RASHID & LATIFA SCHOOL

Benjamin Parnell

Vice Principal - Boys

Benjamin is an experienced teacher and school leader with 19 years in Dubai, having taught across every age group from Early Years to Sixth Form and held multiple senior leadership roles at high-performing, not-for-profit schools.

He believes that school improvement is fundamentally about people, knowing them, investing in them and creating the conditions where students are stretched, supported and set up to succeed. His expertise lies in building cultures of high expectation rooted in genuine relationships, where every individual feels known, valued and supported to grow. A former Great Britain international triathlete and coach of world champions, he understands what it takes to bring the best out of people under pressure.

That same commitment extends to the colleagues he leads. Benjamin is dedicated to developing the staff around him, knowing that when teachers grow, students flourish. At RLS, he brings strategic rigour, kindness and curiosity to everything he does and as someone currently reading for an MBA in Educational Leadership at University College London, he remains as invested in his own growth as he is in the growth of those around him.

Elizabeth Keheller

Vice Principal - Girls

Elizabeth Kelleher is an experienced school leader with 22 years in education, including multiple senior leadership roles in outstanding schools in Abu Dhabi. She has worked across British, American, IB and Irish curricula at both Primary and Secondary level. Her future‑focused, research‑driven and student‑centred approach aligns strongly with the future focused visions of RLS and the UAE.

Having spent 16 years in the Emirates, Elizabeth is deeply committed to empowering young Emiratis and supporting them to reach their full potential. She brings significant experience in all‑girls education, as a teacher and 15 years of personal schooling in this context.

With a background in behavioural economics, Elizabeth offers a unique perspective on how individuals and communities think, act and learn; shaping our educational environment. She believes supportive communities achieve greater collective outcomes, a principle that underpins her leadership style. Elizabeth holds a BA in Economics & Geography, MA in Management & Sustainability, a PGDE, the NPQH, and is a certified Systems Thinking Leader.

Imran Akhtar

Assistant Principal Middle School – Boys

Imran Akhtar is an experienced school leader with over 17 years in education, including 11 years of international experience in Dubai, having begun his career in the United Kingdom. He has held senior leadership roles in both the UK and schools in Dubai, with responsibility for academic leadership, pastoral care and the development of values‑driven school cultures.

He serves as Assistant Principal of Middle School for Boys at Rashid & Latifa School, providing strategic leadership for the Middle School phase and contributing at a school level as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Central to his leadership is a commitment to building authentic relationships with students, staff and families, grounded in trust, consistency and mutual respect. He believes relationships underpin effective learning communities, ensuring students feel known, valued and supported academically and personally and is committed to continuous professional growth, having recently completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship.

Zaheera Haujee

Assistant Principal Middle School – Girls

Zaheera brings over 18 years of UK and international experience of leadership in British curriculum schools. She has led on various whole-school strategies, with a particular focus on developing pedagogy, implementing monitoring systems and ongoing professional development for teachers. Zaheera is the Founding Assistant Principal responsible for the Girls' Middle School at RLS. Her role encompasses all aspects of the strategic and operational running of the Middle School, including curriculum planning, learning and teaching, assessment and the care, guidance and support of students. Her leadership aims to cultivate RLS graduates who are bold and visionary leaders, adaptable problem solvers and innovators of the future; proudly grounded in Emirati culture and Islamic values. In addition to a BA, MA and PGCE, Zaheera has also been awarded the NPQH. She aspires to lead with kindness and humility; serving the needs of the RLS community whilst upholding the highest of expectations.

Jimmy Hodgson

Assistant Principal Lower School & Early Years – Boys

Jimmy is an experienced school leader with a strong track record across Early Years and Primary within British international schools.

He specialises in assessment, teaching and learning, school improvement planning and operational leadership. As a founding Assistant Principal, he has played a key role in shaping the school’s purpose, principles and practices, working closely with the leadership team from initial building design and school set up through to the delivery of high-quality educational experiences. His expertise includes data driven improvement, curriculum implementation, inspection readiness, safeguarding and staff development.

At RLS, Jimmy leads across Early Years and Lower School, overseeing teaching quality, holistic care and support of students, assessment and professional learning. He also contributes to whole school strategy, recruitment and operational delivery.

He holds an MA in Education Leadership and Management and the NPQH. His work reflects Dubai’s values of ambition, innovation and high standards, with a strong focus on clarity and sustainable improvement.

Emma Turner

Assistant Principal Lower School & Early Years – Girls

Emma Turner brings 23 years of experience, shaped through teaching and leadership roles in high‑performing schools in the UK and Dubai. Her work is guided by a child‑centred philosophy and a strong commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for every student.

A member of the founding senior leadership team, Emma has played a key role in the journey from project phase through to opening and the continued development of RLS. She works closely with staff to ensure high‑quality teaching, developmentally appropriate and playful pedagogy, supporting children’s holistic development and academic progress.

Emma’s passion for education is rooted in the earliest years and a deep appreciation of the importance of a child’s earliest learning experiences. Her own secondary education in an all‑girls Grammar school continues to inform her leadership at RLS Girls. She believes strong relationships, meeting children where they are and using play and inquiry to support learning are central to effective practice.

Emma holds a BSc (Hons), a PGCE in Primary Education, and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

Scott Brown

Assistant Principal Academic Performance - Boys

Scott Brown is an experienced educational leader with over 15 years in UK and international education, specialising in academic excellence, operational efficiency and campus logistics. He has held key leadership roles in three start-up English curriculum schools, including Pastoral Lead, Head of Faculty, and Deputy Head of Secondary, where he played a central role in establishing high-performing academic environments.

Originally graduating with a degree in Law, Scott began his career in Corporate Finance and Private Equity law before transitioning into education to pursue his commitment to developing young people.

In his current role at RLS, Scott leads academic performance strategy for the boys’ campus, with responsibility for data analysis, curriculum delivery, and timetable management. His work is closely aligned with Dubai’s vision for educational excellence, ensuring consistently high standards and measurable student outcomes.

Samantha Pyper

Assistant Principal Curiosity, Creativity and Innovation – Girls

Samantha Pyper is an innovative school leader with nearly two decades of experience across the UK and the UAE, specialising in research‑informed curriculum and inclusive, future‑focused assessment design.

As a senior leader, Samantha’s experience is in creating systems and environments that enable the recognition of students’ potential and ambitions.

She believes positive and meaningful impact is achieved when curiosity drives learning and schools become a place where students feel happy, safe and seen for who they are and the person they strive to be.

At RLS, she leads strategy in innovative assessment design, rooted in Dubai’s context, ensuring approaches are inclusive and equip students for the world they will inhabit, shape and lead.

Educated in an all‑girls setting, and holding a BA, PGCE, MA and NPQH, Samantha is passionate about empowering young women to own their space, shape their environments and lead with confidence and grace.

Zeinab Majed

Assistant Principal MoE - Whole School

Zeinab Majed brings extensive experience in school leadership, curriculum oversight, and staff development within an international and bilingual education context. Her work is rooted in strengthening teaching and learning, supporting educators, and ensuring meaningful, high-quality provision across the school.

At RLS, Zeinab serves as Assistant Principal and Head of the Ministry of Education Department, supporting strategic planning, staff leadership, and the effective day-to-day running of the school. She is deeply committed to ensuring that Arabic and Islamic education are lived experiences rather than standalone subjects, with Emirati culture, values, and identity authentically embedded across school life. Her leadership reflects the vision of Dubai’s leaders in nurturing confident, values driven learners who are proud of their heritage and prepared for the future.

James Batten

Assistant Principal Digital - Whole School

James Batten brings 13 years of experience to enhancing education through technology, specialising in purposeful and practical use of technology for teaching and learning and developing innovative digital fluency curricula. He has previously led digital teaching and learning for a large Multi-Academy Trust in the United Kingdom.

At RLS, James oversees digital strategy across both campuses, ensuring students' curricula and extra-curricula experiences of technology are purposeful, safe, balanced and prepares each student for a technology infused world. He is committed to the advancements of technology and curating environments, experiences and education that reflect Dubai’s values of curiosity and innovation.

Wendy Jones

Assistant Principal Inclusion – Whole School

Wendy Jones is the Assistant Principal for Inclusion at RLS, working across both the boys’ and girls’ sites. With over 25 years of experience in education across the UAE, Hong Kong and the UK, Wendy brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to inclusive practice.

Wendy leads the strategic direction and daily delivery of inclusive education, ensuring that every child is supported, valued and empowered to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. She works closely with teachers, support staff, families and external professionals, believing that strong partnerships and collective responsibility are key to student success.

Passionate about inclusion, Wendy is committed to upholding the UAE’s vision of equity, opportunity and excellence in education, and to embedding a culture where diversity is celebrated and every learner can reach their full potential.

Abdalla AlMaazmi

Executive Director of Organisational Enablement

Abdalla Mousa Al Maazmi is a senior operations, governance, and strategic enablement leader with over 20 years of experience across government, education, and banking sectors. His professional journey includes leadership roles within KHDA, Barclays, Rashid School for Boys, Latifa School for Girls, and ABN AMRO, where he contributed to organisational performance, governance frameworks, and strategic initiatives. He currently serves as Executive Director of Organisational Enablement at Rashid & Latifa Schools Establishment, leading key functions including Finance, Human Resources, Procurement, Information Technology, Facilities Management, and organisational strategy.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from the University of Pune and brings extensive expertise in corporate governance, risk management, audit, policy development, digital transformation, and operational excellence. Abdalla has a strong track record in driving institutional transformation, strengthening governance structures, and delivering sustainable organisational performance and service excellence across the UAE and GCC region.

Craig Drew

Head of Operations

Craig is a strategic operations leader with extensive experience in delivering organisational performance within premium international schools.

He specialises in operational strategy, large-scale project delivery, and the optimisation of complex school environments with expertise across facilities, compliance and health and safety. He has a proven track record of aligning operations with institutional vision to enable sustainable growth and excellence.

At RLS, Craig leads the operational strategy across the school, ensuring a high performing, future ready environment that supports world class education delivery.

He is committed to embedding Dubai’s values of excellence, innovation, safety, and sustainability through internationally aligned standards and the integration of smart operational systems, creating a secure and forward-thinking environment for the school community.

Craig holds an MBA in Operations and Project Management and is passionate about driving continuous improvement across all operational functions. 

Vaughan Pope

Head of Digital Transformation

Vaughan Pope is a senior digital and technology leader with over 15 years of experience driving transformation across international school groups. He specialises in digital strategy, education technology, IT governance, and cybersecurity, with a strong track record in delivering large-scale platforms that support operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

At RLS Vaughan leads the organisation’s digital transformation agenda, overseeing enterprise systems, AI integration and secure, future-ready infrastructure. His work focuses on ensuring that technology enhances learning, supports educators, and strengthens organisational resilience.

Aligned with Dubai’s vision for innovation and excellence, Vaughan is committed to delivering high standards, building trust and enabling forward-thinking education environments.

He holds a Master of Education in International Education from Framingham State University, USA, and a Bachelor’s degree in Media Communication, with a minor in Computer Science.

Khawla Mohammad

Culture and Community Expert

Khawla is a cultural strategy and community engagement professional with over 10 years of experience leading strategic initiatives, cultural programs, and high-profile projects across government, education, and the arts sectors. She has contributed to the planning and delivery of multi sector initiatives aligned with Dubai’s strategic vision, with expertise in stakeholder engagement, cultural programming and project delivery.

Throughout her career, she has worked with government entities, cultural institutions, and international partners to develop and implement initiatives that promote cultural awareness, community engagement and creative development.

At RLS, Khawla leads culture and community initiatives, developing programs and strategic partnerships that support student development, cultural identity and community engagement.

Her work reflects Dubai’s values of excellence, innovation, and cultural heritage, contributing to the development of future ready and culturally grounded communities.

Shaikha Ahmad

Head of Customer Excellence

Shaikha is an experienced education professional with over 12 years of experience in the UAE education sector. She specialises in customer excellence, parent engagement, and school operations, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality, efficient and parent-centred services.

She brings extensive expertise in enhancing customer experience, developing service frameworks, and aligning operations with regulatory and organisational standards. Her work is driven by a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that every interaction reflects professionalism, care and consistency.

At RLSE, Shaikha leads the Customer Excellence function, overseeing front-of-house operations and shaping the overall experience for students and families. She plays a key role in ensuring that services are seamless, responsive and aligned with the school’s values.

Aligned with Dubai’s vision, she is committed to excellence, innovation, and quality in every aspect of service delivery.

She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Zayed University.

Maitha Hamad

Head of Media and Communications

Maitha has over 10 years of experience in the communications sector, with a diverse background spanning the aerospace, logistics, and investment industries.

She has held roles at Strata Manufacturing, 7X, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. At RLSE, she leads the Media and Communications Department, overseeing communications, brand management and event delivery across the Establishment.

Her work is focused on embedding Dubai’s values into day-to-day operations, ensuring that all communications reflect the Establishment’s vision and identity.

Maitha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising from United Arab Emirates University.