Glendale International School Leadership team

Meet the dynamic leadership team and the driving force behind Glendale International School. With decades of experience in education, our leaders are committed to fostering a nurturing environment that inspires academic excellence and personal growth.

Glendale Dubai Leadership Team

compressed_DSC05001-rcslxnz2tygxdaky5zvf266v4h006poomnws2et108

Jasmit Kang

Principal

Ms Jasmit Kang is an esteemed educator and visionary leader who serves as the Founding Principal of Glendale International School. With over 25 years of teaching experience in NCfE schools in the UK and Dubai, Ms Kang has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, inspiring her team to reach new heights of success.

Ms Kang has completed her Bachelors of Education from Liverpool Hope University before her postgraduate masters degree in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Nottingham. She has also completed her NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) from University College London.

Suzanne Lorton

Head of EYFS and Year 1

With over 13 years of experience in Early Years education across the UK and international settings, Suzanne Lorton leads the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Year 1 at Glendale International School with a deep commitment to creating joyful, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments.

Her professional journey began as an Early Years teacher, where she cultivated a passion for inquiry-based, play-rich learning that honours children’s voices and curiosity. Over the years, she has taken on a range of leadership roles, including Head of Key Stage 1: Pastoral and More Able, Gifted and Talented Coordinator. In these roles, she has successfully led curriculum innovation, teacher mentoring, and strategic initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for all learners.

Ms Lorton holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Early Years and a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Leadership and Management. She is a dedicated lifelong learner, continuously engaging with the latest research in child development and educational best practices.

Her leadership philosophy is grounded in strong relationships, collaboration, and the belief in the limitless potential of every child and educator. She is passionate about building connected, empowered teams and fostering a nurturing school culture where everyone feels valued and supported.

Antonette Naidoo

Head of Primary

Antonette Naidoo brings over 25 years of experience in Primary Education across South Africa, South Korea and the UAE, including 8 years in senior leadership in the UAE. She brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and passion to the Primary Department at Glendale International School Dubai.

Highly qualified and experienced in teaching and learning, curriculum development, and school improvement, Antonette is committed to ensuring that every child is supported to achieve their full potential. She believes in creating a vibrant, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment where students feel valued, confident, and inspired to succeed.

Passionate about developing the whole child, Antonette places curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning at the heart of education. She is dedicated to celebrating student successes, nurturing individual talents, and empowering learners to become confident, independent thinkers who are excited to explore the world around them.

Uzma Akram

Head of Secondary

Ms Uzma is an experienced educational leader whose professional journey has spanned Scotland, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Working across diverse educational systems and cultures has shaped her leadership philosophy and strengthened her belief that outstanding education is built on strong relationships, high expectations and a commitment to continuous growth.

She holds a First-Class Master’s degree with Distinction in Educational Leadership from Middlesex University Dubai and has successfully completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Throughout her career, Ms Uzma has progressed from classroom teacher and Head of Mathematics into senior leadership, leading whole-school improvement across curriculum, assessment, teaching and learning, and school development.

Passionate about leading through change, Ms Uzma is committed to empowering staff, developing future leaders and using evidence-informed practice to improve outcomes for every learner. She believes in creating a culture where both students and staff are encouraged to embrace challenge, reflect, and continually strive for excellence.

Beyond school, Ms Uzma has a deep appreciation for nature and enjoys hiking, an interest that has strengthened her resilience, perseverance and appreciation for embracing challenges. As a Mountain Leader and Duke of Edinburgh Assessor, she also enjoys supporting community initiatives through outdoor education, helping young people develop confidence, independence and a growth mindset.

Dalia Elerasi

Head of Arabic and Islamic

Ms. Dalia brings over 13 years of rich experience in teaching Arabic across the United Arab Emirates. A proud graduate of Al-Azhar University, she combines a strong academic foundation with a natural flair for confident and engaging language instruction.

Passionate about nurturing a love for Arabic, Ms. Dalia inspires her students to appreciate the language not just as a means of communication, but as a vital thread in understanding cultural heritage and national identity. She is dedicated to fostering a positive and dynamic learning environment, where every student feels motivated, valued, and supported. By integrating modern, interactive teaching strategies, Ms. Dalia ensures that her students achieve meaningful, lasting mastery of the language while enjoying the journey of learning.

Maryam Abdullah

Head of Inclusion

Ms Maryam Abdullah is an experienced inclusion leader with a deep commitment to ensuring that every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. She brings extensive experience in special and inclusive education, having led SEND provision, developed personalised support programmes, created alternative curriculum, mentored educators, and strengthened collaboration between schools, families, and external specialists.

Ms Maryam holds a Master’s degree in Special and Inclusive Education and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education, with research focused on how school leadership practices influence teachers’ confidence and the implementation of inclusive strategies for students with autism. She is also a published author, TEDx speaker, and recognised advocate for inclusive education.

Her leadership is grounded in the belief that inclusion is not simply a provision, but a whole-school culture in which every learner belongs. Through evidence-informed practice, strong partnerships, and high expectations, Ms Maryam is dedicated to building an inclusive learning environment where every student is understood, celebrated, and given the opportunity to thrive.