Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Michelle Thomas, Principal and CEO of GEMS Al Barsha National School, to discuss the school’s vision, academic priorities, and commitment to student success. Michelle Thomas shared insights into how the school fosters a supportive learning environment while preparing students to become confident, future-ready learners.

1. Can you share your journey into education and what inspired you to pursue a leadership role?

I began my career in Australia, where I was born. I trained and taught there in the early years of my profession before moving to the UK, where I went on to become an Executive Headteacher of three high performing schools in London. From there, my journey brought me to the UAE, first as Director of Education at school here in Dubai and now as the proud Principal of GEMS Al Barsha National School (GNS).

Education has always felt like a calling, but leadership was a conscious choice. I realised that if I wanted to shape outcomes beyond my own classroom, to influence culture, expectations, and opportunity for every child,  I needed to step forward.

I have been fortunate to have strong role models throughout my life. It began with my mother, who always told me, “Be whatever you want to be — and never let anyone tell you that you can’t.” That message stayed with me. I was the only girl in my family, with two older brothers who never treated me as fragile- they pushed me, challenged me, and made me competitive. That upbringing built resilience and self belief.

Throughout my career, I have worked alongside exceptional female leaders who modelled courage, clarity, and conviction. I have also had male mentors who championed me from the sidelines, who opened doors, encouraged me to apply for roles I may have hesitated over, and backed me when it mattered. Leadership is never achieved alone.  It is shaped by those who believe in you.

2. What does women’s empowerment mean to you within the context of your school community?

At GNS, women’s empowerment means removing invisible ceilings, particularly for the many Emirati female students we serve. It is about ensuring our girls see leadership not as something distant, but as something fully within their reach.

In our context, empowerment is about voice, visibility, and validation. It means our girls speak confidently in lessons, lead councils and initiatives, pursue ambitious pathways and represent the school and wider community with pride.

For our Emirati students, empowerment includes honouring culture and identity while expanding horizons. It is about preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s future with confidence and capability.

Empowerment is not about competition between genders. It is about equity of opportunity and belief. Every girl should leave our school knowing: My voice matters. My leadership matters.

3. In what ways does your school support the development of confidence and leadership skills among students?

Leadership at GNS is intentional. Through structured student leadership programmes, governor roles, house captains, Emirati leadership initiatives, public speaking opportunities, and cross phase mentoring, students practise leadership regularly.

Within classrooms, we explicitly teach independence, resilience, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to articulate their thinking, debate respectfully, and take responsibility for their learning. Confidence is built through competence, and competence is built through high expectations and support.

4. Are there any initiatives or approaches in place that encourage students to explore a wide range of academic and career pathways?

We place strong emphasis on widening horizons. Our Careers Days, university partnerships, Women in STEM initiatives, and links with industry professionals allow students to see tangible examples of what is possible.

We are particularly mindful of ensuring girls feel confident in traditionally male dominated fields such as engineering, technology, and science. At the same time, we promote leadership in business, entrepreneurship, creative industries, and public service which are all aligned with the ambitions of the UAE.

Our message to our students is simple: do not limit your ambition before the world has had a chance to see it.

5. What experiences have shaped your perspective as a woman in educational leadership?

From an early age, I learned to hold my own voice in conversations. I learned resilience early. Later, working and leading in 3 different countries gave me perspective on different leadership cultures.

There have been moments in my career where I was the youngest leader in the room, the only female at the table, or the only person with my particular background. Those moments teach you to prepare thoroughly, to speak clearly, and to trust your expertise.

At the same time, I have experienced extraordinary support, both from strong female leaders who modelled confidence and from male colleagues who advocated for me and recognised my potential. Those experiences reinforced my belief that inclusive leadership benefits everyone.

6. How do you view the importance of female representation in school leadership roles today?

Representation matters profoundly. Schools are places where identity and aspiration are formed. When girls see women leading with authority, competence, and compassion, it normalises ambition and broadens what they believe is possible.

In the UAE, especially where women are playing a significant role in government, business, innovation and national leadership, school leadership must reflect that reality. Female representation is not symbolic; it actively shapes expectations, confidence and future pathways for our students.

I am proud that GEMS Education actively champions female leaders and ensures strong representation at senior and executive levels. Across our network, women lead schools, shape strategy, and influence system wide improvement. That visible commitment sends a powerful message to our students: leadership is defined by capability and character, not gender.

For my students at GNS, particularly my Emirati students, seeing women in senior roles reinforces a simple but transformative belief — there is no ceiling on what you can achieve.

7. How does your school approach inclusion and gender equity throughout the academic year?

Inclusion is embedded in our systems, not reserved for a calendar event. We monitor attainment, participation, leadership roles, and subject choices to ensure equity. We celebrate International Women’s Day, Emirati Women’s Day, and Women in STEM initiatives, but beyond that, we ensure curriculum representation, balanced leadership opportunities, and active encouragement across all pathways.

Gender equity is sustained through policy, practice, and daily interactions.

8. What message would you like to share with students in recognition of International Women’s Day?

To every student, and particularly to our girls, I would say this:

Be bold in your ambition.
Work hard.
Be kind.
Surround yourself with people who push you forward.

Your education is your foundation. Use it with courage. The world and this country needs your leadership.