Meet our leadership team

Wayne Howsen has served as a school principal for over 27 years, with his career spanning both the UK and the UAE. He leads a busy school community that values simplicity and clarity of purpose. Ask anyone who has spent even a minute on campus what truly matters, and they’ll say -  “safe, happy and learning” - three words that define the school's core ethos. Spend five minutes, and they’ll begin to speak of “amazing learning,” a reflection of the school’s commitment to excellence in education.

Kylie Cleworth is the Head of Primary at The Aquila School. Originally from South Wales, she began her teaching career in the UK before moving to the UAE in 2011. Since then, she has held a number of leadership roles, with a particular passion for Early Years education. Kylie joined The Aquila School in 2020 and has played a key role in shaping its development from the very beginning. She is committed to building strong relationships and fostering environments where every child feels valued and inspired. Her approach focuses on child-led learning, collaboration and giving pupils a voice. Leading Aquila’s growing primary community is a privilege she values deeply, and she is proud to be part of a school where children love learning and feel empowered every day.

Claire has over 30 years of teaching experience, she began her career in London after completing a BEd (Hons) and went on to train as a SENCo at the Institute of Education, University of London. She spent 12 years teaching and leading in schools in Harrow before moving to the UAE 20 years ago, where she has continued her commitment to inclusive education as Head of Inclusion. She completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) in 2018 and currently serves as Deputy Safeguarding Lead in addition to my head of inclusion responsibilities. Claire is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where every pupil is supported and valued. Outside of school, she enjoys travel, photography, and is a proud mother of two grown-up children.

As a multilingual third culture individual, Yasmine brings over 16 years of teaching and leadership experience in Dubai across British, American and IB curricula. In her role as Head of Secondary, she is recognised for visible leadership, relentless energy and a balanced approach rooted in fairness and kindness. Passionate about experiential, student-led learning, Yasmine is dedicated to creating spaces where every young person feels confident and heard. They believe in strong partnerships with parents, working together to support online safety, study skills and the responsible use of AI - always with a focus on empowering students to thrive in their future pathways.

Dr. Mahmoud Khalil is the Head of MOE (Ministry of Education) Subjects at The Aquila School, overseeing Arabic, Islamic, and Social Studies across all phases. With over 25 years of experience in education, he has served as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and senior leader. Dr. Khalil holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Curriculum Development and is dedicated to fostering excellence in teaching and learning while promoting values, culture, and heritage. His leadership ensures high standards, innovation, and meaningful learning experiences for every pupil.

Pauline has over 22 years’ experience supporting the wellbeing of young people. She began her career in Edinburgh, later worked in the South of England, and moved to Dubai six years ago. Pauline has helped shape Child Protection Guidelines for local councils and holds a PGCE in Education Support (Pastoral), along with advanced safeguarding training. She believes the best outcomes arise when schools and families work together in trust and partnership. Alongside her safeguarding role, Pauline enjoys teaching English and History.