Simone Tonkin

Simone Tonkin joins GEMS Metropole Motor City as Deputy Head Teacher of Primary – Teaching and Learning, bringing with her more than 30 years of experience in education, leadership, teacher development, and curriculum innovation across South Africa and the UAE.

Throughout her career, Simone has been deeply committed to ensuring that every child makes meaningful progress through engaging, inclusive, and high-quality learning experiences. She is passionate about creating learning environments  where curiosity, creativity, and confidence thrive, and strongly believes that children learn best through experiential, enquiry-based approaches that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world connections.

Simone has held a range of senior leadership positions within leading international schools and education groups, including GEMS Education and Taaleem Ajyal schools. Her expertise spans teaching and learning, curriculum development, assessment and data analysis, staff coaching and mentoring, and whole-school improvement. She is particularly passionate about empowering teachers through professional learning and coaching, helping educators to grow in confidence and impact so that students can flourish academically and personally.

In addition to her school leadership experience, Simone has worked as a university lecturer in teacher education and is a published co-author of the Cambridge University Press English Matters series. She is currently completing the NPQH Best Practice programme and remains dedicated to continuous professional growth and educational innovation.

Simone is excited to join the GEMS Metropole community and looks forward to working in partnership with students, staff, and families to inspire a love of learning and support every child to achieve their full potential.