Members of our international teaching staff possess rich experience and outstanding track records, and compliment the knowledge of our local talents. Every member of our academic team is highly qualified and extensively trained.

Our teaching staff will regularly undergo rigorous in-service training in order to stay up-to-date with the latest teaching and learning methods, global trends and challenges. Teaching is also periodically evaluated by international governing bodies and educational authorities to ensure high standards are maintained.

Raffles International Schools also provides qualified support staff in learning resource areas including ICT, science, library, learning support and PE.

Management

Poonam Bhojani - CEO, Innoventures Education

Poonam Bhojani  is an Economics Honours Graduate with an MBA from India's premier business school, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. Prior to envisioning and cofounding Dubai International Academy, Poonam has had significant industry experience working on leading edge technology solutions with a range of organizations across India, Hong Kong, USA, Belgium, Sweden, The Netherlands, Oman and UAE. She is the CEO of Innoventures Education and has served as the President of the Middle East IB Association of Schools and is the Secretary of the Dubai Private Schools Group.


Steve Giles - Principal, Raffles International School

Steven Giles has an extensive history in school leadership having been part of Senior Leadership Teams since 2008 and head teacher since 2017, improving schools in inspection grades in every school he has worked in.

He has a Bachelor in Education with Honours (B.Ed.) and a Master in Education (M.Ed.) focusing on leadership through Exeter University. He achieved a distinction for his work around the recognition and motivation of students at year 7, 8 and 9 in his 30,000-word thesis.

Steven has also achieved the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

Steve has consulted in a number of schools in England on aspects of school improvement and raising standards. He is focused on Raffles International School becoming the top UK Curriculum school in Dubai and help ensuring the students achieve the very highest results possible.

Steve believes in an inclusive school approach to learning where students of all abilities can achieve results of which they can be proud of.


Michael Stephen - Director Finance and Administration, Innoventures Education

Michael Stephen is a Chartered Accountant and has a Diploma in Portfolio Management with over 20 years’ experience in consulting and industry. He was part of the core team of Innoventures Education that set up Dubai International Academy. Michael started his career in an accounting firm focused on audit, tax, corporate law, and business and investment advisory services. He enjoys business and financial modelling to develop new business ideas, building key relationships, and the challenge of establishing new projects. In 2005, he cofounded Eternus Foundation in Chennai which provides education and health cover to needy children. Michael is a Fellow of the Association of International Accountants, UK and has been on the faculty of a business school in Dubai.

Primary School (Years 1-6)

Alex Kilpatrick, Head of Primary School

Alex Kilpatrick graduated from Edge Hill University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2008 before gaining a PGCE in 2009 from the University of Cumbria. Alex holds a National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NaSENCo) along with a National Professional Qualification in Middle Leadership (NPQML). 

As a primary school teacher in the UK for ten years, Alex worked across all year groups developing a sound understanding of how children learn during different stages of their life. In the UK Alex has worked for the Department for Education, was a Year 6 moderator for the local authority and was a SENCo.

Since 2017 Alex has been working as a Senior Leader. First as an Assistant Head of a Primary School in the UK before moving to the UAE in 2019. From 2019 to 2023 Alex was Deputy Head of an IB PYP school for two years and then a British curriculum school for two years, in Ras al Khaimah.

Alex believes that every child has the potential to achieve greatness. When decisions are made the well-being and growth of the students must be at the core. Their dreams, aspirations and successes are the compass that guides our actions and choices.


Helena Meagher, Deputy Head of FS and KS1

I started my teaching career after completing my degree in Education and Performing Arts. I worked in various schools in London, as a class teacher and a drama teacher. In 2013 I moved to Doha, Qatar to gain invaluable experience in another country and culture. 

I am passionate about education, whilst promoting student-centered active learning. providing children with the opportunity to learn through play. My aim is for all children to be excited to come to school, to realize their potential and teach all children that everything and anything is possible!

In RIS I want to continue to inspire my colleagues to provide an exciting, challenging and outstanding education for all children. I am really proud of the achievements of our students and look forward to another exciting year!


Rebecca Humphries - Deputy Head of Primary (KS2)

I am delighted to be joining Raffles International School as a Deputy Head.

I completed a BA (Hons) in Primary Education at the University of Northampton in the UK and taught at a school in Bedford before moving to Dubai in 2015. I have been in various leadership positions for the past 6 years. I recently completed my NPQSL where I focussed on the structure of the curriculum to show progression of writing throughout the Primary years.

I am extremely passionate about teaching and learning and I believe that all children have the ability to reach their full learning protentional. Cross–curricular learning is vital in engaging children to make connections and show independence in their learning journey. I believe children need to become self-aware and reflective learners, as well as being encouraged to build on their skills to be compassionate, resilient, and innovative. Teaching and delivering a consistent curriculum enriched with curiosity, challenge, exploration and engaging opportunities is key to having the greatest impact to learning.

I look forward to meeting you all and being part of the RIS family.

 

Secondary School (Years 7-13)

Peter Rowlands, Head of Secondary

Peter Rowlands is an experienced school leader having been part of leadership teams in England, New Zealand the Seychelles and since 2017 head of Raffles Secondary school.

He has a Bachelor in Science with Honours (B.Sc.) and a Master in Educational Leadership (M.Sc 

Peter has also achieved the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).and the NAPP Principals training in New Zealand

Peter believes that every student can succeed with the right support and schools have to provide opportunities, challenge and support.

Peter has 2 children who are also at the school. 


Andy Johnson, Secondary Deputy Head

Andy graduated from the University of Sheffield gaining a Bachelor of Science degree, which lead to him pursuing a career in education as a Chemistry teacher. Andy joins RIS as an experienced secondary school senior leader, joining from his previous role as Deputy Headteacher at our sister school, Raffles World Academy, and prior to this having been a key member of the senior leadership teams both in Dubai and in an “Outstanding” academy in inner-city London.  

Andy understands the equally important roles played academic excellence, pastoral care and co-curricular provision in the development and success of all students within the school. As a leader, he will focus his time on the ongoing improvement of all areas of the school, with a focus on the academic provision here at RIS, ensuring that the school continues to thrive and go from strength to strength.


Martyn Humphries- Deputy Headteacher of Secondary (Pastoral)

I was born and raised in Bedford, England, a town about 45 minutes outside of North London.

After graduating from The University of Northampton, I began my teaching career at a school in Bedford. I worked there for 6 years before moving to Dubai, where I have called home since 2015.

As well as teaching Science across Key Stage 3, and Chemistry at GCSE and A-level, I have held various middle leader positions. These include Key Stage 4 Science Coordinator, Head of Year, and most recently Head of Sixth Form, before being promoted to Deputy Headteacher this Summer.

I am a dedicated, hardworking and passionate educator. I believe passionately that all young people have the ability to achieve. I feel that we as educators must ensure that all students are given the chance in school to be the best that they can be, both as students and as people. My aim is to continue to build on the development that RIS has undergone since I joined in 2017, maintain the high expectations we ask from our RIS family, and enable students to reach their life goals.  

I have two daughters that keep me busy and entertained. I spend my time outside of school on family days out. I play various sports, support Tottenham, and read thrillers and crime fiction.