ANISA MOTALA
ABU DHABI
Summary
Experienced educational leader with over 20 years in British curriculum schools, committed to fostering nurturing and high-quality learning environments. Expertise in promoting children's wellbeing and learning, leading teams with emotional intelligence and clarity. Recognised for strong communication and collaborative skills, inspiring others in dynamic settings. Dedicated to unlocking children's potential and driving continuous improvement within school communities.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice Principal – Primary, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSI)
International Community Schools
ABU DHABI
08.2023 - Current
- Strategic Leadership & Vision - Led the Primary School, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission, UAE National Agenda priorities and ADEK expectations. Developed and implemented strategic action plans to drive improvement in teaching, learning and student achievement.
- Curriculum & Pedagogical Development - Oversaw curriculum implementation and development, ensuring high-quality delivery across all primary year groups. Supported teachers in embedding innovative teaching strategies and data-driven interventions to enhance student outcomes.
- Behaviour & Well-Being Leadership - Established and maintained positive behaviour culture, ensuring safe, inclusive, nurturing environment for all students. Developed pastoral initiatives to enhance students’ social, emotional, and academic well-being.
- Inclusion & SEN Support - Collaborated with the Inclusion team to ensure high-quality provision for students with additional learning needs, supporting differentiation and personalised learning strategies.
- Assessment & Data-Driven Decision-Making - Monitored and analysed student attainment and progress data, working with teachers to implement targeted interventions and differentiated instruction to close learning gaps.
- SIMS Coordinator - Managed and analysed student performance data for inspections, compliance, and Irtqaa. Used data insights to inform school improvement initiatives and monitor progress against key performance indicators.
- School Self-Evaluation (SEF) & Inspections - Led writing and review of SEF, providing evidence-based reflection on strengths and areas for development. Coordinated ADEK inspection preparation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Staff Leadership & Professional Development - Managed, coached, and mentored primary teachers and middle leaders, providing CPD opportunities and performance appraisals to support professional growth.
- Parental & Community Engagement - Strengthened home-school partnerships by leading parent workshops, facilitating open communication, and addressing parental concerns to enhance student support.
Year 2 Class Teacher, Key Stage 1 Leader
GEMS Al Barsha National School
DUBAI
08.2018 - 07.2023
- Ensured delivery of high-quality teaching and learning experiences for children aged 5-7 years, fostering engagement and development
- Coordinated and led team of Key Stage 1 teachers and support staff to enhance collaborative teaching methods
- Implementing and managing curriculum planning, development, and implementation for Key Stage 1
- Monitoring and assessing student progress in line with school policies and national standards
- Coordinating student assessments and tracking data to inform teaching and learning strategies
- Providing ongoing support and professional development opportunities for Key Stage 1 staff members
- Managed and oversaw day-to-day operations of Key Stage 1, optimising resources, equipment, and student behaviour to create a positive learning environment
- Liaised with parents and carers to provide feedback and support.
- Contributing to school-wide policies, initiatives, and events as a member of the leadership team.
Deputy Headteacher, Year 4 Class Teacher
Seven Skies International School
KOTA DAMANSARA
08.2017 - 07.2018
- Managed diverse responsibilities as Deputy Headteacher, focusing on curriculum development, lesson planning, assessment implementation and academic goal setting.
- Led teachers and staff, supervised their work and supported the delivery of high-quality lessons.
- Developed and implemented school policies and procedures, ensuring staff and students adhered to them to promote a positive school culture.
- Contributing to the school’s strategic planning and working with the Headteacher to improve educational standards and outcomes
- Cultivated leadership, communication and management skills as Deputy Headteacher, motivating staff and collaborating with colleagues to achieve educational objectives in a dynamic environment.
- Established a primary school from inception, entailing key determinations on staffing, classroom placement, procurement of resources and furniture, selection of curriculum, acquisition of reading materials and implementation of assessment practices.
- Overseeing the school’s budget, allocating funds appropriately and managing resources effectively.
- Representing the school at meetings with other educational professionals, parents and stakeholders.
Assistant Headteacher, Year 1 teacher
Waterfoot Primary School
ROSSENDALE, Lancashire
01.2017 - 08.2017
- Strategically led all aspects of the Primary School with particular focus on raising standards in all core subjects, performance management of staff and assessment lead.
- Conducted appraisal meetings that managed team performance and ensured all members met expected standards, contributing to highest quality teaching.
- Effective teaching and learning through data analysis. Organised interventions that ensured the betterment of student outcomes
- Devised and delivered INSET sessions that enhanced whole staff continuous professional development.
- Pioneered, wrote and delivered action plans that improved educators needing support in achieving excellence.
- OFSTED inspection – resulting in Good rating
- Supported educational initiatives during secondment
Assistant Headteacher, English Leader & Computing Leader
Colne Park Primary School
COLNE, Lancashire
02.2009 - 12.2016
- Led development of English and Computing curricula, enhancing instructional quality and student engagement.
- Contributed to whole school initiatives in assessment, teaching & learning, behaviour, and curriculum as Key Stage Two Team Leader/Assistant Headteacher.
- OFSTED and HMI inspections – moved school from Requires Improvement to Good
- Taught EYFS, Year 1, Year 3, Year 3/4, and Year 4, serving as Key Stage 2 Team Leader, overseeing curriculum delivery and student progress.
Year 2 Class Teacher
Mytham Primary School
BOLTON, Lancashire
01.2008 - 02.2009
Year 5 class teacher
English Martyrs' Roman Catholic Primary School
PRESTON, Lancashire
10.2006 - 12.2007
Year 4 class teacher/SENCo/ICT Leader
Reedley Primary School
BRIERFIELD, Lancashire
08.2005 - 10.2006
Year 5 Teacher
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
BLACKBURN, Lancashire
12.2004 - 07.2005
Supply Teacher
Various Teaching Supply Agencies
, Lancashire
09.2004 - 12.2004
Education
Degree - PGCE PRIMARY WITH QTS (SEN SPECIALISM)
St Martins College
LANCASTER, Lancashire01-2004
Degree - BSc (Hons) PSYCHOLOGY
Edge Hill College of Higher Education
ORMSKIRK, Lancashire01-2003
A - Levels - ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE, PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY
Blackburn College
BLACKBURN, Lancashire01-2000
GCSE - ENGLISH LANGUAGE, ENGLISH LITERATURE, MATHS, SCIENCE, GERMAN, FRENCH, BUSINESS STUDIES, RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Darwen Vale High School
BLACKBURN, Lancashire01-1998
Skills
- Strategic planning
- School leadership
- Academic administration
- Academic assessment
- Assessment data analysis
- Performance assessment
- Teacher training
- Parent engagement
REFERENCES
Available upon request
Timeline
Vice Principal – Primary, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSI)
International Community Schools
08.2023 - Current
Year 2 Class Teacher, Key Stage 1 Leader
GEMS Al Barsha National School
08.2018 - 07.2023
Deputy Headteacher, Year 4 Class Teacher
Seven Skies International School
08.2017 - 07.2018
Assistant Headteacher, Year 1 teacher
Waterfoot Primary School
01.2017 - 08.2017
Assistant Headteacher, English Leader & Computing Leader
Colne Park Primary School
02.2009 - 12.2016
Year 2 Class Teacher
Mytham Primary School
01.2008 - 02.2009
Year 5 class teacher
English Martyrs' Roman Catholic Primary School
10.2006 - 12.2007
Year 4 class teacher/SENCo/ICT Leader
Reedley Primary School
08.2005 - 10.2006
Year 5 Teacher
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School
12.2004 - 07.2005
Supply Teacher
Various Teaching Supply Agencies
09.2004 - 12.2004
Degree - PGCE PRIMARY WITH QTS (SEN SPECIALISM)
St Martins College
Degree - BSc (Hons) PSYCHOLOGY
Edge Hill College of Higher Education
A - Levels - ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE, PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY
Blackburn College
GCSE - ENGLISH LANGUAGE, ENGLISH LITERATURE, MATHS, SCIENCE, GERMAN, FRENCH, BUSINESS STUDIES, RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Darwen Vale High School