Ms Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas is a distinguished school leader, bringing with her over two decades of successful senior leadership experience. Her journey as a leader began in 2004 when she assumed her first headship, marking the start of a remarkable career in education. Recognised as a National Leader of Education and Lead Ofsted Inspector in the UK, Michelle has consistently demonstrated expertise in orchestrating rapid school turnarounds, managing transformational improvements across diverse settings.

With a proven track record, Michelle has skillfully guided schools from Special Measures to Outstanding, showcasing her commitment to elevating educational standards. She is an advocate for the power of regular coaching and effective feedback in fostering the quality of teaching and school leadership. Through this philosophy, she has nurtured high-performing teams, instilling a culture where staff take pride in assuming personal responsibility for identifying and implementing incremental improvements.

In 2019, Michelle assumed the role of Director of Education at an all-through school in Dubai, broadening her global educational perspective. Before her international tenure, she served as the Executive Headteacher of The New Wave Federation, overseeing three high-performing and innovative primary schools in London, UK, collectively catering to over 1500 students. Under Michelle's leadership, these schools achieved the prestigious status of Apple Distinguished Schools, a unique achievement as the only group globally to receive this accreditation simultaneously.

Drawing from her rich experience and innovative mindset, Michelle is eager to contribute to GEMS Al Barsha National School's journey toward becoming a high-performing school. She is excited about exploring fresh approaches to enhance the educational journey for GNS students and parents, further advancing academic excellence within the school. Her passion for transformative leadership and dedication to continuous improvement make her a valuable asset to the GNS community.