Clair Knowland

Clair Knowland is delighted to be joining GEMS Metropole School as Assistant Headteacher of Teaching and Learning. She brings over two decades of experience in education, including the past nine years within GEMS schools in Dubai, where she has held a range of teaching and senior leadership positions. During this time, she has developed extensive expertise in teaching and learning, curriculum design, assessment, quality assurance, and post-16 education. Most recently, Clair served as Assistant Principal (KS5/Sixth Form) and BTEC Quality Nominee at GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, leading on Sixth Form standards, curriculum pathways, assessment strategy, reporting, and higher education progression.

Throughout her career, Clair has been passionate about driving high-quality classroom practice through clear expectations, robust quality assurance, and evidence-informed improvement strategies. She has extensive experience leading curriculum and assessment across the upper school, particularly from Year 10 to Year 12, ensuring that students are supported through coherent learning pathways, high-quality teaching, and targeted intervention. Alongside her academic leadership, she brings valuable pastoral experience, having led systems that promote student wellbeing, guidance, safeguarding, and personal development. She firmly believes that students achieve their best when they are both challenged and supported.

Clair is excited to begin her role at GEMS Metropole School and to contribute to the continued development of teaching and learning across the school. She looks forward to working collaboratively with staff, students, and families to ensure that every learner benefits from ambitious, engaging, and inclusive teaching, and that the school's curriculum and assessment practices enable all students to thrive and achieve their full potential.