Meet our leadership team

Andrew Durcan grew up in Manchester, UK, and relocated to the UAE in 2019. He holds a BA (Hons) in English and Sport Science from Liverpool Hope University, a PGCE in Secondary English from Manchester Metropolitan University, and postgraduate qualifications in Educational Leadership and Management. He is also completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). 

With over 20 years of experience in education, Andrew is delighted to be the new Secondary Headteacher at Aspen Heights British School in Abu Dhabi. He has been overwhelmed by the warm support from students and parents and looks forward with great optimism to the journey ahead as the school community works together to improve outcomes for young people. He began his career as a secondary English teacher and has since held senior leadership roles in both the UK and internationally, leading school improvement through teaching, learning, assessment, and professional development. 

A passionate advocate of coaching and research-informed practice, Andrew is committed to fostering collaborative school cultures where staff and students can thrive. Outside of school, Andrew enjoys spending time with family cooking, watching files and visiting theme parks or outdoor activities with his wife and daughters. A low-handicap golfer, he competes in local and regional events and is a lifelong supporter of Manchester City Football Club.

Ouassila Knani earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Arabic and Islamic Studies) from Al Hosn University in the UAE (2015) and a Higher Diploma in Teaching Arabic and French from the University of Tunisia (2000). An experienced educational leader with over 22 years of progressive experience across British, American, MOE, IB, and French curriculum schools in the UAE, she currently serves as Head of Arabic and Islamic Department at Aspen Heights British School. Recognized for driving departmental excellence through strategic planning, staff development, Ouassila is also an accredited facilitator of the Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP) program by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, with a strong commitment to safeguarding student well-being and strengthening parent-school partnerships as a Designated Safeguarding Lead. As a former BSME Network Lead for Native Arabic Speakers, she has contributed to the advancement of Arabic education and professional collaboration across the region.

 

Multilingual in Arabic, English, and French, she is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, high-performing educational cultures rooted in equity, innovation, and continuous improvement. Her mission is to ensure that every child thrives in a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment, while equipping teachers and families with the tools to succeed together. She also continues to enrich her knowledge in mental health and well-being, believing they are essential to supporting both students and educators in achieving their full potential. Alongside her professional responsibilities, Ouassila enjoys travelling, swimming, and camping in natural settings.

 

 

Yasmin grew up in Buckinghamshire, UK, and studied History of Art at the University of Warwick. After graduating, she spent a year working as a teaching assistant before completing her PGCE in Primary Education at Oxford Brookes University. She began her teaching career in the UK, where she taught for three years before moving to the UAE.

Over the past decade, Yasmin has taught and led in a wide range of primary year groups, and has led Science  from Years 1 to 6. She then progressed to the role of Teaching and Learning Lead and is now Assistant Head of Primary Inclusion. These roles have given her a broad perspective on children’s learning journeys and the opportunity to work closely with teachers across the school to raise standards and share best practice. Yasmin has also completed her National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching (NPQLT) and is currently undertaking the NPQ SENCO to further strengthen her expertise in supporting inclusive education.

Yasmin enjoys fostering curiosity and independence in her students, encouraging them to ask questions, solve problems and take ownership of their learning. She has a particular passion for creating inclusive classrooms, so that every child can experience success and feel confident in their learning.

In her spare time, Yasmin enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She is also a volunteer with Scouts, where she shares her love of the outdoors and helps young people develop teamwork, resilience and leadership skills.

Mr. Rice is originally from the south-east of the UK, and has been living in Abu Dhabi for the last six years. He received a BA (Hons) in English from the University of Sussex, and subsequently a PGCE from Leeds Beckett University.

He has been teaching internationally for the last seven years and is passionate about securing the best possible outcomes for all students, both academically and pastorally.

He believes strongly in the power of words and language, and hopes that through their study of English students will be adequately equipped to articulate their ideas, critically evaluate the world around them, and communicate effectively with a global audience.

Jack Henderson, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, first studied his Higher National Diploma in Music Performance, during which time he worked in schools teaching music and developing his skills as an educator. Following this, he went on to graduate from the University of Strathclyde with a BA (Hons) degree in Primary Education. He began his career in Scotland and has a wide range of experience, having volunteered with children and young people aged 3 to 18 before moving into full-time primary teaching. Jack also spent time in China as part of an exchange programme, gaining valuable international teaching experience. He further developed his passion for music while working at a prestigious summer camp in America for a few years, where he taught a variety of instruments in different band settings.

With over 10 years of classroom experience, including 6 years of teaching, Jack brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to both academic and personal development. In 2021, he joined Aspen as a class teacher and was appointed Head of Year 6 in 2023, before progressing to Assistant Head of Primary in 2025. His leadership is underpinned by a deep passion for pastoral care and student wellbeing, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and motivated to thrive. Jack is currently undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), further strengthening his leadership expertise and dedication to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and ambitious school environment.

Outside of school, Jack enjoys travelling and sightseeing, particularly city breaks, and continues to pursue his love of music as well as spending time caring for his Golden Retriever, Louis. 

James Alloub joined Aspen Heights British School in 2021 and is originally from the United Kingdom. He brings over 12 years of experience in education and school leadership and holds a BA (Hons) in Sport Studies and Coaching, a PGCE, and has completed senior leadership and British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection training.
Before moving to the UAE, James taught in the UK, Tunisia, and Mongolia, gaining a wealth of international experience that has shaped his inclusive and reflective approach to education.

At Aspen Heights, James served as Assistant Head of Secondary before being promoted to Deputy Headteacher this year. He has ben leading on assessment, behaviour, and whole-school data, and also oversees examinations and supports teaching and learning across the secondary phase. His work focuses on developing consistent, data-informed systems that improve student outcomes and strengthen whole-school accountability.

James has completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and has been instrumental in developing Aspen’s restorative behaviour model, embedding a culture of reflection, care, and high expectations. Guided by the belief that every student deserves to feel known, valued, and challenged, he is passionate about combining academic rigour with pastoral care to help every learner thrive.

Outside of school, James enjoys football and spending time with his family.

Miss Basma Ahmed holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and is a certified trainer accredited by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority. She also holds a UAE-accredited teaching licence and has over 15 years of experience in education within the UAE.

 

She currently teaches Social Studies and has played a key role in leading the My Identity programme, through which the school achieved an outstanding rating in the National Identity ABT Assessment. Her students also demonstrated very good academic progress in the most recent ADEK assessments.

 

Miss Basma holds a leadership role in the implementation of ADEK’s mandatory curriculum within the Kindergarten phase and leads the development of KS2 core subjects in close collaboration with the Head of Department. Her extensive teaching experience across all grade levels has strongly supported her leadership responsibilities.

 

Outside of school, Miss Basma enjoys spending quality time with her children, visiting water parks, and taking part in community events.

 

Ms Mais Al Droubi is an Arabic teacher for non-native speakers with over 12 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Curriculum & Teaching Methods), a Diploma in School Administration, and a School Leadership License from Abu Dhabi. She is currently Head of Non-Native Arabic and an IB Teacher at Aspen Heights British School, where she also leads curriculum development.

 

Passionate about fostering student-centred learning, she is dedicated to helping students discover the beauty of the Arabic language and culture through engaging, inquiry-based lessons. With over eight years of experience in leadership roles, she believes in creating inclusive and supportive classrooms that foster confidence, curiosity, and cross-cultural understanding.

 

Emily grew up in the small town of Saffron Walden in Essex before studying English Language with Psychology at the University of Chester. After completing her PGCE, she began teaching in the UK before moving overseas, where she spent eight years teaching in Kuwait.

She has taught across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and is passionate about creating an engaging, immersive curriculum that sparks curiosity and makes learning meaningful. Emily also places strong emphasis on student wellbeing, helping children to develop resilience, confidence, and the skills to self-regulate. She is also passionate about her own professional growth and recently completed her NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership).

Emily is excited to share her experience and enthusiasm for learning in her role as Assitant Headteacher, and she looks forward to helping every child thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Mrs. Chaudry is our dynamic Head of Curriculum in Secondary, specialising in Biology for KS4 and IB students. A proud graduate of the prestigious University of Westminster with an Honours degree in Forensic Science, she went on to earn her PGCE from Goldsmiths, University of London. 

With nearly a decade of teaching experience, she brings science to life—infusing lessons with real-world insight, creativity, and contagious enthusiasm.
Her mission? To spark a lifelong passion for Biology, inspiring her students to become the scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Beyond the lab, she’s a budding kickboxer with an orange belt and a flair for weaving art into her teaching. In every lesson, she proves that science isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about energy, imagination, and the power to change the world.

Mrs. Chaudry doesn’t just teach science—she ignites it.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Ms Lynsey Stewart has been appointed Assistant Headteacher Secondary – Pastoral (Years 7–11). Having successfully led the PE department, she brings a strong commitment to student wellbeing, personal development, and achievement.

Alongside her pastoral leadership role, Lynsey continues to oversee PE and lead the development of the school's BTEC Sport programme, helping students build confidence, resilience, and success both in and beyond the classroom.

Jamie-Leigh Smith is a dedicated educational leader with a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Glasgow. She serves as Head of Sixth Form at Aspen Heights, while leading the Future Pathways programme to support students from EYFS through Year 13 as they develop skills for learning, life and work.

As the Future Pathways Network Lead for the Middle East within the International Schools Partnership (iSP), Jamie-Leigh collaborates with schools across the region to create innovative, personalised frameworks for careers and university guidance. Her work ensures that students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.

Beyond her professional role, Jamie-Leigh has a lifelong love of musical theatre and a deep connection to summer camps in the United States where she taught drama. These passions inspire her belief in the power of creativity, leadership, and shared experiences to shape confident, well-rounded young people.

Ouassila Knani earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Arabic and Islamic Studies) from Al Hosn University in the UAE (2015) and a Higher Diploma in Teaching Arabic and French from the University of Tunisia (2000). An experienced educational leader with over 22 years of progressive experience across British, American, MOE, IB, and French curriculum schools in the UAE, she currently serves as Head of Arabic and Islamic Department at Aspen Heights British School. Recognized for driving departmental excellence through strategic planning, staff development, Ouassila is also an accredited facilitator of the Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting (PDEP) program by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, with a strong commitment to safeguarding student well-being and strengthening parent-school partnerships as a Designated Safeguarding Lead. As a former BSME Network Lead for Native Arabic Speakers, she has contributed to the advancement of Arabic education and professional collaboration across the region.

 

Multilingual in Arabic, English, and French, she is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, high-performing educational cultures rooted in equity, innovation, and continuous improvement. Her mission is to ensure that every child thrives in a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment, while equipping teachers and families with the tools to succeed together. She also continues to enrich her knowledge in mental health and well-being, believing they are essential to supporting both students and educators in achieving their full potential. Alongside her professional responsibilities, Ouassila enjoys travelling, swimming, and camping in natural settings.

 

 

Saaniya is the kind of counsellor who believes that every student has a story worth listening to, even the ones they don't yet know how to tell. At school, she focuses on creating a space where students feel safe. A place where they can be honest, curious about their emotions and feel supported through both everyday challenges and more difficult moments. 

Instead of focusing only on difficulties, Saaniya sees each student as more than their challenges and as a whole person learning to navigate friendships, pressure, family life and growing up in a complex world. She works in a calm and practical way, always with care. Her aim is to help students understand what they are feeling and find healthy ways to cope and communicate. 

Saaniya also works closely with parents and staff, because students are best supported when adults around them are working together in the best interest of the child. Whether it is a quiet check-in, a thoughtful conversation or ongoing support, her goal is always the same: to help young people feel understood, valued and confident in school and beyond.

Jack Henderson, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, first studied his Higher National Diploma in Music Performance, during which time he worked in schools teaching music and developing his skills as an educator. Following this, he went on to graduate from the University of Strathclyde with a BA (Hons) degree in Primary Education. He began his career in Scotland and has a wide range of experience, having volunteered with children and young people aged 3 to 18 before moving into full-time primary teaching. Jack also spent time in China as part of an exchange programme, gaining valuable international teaching experience. He further developed his passion for music while working at a prestigious summer camp in America for a few years, where he taught a variety of instruments in different band settings.

With over 10 years of classroom experience, including 6 years of teaching, Jack brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to both academic and personal development. In 2021, he joined Aspen as a class teacher and was appointed Head of Year 6 in 2023, before progressing to Assistant Head of Primary in 2025. His leadership is underpinned by a deep passion for pastoral care and student wellbeing, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and motivated to thrive. Jack is currently undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), further strengthening his leadership expertise and dedication to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and ambitious school environment.

Outside of school, Jack enjoys travelling and sightseeing, particularly city breaks, and continues to pursue his love of music as well as spending time caring for his Golden Retriever, Louis. 

Salma Saleem is the FS2 class teacher at Aspen Heights British School. She graduated from Durham University in 2012 with a BA in Primary Education and moved to Abu Dhabi in 2016 after getting married, combining her love for teaching and travel. After a short break to start her family during the Covid years, Salma is now back in Abu Dhabi with her husband and two young daughters and thrilled to be teaching in the Foundation Stage.

Her passion for Early Years developed while caring for her eldest daughter during lockdown and she hasn’t looked back since. Salma is deeply committed to celebrating each child’s unique qualities and efforts and aims to create a loving classroom environment where children’s work is proudly displayed in every corner, reflecting their learning journey and their unique qualities.

Outside the classroom, Salma enjoys spending quality time with her family in the sunshine, discovering new places to eat, reading and travelling. Together, they’ve climbed the Sydney Harbour bridge in Australia, bathed elephants in Sri Lanka, created their own coffee in Bali and hope to continue their adventures to many more places soon.

 
Salma also sets herself a fun new reading challenge every year and is passionate about sharing that joy with her students. She believes that every child can fall in love with reading, it just takes the right story to spark the magic!

Originally from Derry, Ireland, Aoife Hegarty discovered her passion for teaching as a teenager while volunteering at a school for children with special educational needs. Inspired by the difference teachers could make in children’s lives, she decided to follow that path herself. Aoife moved to Liverpool to complete her teacher training and qualified as a primary school teacher in 2020.

 

After gaining her qualification, Aoife began her teaching career in Qatar, where she worked for two years, teaching children from a wide range of backgrounds. In 2022, she moved to Abu Dhabi and joined Aspen Heights British School, where she has been a dedicated Year 2 teacher ever since.

 

Aoife has a particular passion for teaching children to read through phonics, as she believes reading opens the door to all learning. She also enjoys teaching writing and mathematics, helping children build confidence and develop important skills in engaging, enjoyable ways.

 

Outside the classroom, Aoife is adventurous and always ready to try something new. She has even skydived over the iconic Palm Jumeirah in Dubai—an experience she describes as unforgettable—and is currently learning to play a new musical instrument. Her love for travel, adventure, and learning brings energy and enthusiasm to her teaching, creating a classroom environment where children feel inspired, supported and excited to learn.

 

Asmaa Almansoori is an Emirati Social Worker with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Zayed University. She brings experience in student wellbeing, safeguarding, behaviour support and counselling, having previously worked as a Social Worker and Guidance Supervisor supporting students across Years 6–9.

Asmaa has also worked as part of the Psychological and Social Care Team at the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, where she supported counselling, student observations, case studies and safeguarding-related reporting while working closely with psychologists, social workers and families.

Passionate about supporting students’ wellbeing and resilience, Asmaa is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel heard, understood and confident in seeking support.