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 regularly undergo rigorous in-service training in order to stay up-to-date with the latest teaching and learning methods, global trends and opportunities to continually inspire our students, promote their wellbeing and prepare them for their exciting futures. Teaching is also periodically evaluated by internationally recognised 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.

 

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.

 

Matthew Barrett - Principal, Raffles International School

Matthew Barrett is an accomplished educational leader with a wealth of experience in ‘Outstanding’ schools both in the UK and here in Dubai. As Principal of Raffles International School, he brings a vision rooted in excellence, strong character education and positive wellbeing, guiding students and staff alike towards a culture of high achievement and resilience.

In addition to his Bachelor’s Degree, Post Graduate Certification in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status, Matthew holds an MA in Educational Leadership from the prestigious University of Bath, UK, alongside the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). With almost 20 years’ experience in education, Matthew has held previous roles including Head of School and Director of Wellbeing – a topic Matthew is particularly passionate about. Matthew is a qualified school inspector and utlises this knowledge to further support developments at RIS.

Matthew’s approach to education is both strategic and empathetic, ensuring that Raffles International School stands out as a place where students feel supported, empowered, and fully prepared for their exciting futures.

Matthew is joined in Dubai by his wife and two sons, they enjoy travel, reading and sporting pastimes together as a family.

Primary School (FS 1 - Year 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 Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCo) along with a National Professional Qualification for 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 within the same group of schools 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

Helena M Meagher graduated from De Montfort University with a BA Hons degree in Education and Performing Arts in 2006, before gaining a GTP from the City of London University. Helena is currently undertaking National Professional Qualification in Headship (NPQH) and has been a facilitator and mentor for NPQ course for the past three years. 

Helena has worked across all year groups before becoming an Early Years Specialist where she has acquired a thorough understanding of the importance of explorative play. 

In 2014 Helena became EYFS & KS1 Middle Leader and in 2018 became part of Senior Leadership as Vice Principal in Doha, Qatar, before moving to Dubai and joining RIS as Primary Deputy Head.  

Helena is passionate about education, whilst inspiring her colleagues to provide exciting, challenging and outstanding education for all children. 

Rebecca Humphries - Deputy Head of Primary (KS2)

Rebecca earned a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from the University of Northampton, UK. She taught across various year groups at a primary school in Bedford for six years before relocating to Dubai in 2015. She has been in several leadership positions over the past 10 years before joining RIS as a Primary Deputy Head. Rebecca completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) where she focussed on structuring the curriculum to show the progression of writing throughout the Primary years. She is also an NPQ facilitator and mentor. 

Rebecca is extremely passionate about teaching and learning and believes all children can reach their full learning potential when given the right tools. Children need to become self-aware and reflective learners and be encouraged to build on their skills to be compassionate, resilient, and innovative. She believes that cross-curricular learning is essential for engaging children, helping them make connections and develop independence in their learning journey. Teaching and delivering a consistent curriculum enriched with curiosity, challenge, exploration and engaging opportunities is key to having the greatest impact on learning. 

 

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. 

Rachel Carter, Secondary Deputy Head

Rachel joins as an experienced secondary school leader from the United Kingdom having previously worked as Deputy Headteacher for the Quality of Education in Hampshire.  

Rachel is passionate about evidence informed practice and is currently completing her doctorate. 

Rachel has a BSc in Pathobiology from Reading University and an MSc in Education Innovation and Practice from the University of Southampton.  

Rachel believes that education provides opportunities for our young people and will work diligently to ensure that students have access to the best academic provision to suit their future pathways. 

Martyn Humphries- Deputy Headteacher of Secondary (Pastoral)

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

After graduating from The University of Northampton, Martyn began his teaching career at a school in Bedford. He worked there for 6 years before moving to Dubai, where he has called home since 2015. 

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

Martyn is a dedicated, hardworking and passionate educator. He believes passionately that all young people have the ability to achieve. He feels 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. His aim is to continue to build on the development that RIS has undergone since he joined in 2017, maintain the high expectations we ask from our RIS family, and enable students to reach their life goals. 

As whole school Wellbeing Lead and secondary Designated Safeguarding Lead, Martyn understands the importance of pastoral care and support in providing our students with the best opportunities to success.