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 Nicola Peacock
Assistant Principal / Secondary Students
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.
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 Anne Clampett
Assistant Principal / KS 2 Leader
Anne completed her teacher training in 2001 at the University of Brighton, qualifying with a BA (Hons) in Upper Primary/Lower Secondary Education. She recently completed an MSc in Educational Leadership and Management through the University of Portsmouth, finishing her studies in September 2022.
After completing her teacher training, Anne worked as a teacher and senior leader in the UK for 15 years in different school settings in Hampshire and Sussex. During this time, she taught a range of primary school ages, however, the majority of her experience has been Key Stage 2-based. Anne has led and managed year groups and different curriculum subjects throughout her career. In 2016, she moved to the UAE and worked in a primary school in Abu Dhabi as an Assistant Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead. She then joined Horizon International School in 2019 as Assistant Principal, responsible for Key Stage 2.
Anne’s main passions are teaching and learning and also teacher development. She believes lifelong learning is essential, as we can further expand our skill sets and discover new passions and interests at any age