Our
Principal
Our Team
Tammy Elimlahi
Head of Primary
I am Tammy Elimlahi, currently serving as the Assistant Principal for Noya British School. With over 15 years of experience in Early Years and Primary Education, I’ve built a solid foundation that fuels my journey towards impactful leadership and educational excellence. In addition to my extensive experience, I hold the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), further enhancing my leadership capabilities.
My professional journey has been enriched by eight years of exceptional experience in Abu Dhabi, where I’ve embraced a spectrum of leadership roles. These roles have nurtured my ability to strategise, innovate and lead with a strong focus on student achievement and teaching and learning.
Throughout my career, I’ve been at the forefront of initiatives shaping teaching and learning. I’ve successfully orchestrated the design and implementation of a number of School Improvement programmes, underscoring my drive to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and innovative teaching methodologies.
In an ever-evolving landscape, I prioritise staying abreast of cutting-edge research and best practices to ensure that my leadership approach is rooted in 21st-century skills. I aim to elevate educational standards through transformative leadership and quality-first strategies. As an educational leader, I am deeply committed to fostering a student-centric environment by prioritising personalised learning, tailoring educational experiences to individual needs and empowering students to thrive in a way that aligns with their unique strengths and interests.
My commitment to professional growth, innovative strategies, and fostering an ethos of success fuels my aspiration to bring about a positive impact in the realm of Education. As Assistant Principal, I am a driving force for growth, embodying a vision for educational excellence at Noya British School.
Michelle Cronin
Assistant Principal / Primary
My name is Michelle Cronin and I am delighted to be Head of Key Stage 1 at Noya British School. I am married with one child, and I am originally from Ireland. I graduated in 2012 with a BA Honours Degree in Primary Education with QTS at Trinity Saint David’s University, Wales, UK, before moving to London to begin my teaching career. I relocated to the UAE in 2015 and thoroughly enjoyed familiarising myself with new cultures and traditions. My passion and leadership skills led to three internal promotions where I loved taking on new and rewarding roles. At my most recent school, I was a proud member of the Senior leadership team where I got to work with wonderful students, staff and families from all over the world. I have had many happy years working in the UAE and I take great pride in representing and leading within a school community, with the children at the heart of all decisions.
My priority is to develop a nurturing and inspiring environment where children feel safe, valued and eager to embark on their educational journey. I aspire to instill in every child a sense of wonder and excitement with engaging, creative and personalised lessons. Together, with the incredible Primary team, we aim to cultivate an inclusive school where students thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
I very much look forward to meeting with you and having the chance to show you what our school has to offer.
Rebecca Bristow
Head of Inclusion
I am Rebecca Bristow and as Head of Inclusion at Noya British School, I am deeply committed to supporting the wellbeing of all students and ensuring that each child feels positive about themselves and their learning journey. With over 12 years of experience working with pupils with additional needs across a variety of settings, I have developed a strong understanding of diverse learning styles and the importance of inclusive practices that enable every child to reach their full potential.
I completed my teaching qualifications in the UK, holding a degree in Education from University College London and a PGCE from Kingston University. These experiences have equipped me with the skills and insights needed to foster an environment where all students, regardless of their learning needs, can thrive.
I believe that school life is a crucial part of each child’s growth and development and I place great importance on working collaboratively with families to create a positive, productive experience for every student. My commitment to inclusion extends to every child I work with and I strive to promote a holistic, nurturing environment that supports their academic and emotional wellbeing.
I am proud to be part of Noya British School, where our focus is on building an inclusive community and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and flourish.
Mai Al Zubi
Head of MOE Subjects
I hold a degree in Arabic Language and Literature from the University of Mota in Jordan, a Professional Diploma in Teaching from Abu Dhabi University, and a Diploma in Advanced Instructional Leadership from the Queen Rania Teacher Academies. I am originally from Jordan but moved to the UAE in 2004. I have worked in a variety of schools in Abu Dhabi and am looking forward to joining Noya British School in August.
As the Head of MOE Department at Noya British School, we, as a team, strive to deliver an exceptional educational experience that seamlessly integrates education with real-world application. With years of collective experience and collaborative efforts, we aim to cultivate an interactive and inspiring learning environment for our students. Our vision is to embed education deeply into everyday life, empowering our students to understand Arabic language more profoundly and apply it confidently across various domains. We are an integral part of the learning and growth journey at Noya School, working together towards success and excellence.
David Craggs
Head of Secondary
With over 20 years of experience in education across the UK and the UAE, David Craggs is a dedicated and dynamic school leader who believes every student has the potential to achieve greatness. As Head of Secondary at NOYA British School, David works in partnership with students, staff and families to build a learning community that is inclusive, inspiring and future-focused.
David has the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and brings a wealth of leadership experience, having served as Vice Principal in UAE schools for over five years. His background includes successful Head of Secondary roles in both the UK and UAE, where his leadership has contributed to outstanding inspection outcomes, strong academic progress and meaningful family engagement.
With a passion for innovation and a background in technology, David champions adaptive teaching and evidence-informed practices that empower every student to thrive. He leads on curriculum development, teaching and learning, assessment, inclusion and wellbeing — placing student voice and support at the heart of everything he does.
As a father and lifelong learner, David understands the power of strong relationships, open communication and high expectations. He is committed to creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is celebrated and character is nurtured. Whether leading assemblies, mentoring staff, planning the curriculum, or celebrating student successes, David brings warmth, vision and purpose to his role. His mission is clear: to help every learner grow in confidence, achieve personal excellence and leave school equipped to make a positive impact in the world.
Ruth Dunkin
Head of KS2
Ruth is an experienced and passionate school leader with over 20 years in British curriculum education, including the past 10 years in Abu Dhabi. She is committed to excellence in teaching and learning and believes in creating inclusive, engaging environments where every child can thrive. Ruth places strong emphasis on collaboration, wellbeing and nurturing a positive school culture. She leads with clarity, compassion and a relentless drive for continuous improvement. Ruth is dedicated to empowering both staff and pupils, ensuring that Key Stage 2 is a dynamic and supportive phase where personal and academic growth are celebrated.
As the Head of MOE Department at Noya British School, we, as a team, strive to deliver an exceptional educational experience that seamlessly integrates education with real-world application. With years of collective experience and collaborative efforts, we aim to cultivate an interactive and inspiring learning environment for our students. Our vision is to embed education deeply into everyday life, empowering our students to understand Arabic language more profoundly and apply it confidently across various domains. We are an integral part of the learning and growth journey at Noya School, working together towards success and excellence.
Shasihana Waite
Head of KS1
Sashana is a passionate and experienced educator with over seven years in the classroom. She has held middle leadership roles for the past three years, serving as both Head of Mathematics and Head of Year. Miss Waite 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, Miss Waite 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.
Talita Delport
Head of EYFS
Talita 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 throughout the school community.
Nurayn Ismail
Head of Teaching and Learning
Nurayn brings over eight years of experience in education, with a strong background in both teaching and leadership, including serving on the governing bodies of schools. She has taught in South Africa’s most prestigious private schools - ranked amongst the top 100 globally - where she specialised in delivering the IGCSE curriculum and gained a reputation for innovative teaching and a deep commitment to learner achievement.
Her expertise lies in teaching and learning, where she has coached educators to consistently deliver outstanding lessons and raise attainment across all phases. In the UAE, Nurayn has contributed significantly to school improvement initiatives, working within the British curriculum framework to support schools in achieving and sustaining excellence.
She holds a Bachelor of Education and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). Passionate about global citizenship and sustainability, Nurayn has represented environmental causes through the Miss Earth pageant. She continues to lead recycling initiatives that support international charity programmes, demonstrating her belief in education as a tool for environmental and social change.
Driven by a strong belief in high standards and equitable learning, Nurayn is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential through purposeful, high-quality education.
Jack Stanbury
Head of PE and School Sport
Jack has devoted over 15 years to the wholistic, athletic development of students, with work and educational experiences across 3 different continents, North American, 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. Jack’s dedication to his own academic endeavours reflects his approach to teaching that ‘we’re all students’. Completing multiple degrees across different universities (BSc, IDoS, PGCEi, MA), including the number 1 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.