Gemma Thornley

Having worked in Dubai since 2012, Gemma is delighted to be appointed as the Secondary Principal at the Academy, moving from Jumeirah College where she was Assistant Principal. A graduate of the University of Leicester, she has a Masters in Educational Leadership and is also a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. An English and Drama specialist, Gemma strongly believes that all students should be able to develop their creativity on a variety of contexts.

Gemma is a firm believer in modern educational methods and has a rooted interest in developing a whole school culture that is not only research driven but allows for the consideration of student and staff wellbeing. The happiness of students in school is paramount to everything she strives to generate as the Secondary Principal of a high achieving school. Gemma is an associate for High Performance Learning (HPL) and she strongly believes in the philosophy that high achievement and curiosity are linked, enabling our students to build empathy, encourage collaboration and an expectation that they can achieve highly.

Outside of work Gemma enjoys the theatre and is a qualified dance teacher. She also enjoys being outdoors and walking her rescue puppy.

Gemma is very much look forward to meeting all our families this year, be it at community events, parent teacher consultations, coffee morning, debating, school shows or sporting fixtures. She believes the future of the Academy is a bright one.