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A Legacy

A School Grown From

Vision Values Community

Director’s Foreword

Fifty years ago, JESS began with belief - belief in children, in education, and in the power of community to build something lasting.

In 1975, JESS opened its doors with little more than courage, conviction, and a belief that education could shape lives in a young and fast-changing country. Today, as the UAE approaches its own 55th anniversary, JESS stands as one of the few schools whose story stretches across almost the entire life of the nation itself. That is something rare, and worth marking properly.

This book is a celebration of people, not a record of buildings, dates, or milestones. Of teachers who taught with passion in makeshift classrooms. Of parents who believed in a fledgling school and gave their time, energy, and trust. Of students who grew up here and carried the values of JESS into the world.

Across these pages, you will find memories from the 1970s through to today, stories of resilience, innovation, community, and care. You will see how JESS has grown alongside Dubai, adapting to change while holding firmly to the values that have always defined us: a commitment to excellence, a deep respect for every individual, integrity in all we do, and an enduring curiosity about the world.

Whether you were here at the very beginning, joined us somewhere along the way, or are just starting your journey now, this book belongs to you. Fifty years behind us. A future full of promise ahead.

Shane O’Brien Director

Beginnings in the Desert 1

What began with borrowed rooms and borrowed power became a school built to last.

On 20 September 1975, JESS began its life in a modest two-bedroom apartment near the Deira Clock Tower. With just 17 students, two teachers (Miss Helen Sharp and Miss Susan Harris) and a great deal of determination, the school was born out of necessity and hope, created to serve a growing expatriate community seeking a British education in a city just beginning its own extraordinary journey.

Those early days were defined by improvisation and optimism. Lessons were taught in intimate spaces, relationships formed quickly, and the school felt like a family. Teachers worked creatively with what they had, turning corridors into learning prompts and bringing music, drama, and sport to life on shoestring resources. Even seasonal celebrations reflected the pioneering spirit of Dubai at the time, including one very special guest who arrived by helicopter; a moment that still makes early students smile fifty years on.

As word spread, demand grew rapidly. Recognising the importance of education to Dubai’s future, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum generously gifted JESS a plot of land in Jumeirah, a gesture that would secure the school’s future for generations. While the campus was being built, a villa was made available to ensure learning continued uninterrupted.

Life in the villa was far from easy. For weeks, lessons were powered by a borrowed generator, its relentless noise a constant companion to teaching and learning. Electricity finally arrived in March 1976, marking a small but significant milestone in the school’s journey.

Under the leadership of its first Headmistress, Rita Biro, JESS began to take shape as something more than a school; a philosophy, almost. Teachers knew every child. Parents were partners. Education was personal, purposeful, and rooted in care.

By February 1977, the move to the purposebuilt Jumeirah campus was complete. Rising from the sand, surrounded by open skies and possibility, JESS had found its home. What began in borrowed rooms had become something the desert could not have predicted; a school that would outlast almost everything built around it.

That permanence needed a framework to sustain it. As the school grew, formal governance was established to guide its future, with the formation of the JESS Board of Governors providing stability, oversight, and long-term vision. Spearheaded by Henk Hooft as the first Chairman with John Harris as Vice Chair, a team of dedicated individuals were welcomed into the fold, including Christopher Bean, Pat Mockler, Rod Goom, and Sheila May, who also assumed the role of Secretary to the Governors.

From the founding board and the first headmistress to the dedicated leaders who have carried JESS forward, five decades of commitment and care have built a school that students, teachers, alumni, and families take immense pride in.

“I arrived at JESS in 1979 as Head of Music to build the department. The UAE itself was very young back then, a work in progress much like the school, and that pioneering spirit was felt throughout the country. Staff worked as a closeknit team to establish the school. A group of us from the early 1980s remain in touch, chatting on WhatsApp as if we only saw each other yesterday. We worked hard to shape the school around Rita’s clear ethos: children come first. From what I see and hear, that ethos still rings true today.”

Carolyn Belsey-Morten

Music Teacher 1979 - 1983

“Upon arrival at the site in 1976 I needed all my breadth of vision to envisage the school buildings that would emerge since only desert surrounded us as far as the eye could see, dotted here and there with a few palm trees.”

Mrs Rita Biro

First Headmistress 1976 - 1993

“One memory I’ll always treasure is Miss Lane (later Mrs Biro) at the school gate every morning, every afternoon, rain or shine. She knew every child’s name, and even years later, she remembered mine. That’s the kind of lasting impression JESS leaves.”

Shaheen Shahani

Class of 1986

“JESS was a very small community. It had more of a village feel about it. Teachers knew every parent, and it wasn’t uncommon to see them outside of school as Dubai was also so much smaller.”

David Bell

Class of 1989

“When my father and the other founding governors came together to create JESS, it was about finding ways to give their children a good education in the new world they found themselves in. What started as a solution for a few families became something far greater than anyone imagined. As the saying goes, it’s from small acorns that big oaks grow.

Rupert Bean

Class of 1982 and son of founding governor

A School Built for Learning 2

From sand underfoot to sunlight-filled classrooms, JESS learned early that environment shapes possibility.

1980s & 90s

The 1980s and 1990s were years of steady growth, shaped by warmth, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to children. JESS felt like a village, a place where everyone was known, supported, and encouraged to do their best.

The Jumeirah campus itself reflected this philosophy. Designed with natural light, shaded walkways, and interconnected spaces, it encouraged curiosity, movement, and collaboration. Corridors became learning spaces. Classrooms opened onto one another. Education extended beyond four walls.

Innovation flourished. JESS was among the first schools in Dubai to introduce the Foundation Stage, recognising the importance of early years education long before it became widely understood. Music, drama, and sport thrived through creativity rather than resources, powered by staff ingenuity and parental involvement.

Parents were not spectators; they were builders of the school’s culture. They funded facilities, coached teams, volunteered time, and helped establish traditions that still endure today. Sports days were run on sand. Funding the first swimming pool was a community effort. Achievement was celebrated collectively.

Leadership during these decades was characterised by stability and care. Governors and teachers shared a common purpose: to create a school where children felt safe, challenged, and inspired. Academic expectations rose alongside a deep emphasis on character, kindness, and integrity.

For students who attended during this era, memories are vivid: dusty walkways, close friendships, dedicated teachers, and a sense that JESS was where you belonged as much as where you learned. These years quietly laid the foundations for everything that would follow.

As Dubai began to accelerate towards something no-one had quite planned for, JESS had already spent a decade working out who it was.

“Being part of JESS has shaped me into a more reflective and resilient person. The relationships I’ve built with students, families and colleagues have deepened my empathy and broadened my perspective. I’ve learnt the value of community, the power of shared goals, and the importance of celebrating progress, not just outcomes.”

Alison Jaap JESS Jumeirah Teacher

1997 - present

“When I was a student, JESS had no sports facilities or PE teachers. Parents ran sports clubs during their lunch breaks before returning to work at 4:00pm. It was wonderful to then join the established PE department as Director of Sport in 2000, to see firsthand how far the team and the provision had grown, and to help shape its next chapter. Today, it’s incredibly rewarding to see sport as such as cornerstone of JESS and to witness the remarkable achievements of its many teams.”

Paul Austin JESS Student,

1977 - 1979,

“JESS encouraged us to ask questions and learn from different perspectives, it’s a place where learning felt like discovery, not just routine. Respect for all was taught early. There was a strong emphasis on empathy and curiosity. JESS created an environment where who you were and where you came from added to the richness of the community.”

Anna & Sarah Cluett

Class of 1995 & 1996 respectively

“In 1975, at 26 years old, I designed the new British school, JESS. I was fortunate to bring both youthful energy and a strong foundation in educational design. It was a pioneering challenge. The site was remote, with no roads or landmarks, yet the vision was clear.

The Board gave me complete freedom to innovate and so I introduced informal classroom layouts and Kiva-style breakout spaces where children could learn in small groups or curl up with a book.

JESS has always had a special place in my heart for many reasons, not only because it was my first project, but also because my children, Emily and Alexander, received a truly great start in life being taught there. I was delighted when my daughter was chosen to plant the 10th anniversary tree because her birthday was nearest to the date the new school buildings opened.”

Brian Johnson Architect, JESS Jumeirah, 1975

One JESS, Growing Horizons 3

Growth did not dilute who we were, it amplified it.

The turn of the millennium marked a defining moment in JESS’s history. As enrolment surged and ambition grew, the school expanded beyond Jumeirah, opening the all-through Arabian Ranches

With this expansion came a new vision: three schools, two sites, one JESS.

This was more than physical growth. It was a philosophical shift, one that required careful stewardship, strong leadership, and trust in the values that had always guided the school. Under its first director, Rob Stokoe, JESS developed a unified identity while allowing each campus to retain its

Arabian Ranches was designed with the Open terraces replaced corridors. Learning flowed between indoor and outdoor spaces. Performance, sport, technology, and collaboration were embedded into the architecture itself. Students moved freely, thinking expansively,

Despite its growth, JESS retained the personal quality that had always defined it. Staff relationships were strong. Community spirit endured. Alumni began returning as teachers, coaches, and leaders - living proof of the school’s lifelong impact.

This era also saw JESS cement its reputation for academic excellence, balanced with inclusion. Mixed-ability education, high expectations, and care for the individual child became hallmarks of the JESS approach.

As the school stepped confidently into a new century, it did so without abandoning its roots.

The same values that guided lessons in a two-bedroom apartment continued to shape classrooms across two campuses, proving that growth, when guided by purpose, only strengthens what matters most.

“It quickly became clear to me that JESS had the potential to become a learner-centered and future-oriented centre of excellence. Our focus moved to one of high expectations for all, that every child should have opportunity for success in developing an area of excellence be it academic, physical or in the performing arts.

We had to continue to develop a high performing school in Jumeirah as well as build a new one. What we had was vision and optimism, with a clear purpose for an exceptional school. Most importantly, we had a school community who trusted, supported and believed in our vision for the future of JESS.”

Rob Stokoe

Headteacher JESS Jumeirah 2002 - 2005, Director 2005 - 2015

“Dubai’s climate shaped many architectural choices. We avoided enclosed corridors, opting instead for terraces that offered shaded, breezy transitions between classrooms. One standout feature was the double-sided, indoor and outdoor theatre - a bold architectural choice that I’m told has sparked curiosity to this day.”

David Duggan Senior Architect, JESS Arabian Ranches

“My favourite thing about being a teacher at JESS is without doubt the fabulous young people that I get to interact with every day. The students here are remarkable. They are well adjusted, funny, well balanced, intelligent, and thoughtful. I hope students leave my classroom feeling acknowledged,

“Ultimately, every decision came down to ‘is this right for the student?’ It was all purely based on the principles of not-forprofit, best possible education, and it’s amazing how much pleasure you can derive by serving under those circumstances.”

Marco Caporilli Parent and Board of Governors, 2008 - 2021

“JESS has been instrumental in developing my confidence, determination and resilience, all crucial skills for life after graduation. Through various challenges and opportunities, I’ve learned to bounce back from setbacks, stand up for what I believe in, and approach problems with confidence.”

Mitchell Wright Head Boy, Class of 2026

“JESS is a community that genuinely cares, it’s not just a standard school that prioritises education. From the emphasis on student wellbeing to the celebration of individuality and talent, JESS creates an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.”

Habiba Ebeid Head Girl, Class of 2026

Community, Character and Care

Buildings endure, but it is people who give a school its soul.

What truly defines JESS is its people. For fifty years, the school has been shaped by educators who teach with heart, students who strive with integrity, and families who are genuine partners in everything it does.

Teachers speak often of JESS as a place that allows them to be their best selves, professionally and personally. It is a school where collaboration is valued, where improvement is pursued with kindness, and where relationships matter.

Students learn early that success is not measured solely by grades or trophies, but by how they treat others, how they persevere through challenge, and how they contribute to the world around them. Whether in classrooms, playgrounds, pools, or theatres, values are lived daily.

Alumni describe JESS as formative, a place that instils confidence, curiosity, and courage. Many return to give back, teach, coach, and lead. Their stories are reminders that education echoes far beyond school gates.

Parents consistently describe JESS as a home away from home. A place where children are known, supported, and challenged. Where trust is built over time. Where partnership is genuine.

Across generations, one truth remains constant: JESS is a community bound by care. It is this sense of belonging, nurtured over decades, that transforms a school into something unforgettable. Some alumni return just to visit. Others come back with something to give, like the former student who walked back through the gates not as a

“From the very beginning, what struck me was the warmth. JESS felt like a family. The care, the sense of belonging - it was immediate. Even as the school has grown and evolved, that spirit of community has remained beautifully intact. Parents play such an important role in shaping the JESS experience, whether volunteering, attending events, or simply engaging with teachers, the connection between home and school makes the journey so much richer for our children.”

Assia Benchekchou

JESS parent since 2017

“This school cultivated a sense of ambition within me that I didn’t know I had - it lit a fire that was hard to contain - it became contagious to do your best. JESS has an incredible will to improve no matter the obstacles, but achieved with kindness and respect for all - relationships really matter and I think that’s what makes JESS special.”

Darren Coulson

Jumeirah Teacher 1999, Primary Headteacher Arabian Ranches 2012 - 2021

“JESS is a caring school with the children’s welfare uppermost in the minds of all staff. In fact, if you have been part of the JESS experience you can count yourself as being very lucky indeed.”

Patricia R. Cotton Former School Secretary 1983 - 1985

“Things have changed in the way we learn, but our values remain unchanged. We still value care, compassion, integrity, and doing our very best, whatever that is. Everybody has got something that they are amazing at.”

Liz Morris

JESS Teacher since 2002, Deputy Headteacher, Arabian Ranches 2017 - present

“I attended JESS from FS1 through to Year 13 and my experience was phenomenal. It really feels like a true community and a sense of home. It was amazing to be back in Dubai as a professional actor touring with my one-man show and to return to JESS to lead workshops with the drama students. JESS invested in me and it was nice to be able to give back and to share my skills, knowledge, and experiences with the next generation of actors.”

James Scarr

Class

of 2021

50th Anniversary Poetry Competition Winner Home away from home

This is my school, Far from home.

Filled with flowers and trees, And manners like thank you and please.

The core values and excitement Are important in everything we do, Whether learning, celebrating or playing, It’s true!

JESS used to be a desert, With nothing but sand to see. But as the years passed, JESS became bigger, better and stronger.

Today JESS is turning 50 years old, It’s our Jubilee - we are all part of its gold!

By Dhyana, JESS Jumeirah 3B

Beyond Classroomthe

Some lessons are never taught, they are lived, felt,

Learning at JESS has always extended far beyond lessons and textbooks. Sport, the arts, service, and adventure are woven into the fabric of school

From early sports days on sand to international JESS sport has always been Students are taught to compete fiercely but fairly, to win humbly, and to lose with dignity. Teamwork, resilience, and leadership are celebrated as much as victory.

The performing arts have flourished across the decades, uniting students across campuses and age groups. Early rehearsals, late night productions, and standing ovations form part of a shared cultural memory, moments where confidence is found,

Global experiences have broadened horizons: Duke of Edinburgh International Award expeditions, service projects, overseas sports tours, and cultural exchanges. These moments challenge students, deepen empathy, and foster curiosity and independence.

For many alumni, it is these experiences, the laughter, the nerves, the friendships, that remain most vivid. Education, they will tell you, is as much about living fully along the way as it is about preparing for what comes next.

“We travelled to India, spending time in Kashmir and staying on a houseboat on Lake Srinagar. There were pony treks in the mountains, and a trip to Agra to see the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal. But the moment that stands out most is having an audience with the Prime Minister, Mrs Indira Gandhi. It was an extraordinary experience for a group of 10-year-olds.”

Matthew Carroll Student 1982 - 1985

“From the very beginning, I was struck by the warmth of the community, the passion that fills every performance space, and the unwavering drive our students have to achieve. JESS is a school like no other, rich in spirit, fast-paced, full of opportunity, and deeply committed to the arts as a transformative force.”

Keltie Tomlinson Head of Dance 2022, Head of Performing Arts 2025 - present

“One of my most meaningful experiences during my time at JESS was being part of the Period Empowerment Project. With millions of young girls around the world facing unfair disadvantages due to period poverty, it was incredibly moving to see the faces of those we visited in Zambia as we handed out our homemade menstrual health kits and taught them practical skills like sewing. The experience taught me empathy, respect, and the power of community – values that continue to guide me today. I hope this legacy project continues for many years to come with future cohorts extending the reach of all those who came before them.”

Tom Markey Class of 2023

“Winning Rosslyn Park Sevens is something I’ll never forget. Our team made history and firmly put UAE girls’ rugby on the map when we became the first ever international school to win the Championship title. Competing at the world’s largest school rugby tournament and playing against such strong and talented teams was tough, but the experience was unforgettable. We were incredibly proud to see JESS defend the title the following year, proving that our first win wasn’t just a moment in history, but the start of something even bigger.”

Charlotte Battiston Student, Captain of the 2024 Rosslyn Park U14 Girls Cup Winners

“At the heart of JESS is a deep-rooted ethos: strive for excellence, but do so with integrity, humility, and heart. My favourite memories are the small moments: the fist-bumps after tough games, the support between teammates, and the smiles that say, ‘we did this together’.”

Roger Nicholson Director of Sport, Associate Headteacher 2016 - present

“The teachers at JESS didn’t just teach - they showed up after hours, on weekends, because they genuinely cared. They shaped more than just my education. That kind of support gave me the foundation to chase big goals and in 2024, I became the first JESS Olympian, representing the Netherlands in Paris. The dedication of the staff showed me that teaching at JESS wasn’t just a job, they truly cared about us and wanted us to succeed. After graduating JESS, that passion and care is something I truly missed.”

Sean Niewold Olympic Swimmer, Student 2014 - 2017

“The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is a perfect example of how extracurricular activities push us to our limits. Looking back, it’s not the hard parts that stand out, it’s the laughter and memories made. I didn’t realise it at the time, but the skills we picked up were invaluable, not just for university applications, but for life beyond.

You can only prepare so much, some lessons come through doing. I’ll never forget the feeling of accomplishment when we finished building the house in Vietnam. Those memories will stay with me forever.”

William Thurston Class of 2026

Innovation with Purpose 6

At JESS, progress has never been about tools alone, but about how wisely we use them.

Change has never been something JESS From the arrival of the first computers in the 1980s to the integration of artificial intelligence today, the school has consistently embraced innovation with intention.

Technology at JESS has always served learning, not replaced it. Tools have evolved, chalkboards to smartboards, desktops to tablets, but the focus remains the same: empowering teachers, engaging students, and preparing young people for the world they will inherit.

Innovation at JESS has extended beyond the classroom and into the physical fabric of the

As enrolment grew and practice evolved, the campuses were thoughtfully reconfigured, with specialist learning areas expanded, shared spaces reimagined, and facilities upgraded across sport, the arts, science, and wellbeing. At every stage, the aim was the same: to preserve the character of each campus while keeping it genuinely fit for the future.

Today, JESS is recognised internationally for its thoughtful integration of digital learning and AI literacy. Students learn to use technology, question it, understand it, and apply it ethically.

This spirit of innovation mirrors the city around us. As Dubai continues to redefine what is possible, JESS stands ready - adaptive, reflective, and future-focused, while remaining grounded in

“As Chairman of the Board of Governors, it is a privilege to reflect on JESS’s journey during this milestone 50th anniversary year.

For many decades, the school has grown alongside Dubai itself - within a city defined by energy, ambition, and constant evolution. During this time, JESS has expanded, adapted, and embraced change in ways that must have been unimaginable in its earliest years. Yet what is most striking is how much has endured alongside everything that has changed. The warmth, sense of belonging, and close community spirit that characterised the school in previous years remain at the heart of daily life today.

Looking ahead, the responsibility of the Board of Governors is both clear and carefully balanced. We are committed to an unrelenting pursuit of continuous improvement across all aspects of school life - academic excellence, pastoral care, facilities, and opportunity - while remaining mindful, always, of the present needs and wellbeing of our pupils and staff. Innovation must always serve purpose, and progress must always strengthen community.

As we celebrate 50 years, we do so with gratitude for all who have shaped JESS’s past, confidence in its present strength, and optimism for the generations who will define its future.”

Stuart Walker

Board Member from 2015, Chair of the Board 2016 - present

“Technology has changed dramatically yet while the tools have evolved, the heart of teaching remains the same: inspiring, guiding, and caring for each child. The ethos of JESS has always been one of inclusion, care, and ambition, encouraging every student to reach their potential, while feeling they belong to something special.”

Mary Alford

Swimming Teacher from 1987, Governor for 15 years

“One of the remarkable things about JESS is that it has just kept going. The school has continued to grow, develop, build and expand. But at every stage, it has been about quality - the quality of teaching and learning, and the quality of student outcomes. Education is about the children. It’s about providing opportunities for them. Whatever you do in your time as a teacher or leader, it has to focus on outcomes for students, whether that’s inside or outside the classroom. JESS is exemplary in the way it does that”.

Mark Steed JESS Director 2015 - 2019

“There were no mobile phones, no social media, so it wasn’t easy to contact home. Making phone calls was very expensive. Instead, we recorded cassette tapes for our grandparents, chatting about life and playing the piano, then mailed them off to the UK!”

Rupert Bean Class of 1982, Son of Founding Governor

“JESS has developed an international reputation as a beacon for innovative and impactful integration of digital learning solutions. Now we stand on the edge of a completely new era of technology with the rise of artificial intelligence and JESS has already built solid foundations to continue to evolve in a meaningful way and ensure that students are always future-ready.”

Steve Bambury Head of Digital Learning & Innovation

The Golden

Year: JESS at 50

Fifty years is a milestone worth pausing on, a moment to come

This celebration of creativity continued through a whole-school exhibition and concert, where students transformed the Jumeirah Hall into a living timeline. Historic photographs sat alongside interactive installations and performances, telling the story of JESS through student voice while celebrating the past and looking boldly ahead. Former Directors, Headteachers, campus architects, alumni, current staff, and families walked the same spaces together, sharing memories that spanned generations.

Sport, a cornerstone of JESS life, was celebrated through the 50th Games. Students took part in dedicated events that combined healthy competition with house spirit, reinforcing that at JESS, sport has always been about character as much as competition. Performances from JESS dancers and musicians interjected the events, reminding everyone that sport and the arts have always gone hand in hand in building confidence and community.

The anniversary year also came to life through the 50 Faces of JESS social media campaign, which shone a spotlight on just some of the people who have shaped the school across five decades. From staff who have dedicated nearly three decades to JESS, to alumni from the 1970s, including the children of founding governors, the series celebrated stories of belonging, loyalty, and lifelong connection. It featured students who became staff, couples who met at JESS and later married, families whose ties to the school span generations, and even extraordinary stories of friendship and selflessness that changed lives. Together, these stories captured the heart of JESS as a community built on relationships that endure. The full 50 Faces of JESS series can be explored on the school website and social media channels.

One of the most lasting outcomes of the anniversary year has been the renewed strength of the JESS alumni network. Through shared celebration and storytelling, we are now in regular contact with a vibrant and growing community of more than 1,200 alumni worldwide. Many reconnected with the school in meaningful ways, returning to campus to deliver talks and workshops, sharing their journeys and contributing to the life of the school once more, strengthening the connection between past and present. This is a relationship we are committed to

While some planned moments of celebration will continue into the 51st academic year, including opportunities to bring together our wider community through events such as the Iftar, alumni reunion, and celebratory ball, the spirit of this anniversary has already achieved something lasting: it has strengthened the bonds that connect us across generations and across time.

As the anniversary year draws to a close, one thing is clear: JESS at 50 was about recognising the strength of a community that continues

A thatLegacy Lives On

The world around JESS will keep changing. It always has. But the school’s commitment to children, community, and character has proved more durable than any building, and there is little reason to think the next fifty years will be any different.

From a small apartment near the Deira Clock Tower to one of the world’s leading international schools, JESS has remained true to its purpose. And as we step into the next fifty years, we do so with open minds, open hearts, and a shared pride in all that has been, and all that is still to come.

“JESS listens, and I think that’s what makes this school special. Feedback is valued, and action is taken to ensure the best environment for our children. The school truly cares, not just about education but about making a difference in every child’s life. JESS is more than a school, it is a lifelong connection, a family, and a place where students thrive.”

Ali Alsayegh

“I hope that JESS continues to make students feel special. Confident children become successful adults.”

David Moussallem Artist, Class of 1995

“Beyond JESS, I hope our students continue to believe in themselves and to be ambitious, committed, and kind. They embody our vision of making a difference, even as life brings its inevitable challenges. With self-belief, and by surrounding themselves with people who believe in them, anything is possible. JESS has shaped my own journey as deeply as it has shaped theirs. I’ve grown as a teacher, a leader, and a person, thanks to the incredible people I’ve worked with and the challenges we’ve faced together. On a personal note, watching my three children thrive here has deepened my appreciation for this community even more.”

Jose Diez

Deputy Headteacher Jumeirah 2016, Ranches Primary Headteacher,

2021 - present

“Our community is vibrant. It’s supportive. It’s inclusive. It’s a place where every individual is valued, diversity is celebrated, and everyone is encouraged to act with purpose. Our culture of care, commitment to excellence, and willingness to embrace change while staying true to our values sets us apart. I hope our students leave JESS with more than academic success. To know that character counts, kindness matters, and true success is found in giving your best and supporting others.”

Stephen Green

Secondary Headteacher Arabian Ranches 2023 - present

“Our purpose has always been to create a place where every child truly feels that they belong, not just in a classroom, but as part of a community that sees them, values them, and celebrates who they are as a unique individual. Our school is somewhere curiosity is encouraged, where children feel confident to ask questions, share ideas and enjoy learning. A place where each day brings something new to explore, and where learning feels meaningful and engaging.

At the heart of this is what we believe matters most. Every decision we make and every interaction we have is guided by our values. When this is part of our culture, we do more than teach subjects, we help shape character and prepare children for life beyond school.”

Suzanne Carrigan

Assistant Headteacher 2021, Deputy Head 2024, Interim Headteacher 2026

The People Behind the Story 9

For fifty years, JESS has been shaped by its students, families, and the dedication of those who led, taught, and served the school over time. Together, they carried the values of JESS forward, ensuring that while the school evolved, its purpose remained constant: to place children at the heart of everything it does.

Rob Stokoe 2005 - 2015

Headteachers

Directors

Mark Steed 2015 - 2019

Shane O’Brien 2019 - present

1976 – 1993

Rita Biro

1993 – 2002

Chris Branson

2002 – 2005

Rob Stokoe

2005 – 2007

Carole Denny

2007 – 2015

Ruth Burke

2015 – 2022

Asa Firth

2022 – 2026

Luke Rees

Headteachers

2005 – 2012 Ann Jones

2012 – 2021 Darren Coulson 2021 – present Jose Diez

Headteachers

2005 – 2011

Present Board of Governors

Stuart Walker

Sapna Verma

Alison Dawson

Ali Alsayegh

Christopher D’Cotta

Paul Marson

Sarah Shaughnessy

Morten Sorensen

Former Governors

James Berry

James Hancock

Mary Alford

Maurice Flanagan

Pat Macpherson

John Boardman

Julie Epsom

Nigel Hopkins

Paul Cracknell

Robin Padgett

Marco Caporilli

Omar Shams

Chairman, Board member since 2015, Chairman since 2016

Vice Chair

Board member since 2015, Vice Chair since 2021

Board member since 2017

1994 – 2016

1989 – 2003

1991 – 2006

1994 – 2015

2002 – 2021

2003 – 2005

2003 – 2015

2004 – 2021

2006 – 2019

2006 – 2022

2008 – 2021

2015 – 2018

Founding Governors

Board member since 2019

Board member since 2021

Board member since 2022

Henk Hooft Chair

John Harris Vice Chair

Christopher Bean

Patrick Mockler

Sheila May

Rod Goom

Behind every name on these pages is a decision made in the interest of children. Taken together, they represent fifty years of leadership that asked very little for itself and gave a great deal to others.