Mr Darren Gale
Principal of Horizon International School
Darren is an experienced educator with a degree in Languages and Linguistics.
He began his teaching career in 1999 and later became the Director of Learning and Teaching at GEMS Jumeirah College in 2006. After earning his NPQH qualification, he joined Aldar Academies in Abu Dhabi as the Head of Secondary, eventually becoming the Principal. Darren has successfully led schools in different contexts and curricula, achieving high ratings and accreditation.
He is our Principal at Horizon International School and supports professional development programmes for Middle and Senior Leaders.
Darren's passion lies in creating optimal learning environments for children.
Mr Stephen Quinn
Vice Principal / Head of Primary
Stephen graduated from the University of Manchester (UK) with an Economics BA (Hons) degree. After gaining industry experience, he pursued a BSc (Hons) in Science Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
He taught and held leadership positions in private and state schools in Greater Manchester before transitioning to an international career. He served as a Senior Leader at an Outstanding British school in Dubai and later joined HIS as Vice Principal in 2019.
Stephen completed his NPQH and NPQSL facilitation qualifications, gaining expertise in the 11+ curriculum and the English National Curriculum. He prioritises children, firmly believing in giving every child their time to shine.
Mrs Rebecca Cregan
Assistant Principal / Head of EYFS
Rebecca graduated from the University of Central Birmingham (UK) in 2007 with a BA (Hons) degree in Primary Education and QTS.
With over five years of teaching experience in the UK across various year groups, Rebecca has focused on the Early Years Foundation Stage, where she has dedicated 14 years of her career.
At Horizon International School, Rebecca joined as an FS2 teacher in 2012 and progressed to become a Middle Leader, leading the FS2 Team. In September 2019, she became Assistant Principal, overseeing the Foundation Stage, and completed her NPQSL qualification during her time at HIS.
Rebecca envisions every child in the Foundation Stage reaching their full potential through a balanced approach to learning, play, self-assurance, and positive relationships. She aims to foster happy, confident, well-rounded learners who genuinely love education.
Miss Amanda Buckley
Assistant Principal KS1 Leader / Whole School Inclusion
Amanda holds a BSc (Hons) in Human Sciences from the University of Sussex and a subsequent PGCE in Primary Education, which she completed in 2011 at the University of Manchester. Whilst studying, Amanda completed placements in Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale. In 2015, Amanda completed a NaSENCo Award, which qualifies her to lead the provision of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. In 2021, she completed her National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) while working in Dubai.
Following the completion of her PGCE, Amanda worked as a teacher in Oldham, UK in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 at a school with a significant number of disadvantaged pupils. She remained there for five years and became the school's SENCo, working closely with the pastoral team. This is where Amanda's passion for Inclusive Education and well-being began. In 2016, Amanda moved to Dubai and worked as a Head of Inclusion and Assistant Principal at another British curriculum school, where she worked for three years. Amanda then joined Horizon International School in 2019 as an Assistant Principal responsible for Inclusion, Safeguarding, and Key Stage 1.
Amanda is passionate about inclusive education and believes all children deserve access to a well-planned, suitably challenging curriculum. She also loves working within Key Stage 1, where the teachers work tirelessly to ensure that the lessons are exciting and that children have awe-inspiring hooks into their learning. Amanda believes that, first and foremost, children need to feel happy, safe and comfortable when they walk into their classroom to be empowered to use their mistakes as learning opportunities.
Mr Liam Gilhooley
Assistant Principal KS2 Leader / Learning and Teaching
Liam is a passionate educator who graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with first class honours in Primary Education.
He has taught at Horizon International School since his move to Dubai in 2019 and held a number of leadership positions during his time there. Fostering an environment in which students are inspired to explore, challenge themselves, and develop the skills needed to thrive when faced with the diverse challenges of tomorrow is central to Liam’s identity as an educator.
In his capacity as Assistant Principal, Liam is responsible for ensuring that all students experience the truly outstanding quality of teaching and learning that they deserve. By championing a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, he aims to empower both students and educators in seeing that happen.
Mrs Nicola Peacock
Assistant Principal / Secondary Standards and Outcomes
Nicola holds a BSc in Psychology & Health Science (Hons) from the University of the West of England. She completed her PGCE (English) at the University of Bristol and recently finished an MSc in Child & Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Northampton.
Before teaching, Nicola worked in banking and at the University of Bristol. She taught English and Psychology in Bristol and held a Head of English position. In the UAE, Nicola served in leadership roles in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, focusing on holistic student development.
Nicola believes in equipping students with the skills needed for an evolving world.