Mary Donnelly

Head of Primary at Dubai British School Jumeirah

Speaker

Mary Donnelly is the Founding Head of Primary at Dubai British School Jumeira, now in its third year of operation. With approximately seven years of experience as a Head of School, specialising in new school start-ups, she is passionate about building communities where children and adults feel valued, challenged and able to succeed. Her leadership is grounded in integrity, curiosity and a belief that strong relationships underpin meaningful learning. Mary has a particular interest in self-awareness in the workplace, encouraging educators to reflect on how their behaviours, assumptions and interactions shape students’ experiences. She believes that understanding ourselves is essential to understanding our impact on others. As an educator, she champions ambitious, inclusive learning that develops independence and gives children ownership of their progress. She brings an honest, reflective perspective to leadership, recognising that creating a successful school requires both clear direction and the willingness to keep learning alongside your team.