As secondary school leader for twenty years, with the last six years spent at Jumeirah English Speaking School, I have significant experience in both academic and pastoral leadership. As an Assistant Headteacher supporting Sixth Form students in schools in the UK, Italy and the UAE, I have extensive experience in guiding international students through their educational journey and progression into higher education. I have a deep belief that academic ability needs to be carefully nurtured and that the learning approaches which students and teachers develop, both in and outside of the classroom, have a dramatic effect on learning outcomes. Throughout my career I have worked in multiple key roles on each school’s leadership team. As the Assistant Head Teacher for both Key Stages 4 and 5 at different points, I have been able to have a significant impact on the life of the school and the educational outcomes of the students. I have also acquired extensive experience in the successful implementation of both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the BTEC Extended Diploma in the Sixth Form and I have a deep understanding of the benefits that each programme brings to tertiary education.