Executive Leadership team

Hello, families of Dubai British School Jumeira!

My name is Mrs Jessop, I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the wonderful DBSJ community. I studied Primary Education at Anglia Ruskin University, earning a BA Honours degree, and have been lucky enough to spend over ten years doing what I love—teaching! I’ve mainly worked in Key Stage 2, where I’ve previously led as Head of Year 5/6, and I’m now excited to continue my teaching journey right here in Dubai, having already called this vibrant city home for a year.

My teaching style is warm, caring, and full of energy. I strive to create a fun and inclusive environment where every child feels they belong. Our classroom will be a community—one where friendships flourish, curiosity is celebrated, and children are excited to learn each day.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my two daughters, exploring beautiful places and hidden gems of Dubai. I’ve been baton twirling since the age of three—something I still enjoy doing today!

One of my favourite children’s books is The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck by Beatrix Potter. I’ve always loved how this gentle tale reminds us to be brave, trust our instincts, and never give up—lessons I hope to share with my class.

What I’m most looking forward to at DBSJ is becoming part of such a forward-thinking, nurturing school and getting to know each of my students as individuals.

I’m Ms. Nejra Alispahic, a dedicated child advocate with a passion for early childhood development and nature-inspired learning through play. Coming from the heart-shaped country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where I completed my BA of preschool education and MA in Pedagogy, I’ve been blessed to do what I love for over a decade now – guiding little ones aged 2 to 6 on their journey of growth. I firmly believe that building strong connections with children and their families is key to achieving their developmental milestones. That’s why I strive to create a safe, positive and nurturing environment where children can blossom in their own unique ways. I love bringing nature into the class, inspiring children to be excited to learn about and with the nature. Nature will always find away to our rising class!

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll often find me outdoors, soaking in the beauty of parks, forests, or catching sunsets. I enjoy crafting home decor and educational resources from nature’s treasures, collected during my walks and travels. One of my favorite children’s books is “”The Lion Inside”” by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, a heartwarming story about courage, friendship, and self-belief.

My name is Ms. Becka Cooke, and I am delighted to be part of this wonderful school community as both a parent and a teacher.

I grew up in a small village in South Wales called Fleur-de-lys, where I began my teaching career. After teaching in Wales for two years, I embarked on an international teaching journey and have now been teaching overseas for almost 12 years, with experience in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and, more recently, Dubai.

I hold a BA in Primary Education and have recently completed my National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL). Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to take on a range of leadership roles, including Deputy Foundation Stage Leader, Head of Digital Literacy and Head of Nursery. These experiences have strengthened my passion for creating inspiring, inclusive and meaningful learning experiences for young children.

Teaching some of the youngest children in a school is a true privilege. I love seeing their natural curiosity, wonder and sense of discovery develop as they explore the world around them. I am a strong believer in the power of play-based learning and the opportunities it provides for children to become independent, resilient and confident learners. In my classroom, I strive to create a warm and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, listened to and encouraged to follow their interests.

Outside of school, I live in Dubai with my little boy, Jaxon, who is also part of the DBSJ community. We love exploring Dubai together, particularly places where we can see and learn about animals. Jaxon loves all creatures, big and small, and recently showed incredible bravery when he touched a snake during our visit to The Green Planet!

One of my favourite children’s books is ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar.’ I love how the story celebrates growing, changing and discovering the world around us. It is a lovely reminder that, just like the caterpillar, every child is on their own unique journey of growth and development.

At the heart of my teaching is a belief that children learn best when they feel happy, secure, curious and inspired. I feel incredibly fortunate to work in Early Years, where every day brings new discoveries, questions, creativity and opportunities to celebrate the wonderful individuals that our children are becoming.

Hello, lovely families of Dubai British School Jumeira!

My name is Ms. Polina Lipse, and I’m delighted to be joining the Early Years team at DBSJ. Originally from Latvia, I’ve always known I wanted to work with young children. I studied in Denmark and the UK, and hold a Master’s degree in Education (Early Years) from University College London (UCL). I’ve worked in early childhood education for six years, mainly with children aged 2–4.

I would describe myself as a nurturing and creative practitioner with a child-led approach. I enjoy transforming the classroom into a “Theatre of Learning,” where curiosity leads and children’s voices are valued. I create a joyful, welcoming space where every child feels safe and celebrated.

Outside the classroom, I love staying active through tennis, reformer Pilates, and hiking—especially with good company! I’m also an avid reader. Two of my favourite children’s books are Elmer and Giraffes Can’t Dance, as they celebrate confidence, kindness, and being yourself.

What drew me to DBSJ is its strong sense of community and values that closely match my own—playfulness, curiosity, and inclusion. I’m excited to join the school where children’s interests are truly at the heart of learning.

My name is Mrs. Natalie Hutchison, and I am proud to be joining this welcoming community as both a parent and teacher.

After graduating from University of Gloucestershire in 2004, I began my teaching career in London, working in a vibrant and diverse community. Fifteen years ago, I moved to Dubai, which has been my home ever since. Over the last twenty years, I have primarily taught in Key Stage One and the Foundation Stage. Additionally, I have taken on leadership roles focussed on my passion for early literacy. My teaching philosophy focusses on nurturing meaningful learning experiences and celebrating each child’s unique interests. As a mother of two young girls, I witness every day the power of play and how children are natural learners. By igniting their curiosity about the world around them, we can foster a love of learning. My classroom is a place to feel safe, explore and grow at your own pace. In my spare time, I love swimming, yoga, and spending time with my two daughters and husband. We are avid readers, and Julia Donaldson is a favourite author in our house. Whether we’re hiding from a bear or escaping from a scary mouse, we cherish the moments when we can escape the busy world through books.

My name is Hannah McDonald, and I am delighted to introduce myself as your new teacher and to be joining the wonderful school community at Dubai British School Jumeira. I’d like to share a few things about myself so you can get to know me before we meet!

I completed my Bachelor of Education Degree in DCU in my hometown of Dublin in Ireland in 2022. Since then, I have had the privilege of teaching many young children, mainly under the age of 7. Working with children at this age has shown me the crucial impact play and social interactions have on children’s learning journey and development, and I’m dedicated to creating a classroom environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and excited to learn. I believe in making learning experiences interactive, hands-on, and fun! Get ready for plenty of engaging activities, storytimes, and opportunities for us to explore new ideas together. My goal is to nurture a genuine love for learning in children and create lasting memories in our classroom. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time outdoors, running, and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy walks with my Australian Shepherd, Blue, who has one blue eye and one brown eye. I also love reading, especially with my classes! One of my all-time favourite children’s books is Elmer by David McKee. It’s such a fantastic story that celebrates how everyone is unique and special. Another book I love is The Invisible String by Patrice Karst.

A warm hello to the families of Dubai British School Jumeira.

My name is Mrs Kayleigh Osborn and I am so excited to be joining the DBSJ community. I have been a teacher for 13 years gaining my PGCE in Early Years from University of Worcester. Since then I have been an FS2 and Year 1 teacher in both Bristol UK and Dubai, as well as being an Early Years Lead and an Assistant Headteacher.

Teaching some of the youngest children within a school is an absolute privilege, where natural curiosity and a play based environment brings out independent and resilient young people.

My classroom is full of creativity and imagination, a hub of activity!

In my spare time I love exploring new places with my family as well as horse riding with my daughter.

My favorite children’s book is ‘Room on the Broom’ by Julia Donaldson because it highlights the importance of friendship, kindness and teamwork.

My name is Ms. Harriett Baxter, but everyone calls me Hattie, and I am delighted to join this wonderful school community.

I studied Primary Education at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, England, and have been nurturing young minds for the past 8 years. Since 2021, I have been living and teaching in the vibrant city of Dubai. My experience mainly lies with children aged 3-6 years, specifically in Foundation Stage and Year 1. As a teacher, I have a passion for crafts, creativity, and storytelling. I love to base my lessons around engaging stories, making learning a fun and imaginative journey for my students. I believe that each child is unique and my goal is to create a warm, encouraging environment where every child feels valued and excited to learn. In my spare time, I enjoy playing netball and caring for my two fluffy cats. One of my favorite children’s books is “”We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.”” I love how the entire class can join in on the actions, making it a joyful and interactive experience.

My name is Mrs. Lorna Holvey, and I am beyond excited to be a part of this wonderful school community.

I have been in the education sector for over 15 years, and my passion for teaching truly ignited when I had my own children. Before becoming a qualified teacher, I worked in various roles within a school environment, including several years as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant and an Unqualified Teacher. These experiences provided me with invaluable hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the unique needs and potentials of early learners. My passion lies in helping young children develop their literacy skills through engaging and interactive activities.

As a teacher, you can expect me to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where your child can thrive both academically and emotionally. I believe in fostering a love for learning and encouraging each child to reach their full potential.

One of my all-time favourite children’s books is “”The Very Hungry Caterpillar”” by Eric Carle, which I adore for its delightful illustrations and the wonderful lesson it teaches about growth and transformation. I am looking forward to getting to know each of your children individually and creating meaningful connections with them.