Niamh is an experienced educator who graduated from Ireland and began her teaching career there for 1 year. Experienced in teaching in schools with multicultural students and teaching a vast number of EAL students inspired her to move abroad to develop in her teaching career. After spending a year teaching in Ireland, she relocated to the UAE, where she has been teaching in British Curriculum schools for the past seven years.
Niamh joined Al Salam Community School in 2020 as a Year 3 teacher, to then go on and be a Head of Year 3 for 2 years and from there to a Head of lower Key Stage 2. She also serves as an ECT mentor guiding and supporting new teachers in their journey to ensure they develop the confidence, strong practise and passion for life long teaching. Last year, she was appointed as Assistant Head of Years 4 – 6 and leads Mathematics across the primary school.
As an educator, Niamh believes that “Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.” In her spare time, Niamh loves to travel at every opportunity and enjoys reading, continuously seeking inspiration and growth.
Michelle is a passionate and forward-thinking leader who brings over 11 years of experience in British Curriculum education to Al Salam School. Since relocating to Dubai in 2019 after 5 years in London teaching, she has been an integral part of the her previous school since moving here, where she held key leadership responsibilities focused on pastoral care and curriculum innovation as the Assistant Principal. Michelle has also spent five years teaching in well-respected schools in Central London, where she led initiatives in Reading, Mathematics, Continuous Provision, and Pastoral support.
Michelle is committed to making learning unmissable. Her classrooms—and the teams she leads—are energised by a deep commitment to engagement, creativity, and curiosity. She believes in sparking a love of learning by ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and excited to come to school. She is particularly passionate about nurturing the whole child by developing wider life skills through meaningful opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exploration.
A strong advocate for global citizenship, Michelle creates spaces where students learn about cultures and countries beyond the UAE, while ensuring that Emirati heritage is respected, celebrated, and woven into daily school life.
Michelle holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management with Distinction, having conducted her research on how school leaders can best support the achievement of English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners in Dubai. With three years of senior leadership experience in Primary education, she brings both a strategic mindset and an empathetic approach to her role, supporting the wellbeing, personal development, and academic success of every child. Michelle is excited to bring her experience, energy, and high expectations to Al Salam School as Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral), where she will work alongside staff, students, and families to create an environment where every learner thrives.
Chloe Downing is a qualified teacher from the UK, who has taught in England and Dubai.
Chloe initially graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in English Language and Linguistics, before studying for her PGCE at the University of Worcester.
After teaching in England, Chloe moved to Dubai 3 years ago, where she joined Al Salam Community School as a teacher and Head of Year. Since then, Chloe has worked as Head of Key Stage 1 and has most recently been appointed as Assistant Head of Lower Primary and Head of Mathematics.
Reflecting on her career success so far, Chloe believes that the foundation of any successful endeavor lies in teamwork, communication, and collaboration. Her leadership style revolves around the idea that when people work together harmoniously, leveraging each other’s strengths, they can achieve far more than they could individually. This collaborative approach is at the heart of Chloe’s vision for driving success and creating lasting impact.
In her spare time, Chloe enjoys reading, travelling and staying active by running and swimming.
Suzanne Fowles, an experienced educational leader and qualified headteacher, has spent the last 11 years in the UAE passionately leading and shaping primary education.
With extensive leadership experience in both the UAE and UK, Suzanne is dedicated to cultivating a nurturing and dynamic learning environment where every student can succeed. Holding an NPQH, she brings visionary leadership to the primary school while ensuring the highest standards of academic excellence.
She is committed to providing students with the best education possible and supporting them in reaching their full potential. By working closely with teachers and leaders, Suzanne fosters an inclusive culture that values diversity and addresses the unique needs of every child.
As a strong advocate of professional development, Suzanne supports her team in identifying strengths and areas for growth. She encourages collaboration and reflective practice, ensuring teachers are equipped with the latest pedagogical insights and strategies. Alongside her data-driven approach, Suzanne is recognised for cultivating a positive school culture built on transparency, inclusivity, and strong community engagement. Known for her hands-on approach, Suzanne is often in classrooms, engaging with students and supporting teachers and middle leaders. Her open-door policy reflects her commitment to clear communication and the well-being of the whole school community.
Outside of school, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs. She loves exploring the outdoors in the UAE and unwinding with a good book.
Eileen Reilly is from Scotland, graduating in 2016 from the University of the West of Scotland with a Post Graduate Diploma in Primary Education. Her career in education began whilst abroad in Thailand in 2013, teaching English to children aged between 3-12 years old. She then returned to the UK in 2014 to continue her formal professional development and obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Primary Education.
Before moving to Dubai 7 years ago, Ms. Eileen taught FS2 children in a Primary School near Glasgow. Since then, she has continued to grow and contribute to the success of children, including recognition by inspectors for her role in improving learning. In her previous role, she led the learning of over 20 FS classes and their staff.
Knowing the importance of the right provision for students between birth and 5 years old, Ms. Eileen is extremely passionate about Early Years education and is driven to provide the best quality outcomes for the children in her care. She believes teachers are one of the main role models for young children and are responsible for igniting a love of lifelong learning, as well as providing a safe space to flourish socially and emotionally.
Ms. Eileen looks forward to contributing her skills to ensure the success.
ASCS Foundation Stage team is committed to building on the ongoing achievements in the Primary school and deliver on the revised strategy for further student success.