

Over the past 14 years, Hala has cultivated a wealth of expertise in managing admissions teams, implementing effective recruitment strategies, and building strong relationships with prospective and current students, as well as their families. As our Admissions Manager, she has been pivotal in driving continued success and growth. Her contributions have resulted in increased enrollment numbers, improved application processing times, and enhanced outreach programs. Hala's dedication to excellence truly exemplifies the values we hold dear at Reach.

We are delighted to have Hala as a valuable member of our team, and we look forward to her ongoing contributions to our mission of providing a high-quality, globally inclusive education.

Charles is a dedicated educator from the UK, where he received his education and nurtured his passion for teaching. With a degree from Saint Martins College, and holding BSO Inspector Level 1 and Level 2, along with Middle Leader Qualifications, as well as valuable experience with Google and Apple, Charles is committed to providing a safe and enriching learning environment for your children.

As a steadfast leader for change and advocate of best practices, Charles embraces the opportunity to take on new challenges and empower those around him, be they students or fellow staff members. His unwavering belief in the transformative power of education fuels his passion for teaching, making each day an opportunity to inspire and make a difference.

Charles is deeply committed to continuously improving teaching and learning practices, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, receives a world-class education. Entrusted with the responsibility of implementing cutting-edge teaching methods throughout the school, he ensures that students are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Drawing from his background in digital technologies, Charles brings a fresh perspective to the educational approach, enhancing outcomes for students and enriching their learning experience. With a relentless commitment to excellence, he is dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can reach their full potential and succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Charles exemplifies the values of inclusivity, excellence, and a global perspective that we are passionate about. His unwavering dedication to education and the holistic development of students makes him an invaluable asset to our shared pursuit of educational excellence.

Anna Cavanagh is an experienced Senior Leader with a specialism in Teaching & Learning as well as CPD. Having worked in London and Qatar at OFSTED and BSO 'Outstanding' rated schools, she brings a wealth of knowledge with her to Reach British School in school improvement. Anna completed her NPQSL in 2022, she is an accredited professional coach and facilitator, along with being BSO Level 1 Inspector trained. She has presented at numerous conferences and webinar panels on the subject of CPD and coaching, sharing her knowledge with educators from across the world. Anna is also a passionate teacher of English and takes great pride in the notable achievements of her students over the years. These include; one student who achieved the best mark in the world for A-Level English language, one student who achieved the highest mark in the Middle East and 3 students receiving the highest mark in the country.

Hanane, a passionate educator and engineer from the Netherlands, brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Holding a Master's degree in Science in Complex Systems Engineering, she has a background in communications engineering that uniquely equips her to teach mathematics and physics to students of all ages.

Prior to joining Reach british School in 2018, Hanane served as an educator and Senior Leader at British International Schools in Cairo, Egypt. Her diverse experiences as a project consultant have enabled her to spearhead innovative projects within multiple school settings. Hanane's leadership journey began in 2012 as a Head of Department and has evolved into roles such as Head of Innovation and Head of Special Projects. Her skill set encompasses a range of areas, including integrating ICTs into the curriculum, enhancing assessment and reporting systems, managing data effectively, and fostering the professional development of staff.

In recent years, Hanane's leadership focus has centered on change management and driving innovation. She has successfully introduced computer science courses, demonstrating her commitment to staying at the forefront of educational advancements.

Hanane's dedication to education, coupled with her dynamic leadership style, exemplifies the values of inclusivity, excellence, and forward-thinking that we cherish at Reach. Her contributions continue to inspire and enrich the educational experiences of students and educators alike.

Meet Kerry, a dedicated educator originally from Liverpool in the north of England, with an impressive educational background. After earning her Bachelor with Honours in Design from Hope University Liverpool, Kerry completed her PGCE in Secondary Applied Art and Design at Edge Hill University Lancashire. Kerry's passion for teaching led her to collaborate with the British Arts Council and travel across Europe and America, teaching in varied countries such as Spain, Holland, Germany, and Texas, Austin throughout her 20-year teaching career.

As a lifelong learner, Kerry is committed to her professional growth and has achieved the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and Headship (NPQH) through the Best Practice Network.

In 2022, Kerry chose to move to Dubai to embrace the new opportunity available in an iSP school. This experience has significantly broadened her cultural awareness and understanding of working in the UAE. As a senior leader, Kerry puts a strong focus on pastoral care and is dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and ambitious learning environment for all students under her guidance at Reach.

Kerry's rich experiences as a global educator and her commitment to academic excellence make her a valuable addition to our school community. We are excited to have Kerry as a part of the Reach family and look forward to her continued contributions to the education sector.

Steve is a dedicated educator who has made an impact across three continents over the past 25 years and brings a wealth of experience as a highly accomplished senior leader. His background is steeped in academic excellence, school improvement, accreditation, and outstanding pastoral care.

Before embracing senior leadership, Steve excelled as Head of Physical Education, playing an instrumental role in nurturing elite athletes, including a six-time Olympic medalist, two England Rugby captains, and several professional Rugby players.

Hailing from Chester in the North West of the UK, Steve pursued a career in teaching after graduating in Law from the University of Wales of Aberystwyth. With 16 years of teaching and leadership experience in the UK, Steve sought to further enrich his professional skills by venturing into international educational leadership.

In 2015, Steve ventured to the UAE, assuming diverse leadership roles within a large group of schools. Subsequently, he spent three successful years in Nigeria, serving as Acting Principal and Vice Principal at a thriving British Curriculum boarding school.

From 2022 to 2024, Steve served as the Head of Secondary at a prestigious British Curriculum Academy in Doha, and he now brings his boundless enthusiasm and extensive experience to Reach British School as the Deputy Head Academic for the secondary school.

Steve's global journey and unwavering commitment to educational excellence make him an invaluable addition to our school community.

Katy’s upbringing in Japan and Hong Kong as part of an expat family sowed the seeds of her love for travel and experiencing different cultures around the world.

With nearly 30 years of teaching experience, Katy’s journey began at Durham University, where she specialised in mathematics and physical education. Her career has taken her from the classrooms of London to diverse international locations, eventually bringing her to the UAE in 2007. Over a period of 15 years, Katy assumed roles as a senior manager and BSO schools inspector in the Middle East, contributing to the development of educational excellence in the region.

Her teaching expertise spans from Reception to Year 8, during which she designed and implemented specialised curriculums in Early Years Foundation Stage, mathematics, and physical education, as well as cross-curricular programs. Katy has played a pivotal role in driving substantial development and leading teams across a variety of international schools.

A true advocate for ‘education for all’, Katy’s commitment is further evident through her work with the iNGO United World Schools, a UK-registered charity dedicated to providing quality, inclusive education to children in some of the world's most remote and marginalised communities.

Aside from her educational pursuits, Katy brings extensive experience in radio presenting, both in the community and County radio in the UK, and podcasting. She is eager to see and hear RBS radio flourish and grow from strength to strength! In her leisure time, Katy enjoys playing netball and has led the Bahrain Vets Intergulf Team as its captain.

Katy’s rich tapestry of experiences and dedication to inclusive education make her a valuable asset to our school community. Her global perspective and commitment to learning and diversity resonate deeply with our ethos at iSP.

Marilyn is a lifelong educator from the United Kingdom whose extensive experience and passion for teaching make her a valuable asset to our school community. After beginning her career as a nursery practitioner in 1993, Marilyn's zeal for teaching led her back to university, where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) before flourishing in the primary sector.

Marilyn's leadership journey began at a one-form entry school in Hackney, where she developed and implemented an impressive array of extracurricular activities, collaborating with local schools, businesses, and Arsenal Football Club to create a total of 62 programmes. She subsequently progressed to more extensive projects, including transforming a house into a multi-purpose learning centre and introducing initiatives such as 'Every Child a Reader,' 'Every Child Counts,' Springboard, and Wave 3 interventions. Her dedication to teaching has been acknowledged through numerous accolades, including lead teacher commendations for extracurricular activities and effective marking, as well as recognition from the lead councillor of education for Hackney for achieving the best SAT scores in the Borough.

Since joining Reach British School in 2018, Marilyn's leadership has continued to develop, progressing from Assistant Headteacher to Deputy Headteacher, where she leads the curriculum and assessment.

We are thrilled to have Marilyn as an integral member of the team and we look forward to seeing the significant contributions she will continue to make to the education sector.

Andrew's educational journey began in the coastal town of Poole, located on the south coast of the United Kingdom. At Winchester University, he immersed himself in a four-year BA Honours program in Primary Education, with a specialism in Design and Technology, laying the foundation for his passion for innovative teaching methods.

Bringing 18 years of experience in education, Andrew's career has taken him on a richly diverse path, shaping his understanding of curriculum and assessment in both the UK and UAE. Through careful adaptation of learning opportunities, he ensures each student receives tailored education that meets their unique context and needs, fostering a holistic learning experience.

Having held various leadership roles, including his most recent position as the founding Head of Primary at a new school in Abu Dhabi, Andrew is now thrilled to embark on a new chapter as the Head of Primary at Reach British School. He firmly believes in nurturing each student's individual journey, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing world as global citisens.

Collaboration is key for Andrew, as he enjoys working alongside a team of educators to enhance learning opportunities for students, always striving to deliver high-quality education that empowers every learner to reach their full potential.

Andrew's dedication to personalised, student-centered learning and his commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment make him a valuable addition to Reach British School.

Craig becomes Principal of Reach British School from his previous role as a School Improvement Leader with the ISP regional team. He worked closely with the team at Reach British School team in this role. Craig brings with him over 17 years of experience in senior leadership positions across the US, USA, Middle East and Asia, including seven years of experience as a Head of School.