Welcome Messages
Message from the Deputy CEO
Welcome to the TES family. Since 1980, when Gulf English School (GES) was incorporated, year after year, I see GES is growing beyond expectations, not just in breadth but also in depth. The key to our continued success is adherence to our core values which have remained intact since the beginning. We are excited to celebrate our 44th year Anniversary in 2024 and we will continue our successful journey for more and more years to come.
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We are passionate about education and are extremely committed to supporting and actively promoting all of the pillars of Kuwait’s National Vision through the diversity of our businesses. We promote a sense of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) throughout all of our establishments.
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GES School is vibrant and welcoming international school providing a first-class education that will enable all of our pupils to thrive in today’s dynamic global environment. GES lies at the heart of its local community and we appreciate the ongoing role we play in community integration and development.
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Our school is dedicated to improving the educational attainment and life chances of all our pupils regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion or ability. Our core purpose is to ensure that every pupil gains as much from the time spent at a GES as they can. This is based on our fundamental belief that all learners can, need and want to achieve.
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While we are academically rigorous, we believe success at school is much more than mastery of the year’s academic work. We are committed to ensuring that all of our pupils develop to their full potential as young people.
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I thank my dedicated staff, our business partners and all our clients for achieving this milestone. GES stands proud and tall because of you. With your continued support, trust and loyalty, there can only be fruitful days ahead.
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We wish you a long and successful association with TES family and look forward to your valuable contribution towards fulfillment of the organizations Vision and Mission.
Message from the School Academic Director
Mr Israr Shah
I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the new School Academic Director at Gulf English School, and I am very excited to get to know all our pupils, parents, carers and staff.
I hold a degree from the University of Manchester, and I have been a teacher, senior leader across a range of settings in the United Kingdom including Headteacher in an international school in the Kingdom of Bahrain.I am acutely aware of the responsibility that my staff and I have in ensuring that the highest standard of teaching and learning is achieved so that our pupils leave GES with the best possible outcomes and start in life.
I believe in the importance of evidence based education and at GES we are currently implementing the Rosenshine principles in our Primary maths curriculum and at secondary Carol Dweck's Growth mindset and the Neuroscience of learning because we believe at GES every child can achieve.
I will ensure that every child in our school has a breadth of opportunities to provide them with the knowledge and experiences to achieve their very best in life in school and beyond.
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As key educators in your child’s life, I feel that it is important that you have a voice and that, as a school, we are approachable and allocate time to listen to your concerns, worries or thoughts about the school. Soon I will be inviting parents in for an informal coffee morning. This will be an opportunity to meet other parents/carers, and chat with me.
I am committed to the success of the school and will strive to ensure all pupils receive the outstanding education they deserve. We have made some excellent appointments this year at senior leadership level as well as teaching staff. I am determined that the school will build on its excellent reputation and continue to flourish and maintain its position at the heart of our community.
Yours faithfully
Mr Israr Shah
School Academic Director​​​​
Our Mission Statement
Gulf English School is committed to providing the highest standards of British Education within an Arabic culture in a safe, caring and happy international school community.
Our Vision
For our students to achieve and enable them to become lifelong learners and leaders that contribute to a global community.​​​​​​
Our Values
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Leadership​​​​
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Community Service
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Excellence
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Respect
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Kindness
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Determination
Senior Leadership Team
Mr Israr Shah
School Academic Director
Mr John McGrath
Deputy Academic Director & Head of Secondary
Ms Stacey Myers
Head of Primary
Ms Azmat Ahmed
Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning
Mr Paul Luijting
Deputy Head of Secondary - Pastoral
Mr Hamaad Shah
Deputy Head of Secondary - Academic
Ms Layla Smyth
Deputy Head of Key Stages 2
Mr John McGrath
Deputy Academic Director & Head of Secondary
Hello, my name is John McGrath. I have been working in GES since 2021
After completing my BA at UCRYSJ and then my Initial Teacher Training at Newcastle University, I began my career as a History and Geography teacher in 1994. In 2018, having spent 24 years as a teacher and school leader in a variety of different Secondary Schools in the North of England, I decided to move to Kuwait and have spent the last three year working as a Vice-Principal in an American School in the city before joining GES.
I believe that being a teacher is not just a job but also a privilege. Being able to be part of a child’s progression each day and seeing them grow to become young adults ready to explore and succeed in the world brings as much joy and satisfaction now as it has always.
I look forward to meeting you all as I continue to be part of the GES family
Ms Stacey Myers
Welcome to the Gulf English School’s Primary Department, a vibrant learning community where every child, staff member and parent is valued and welcomed.
As the Head Teacher, I am committed to creating a nurturing atmosphere where children thrive and develop the skills to become active, caring, productive and responsible members of society. We foster a love for learning and encourage lively and inquisitive minds that will last a lifetime.
Head of Primary
At our school, each child is encouraged to reach their full potential, recognising that they are unique individuals with valuable contributions to make. We provide an exciting, broad and challenging learning experience that sparks their curiosity and supports their growth.
Our dedicated and experienced staff members are committed to providing an enjoyable learning environment within a safe and stable setting. They work tirelessly to inspire and support the students throughout their educational journey.
We believe in the importance of fostering strong partnerships between the school and parents. We actively promote confidence and engagement, recognising the vital role parents play in their children's learning. Together, we work towards the shared goal of supporting and nurturing the development of each child.
At Gulf English School, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality education that empowers our students to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens. We invite you to join our community and be part of the exciting journey of learning and growth at our school.
Ms Azmat Ahmed
It is an absolute honour to serve as Deputy Head in charge of Teaching and Learning at GES. I am deeply passionate about creating an environment where both students and teachers can truly thrive and flourish. My commitment is to ensure that evidence-based practices guide everything we do, fostering a culture of growth, excellence, and innovation. Together, we are not just shaping students’ futures; we are nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, and I am thrilled to be part of this journey.
Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning
Mr Paul Luijting
Deputy Head of Secondary - Pastoral
My name is Mr Paul Luijting and as many of you know I'm from the Netherlands. I am currently assisting Mr John as Deputy Head with a focus on Pastoral in addition to my position as Business Teacher.
After my education in mechanical engineering and business management, I started my own company and that is how I came into contact with Kuwait. After obtaining the necessary papers, I have chosen to enthuse the youth, our future, for entrepreneurship as a Business Teacher. Making progress together as a Team gives me satisfaction.
I like to contribute to a safe and trusted learning environment, where the students are central and we all take that extra step every day to achieve our goals together as a Team. One Team, One Task. #WeAreGES
Having qualified with a BSc (Hons) Mathematics and then a PGCE, I ventured out to Kuwait in 2016 as a Mathematics Teacher. I have been at Gulf English School since 2019; first as Head of Mathematics, and now as the Deputy Head of Secondary to Mr McGrath - tasked with developing academia at GES.
Mr Hamaad Shah
Deputy Head of Secondary - Academic
Ms Layla Smyth
Hello, my name is Ms Layla Smyth. I am one of the Deputy Heads of Primary and the Head of Key Stage 2 which consists of Year 3, 4, 5 and 6.
After completing my BA in Development Studies at Middlesex University in North London, I started my PGCE in Primary Education at Nottingham Trent University in 2014 and qualified as a Primary school teacher. I worked in Nottingham city in several schools as a class teacher. I have gained experience teaching in Year 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Deputy Head of KS2
I arrived in Kuwait in 2019 and started working in GES. I was appointed Year Leader in 2020 where I was able to support students, teachers and parents. In 2021, I was appointed Deputy Headteacher and Head of Key Stage 2. In Key Stage 2, the teaching staff and I have high standards of teaching and learning. We ensure the British National Curriculum is fully covered in all subjects. Making sure the students are ready to move into Secondary School with a wealth of knowledge, confidence and resilience.
Ms Ruhi Prasher
Deputy Head of EYFS & Key stage 1, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
My name is Ms Ruhi Prashar and I am the Deputy Head of EYFS and KS1. I have worked at GES for 10 years and have enjoyed every minute.
Our students are joyful, respectful and an absolute pleasure to be around. While they are with us in the EYFS and KS1 department, they receive a well rounded and balanced education that gives them the skills and academic ability to move on to KS2.
Here in the EYFS and KS1 department, we are happy to boast a fantastic staff of professional and well experienced educators. Our teachers go above and beyond for the children in their class and they cater to the needs of every single child. The result is that our students leave our department feeling happy and with a love of school and learning. They leave us with a great sense of pride and security within their own abilities and are able to continue their school journey with confidence.