Staff

GES's greatest asset is its teaching staff! We have close to 172 teachers on staff, representing 14 different nationalities and tremendous collective breadth and depth of experience in international education.

We are very privileged to have highly qualified teachers, specialists of subjects, and support staff at GES. Our teachers are native English speakers with international experience and experience in the National Curriculum of England and Wales.

We seek to inspire students and to provide them with the academic and social skills that will enable them to fulfil their human potential as responsible global citizens.

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Leadership Team

Mona El-Helbawi - General Manager of the Culture, Education, Leisure and Sports Cluster - Al Faisal Holding

I was born in Saudi Arabia but spent much of my childhood travelling, I lived in Islamabad in Pakistan and then settled in North West London in the U.K. in the early 90’s, where I went to secondary school and developed a particular enjoyment of history and reading.
After school, I gained a degree in Islamic Law and then went on to study for a Post Graduate Certificate in Islamic Law at Birkbeck University. Following that, I also studied public service interpretation at the College of North West London.

Since then, I have worked in a variety of primary schools, either assisting in classes or working in administration. I moved to Dubai in 2004 where I spent two years, and then to Doha in 2006. I moved to Doha to work as a Business Manager in an independent school and moved on a year later to work here at The Gulf English School. I have been in my current role since May 2007.

Over the years I have gained the following qualifications:

• Islamic Law Degree
• Post Graduate Certificate in Islamic Law - Birkbeck University
• Diploma in Public Service Interpretation - College of North West London
• Certificate in TESOL
• Level 2 Educational Psychology - Stonebridge College
• Level 4 Psychology - Stonebridge College
• Level 5 Diploma in Special Educational Needs - Leeds Beckett University
• Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management - Arden University
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Leadership and Management - University of Derby
• MBA - Anglia Ruskin University

This breadth of experience has led me to develop a strong belief that children learn best when they are having fun and are engaged in practical, real-life activities. I also believe that strong relationships with parents and the wider community are vital in ensuring that children are supported as they move through their school life. As such, I am delighted to be working together with students, staff, parents, Board of Trustees, and the wider GES community to support all of our children's success, achievement and welfare.

I look forward to seeing you in school and working with your children here at The Gulf English School.

Daniel Langfield - Head of Secondary

Hi, my name is Daniel Langfield, I’m from Huddersfield in England and I am the Head of Secondary School here at GES., I obtained my Sports Science degree in 2004 from Edge Hill University and completed my qualified teacher status in 2006. I taught in the UK for 10 years in 3 different schools before deciding to move to Doha in 2014. Since then I have started my Principal Training courses and am a qualified IB Administrator.
I believe Education is challenging but engaging and is something that I am very passionate about. Learning should be inclusive, positive, and supportive and allow all pupils to reach high but realistic expectations. The classroom is where prior knowledge is built upon, nurtured and potential is developed. 
Away from school, I enjoy playing golf and travelling to experience different countries and cultures.

Pamela Abbas - Head of Infants

Hi, my name is Pamela Abbas and I am the Head of the Infant School at GES.  I am from the North East of England but spent much of my teaching career in two challenging East London schools. During the first 2 years of my teaching career, I established myself as an outstanding teacher and quickly became a middle leader which I enjoyed for a further 2 years. Following on from this, I became a senior leader with responsibility for special educational needs and have completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Special and Inclusive Education. When I decided to leave London, I left my role as an Assistant Head Teacher to become a Deputy Head Teacher of a Primary School. During this time, I was responsible for teaching and learning in Infants, special educational needs across the school and supporting and mentoring teaching assistants.

Following 8 years of successful leadership in England, I am looking forward to working within the Gulf English School community to help create and shape future leaders.

I believe that the success of a school, in educating the youth of the future, relies significantly upon all those involved.  With strong leadership and management, a fantastic and keen Infant team, and the support of our parents, I am confident that we will strive towards excellence. As a staff, we will continue to work in partnership to develop confident and well-rounded children, who are happy and well equipped to deal with the challenges of the twenty-first century.

Mohammed Sidat - Head of Bin Omran Branch

My name is Mohammed Sidat and I was born and bred in the UK. I studied at the University of Bradford after going through the education system and obtained a degree in Pharmaceutical Management. I went on to do my teaching degree, also in my home town of Bradford, majoring in Physics and Chemistry. After qualifying as a teacher, I taught Science in the UK for 3 years before joining The Gulf English School in 2009. I have found that being a Muslim myself has helped me to settle in as I am already aware of the traditions of the Islamic heritage. In 2010, I took on the role of second in department in Science and Head of Pastoral for KS4 boys. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the school and this year brings new challenges for me as I take on the role of Head of Bin Omran.

Away from the classroom, I enjoy playing football and other sports and was involved in coaching the school football team last year. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Afshah Deen - Director of Studies

My name is Afshah Deen and I am the Director of Studies at GES. I studied at De Montfort University in Leicester, where I gained a BSc in Psychology and then further gained a PGCE qualification from Northampton University.  I am passionate about teaching and learning and have a particular interest in teaching Maths. I have had 11 successful years in teaching in the UK, my experience ranging from teaching KS1 – KS2, and various leadership roles. Before joining The Gulf English School in 2022, I was a Maths Advisor for a trust and a Mastery Specialist for the NCETM, leading on school improvement and supporting Mastery Maths teaching across schools. Students are at the centre of everything that we do in education, there is nothing more rewarding than to witness students develop confidence, knowledge and skills that enable them to grow as independent learners. Our students across GES are brilliant learners and we strive as a leadership team to reflect, adapt, and lead on purposeful initiatives to continue our journey on providing the best education for our students.  

Gary Shaw - Head of Juniors

My name is Gary Shaw and I am the Head of the Junior School at GES. Originally hailing from Seaham in the UK, I am about to start my fourth year teaching in Qatar.  I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Education at Durham University and have taught in primary schools in the UK and Qatar ever since. Before taking on the new role of Deputy Head, I was Year Group Leader in Year 3 working with a fantastic team.

Outside of school, I like to stay active and try to keep fit.  I enjoy watching and playing most sports, particularly football, spending time with my family and friends and travelling and experiencing new cultures.

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Primary

Primary Extended Leadership Team (PELT)

Pre-School

Reception

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Bin Omran Pre-School

Bin Omran Reception

Bin Omran Year 1

Bin Omran Year 2

Bin Omran Year 3

Bin Omran Year 4

Bin Omran Year 5

Bin Omran Year 6

Bin Omran Arabic

Primary Specialist

Bin Omran Specialist

Arabic & Islamic Studies

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Secondary

Secondary Extended Leadership Team (SELT)

Arabic & Islamic Studies

Business, Economics & ICT

Creative Arts

English

Humanities

Mathematics

Media

Modern Foreign Languages

Physical Education

Science

Library

Learning Support

Counselling & Careers Guidance 

School Nurses

Admin

Accounts & HR

IT & MIS

Support Team