Executive Leadership team

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.

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.

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.

My interest in English began with a love of literature and language, which led me to study English at university. I graduated with a First-Class BA (Hons) degree before completing my PGCE and beginning my teaching career in Manchester. I have taught English across a range of year groups and abilities, while also contributing to curriculum development and shaping English schemes of learning.

I believe English extends far beyond the classroom. It is all around us in the books we read, the news we follow, the music we listen to and the media we engage with every day. I have always been fascinated by the power of language and how the right words can help us make sense of thoughts, feelings and experiences that are not always easy to verbalise. Reading, writing, and communication are skills that pupils will continue to draw on throughout their lives, whatever path they choose to take. Through literature, I want students to encounter experiences and voices beyond their own, while developing the confidence to question what they read, allowing them to form their own views and express themselves eloquently.

I have a particular passion for literature and creative writing, and I enjoy creating a classroom where discussion and different interpretations are encouraged. I find it especially rewarding to see students grow in confidence as readers and writers and begin to recognise the value of their own voice.

I am excited to be joining the growing DBSJ community and contributing to the continued development of the Secondary School. I look forward to getting to know our students and sharing my enthusiasm for English with them.

My name is Amaani Lulu Ali, and I’m delighted to be joining the Science department! I’m looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm for science and helping students become confident, curious learners.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science and a PGCE in Secondary Education, specialising in Chemistry, both from the University of Warwick. I have experience teaching Biology, Chemistry and Physics across Key Stages 3 and 4, as well as A-level Chemistry. I particularly enjoy bringing science to life through practical experiments, interesting discussions, and real-world connections. For me, the best classrooms are those where students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas and challenging themselves.

Outside of school, I enjoy keeping active, baking (and, of course, taste-testing!), and spending quality time with my friends and family.

I’m really excited to begin this next chapter of my teaching journey, get to know the school community and contribute to its continued success. Most of all, I’m looking forward to inspiring the next generation of scientists!

My name is Ms. Parr, and I am thrilled to be joining Dubai British School Jumeira, transitioning from another school in Dubai where I was teaching for four years.  I am a passionate teacher within the MFL Department, and I will be teaching both French and Spanish in key stage two and key stage three. 

Having graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Bachelor of Arts Joint Honours Degree in French and Hispanic Studies, I then pursued a career in teaching and completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Liverpool Hope University. I have previously worked in an international school in Madrid and a secondary school in Liverpool before moving to the UAE. 

As a teacher, I am committed to inspiring a general love of learning, and I believe in the importance of developing well-rounded citizens who embrace the multi-cultural world in which we live. 

I always aim to plan and deliver ambitious content which stretches and challenges all students, regardless of their starting point. I strongly believe in supporting students holistically to ensure they exceed their potential. 

I am committed to creating a safe and secure environment which prioritises the health and wellbeing of my students. Having previous experience working as a pastoral leader, I recognise the positive impact of establishing strong professional relationships with students, families and colleagues, enabling us to work collectively to support students’ personal and academic development.