Meet the Minds Behind SRI .
Meet the leadership team guiding GEMS School of Research and Innovation.
MEET THE TEAM
Leaders shaping extraordinary futures.
Frances Powell
Director of Human Potential
Interim Principal of Seniors (Year 7 to 9)
Frances is a former Head and Vice Principal with over 17 years of international experience across Dubai, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK, and holds a PGCE and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education and Teaching from the University of Cambridge.
A strong advocate for values-driven education, she believes in balancing innovative pathways and high academic expectations with wellbeing and genuine care. Her focus is on embedding programmes and structures that enable students to flourish socially and emotionally, preparing them to make their mark on the world confidently and successfully.
Sarah Hollingworth
Principal of Pre-Prep (FS1 to Year 2)
Sarah is a specialist in Early Years and Primary education with leadership experience across leading British curriculum schools in the UK and UAE. Holding a Master's degree in Developmental Psychopathology from Durham University, she brings expertise in child development, wellbeing and inclusive education.
Passionate about laying strong foundations for lifelong success, she is dedicated to creating nurturing environments where every child develops the confidence, curiosity and resilience to flourish.
Sarah Samuel
Principal of Prep (Year 3 to 6)
With more than 15 years' experience in British curriculum schools across the UK and UAE, Sarah is a highly regarded leader in teaching and learning, curriculum development and school improvement.
Passionate about evidence-informed practice and developing exceptional educators, she champions high-quality teaching to help create a learning environment where every child feels known, supported and challenged, developing the confidence, curiosity and skills needed to thrive both in school and beyond
Joshua Levenson
Director of Futures
Joshua is a founding leader of SRI and is a nationally recognised school improvement leader and Executive Headteacher with almost two decades of experience including top-performing UK state and faith schools.
Formerly leading St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School, London, ranked among England’s top five primaries, he combines pedagogical rigour with curriculum innovation, EdTech expertise, and inclusive leadership, driving future-ready education and sustained excellence across multiple schools and inspection roles.
Emily Forman
Director of Early Years (FS1 to FS2)
Emily is an experienced and forward-thinking educator with a solid foundation in Early Years and primary education. She holds a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS and is currently completing the NPQ for SENCO.
Emily has led whole-school initiatives, supported start-up school development, and delivered staff training in inclusive practice and classroom design.
Charlotte Hutchinson
Head of Prep (Year 1 to 6)
Charlotte is an experienced educational leader who has worked in both the UK and the UAE. She is passionate about creating exceptional learning experiences through a carefully designed, knowledge-rich curriculum, high-quality teaching and a culture of high expectations.
Working closely with staff, pupils and families, Charlotte is committed to creating an innovative and ambitious Prep School experience that inspires curiosity, builds strong foundations and enables every child to thrive.
Daniel King
Head of Seniors (Year 7 to 9)
Daniel brings extensive leadership experience in British Independent Schools to his role at SRI. As an Independent Schools Inspector and Governor, he champions the highest standards in teaching and learning, and school-wide quality. He is passionate about creating inclusive and innovative environments where children feel inspired and empowered to become the best versions of themselves.
Daniel holds a PGCE, a Master's in Management, and is currently completing an MBA in Strategic Leadership.
Hannah Rowlinson
Director of Teaching and Learning
A founding educator of SRI, Hannah brings over fifteen years of experience across primary education, with particular expertise in English, inclusion, curriculum design and assessment. Her career spans both the UK and international settings, including South America and secondary inclusion.
Passionate about strengthening teaching and learning, she brings extensive experience in shaping curriculum, assessment and the strategic use of data. Hannah holds a BSc in Psychology and has completed the NPQ for SENDCo.
Mark Shopland
Acting Director of Sport
Mark is Interim Director of Whole School Sport, bringing over 13 years of experience in sport and education, including senior leadership roles within leading independent schools in the UK. His career has focused on leading high-performing sports programmes that balance broad participation with the development of elite performance pathways across a wide range of sports.
Mark holds a BA in Physical Education and a PGCE from the University of Buckingham, alongside a broad portfolio of coaching qualifications across football, rugby, hockey and swimming.
Nicholas Huntington
Director of Creative & Performing Arts
Nick brings over 20 years' experience in UK independent schools to his role as Director of Performing and Creative Arts at SRI. Formerly Director of Drama at Wellington College, his department was shortlisted for an Outstanding Drama Department award.
A published playwright and senior A-Level examiner, Nick combines curriculum expertise with a passion for creativity, collaboration, and emotional intelligence to lead an inclusive, innovative Arts programme.
Zaineb Mahdi
Director of Technology & Innovation
Zaineb is an educational leader with extensive experience in outstanding British schools across the UK and UAE. With a background in Computer Science and senior leadership, she is widely recognised across the region for driving innovation in education and building strategic partnerships that prepare young people for an evolving digital world.
As an Excellence Fellow for Innovation, Zaineb leads Digital Technology and AI across the GEMS Premium and British Schools cluster in the UAE and Qatar.
Richard Thomas
Director of Enrichment
Richard brings 14 years of experience across private and grammar schools in the UK, as well as international education, including 10 years in middle leadership. Passionate about the role of enrichment in a well-rounded education, he is committed to creating opportunities that encourage pupils to discover new interests, develop their talents and build confidence beyond the classroom.
Richard holds a BA (Hons) in Secondary Physical Education with QTS and is a qualified coach across swimming, football, rugby and cricket.
Stacey Bradwell
Director of Inclusion
Stacey is an experienced inclusion leader with over 20 years of expertise across mainstream and specialist education, including 14 years within GEMS Education. She has held senior leadership roles across the UK, Switzerland and UAE, bringing a rich global perspective to inclusive practice.
Stacey holds a Master’s degree in Special Educational Needs and, as an Inclusion Excellence Fellow, supports the development and advancement of inclusive practice across the wider GEMS network.
Jemma Lewis
Manager - School Operations
A founding member of SRI’s leadership team, Jemma played an integral role in bringing the school’s vision to life and establishing the foundations of our pioneering campus.
With almost two decades of operational leadership experience, including 10 years at the Outstanding-rated GEMS Dubai American Academy, Jemma brings extensive expertise in complex school operations and high-performing teams. She is passionate about operational excellence and creating a school where students, staff and families can thrive.
Continue exploring the SRI story, or begin a conversation with Admissions.