Senior Leadership Team

Steve is the proud Principal of Repton Abu Dhabi and is starting his ninth year with Repton. Steve spent a number of years teaching in both the U.K. and Australia prior to his arrival in the UAE. He completed a double degree, Bachelor Teaching/ Bachelor of Arts at the University of Newcastle (Australia). Steve has also completed a postgraduate Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of New South Wales and is currently a PHD Candidate at the University of Buckingham. He is an avid life-long learner and strongly encourages this attitude amongst his staff. Steve loves travelling and seeking out new adventures and has found that travelling has provided him many life lessons. He is a father to two young boys and loves the challenge and energy they bring to life.

A founding member of Repton Abu Dhabi, Marie qualified in July 1997 from Dublin City University with a Bachelor of Education and has subsequently completed an NPQH in educational leadership. She began her teaching career in Dublin and worked for 8 years in private education in London. From there she moved to Abu Dhabi where she has been working in education for the past twelve years. Now in her fifth year as Head of Repton Rose Campus, Marie is passionate about equipping children with the skills required from an early age to set them up for success and to become the best version of themselves. Having qualified as a Nutritional Therapist, she believes that there is a strong link between good nutrition and children’s optimal development, educational achievement and emotional wellbeing. In her free time, she loves to run, travel, read, cook, practice yoga, experience different cultures, gain new knowledge and spend time with her family.

After completing his BSc (Hons) in Biological Science at the University of Birmingham, Aran qualified as a teacher in 2010 with a Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education and went on to complete his Masters in Effective Learning and Teaching at the Institute of Education in London. He taught in Key Stage 2 in a multicultural school in West London for four years before moving to Abu Dhabi in 2014 with his family. He has thoroughly enjoyed his 10 plus years in the UAE and is looking forward to many more at Repton Abu Dhabi. He is an extremely enthusiastic educator who believes in making learning enjoyable through exciting, relative and humorous lessons, with a particular focus on the Growth Mindset. He aims to instill a love for learning without fear of making mistakes, as well as encouraging children to reflect on their decisions.

Stephen is Repton Abu Dhabi’s Headteacher of Senior School. His experience includes international leadership posts held at highly academically performing schools. Passionate about education, Stephen will always strive to seek out the best pedagogy to enable all students to reach their full potential and develop a lifelong love of learning. Stephen is also passionate about his continued professional development and is always striving for excellence, demonstrated in his completed National Qualification for Headship (NPQH) program with University College London. He enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children who love travelling and exploring new cultures. A keen triathlete, cyclist and runner, he often competes in Ironman competitions and Marathons around the world.

Lizzie moved to Abu Dhabi in August 2014 with her family and has now completed eleven years at Repton Abu Dhabi. She is part of the senior leadership team with main responsibility for Early Years and Year 1. Lizzie is passionate about early education and development and works collaboratively with the teachers to develop outstanding learning opportunities for our youngest Reptonians. She is also interested in her own continued professional development and recently completed her Masters in Education. Lizzie loves spending time with her family and planning adventures for the school holidays.

Dean is a dedicated and passionate educator who currently serves as Deputy Head of Junior School at Repton School Abu Dhabi. He has been a valued member of the Repton community for the last six years. Dean holds a Masters of Education degree from the University of Buckingham, where he focused his research on the barriers to implementing Peer Coaching schemes in schools. He has also completed his National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). As a strong believer in the importance of ongoing professional development, Dean is committed to finding ways for teachers to learn and grow within their own school communities through collaboration with their colleagues. In his role at Repton School Abu Dhabi, he works tirelessly to create a positive and supportive learning environment for both students and staff. Outside of his professional life, Dean is a passionate football fan and a loyal supporter of Liverpool FC. He also enjoys music and continues to attempt to learn the guitar.

After graduating with a BA Degree in Sport, Physical Education, and OAA from the University of Birmingham, Jon worked as a Senior Grants Officer leading national projects that promoted lifelong participation in sport. Jon then worked in South-East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, working with children from a diverse range of socio-economic backgrounds. He went on to join the University of Brighton, where he gained a PGCE in Physical Education, and an interest in contemporary educational research led him to complete his Master’s Degree in Education. From here, Jon has spent 12 years in education. Jon has a passion for promoting contemporary research and its application to education. He has completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and is a qualified member of the International Tribal Inspection Team for schools. A father of three children, Jon loves to spend time traveling with his family, playing sports, cooking, and exploring new places.

Lisa Watson moved from Scotland to Abu Dhabi in 2014. She graduated with a BA (Hons) in Psychology and English in 2009 and completed her PGDE Primary in 2010 from Strathclyde University. Throughout her teaching career, she has taught from FS2 to Year 4 and has led in many key curriculum areas. In previous schools, Lisa has taken on the roles of Head of Inclusion and Primary Inclusion Leader. She recently completed her Masters of Education in Special Educational Needs and Disability from Middlesex University. Outside of school, Lisa has a passion for travel and enjoys visiting new countries. She is a qualified PADI Advanced Open Water diver and enjoys kayaking in the mangroves.

Helen grew up in Wiltshire, England attending a local secondary school and college for her GCSEs and A-Levels. Helen then completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of the West of England, followed by a PGCE at the University of Bath, where she achieved her QTS. Since obtaining her teaching qualification in 2004, she has gained experience in a number of roles, such as: Head of Sixth Form, Head of Year, Literacy Coordinator, Second in English Department, KS3 Coordinator, CAS Coordinator and Mentor to Trainee Teachers. She has taught in England, Bermuda and for the past five years in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. She believes a school should place the student at the centre of everything it does and is passionate about the well-being, academic success and motivation of her students. Outside of school she enjoys reading, maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle and travel. Helen believes it is important to experience new cultures and to explore new places and has been fortunate enough to visit some incredible countries. Traveling to Tanzania and completing voluntary work in primary schools has been a particular highlight.

Graeme Wallace is Assistant Head Teaching and Learning. Graeme graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, and has taught Maths for 10 years and Economics for 3. He has spent time as head of year, Head of Maths, and was a primary school governor; a spread reflecting the value he places on educating not just academically, but in a rounded way. His focus now is supporting staff and students make great progress in lessons, keeping staff up to date with current research, and sharing best practice around the school.