Governance

Dubai Heights Academy has a Board of Governors who meet regularly, using their varied expertise to evaluate progress and support the school in its journey. They are well informed about the school and actively support our leaders to meet the school's compelling vision. Our Governors can be contacted at [email protected]

James Stearns

Acting Chair of Governors / Principal, Victoria International School of Sharjah (VISS) Khorfakkan

James opened VISS Khorfakkan as Principal in August 2022, having been Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School at VISS since August 2014. VISS is a collaboration between the Government of Sharjah and Victoria, Australia and is Australian Curriculum K-10 and then International Baccalaureate. James has taught in several UK state and independent schools in his 25+ year career, including over five years as Headmaster of Shoreham College, an all-through primary and secondary school near Brighton, England. A trained physics teacher, James has also specialised in the use of IT in education, serving on national advisory committees. During his UK headship he has been an active member of the Independent Schools’ Association (ISA) serving on the national executive and chairing its Academic Policy Committee through a period of extensive curriculum change in the UK. He has been an Apple Professional Learning Specialist and has spoken at many conferences on various issues around leadership and digital strategy.

Istiqama Al Riyami

Vice Chair of Governors / Owner’s Representative

When Dubai Heights Academy first opened in 2017, Istiqama’s vision was to establish an inclusive school that delivers an excellent standard of British Education. She is proud to say the school has grown immensely in all aspects, and has achieved a “Good” rating in its very first KHDA inspection. The school’s success is testament to the hard work and dedication of its faculty and staff, as well as the support of the community and the calibre of its students. Istiqama is sure the school will continue to grow and develop and she is delighted to be a part of this wonderful journey.

Daniel Van Otterdijk

Group Chief Communications Officer

Daniel is the DP World Group Chief Communications Officer. He is accountable for building and delivering the Group’s global brand and communication strategies, across all stakeholder groups and communications disciplines. A member of the global leadership team, Daniel advises the Group Chairman and CEO on all matters related to company-wide re-positioning and the Purpose-led strategy for the DP World Masterbrand.

Daniel is a seasoned brand and communications specialist with a wealth of international experience spanning over 20 years across Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia. He has worked in various markets and industries including Energy, Oil and Gas, Medical, Retail and Technology.

Prior to joining DP World, Daniel worked for Royal Dutch Shell for 17 years as a communications specialist, advising on corporate brand-building, reputation management and internal and external communications. He has served as a Non-Executive Director in the Communications industry.

Daniel has a BSc in Science from Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. He is a Dutch national, but has spent 12 years in New Zealand, 18 years in the UK and the last 5 years in Dubai, UAE.

Aisling Keaveney

Head of Inclusion, Dubai Heights Academy

Aisling Keaveney brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Dubai Heights Academy, having over 13 years of experience in a variety of educational settings. With a background in Special Education, Aisling specialises in Inclusion achieving a first class honours Masters in Special Education.

Aisling believes in personalising the curriculum and learning experience of every student to ensure every child, every mind and everybody has the opportunity for success at Dubai Heights Academy. Aisling places a huge emphasis on creating a culture that celebrates diversity, promotes well-being and nurtures individuality and creativity.

Scott Goldstein

Teacher Governor / Assistant Head of Secondary, Dubai Heights Academy

Originally from Essex in England, Scott Goldstein brings a breadth of experience and knowledge in education, with the last 7 years spent in senior leadership roles in British Curriculum schools, across London and the UAE. His last role before joining DHA was as Whole School Principal for a new British Curriculum school in the UAE. Scott is a personable, focused and results-driven leader who is passionate about improving overall school effectiveness and has demonstrated success in improving educational outcomes. He has shown significant results in driving improvements in the quality of teaching and learning, through curricula development and adaptation.

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