Hollyann Brissett

I am delighted to be continuing my journey at GEMS Metropole as Head of Year 1 for the upcoming academic year, and I am particularly excited to be taking on my own Year 1 class alongside this leadership role.

With eight years of teaching experience across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, my career has taken me from the UK to Qatar and now to Dubai, where I have been teaching for the past three years. These experiences have given me a well-rounded perspective on both British and international education systems, enriching my approach to teaching and leadership.

Throughout my career, I have taken on a range of responsibilities beyond the classroom. I spent three years as Data Lead at a school in Doha, where I worked closely with senior leadership team to analyse whole-school data and implement strategic improvements that supported student progress across the key stages.

At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the belief that children thrive when they feel inspired, valued, and supported. I am passionate about creating a positive and nurturing classroom environment where learning is exciting and engaging, and where every child feels empowered to succeed. I believe that great teaching is not about simply giving instructions, but about sparking curiosity and fostering a genuine love of learning through purposeful and creative experiences.

I am incredibly excited to continue in my role as Head of Year 1 at GEMS Metropole while also taking on my own Year 1 class. I look forward to using my leadership experience and enthusiasm to support both the children and staff, while continuing to build strong relationships with the families and the wider school community.

Outside of school, I enjoy staying active through regular gym sessions, long walks, and making the most of Dubai’s beaches—especially with a good book on my Kindle. I also love to travel and take every opportunity during the holidays to explore new countries and cultures.

I feel privileged to be part of the GEMS Metropole community and look forward to another fantastic year of growth, creativity, and learning with our Year 1 students.