Our
Principal
Our Team
Michelle Cronin
Assistant Principal / Primary
Michelle Cronin is the Assistant Principal at Noya British School. Originally from Ireland, she holds a BA Honours Degree in Primary Education with QTS from Trinity Saint David’s University in Wales. She began her career in London before relocating to the UAE in 2015. Michelle is known for her strong leadership and ability to drive meaningful school improvement. She is committed to creating inclusive, engaging environments where children feel safe, valued and empowered. Passionate about early literacy, she believes in phonics and reading as the foundation for lifelong learning. She has led initiatives to raise reading standards and foster curiosity and independence. Her mission is to equip learners with the skills and mindset to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.
Linda Osibo
Assistant Principal – Primary
Linda is an experienced educational leader with a deep passion for Early Years and Primary Education. She holds a degree in Psychology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Practice. Linda has worked in education in England for eight years, during which she collaborated closely with school leadership to secure the best outcomes for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has played a significant role in raising standards and improving the quality of teaching and learning across the Primary phase. Since joining Aldar six years ago, Linda has continued to make substantial contributions to school improvement and positive inspection outcomes. She has also supported other academy chains within Aldar, helping to enhance pedagogy, curriculum and provision to ensure students receive the highest standards of teaching and learning. Her work is further strengthened by her Level 2 BSO School Inspection Skills training. Linda believes that collaboration is key to giving children the best possible start to a successful and enjoyable education. Her educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that all children are unique and should learn in a stimulating environment that nurtures their mental, emotional, physical and social development. She is committed to helping students become confident, happy and resilient individuals who embrace challenges with an “I can” attitude. This foundation within primary, supports their growth into enthusiastic, independent and lifelong learners. She is dedicated to further embedding a culture of respect, growth, transparency and High-Performance Learning across the school.
Emma Paget
Assistant Principal
With over 20 years of experience in Early Years and Primary Education, Emma Paget is an accomplished international school leader with extensive experience driving teaching, learning and whole-school improvement. Known for her positive, organised and collaborative leadership style, she has held a range of senior roles including Head of Junior School, following earlier success as Deputy Head (Teaching & Learning) and Assistant Head of Junior School. Emma’s earlier career includes roles as Maths Coordinator, Head of Year and Class Teacher. Through these roles, she has played a pivotal part in shaping academic strategy, raising standards and strengthening community engagement within the school. Emma is deeply committed to ensuring the highest levels of pupil achievement and wellbeing. She combines strong pedagogical knowledge; enhanced by a Master of Arts in Education, an NPQH and formal training as a school inspector. With practical leadership expertise in curriculum development, assessment systems, safeguarding, staff development and school operations. Her leadership contributed significantly to a recent inspection outcome of ‘Outstanding’ and she has delivered high-impact professional development, parent workshops and conference presentations across the region. A highly respected leader, Emma is recognised for her integrity, strong interpersonal skills and ability to build purposeful relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues and external partners. She has successfully mentored teachers through PGCE and NPQ programmes, line-managed academic teams and led large-scale improvement projects that enhanced teaching quality and learning outcomes.
Luzardi Fischer
Assistant Principal, Pastoral
Luzardi Fischer is an experienced educator and school leader with 17 years in education and over a decade in leadership. Currently Assistant Principal at NOYA British School, she brings expertise from previous roles, including Head of English at BSAK. Luzardi’s leadership spans both academic and pastoral areas, underpinned by her ongoing Doctorate in Education and a research informed approach. She champions inclusive, adaptive teaching and values student wellbeing, creativity and character development. A regular conference speaker, she fosters strong partnerships with families and colleagues, inspiring a collaborative culture. Luzardi is committed to nurturing confident, compassionate learners equipped to thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Tammy Elimlahi
Head of Primary
Tammy Elimlahi has over 15 years’ experience in Early Years and Primary Education, with strong leadership skills supported by NPQH and NPQSL qualifications. Having spent over a decade in the UAE, she has held various leadership roles focused on student achievement and quality teaching. Tammy has led school improvement initiatives, driving continuous innovation and personalised learning. Passionate about student-centred education, she fosters environments that recognise each child’s strengths. As Head of Primary at Noya British School, Tammy champions educational success and promotes a culture of High Performance Learning across the school community.
David Craggs
Head of Secondary
David Craggs brings over 20 years of educational leadership experience across the UK and UAE. As Head of Secondary at Noya British School, he fosters an inclusive, inspiring and future focused learning community. Holding the NPQH, David has held leadership roles including Vice Principal and Head of Secondary, contributing to outstanding inspection results and strong academic progress. Passionate about innovation and adaptive teaching, he leads curriculum development, inclusion and wellbeing initiatives. Committed to nurturing curiosity, creativity and character, David’s mission is to empower every learner to achieve excellence and positively impact the world.
Sashana Waite
Head of KS1
Sashana Waite is a passionate and experienced educator with over seven years in the classroom. She has held middle leadership roles, serving as both Head of Mathematics and Head of Year. Sashana is now delighted to take on the role of Head of Key Stage 1. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Sussex and completed her PGCE at Greenwich University. Most recently, she achieved her NPQSL and is excited to apply this learning as she steps into senior leadership. Before moving to Abu Dhabi, Sashana spent time teaching in London, just around the corner from the primary school she once attended as a child. She has spent the last few years teaching in the UAE and loves being part of the Abu Dhabi community.
Rebecca Dushku
Head of KS2
With extensive experience across Primary education, Rebecca brings a strong record of raising standards, leading curriculum innovation and driving highly effective teaching and learning. She holds the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and has taught in every year group, giving her comprehensive knowledge of the British curriculum and a deep understanding of progression across all phases of primary learning. Before joining Noya British School, she served in multiple middle leadership roles, including whole-school English Lead, where she oversaw reading and writing across the Primary phase. In this role, she transformed the school’s reading culture, designed and implemented a cohesive writing curriculum and led sustained improvements in pupil outcomes. During her time as Year 6 Leader, pupils made an average of 1.5 levels of progress in GL Assessments for English, reflecting the impact of her targeted teaching, rigorous monitoring and high expectations. Her decade of experience teaching in a highly deprived area of inner London shaped her commitment to inclusion, equity and excellence for every learner. Supporting large numbers of EAL, SEND and disadvantaged pupils strengthened her ability to remove barriers, personalise learning and create classroom environments where every child feels capable, valued and inspired to succeed. She has led professional learning, delivered whole-school INSET and supported teachers through coaching, mentoring and evidence-informed development. Her leadership is further enhanced by her expertise in High Performance Learning (HPL). As Head of Key Stage 2 at Noya British School, she is committed to cultivating a culture of ambition, curiosity and high performance. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, strong relationships and a belief that every child can achieve remarkable success when challenged, supported and inspired.
Katherine Harvey
Head of KS3
Katherine Harvey is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in Physical Education across primary and secondary schools. Having taught in the UK and UAE, she has held various leadership roles including Head of Department, Head of House and Head of Year. Currently Head of Key Stage 3 at Noya British School, Katherine holds degrees in PE and Science and a Master’s in International Education from King’s College London. A champion for Equality, Diversity, Inclusivity & Belonging, she fosters a kind, inclusive school culture. Her leadership is driven by empathy, equity and a commitment to developing both achievement and character.
Talita Delport
Head of EYFS
Talita Delport is the Head of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Noya British School, bringing over a decade of experience to her role. She oversees the crucial early years of children’s education, coordinating the curriculum, supporting teachers and implementing best practices to ensure high-quality learning experiences. With a strong background in early childhood education, learning support and leadership, Talita is passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. She is committed to teaching, reading, writing and developing endless opportunities for children. Talita believes that purposeful play is a vital tool for learning, which is reflected in the classrooms she leads where spaces are designed to make education both engaging and enjoyable. She fosters a calm and respectful atmosphere in which every child and teacher feels valued and inspired, promoting a lifelong love of learning.
Gauri Gadgil
Head of Year, FS1
Gauri Gadgil brings over 14 years of experience in Early Years education, with over 10 years spent teaching in the UAE. As a founding member of a leading Dubai school, she has helped shape enriching learning experiences rooted in best practices for young learners. Holding an iPGCE from the University of East London, Gauri is committed to creating nurturing, inclusive environments that inspire curiosity and confidence. She is passionate about high quality development for children, families and educators, believing every child is capable of great achievement. Her teaching is driven by the belief that learning should empower every child to reach their full potential.
Linnette Idona Aaron
Head of Year, FS2
Linnette Idona Aaron is the Head of Year in FS2 at Noya British School, where she is dedicated to fostering an environment where children can thrive and achieve excellence through play and learning. With over 20 years of experience working with children and families in the UK and over three years teaching in the UAE, Linnette brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. She holds a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Studies along with her teaching qualifications and firmly believes that with the right encouragement and opportunities, children can achieve amazing things. She looks forward to collaborating with others to create the best outcomes for all students.
Ayesha Mirza
Head of Curriculum
Ayesha Mirza is the Head of Curriculum at Noya British School. She has over a decade of experience teaching and leading in the UK National Curriculum. Ayesha has taught extensively across Key Stage 2 and led curriculum work in Music, Science and Reading.
Her passion for excellence has driven high levels of pupil progress and recognition as a leader. She also served as a Specialist SATs marker for reading in the UK. Ayesha promotes creativity and a love of learning in every pupil. She is committed to a rich, progressive curriculum where students feel safe to take risks and grow. Her goal is to help all pupils flourish and reach their full potential while enjoying school life.
Estelle Fouche
Head of Inclusion
Estelle is an experienced Inclusion Leader who is dedicated to building a genuinely inclusive school culture where every student feels supported, valued and able to thrive. She focuses on strong systems of support and open collaboration across all teams, believing that when staff are equipped, encouraged and supported, students benefit most. With experience across both whole-school mainstream settings and specialised resource-based provisions, Estelle has led successful interventions that grow student confidence, independence and a true sense of belonging. Estelle is a compassionate leader who believes in a strengths based approach and she is committed to creating environments where inclusion is not just a policy but a lived experience for every child, every day.
Mai Al Zubi
Head of MOE
Mai Alzubi brings over 22 years of educational experience across the UAE, with a career that has evolved from classroom teaching to leading school-wide teaching and learning initiatives. She currently serves as Head of the MOE Department. Mai holds a Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management and firmly believes that students are at the heart of the learning process. Recognised for her practical, results oriented approach, Mai is deeply committed to raising academic standards for both students and teachers. She places strong emphasis on quality, continuous monitoring and collaborative teamwork. Her leadership style is calm, focused and consistently geared towards achieving measurable improvements in student outcomes.
Kristel Bourgeois
Head of Year 1
Kristel Bourgeois is a highly experienced educator with over 15 years of teaching across Early years, Primary and Special Educational Needs settings. She holds degrees in both early childhood and primary education, along with a postgraduate qualification in autism. Currently serving as Head of Year 1, Kristel brings a hands on leadership style that blends inclusive practice, high expectations and strong curriculum knowledge. She is passionate about making the curriculum accessible for all learners, implementing immersive learning strategies in the classroom and building strong parent partnerships to support every child’s success.
Eloise Rapsey
Head of Year 2
Eloise Rapsey is a passionate primary educator, currently serving as Head of Year 2 and Read Write Inc. Lead. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Primary Education and has over seven years of experience working in both mainstream and special educational needs settings. Eloise is dedicated to early reading and literacy development which she believes is key to unlocking every child’s potential. She is committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where children can grow socially, emotionally and academically. Her teaching approach centres on building confidence, inspiring curiosity and supporting all learners to thrive and succeed through engaging and purposeful learning experiences.
Georgina Tait
Head of Year 3
Georgina Tait is the Head of Year 3 and brings over 20 years of teaching experience across Key Stages 1 and 2. Originally from the UK, she holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Hertfordshire.Georgina is passionate about creating a positive and nurturing learning environment where every child can thrive. Outside the classroom, she enjoys painting, watching musicals and spending quality time travelling with her family.
Her love of the arts and interest in different cultures inspire her teaching and help her connect with students in meaningful and engaging ways.
Samantha Bloor
Head of Year 4
Samantha Bloor is a dedicated primary school teacher from England with a specialist in Maths. She loves helping children learn, grow and have fun at school. She believes every child is important and works hard to create a happy, friendly classroom where everyone feels safe, included and excited to learn. As a mum of three, she understands the importance of kindness, listening and making learning enjoyable. Samantha enjoys using stories, fun activities and even a bit of film sparkle to bring lessons to life.
Sheeba Ruban
Head of Year 5
Sheeba Ruban brings over 20 years of educational experience and leadership to her role as Head of Year 5. Holding degrees in Microbiology, Education, a Cambridge Diploma and an iPgCPP from Liverpool Hope University, she is a committed lifelong learner. Sheeba has taught CBSE, IB and the British curriculum, with leadership roles in teaching, curriculum development and staff training. An HPL accredited teacher and UN certified Climate Change Educator, she champions sustainability and student leadership. Grounded in empathy, excellence and innovation, Sheeba is dedicated to fostering inclusive, high performing environments that nurture confident, compassionate and globally minded learners.
Tabassum Shaikh
Head of Year 6
Tabssum Shaikh is a dedicated educator with over eight years of experience delivering the British curriculum in the UAE. As Head of Year 6 and Sustainability at Noya British School, she champions innovation, excellence and wholistic development. Holding a B.Sc. in Information Technology and teacher training from TELLAL Dubai, Tabssum designs enquiry led, student centred learning experiences that build critical thinking and social responsibility. A passionate sustainability advocate, she leads a whole school programme aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She also drives AI integration in teaching, equipping staff with skills to embrace technology and enhance learning in an ever evolving digital landscape.
Shannon Botham
Head of Year 7
Originally from Scotland but raised in the Middle East, living in both Oman and Abu Dhabi, Shannon brings a unique international perspective to everything she does. A former triathlete, she proudly represented Team GB at both the World and European Championships. Her interest in teaching began at the age of 14 when she started coaching swimming voluntarily. With over seven years of teaching experience in both Scotland and Abu Dhabi, Shannon has had the privilege of inspiring students from a wide range of backgrounds. Her journey combines a passion for creating positive change with a deep commitment to providing opportunities for all students to develop a love for sport whatever that sport may be to them.
Nurayn Ismail
Head of Teaching and Learning
Nurayn Ismail has over nine years of experience in education, combining teaching and leadership, including school governance roles. She taught at top-ranked private schools in South Africa, specialising in the IGCSE curriculum. In the UAE, Nurayn has driven school improvement within the British curriculum. She holds a Bachelor of Education and NPQSL. Passionate about global citizenship and sustainability, she has represented environmental causes through the Miss Earth pageant and leads recycling initiatives supporting charities. Nurayn is dedicated to high standards and equitable education, ensuring every child reaches their full potential.
Jack Stanbury
Head of PE and School Sport
Jack Stanbury has devoted over 15 years to the wholistic, athletic development of students, with work and educational experiences across North America, the U.K. and UAE. Through leadership positions including, Head of Department and Instructional Coach, Jack has gained extensive experience in overseeing the development of high functioning teams, with a clear focus on the teaching and learning development as well as creating an ethos that empowers the growth of those around him. Completing multiple degrees across different universities (BSc, IDoS, PGCEi, MA), including the top rated University in the World for Sports Studies – Loughborough University. Jack has continually built long-lasting, high-profile relationships with governing bodies, federations and organisations such as NBA, Manchester City, Special Olympics and FA, to provide unique access for his students to experience the highest standard of sporting prowess.
Sarah Oladele
Head of CaPA
Ms Oladele is a passionate Drama and Performing Arts teacher with over 16 years of experience in the UK and the UAE. She holds a degree in Media and Cultural Studies and Drama, and a PGCE in Drama. Ms Oladele has worked across Key Stages 3 to 5, led school productions and developed enriching creative opportunities for students. She previously served as Head of Year and Head of Performing Arts in the UK. Now as Head of Creative and Performing Arts at Noya British School, she is committed to building a dynamic, inclusive department that nurtures creativity, confidence and collaboration.
Julie Engles
Early Years Phase Leader
With over 20 years of experience in Early Years and Primary education, Julie Engles has established a strong reputation for shaping high-quality learning environments and leading meaningful school improvement. An Early Years specialist, she is deeply committed to excellence in provision, practice and outcomes for young learners, drawing on extensive senior leadership experience across respected international schools in the UAE and the UK. Julie has spent more than a decade in Abu Dhabi, holding key leadership roles that strengthened her expertise in curriculum design, play-based learning and whole-school development. In her most recent position leading Lower Primary, she oversaw a large and diverse phase from FS1 to Year 2, driving significant improvements in teaching quality, safeguarding, inclusion and continuous provision. Her earlier leadership of a major KG department further reinforced her dedication to child-centred, research-informed approaches that support every learner. Throughout her career, Julie has introduced initiatives that enhance teaching and learning, embed rigorous assessment systems and strengthen staff development through coaching and professional learning. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, clarity of vision and consistent pursuit of high standards. A passionate advocate for early childhood education, she is committed to nurturing curiosity, independence and wellbeing, ensuring that children, families and staff thrive under her leadership.
Lizil Kodiyattu
School Counsellor
We’re pleased to introduce our School Counsellor, Mrs Lizil, who is here to support the wellbeing and emotional development of all our students. Lizil works closely with children across all year groups, offering a safe, confidential and supportive space to talk about anything that might be on their minds, whether it’s friendship issues, anxiety, family changes, emotional regulation or anything else affecting their wellbeing or ability to learn. As part of our commitment to supporting the whole child, Lauren is available not only to students, but also to you as parents. If you ever have any concerns, questions, or feel that your child could benefit from some additional emotional support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your child’s emotional health is just as important as their academic success and we are here to help in any way we can. Please feel free to reach out, no concern is ever too small.