Meet the Senior Leadership Team of Dubai British School Jumeira
Lee Hole
School Principal
Lee Hole
School Principal
As the Founding Principal at Dubai British School Jumeira, I feel extremely privileged and excited about the community we are building. I have spent almost twenty years in education, teaching and leading across all key stages and different curricula. I have benefited from the experiences where I have demonstrated educational leadership as a Principal in countries including the UK, UAE and Cambodia during the last decade. The contextual, cultural and educational learning made possible from working with excellent teachers and educational leaders in outstanding schools will be invaluable as I serve the Dubai British School Jumeira community.
Dubai British School Jumeira’s aim to empower students to reach for their potential aligns beautifully with my own commitment to the young people that I serve in schools. I believe that every child has the ability to achieve great things when they find the right school environment and are nurtured to achieve their best.
I look forward to working with students, partnering with families and supporting other educators as we create this environment at Dubai British School Jumeira. Throughout my career, I have always found the interplay of human connections to be at the core of successful schools. At Dubai British School Jumeira, we see the relationships amongst our community as critical to the success of our young people.
The teacher-to-student relationship is often one that has a lasting impact and is almost always the key to unlocking a child’s true potential. The partnership between a school and the families in the school community cannot be underestimated, and I have always committed time and energy into the building of collaborative, trusting relationships with parents that choose to be part of this community.
One of the most exciting aspects of leading schools is the development of a learning community. Dubai British School Jumeira is a place in which we embrace the inclusivity and complexities of the modern classroom and use every opportunity to enhance learning for every child in our care. At Dubai British School Jumeira, we believe that every member of our community should ENJOY, ASPIRE and ACHIEVE.
Mary Donnelly
Head of Primary School
Mary Donnelly
Head of Primary School
I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Head of Primary at Dubai British School Jumeira. My educational journey began with training as a primary school teacher at the University of Brighton, followed by a teaching career in West Sussex, where I specialised in Key Stage 2. Drawn by the UAE’s reputation as a hub for education, I pursued a career in international teaching. I have now joined Dubai British School Jumeira after seven years in the UAE as a senior leader and primary school headteacher. With a passion for lifelong learning, my qualifications include a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS, a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management, and my ongoing pursuit of the National Professional Qualification for Headship.
Beyond my professional life, I am a dedicated sportswoman with a background in competitive swimming, athletics, and triathlon, alongside a love for football. As a perpetual learner, I am always engaged in reading, particularly in areas related to educational research. My vision is to foster a culture of kindness, compassion, reflection, and innovation, challenging the status quo to establish a student-centred approach to delivering the English National Curriculum. As I continue my journey in education at Dubai British School Jumeira, my passion for creating a positive and transformative learning environment remains at the forefront, driving my commitment to excellence and innovation.
Andy Goodliffe
Head of Secondary
Andy Goodliffe
Head of Secondary
I’m delighted to introduce myself as Dubai British School Jumeira’s new Head of Secondary. I have spent the last 8 years leading one of the most successful Sixth Form Colleges in Asia. Alongside the fantastic results and outcomes, the culture I have created focuses primarily on character development and ensuring students and staff under my care feel known, valued, and supported in achieving their aspirations. I believe learning should be an ‘enjoyable struggle’; one that allows learners to feel immense pride in their successes, reflecting on the journey they’ve navigated. Leading a Sixth Form in Singapore has given me a clear understanding of what ‘outstanding’ looks like, in terms of the people we hope to nurture at DBSJ. I’m excited to return to the UAE, where I began my international school journey many years ago, and to join the journey of DBS Jumeira’s founding senior staff, families, and students.
Walaa Elsayed
Head of Arabic and Islamic
Walaa Elsayed
Head of Arabic and Islamic
With a robust academic foundation in Arabic Literature from Cairo University and a Master’s degree in Education Leadership, Management, and Policy, Walaa embarked on a fulfilling career in the field of education, initially serving as an Arabic teacher. Over the years, she has ascended through the ranks to hold a senior executive position, where she leads Arabic and Islamic studies.
Walaa holds a Ministry of Education (MOE) Leadership License and is an accredited BSO Level 2 Inspector, credentials that underscore her expertise and commitment to educational excellence. She has a proven track record of raising attainment and progress in Arabic and Islamic studies, significantly contributing to students’ ability to reach their full potential. Her leadership is characterised by a strategic approach to curriculum development and a deep dedication to fostering an environment that nurtures both academic excellence and cultural understanding.
Walaa’s philosophy on leading teams revolves around the core principles of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement. She believes that the most effective teams operate on a foundation of trust and mutual respect, where every member is encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative.
In addition to her educational career, she is also an accomplished writer and has published a book, showcasing her deep passion for her language.
John Paton
Head of Inclusion
John Paton
Head of Inclusion
It is a great honour to introduce myself to as Head of Inclusion at Dubai British School Jumeira. With 15 years in education across a variety of settings and 10 years of teaching and leadership experience in the UAE, I am incredibly excited to bring the inclusive, community-focused vision of our leadership team into reality.
My career started in a special education school in the UK and quickly transitioned into primary teaching and a SENCO position in a school close to St Albans, where I grew up. I also spent 10 summers in the USA, leading a lifeskills and independence transition program for young adults, which started at a summer camp.
My career path in the UAE has included Year Leader, Head of Inclusion, and Assistant Headteacher, and has now expanded to becoming Director of Inclusion, Well-being and Pastoral Care across three schools. I have also completed some private consultancy work, supporting young people and their families in navigating the challenges that can be experienced in accessing the best pathways for a happy, independent and fulfilled future.
I recognise and greatly value the vital role a school plays in helping children develop independence and skills for the future and want to ensure that every student who enrols at Dubai British School Jumeira has access to the right nurturing and support to allow them to maximise their potential in every aspect of their lives.
Beyond my working life, I spend most of my time with my young family enjoying all of the wonderful activities that Dubai has to offer. I also enjoy playing football, paddle tennis and keeping as fit as I can in the gym.
My aim is to contribute to building a school which provides our children and families with a community where they feel accepted, supported and happy.
James Godber
Secondary English Teacher and Student Character Lead
James Godber
Secondary English Teacher and Student Character Lead
I am an experienced educator who has had the privilege of serving in a wide range of roles within schools, from classroom teacher to leadership positions. At the heart of my philosophy is a deep commitment to placing students first, ensuring that their learning journey is both inspiring and challenging, while also providing the support they need to thrive.
My career began in the United Kingdom, where I taught for ten years before moving to Egypt for seven wonderful years of teaching and leadership. These experiences have shaped my belief in the power of education to transform lives and the importance of building strong, supportive school communities.
I am now truly excited to begin the next chapter of my journey here in Dubai. I look forward to getting to know our students, families, and colleagues, and to working together to create a nurturing and ambitious environment where every child can succeed.
Beth Upton
Secondary Science Teacher
Beth Upton
Secondary Science Teacher
My name is Ms. Beth Upton, and I am delighted to join the founding Secondary team at Dubai British School Jumeira, where I will be teaching Science to our very first cohort of Year 7 students.
I hold a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences (Zoology) from the University of Leicester and am passionate about fostering curiosity, critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning in my students. I strive to create a stimulating and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to explore scientific concepts through inquiry, discussion and hands-on experiences.
Beyond the classroom, I have a strong interest in environmental education and sustainability. I have led a range of whole-school initiatives in these areas, including coordinating STEAM events and launching ‘Upton Zoo’—a programme that brings biology to life through real-world animal care experiences. These opportunities help students connect their learning to the wider world and develop a sense of global responsibility.
I look forward to contributing to the continued success of DBS Jumeira and supporting students as they begin their journey through secondary school.
Samuel Buse
Secondary Humanities Teacher and Academic Lead
Samuel Buse
Secondary Humanities Teacher and Academic Lead
I am a passionate academic leader and humanities teacher originally from Cornwall, UK. After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Geography from the University of Plymouth, I have been teaching for eleven years, including eight years overseas in both the UAE and Portugal. At DBSJ, I’m eager to contribute to the growth of the new secondary school and to share my passion for the humanities with the students.
For me, teaching is about more than delivering lessons; it’s about inspiring young people to become thoughtful, informed, and compassionate global citizens. I believe the humanities play a vital role in helping students understand the world around them and their place within it. Through enquiry-based learning and meaningful discussion, I aim to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine respect for diverse perspectives. I’m excited to be part of the vibrant DBSJ community and to help shape a generation of thoughtful, engaged, and empowered individuals.
Sophia Rhodes
Secondary Maths Teacher
Sophia Rhodes
Secondary Maths Teacher
My name is Sophia Rhodes, and I am thrilled to be part of the founding Secondary team at Dubai British School Jumeira, where I will be teaching Mathematics.
I hold a degree in Mathematics and Teaching from the University of Chichester and have over four years of experience teaching Key Stage 3 and 4 Maths in both the UK and Dubai.
I am passionate about helping students develop confidence in Maths, encouraging them to see the subject not just as numbers, but as a way of thinking, problem-solving, and making sense of the world. In my classroom, I strive to create a supportive yet challenging environment, where students are encouraged to take risks, grow in resilience, and celebrate their achievements. Above all, I hope to inspire in them the same curiosity and love for Mathematics that I have.
I am excited to play a role in shaping the future of DBSJ and to support our students as they begin this exciting new stage of their education.