Judges

Barry Cooper

Barry has been teaching since 2001 and a senior leader since 2008 in British boarding schools Espom College and Loretto School, as well as International Schools Wellington College Shanghai and Brighton College Dubai. He is currently the founding Principal of The Global College in Madrid, a forward thinking IB Diploma school preparing young men and women for an uncertain world. He believes schools must always be a collection of relationships and that the beauty of teaching is in the opportunity to change the world for someone every day. He still teaches IB Diploma History, writes online, for newspapers, and magazines regularly and lately has been dragged (after 30 years) back into tabletop wargaming by his eldest son.

Brynn Cooper

Brynn is the International Director at High Performance Learning and is based in the Middle East, working with schools in the Asia region. Brynn worked across the GEMS Education network, firstly as a HPL Global Lead Teacher before moving into senior leadership and guiding two schools to World Class status. Brynn's expertise lie in the systematic development of learning skills and utilising education technologies to enhance teaching practice.

Dr. Catherine O'Farrell

Dr. Catherine O'Farrell is one of the founders of Incluzun.com, an organisation supporting people of determination in a holistic way across the MENA region. Catherine has been working in education and inclusion for almost 20 years, she has degrees in Education, Psychology and a masters in Engineering. She is passionate about developing opportunities for children with individual needs. She is an award winning, international school inspector, has been a Group Head for some of the region's largest educational providers and has worked with international and national committees from the Global Sustainability Network to the Ministry of Education here in the UAE to push for a more sustainable and inclusive world. Catherine has spoken at UNESCO, representing the Committee for Inclusive Education in the Gulf, she is a regular media contributor and conference speaker.

Deniece Wheeler

Deniece has been living in the UAE working with the international education sector since 2008, consulting on behalf of education service providers across: education publishing; special educational needs provision; teacher recruitment and teacher training. Deniece is currently serving as Global Development Director at the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) supporting their international outreach and engagement of school members. She holds an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching and a CIM Professional Diploma in Marketing. Deniece is passionate about individual and organisational wellbeing, is an accredited coach with the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) and a registered yoga & meditation teacher through the Yoga Alliance.

Debra Forsyth

Debra Forsyth, a trailblazer in international education for over three decades, began her journey teaching Chemistry in London before embarking on a transformative journey around the globe. Her pivotal move to the emergent city of Abu Dhabi in 1987 sparked a passion for international education that led to leadership and advisory roles in Muscat, Damascus, Vienna, Sharjah and Dubai. Debra's expertise spans diverse educational systems, curricula and establishments, culminating in her tenure as Principal of the prestigious Latifa School for Girls in Dubai. Recognized for her outstanding contributions to Emirati education, Debra was honored with a UAE Golden Visa in 2021.

Debra's influence extends beyond individual institutions; she has committed herself to the wider development of education across the region through her work with BSME. She was instrumental in establishing BSME's Accreditation System, serving as a BSO Accreditor and conducting numerous regional inspections. After four years on the BSME Executive Committee and two as a Director, Debra assumed her current role as CEO and Director of BSME in 2022, cementing her status as a visionary leader shaping the future of education in the Middle East.

Dr. Helen Wright

Dr Helen Wright is a highly respected international education advisor and leadership coach whose career spans over three decades and encompasses headship roles in the UK and Australia, global consultancy, and strategic influence across multiple continents. With a distinguished background in school leadership - including 13 years as Head of three top independent schools in the UK and Australia - she has served in senior governance positions such as Vice-Chair of the UK Independent Schools Council and President of the Girls' Schools Association. University of Oxford-educated, with a doctorate from the University of Exeter in educational leadership, Dr Wright brings to her work deep intellectual insight, clarity of vision, and a passion for impactful educational transformation. Since 2014, she has cultivated a wide-reaching portfolio career, supporting schools, boards, and leaders internationally to think boldly and act with purpose. Through her consultancy, Global Thought Leadership Ltd, and her associate role with LSC Education, she collaborates with educational institutions from the UK to China, India to the Netherlands, and significantly across the Gulf region.

Dr Wright's involvement in education in the UAE and the wider Middle East is substantial. A regular chair and speaker at the GESS Education Awards and GESS Saudi Arabia, she champions values-led leadership, inclusive education, and global competence. Her advisory work with innovative organisations, such as Light Up Learning, in Scotland, reflects her commitment to widening educational access and mentoring young people to achieve their full potential. She coaches senior executives, serves on several international education boards, and contributes regularly to publications and events that shape the future of global education. As a published author and frequent keynote speaker, she is known for her authentic, strategic, and future-focused voice - one that consistently uplifts others while demanding high standards of integrity, courage, and vision. As a judge, she brings deep professional insight, cultural sensitivity, and a keen eye for excellence and innovation.

Leisa Grace Wilson

With her extensive experience spanning over two decades, Leisa Grace is a trailblazer and thought leader in the educational landscape of the Middle East. She has held various roles, from being an inspiring teacher to a Head of Department, a trusted Education Advisor, and a transformative School Leader. Her journey has seen her contribute to the education sectors in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East. 

Her passion for education transcends the boundaries of the classroom and the school. As an accomplished speaker and writer, Leisa disseminates her innovative ideas and educational philosophies to a wide audience, inspiring educators and policymakers alike. Her insights have shaped discussions around teaching and learning and school leadership, reflecting her deep understanding of the unique dynamics and cultural nuances of education in the Middle East. 

Leisa is the visionary behind the 'Teach Middle East Podcast,' a platform that encapsulates her commitment to fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and spotlighting success stories in the region. She is also the founder of the 'Education Roundup Middle East,' a weekly newsletter that serves as an invaluable resource for educators, parents, and stakeholders. The newsletter curates the latest news, trends, and insights pertinent to the Middle Eastern education scenario.

With her relentless dedication and drive to elevate education in the Middle East, Leisa Grace continues to shape the future of learning, affirming her position as a leading light in the field.

Louise Dawson

Louise Dawson is a business owner based in the UAE, making waves in education and school development. With a wealth of experience across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Louise leads a consultancy that empowers schools with leadership strategies, as well as a child skills training center that sets young minds back on track. Passionate about neuro-affirming, social models of education, she transforms schools across the Middle East. As an educator, trainer, and advocate for inclusion, Louise works with top organizations like Government, TES, IOE UCL and nasen to champion diversity, while inspiring schools, families, and communities to build a more inclusive future for all children.

Nalini Cook

Passionate about the power of education and the impact it has on the world, Nalini is UAE Lead for WomenEd and has worked with international schools and educators around the world for almost 15 years notably with ISC Research and now at BSME, British Schools in the  Middle East.

Dedicated to levelling the playing field for women in education, Nalini hosts regular Middle East networking events for women in education to meet, share expertise and support their pursuit of education leadership. With a strong commitment to helping others succeed, Nalini is a valuable resource for anyone looking to advance their network, career or operations in the region.

Russell Cailey

Russell Cailey is an award-winning education strategist best known for his work with the world's first nomadic high school, and helping steer its place-based curriculum to the 2023 PIEoneer Award for "Best Progressive Global Curriculum Delivery." Named a Top 100 Global Visionary in Education, he couples deep field experience with sharp futures thinking to design learning models that marry real-world immersion with academic rigor. His thought leadership has featured on TEDx ("Beyond Classrooms"), CNN Brazil, UNESCO briefs, and stages such as the World Education Summit, GESS, EdCrunch, and the Dubai Future Forum.

As CEO and founder of Dubai-based Elham Studio, Russell now advises governments, school groups, and NGOs on curriculum innovation, AI-powered assessment, and educator upskilling. His portfolio ranges from reef-conservation projects with Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to the Dalton School in Hong Kong and multiple education groups across Dubai. Co-founder of Japan's invitation-only Hakuba Forum and a recipient of recognition from the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, he is sought after for his ability to blend visionary thinking with pragmatic execution, helping systems worldwide reimagine K-12 learning for a rapidly changing future.

Sahreen Siddiqui

With decades of leadership in education, including her tenure as Director of WEMBLEY MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST and Executive Headteacher of East Lane Primary School in London, Sahreen brings a tireless commitment to improving children's lives through education.

A Lead Ofsted Inspector with a track record of rapid school transformation, Sahreen is known for her work championing curriculum enrichment and forging partnerships that drive inclusive progress for all students. She holds an MBA, is a qualified Executive Coach, and is especially passionate about supporting women in leadership and embedding diversity into every layer of school life. Experience that makes her a valuable addition to our awards judging panel.