Leadership Team

As Founding Principal, Sasha has been fully invested in the vision and culture of Victory Heights Primary right from inception. She has been able to help design the building, the curriculum, uniform and ethos. As one of the longest serving Principals in the same school in Dubai, she has an invested passion and genuine care for the school and this is because she is concerned for each and every child. She completed her NPQH in 2006 and has led other leadership programs with the UCL. Sasha is heavily invested in professional development, leadership research and coaching to develop others to be the best that they can be. Throughout her career over the last 29 years, she has been committed to reducing teacher workload and for the community to have a strong sense of happiness. Before Dubai Sasha worked as an Educational leader in Egypt, London and Wales. Sasha believes that schools should question the curriculum in order to make it purposeful and relevant for children and inspiring for teachers to teach. She's a big advocate of the Japanese concept of Ikigai. She is inspired by creating purposeful projects that give children a depth of learning. She was awarded Principal of the Year by Educational Journal Magazine in 2017 and by Schools Compared in the UAE in 2019. Sasha loves being part of a family community school where everyone knows her name.

Her autobiography would be called - Method to The Madness.

Matt Hawley returns as the Headteacher of Victory Heights Primary School, having previously played a pivotal role in the leadership of VHPS from 2016 to 2019 - serving first as Assistant Headteacher and then as Deputy Headteacher - during a crucial stage of the school’s journey towards achieving its Outstanding status. Following his time in Dubai, Matt spent six successful years as a Headteacher in the UK, where he led rapid and sustained improvements across all areas of school life. His leadership was marked by strong outcomes and a clear focus on both academic and holistic development.

Matt began his career as a secondary English teacher in London, progressing to Head of English and later Assistant Headteacher across two schools. He remains deeply passionate about literacy and oracy, recognising them as gateways to success in all aspects of learning. Over the course of his career, he has also led projects across groups of schools, particularly in teacher coaching, pedagogical development, and curriculum design.

Academically, Matt holds a Master’s degree in Education Management from King’s College London, where he excelled in areas such as school improvement and data-driven success. His professional expertise is also shaped by personal experience as a father to a child with complex needs, giving him a strong belief in the importance of inclusive education - a value closely aligned with the ethos of VHPS.

Outside of school, Matt enjoys keeping fit, spending time with his family, and supporting his beloved Leeds United (a lifelong test of patience and resilience!)

Alex joined Victory Heights Primary School in January 2017 and has been an influential member of the senior leadership team for three years, with a focus on driving excellence in Teaching and Learning, as well as leading the school’s Assessment strategy. Alex has recently completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) with a specialism in assessment and is currently pursuing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Alex holds a First-Class Honors degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Northampton, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education (PGCE). His early career in Wales saw him excel as a Key Stage Two teacher, where he played a crucial role in implementing effective assessment practices to elevate student achievement. In 2015, while teaching Year 5, Alex took on the additional role of More Able, Gifted, and Talented (MAGT) Coordinator at a secondary school, where he taught KS3 maths and English. He was also a driving force behind the Welsh ‘Narrowing the Gap’ initiative, working across primary and secondary schools to foster an inclusive and challenging curriculum.

Known for his dedication to curriculum innovation, Alex has been instrumental in designing a curriculum at Victory Heights that not only strengthens core competencies but also embraces the importance of experiential learning.

In his free time, Alex enjoys staying active through various sports and spending quality time with his family.

Jade Harper is an experienced primary educator with a First-Class Honours degree in Primary Education with QTS from Liverpool John Moores University, UK. She is currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), further developing her expertise in strategic school leadership.

Jade began her teaching career in Cardiff, South Wales, where she gained valuable experience in KS2 teaching in Year 5. In 2019, she relocated to Dubai to join Victory Heights Primary School as a Year 1 teacher. Since then, she has taken on a number of significant leadership roles, including Year 2 Teacher, Head of English, Year 3 Teacher, and most recently, Head of Year 3.

Throughout her time at VHPS, Jade has made a substantial impact on curriculum development and teaching excellence. As English Lead, she introduced an innovative phonics scheme and led whole-school reading initiatives designed to raise attainment and foster a love of literature. She has also played a key role in staff professional development, leading CPD sessions, mentoring colleagues, and supporting the school through inspections.

Now as Assistant Headteacher, Jade’s leadership focus is on Teaching and Learning across the school. She is passionate about creating an inclusive and ambitious learning culture where both pupils and staff are inspired to reach their full potential. Her vision is rooted in innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of teaching practice.

Sasha Quinn is an experienced early years educator with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Childhood Studies from Leeds Metropolitan University and a PGCE in Primary Education from Roehampton University, specialising in EYFS and KS1. Sasha began her teaching career in Foundation Stage Two in England before relocating to Dubai in 2017 to join Victory Heights Primary School. Over the past three years, she has led as the Head of Foundation Stage, overseeing both FS1 and FS2 at the school’s Foundation Stage building.

Sasha has also completed the National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL), further strengthening her expertise in early childhood education. With a strong vision for fostering independence in young learners, she has been instrumental in developing a dynamic, play-based curriculum designed to equip children with the essential skills they need to thrive as they transition into Year 1. Her extensive experience and passion for early years education make her a key leader in shaping the foundations for learning for children aged three to five.

Michelle graduated from the University of Lancaster with a BSc(Honors) in Occupational Therapy. Michelle has worked as an Occupational Therapist for just under a decade in the National Health Service and in a Private clinic in Dubai, specialising in paediatrics. During her time as an Occupational Therapist she worked as part of a multi disciplinary team to identify and support children with Autism, Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder and other developmental delays. Michelle later specialised in Sensory Integration and is SI (Sensory Integration certified).

Following school out reach Occupational Therapy support in Victory Heights, Michelle transitioned into the Head of Inclusion role at VHPS. Michelle  has  grown and lead the Outstanding Inclusion provision for the last 10 years with a key focus on  early identification and support. Michelle’s experience and knowledge has been pivotal in advocating and ensuring that personalised and impactful learning is in place for children with additional educational needs.

Mirna Hamie started her career teaching French after graduating as a class teacher from the École Normale Zahlé. While living in Dubai she completed a BA in Arabic literature to start a new chapter in her teaching path, helping students learn Arabic in a modern, creative and purposeful way. Since then she has worked in various prestigious British schools as a teacher, coach and leader. After completing a Masters Degree in Education at Murdoch University Dubai she moved to Abu Dhabi to be an Assistant Head teacher. She is passionate about coaching and helping teachers bring the best out of themselves and their students.

Mirna joined the amazing Victory Heights Primary School Family in February 2020. She is enjoying her different roles as a teacher, language acquisition leader and head of department. She is supporting the school’s vision to develop the different aspects of Arabic teaching and learning by growing mind-sets and drawing attention on diversity and intercultural communication.

Reehan holds a double major in English Literature and Islamic Studies. Her teaching journey began as a class teacher. Reehan has dedicated herself to teaching Islamic Studies, both for Arab and non-Arab students, across various grade levels in primary, middle, and secondary schools in Tennessee, USA. Since 2008, Reehan has continued her mission in Dubai, where she teaches Islamic Studies in prestigious schools.

Her approach to teaching Islamic Studies is to impart it in a unique and modern way, enhancing students' understanding of Islamic culture and values. She is equally enthusiastic about empowering fellow educators to excel in teaching Islam and helping their students thrive. Through innovative and effective strategies, she is committed to fostering excellence in the field of Islamic Studies.