At Noya British School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Our dedicated team follows robust safeguarding policies and procedures aligned with international best practices, ensuring that the welfare and well-being of every child remain our top priority. We work closely with students, parents and the wider community to foster a culture of trust, respect and openness.
From thorough staff training to a comprehensive child protection framework, we are vigilant in protecting our students from harm. At Noya, every child matters and their safety and happiness are paramount.
Please take a moment to read our Safeguarding policy here.
Online Safety
Whilst the world of technology can be very exciting, it can also be a very unsafe place. This is why it is important to ensure that you are aware of the risks and what can be done to ensure your child is safe when using a digital device.
We are proud to present our dedicated safeguarding team:
Sarah Isberg
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
With over ten years of diverse experience in education, I have developed a reputation as a dynamic and highly successful leader committed to fostering excellence in teaching, learning and school improvement.
Throughout my career, I have held pivotal roles, including Vice Principal, School Improvement Officer and Deputy Head of Primary in Outstanding schools in both the UK and UAE. These experiences have allowed me to lead with strategic vision, driving significant improvements in teaching standards, student outcomes and school culture.
I hold the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and this year, I am completing a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management. These qualifications have enriched my ability to lead with innovation, data-driven decision-making and a strong focus on empowering teams to achieve excellence.
I look forward to collaborating with you, our Noya family, to enhance our provision and make Noya British School the best school in the UAE!
Tammy Elimlahi
Designated Safeguarding Lead
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.
Eloise Rapsey
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Tabassum Shaikh
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Hamsa Rakem
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Jehan Begg
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Zeina Younis
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
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.
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.