Explore bold ideas, real stories, and future-ready thinking from education leaders shaping the international school landscape.
Alan is a STEAM teacher and sustainability champion at Jebel Ali School and the founder of Nature Wave, a UAE-based social enterprise connecting communities with nature through tech and citizen science. He’s led the country’s largest wildlife events and hosted the Middle East’s first Nature Connection Conference.
Alan Smith
Sustainability Lead and STEAM Teacher | Jebel Ali School | Founder | Nature Wave
Catherine is a global advocate for inclusive education and co-founder of Incluzun. With nearly two decades of experience, she’s held senior roles across the MENA region, served on government and sustainability committees, and spoken at UNESCO on inclusion in Gulf education.
Dr. Catherine O'Farrell
Chair of the Board | GEMS Al Khaleej International School
Farah leads education strategy and Arabic language innovation at Al-Futtaim. Her work spans bilingual education, global citizenship, and 22nd-century learning, drawing on her academic background in literature, leadership, and inclusive education.
Dr. Farah Sarraj
Chief Corporate Officer | Al Futtaim Education Foundation
A global EdTech strategist, author, and consultant, Neelam leads digital transformation across international schools. She advises governments, designs AI-integrated curriculums, and pioneers teacher training initiatives — all grounded in practical, future-ready solutions.
Dr. Neelam Parmar FCCT
Group Director of Digital Learning and Education | AISL Harrow Schools
Michelle is a UK-trained inclusion and wellbeing leader. With deep experience across pastoral care, SEN coordination, and positive education, she builds inclusive ecosystems that prioritise belonging, literacy, and emotional wellbeing.
Michelle Sakande FCCT
Head of Positive Education | The Arbor School
Philippa is a globally recognised voice in digital strategy and transformation in education. Through her consultancy EdRuption and parent initiative Digital Bridge, she helps schools embed digital governance, equity, and wellbeing into everyday learning.
Philippa Wraithmell
Founder & CEO | EdRuption | Author, The Digital Ecosystem
With over a decade of experience in international school data and insights, Sami leads global research at ISC. His career spans field research, marketing, and school leadership — bringing rare breadth and data-driven vision to school improvement.
Sami Yosef
Head of Global Research | ISC Research
Stephen has led the evolution of school business leadership across the UK and globally. He works closely with government departments and education systems worldwide, championing operational excellence and system-wide reform.
Stephen Morales
Chief Executive Officer | Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL)
Newly appointed Headmaster at one of the Middle East’s most respected schools, Tomas blends academic rigour with philosophical depth. His leadership is grounded in moral purpose, global outreach, and character development.
Tomas Duckling
Headmaster | Dubai College