SENIOR LEADERSHIP

Ms Gemma Thornley joined the Arbor School as Principal in August 2024. Originally from Hertfordshire in the UK, her teaching foundations are in English and the Performing Arts.  With over 20 years of experience in educational leadership in both the UK and the UAE, Gemma has played pivotal roles in outstanding schools in Dubai. She holds an MSc in Educational Leadership from the University of Leicester and is currently pursuing her PhD with the University of Buckingham, focused on the global recruitment and retention crisis of teachers, underscoring her commitment to evidence-based educational practices.  Gemma also has the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT).  

At the Arbor School, Gemma is dedicated to promoting ecological and environmental education, sustainability, and the holistic development of students. Her leadership is characterised by developing inclusive and nurturing environments that support academic excellence and student empowerment. Gemma advocates for integrating social enterprise and encouraging curiosity through innovative curriculum design, preparing students to address global challenges effectively. 

Gemma’s approach to leadership includes a strong emphasis on developing student agency and ethical leadership, striving to create a school community where each individual thrives on mutual respect and understanding. Her proven ability to lead schools towards excellence and her commitment to continuous improvement make her a valuable addition to the educational landscape. 

In her spare time, Gemma loves to sing and dance, with musical theatre being 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.  

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

Over the years, she has led departments in English, Maths, Assessment, and Humanities, contributing to the school’s academic success, additionally she was recognised as Leading Maths Teacher within the borough of Ealing. She has also taken on a variety of leadership roles such as Head of Key Stage, and an 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 being awarded a Scholarship for Best Practice from the Department for Education and Skills. She further enhanced her leadership capabilities by completing the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders and has trained as a school inspector and coach. 

In 2013, Kathryn relocated to Dubai with her family, where she 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 institution. Her passion lies in curriculum design and innovative teaching approaches that inspire students to achieve their best. 

As a mother of three, Kathryn brings a deep understanding of both the educational and personal aspects of school life. She was drawn to the Arbor School, due to its forward-thinking approach that blends environmental sustainability with academic rigor. Kathryn is deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of community within the school, ensuring that every student, parent, and staff member feels valued and supported. She looks forward to welcoming students and their families to a school environment where learning is rooted in responsibility, mindfulness, growth, and a true community spirit. 

Victoria joined Arbor School as Head of Thrive, bringing extensive experience in inclusion, pastoral care and SEND leadership across British curriculum schools. Throughout her career, she has held a range of roles including Geography Teacher, Inclusion Teacher, SENCO, Head of Inclusion, Exam Access Arrangements Coordinator and Specialist Assessor, giving her a broad understanding of both classroom practice and whole-school inclusion.

Beginning her career as a Geography teacher enabled Victoria to develop a strong foundation in high-quality teaching and learning, curriculum design and building positive relationships with students. Her passion for ensuring every learner can access education in a meaningful and successful way naturally led her into inclusion, where she has spent many years developing expertise in identifying and supporting students with a wide range of learning needs.

Victoria has extensive experience in coordinating whole-school inclusion provision, implementing evidence-informed interventions and working collaboratively with families, teachers and external specialists to ensure every child receives the support they need. She is particularly passionate about creating inclusive environments where students feel safe, valued and empowered to achieve their full potential, recognising that wellbeing, belonging and academic success are intrinsically linked.

At Arbor, Victoria leads the school’s distinctive Thrive programme, championing a culture of inclusion that balances high expectations with personalised support. She believes that effective inclusion is not simply about intervention, but about building systems, relationships and teaching practices that enable every student to succeed academically, socially and emotionally. Through collaboration, compassion and innovation, she is committed to ensuring that every child feels known, understood and able to thrive.