A British Curriculum School in Dubai Where Learning Connects with the Natural World

SENIOR LEADERSHIP

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ARBOR ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP TEAM

MS. GEMMA THORNLEY, PRINCIPAL

Gemma Thornley joined Arbor School as Principal in August 2024. Originally from Hertfordshire in the UK, her teaching foundations are in English and the Performing Arts. With more than 20 years of experience in educational leadership across the UK and UAE, Gemma has held pivotal roles in Outstanding schools in Dubai. 

She holds an MSc in Educational Leadership from the University of Leicester and is currently pursuing a PhD with the University of Buckingham, focusing on the global teacher recruitment and retention crisis and reflecting her commitment to evidence-informed educational practice. Gemma also holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT). 

At Arbor, Gemma is committed to advancing ecological and environmental education, sustainability and the holistic development of students. Her leadership focuses on creating inclusive and nurturing environments that support academic excellence and empower young people. She advocates for social enterprise and innovative curriculum design that encourages curiosity and prepares students to engage thoughtfully with global challenges. 

Gemma places a strong emphasis on student agency and ethical leadership, creating a school community built on mutual respect and understanding. Her approach combines high expectations with continuous improvement and a clear commitment to ensuring students are equipped to succeed both at school and beyond. 

Outside school, Gemma loves to sing and dance, with musical theatre top of the list. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, who is also a teacher, and their rescue cat and dog, Salem and Winston. 

  • Contact: Principal@thearborschool.ae

MR. THOMAS MORIARTY, HEAD OF SECONDARY

Thomas Moriarty joined Arbor School in March 2025 and brings more than a decade of experience in UK and international education. He is a values-led leader with a strong track record of driving improvement, strengthening teaching and learning, and building high-performing, inclusive school communities where every student is known, supported and challenged to succeed. 

As Acting Head of Secondary, Thomas led the school through a highly successful British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection, with the Secondary phase achieving Outstanding in every category. His leadership was defined by clarity, collaboration and a strong focus on quality, delivering positive student outcomes while sustaining a supportive culture for staff. 

Thomas combines high expectations with a commitment to student wellbeing, creating environments where young people feel safe, motivated and inspired to achieve their best. His approach is rooted in trust, kindness and clear accountability, empowering staff while keeping student outcomes at the centre of decision-making. 

He has led several strategic initiatives to strengthen the student experience, transition and personal development, including the Branching Out Sixth Form programme and Step into Sixth Form pathway. The latter is now being extended into Key Stage 4 and Secondary to ensure students feel confident and prepared at every stage. 

Earlier in his career, Thomas founded and grew a Sixth Form to more than 250 students, introduced A Levels, BTECs and the Extended Project Qualification, contributed to a KHDA Outstanding judgement for post-16 provision and secured a 22% increase in A Level pass rates. 

He is currently completing his Level 3 PENTA inspector training to become a fully qualified BSO inspector. Thomas believes strongly in partnership with families and the wider community as an important part of supporting students to succeed academically, socially and personally. 

Outside school, Thomas enjoys reading, Gaelic football and boxing. He is married and a proud father of three young children. 

  • Contact: Headofsecondary@thearborschool.ae

MS. KATHRYN KEESHAN, HEAD OF PRIMARY

Kathryn Keeshan began her teaching career in Ealing, West London, after completing a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Primary Education with a specialisation in Maths and IT. 

Throughout her career, she has led English, Maths, Assessment and Humanities departments, contributing to strong academic outcomes, and was recognised as a Leading Maths Teacher within the borough of Ealing. She has also held a range of leadership positions, including Head of Key Stage and Assistant Headteacher at Notting Hill and Ealing Independent Day School for Girls. 

Kathryn’s commitment to educational excellence led her to complete a Master’s Degree in Education, with a focus on School Improvement, at St Mary’s University, London. Her research into best practice was recognised with a Scholarship for Best Practice from the Department for Education and Skills. She further developed her leadership expertise by completing the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders and has trained as both a school inspector and coach. 

In 2013, Kathryn relocated to Dubai with her family and has continued to build her career in international education. She has led two Outstanding-rated schools as Headteacher and was the founding Headteacher of another highly successful school. Her particular interests include curriculum design and innovative approaches to teaching that inspire students to achieve their best. 

As a mother of three, Kathryn brings an understanding of both the educational and personal aspects of school life. She was drawn to Arbor School by its forward-thinking approach, combining environmental sustainability with academic rigour. Kathryn is committed to fostering a strong sense of community and ensuring students, parents and staff feel valued and supported. She is passionate about creating an environment where learning is rooted in responsibility, mindfulness, growth and a genuine sense of community. 

MR. EUAN RIDDELL, ASSISTANT HEAD, ECO & ENVIRONMENTAL

Euan brings two decades of international teaching and leadership experience, alongside a specialist background in zoology, ecotourism and interdisciplinary science. Passionate about ecoliteracy, systems thinking and inquiry-driven learning, he helps bring Arbor’s environmental vision to life through teaching and curriculum innovation. Having worked across the UK, Middle East and Asia, he is committed to creating learning experiences that connect students meaningfully with each other, their communities and the natural world.

MR. MOHAMED KHAIRY, ASSISTANT HEAD, MOE SUBJECTS

Mohamed brings over 22 years of experience in curriculum development, academic leadership and school inspection readiness. Passionate about high standards and student growth, he leads Arabic, Islamic and Social Studies across the school, helping strengthen both academic excellence and cultural understanding. As an accredited inspector and experienced school leader, he brings deep expertise to Arbor’s whole-school community and a strong commitment to nurturing values-led, globally minded learners.

MR GEORGE SPURLING, ASSISTANT HEAD, ENRICHMENT, SPORT & ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

George brings extensive experience in sport, enrichment and academic leadership across the UK and Middle East. Passionate about helping students thrive both in and beyond the classroom, he leads opportunities that build confidence, character and excellence through sport, enrichment and student leadership. Alongside his role at Arbor, he has supported competitive sport across Dubai through his leadership with DASSA, bringing a strong belief in the power of challenge and teamwork.

MS. VICTORIA BROWN, HEAD OF THRIVE

Victoria brings extensive experience in inclusion, SEND and student wellbeing, having held a range of leadership roles across British curriculum schools. She developed a strong understanding of high-quality teaching, curriculum access and the importance of building positive relationships with students. As Head of Inclusion, Victoria oversees Arbor’s approach to inclusion, wellbeing and personalised support, working closely with students, families and staff to ensure every learner can access school life with confidence and success. She is passionate about creating a culture of belonging where every child feels known, valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
  • Contact: Headofthrive@thearborschool.ae

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