Emma Shanahan

Emma was appointed as the Founding Principal of Aspen Heights British school in July 2017. She has worked in education for almost twenty-five years, starting as a primary school teacher in London, UK. A graduate of the University of Durham, Emma considers herself a lifelong learner, being awarded a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) in 2013 and receiving a MA (ed) (distinction) from Liverpool Hope University in 2016. She has held strategic leadership roles in high performing schools both in the UK and internationally, with significant Middle-East regional experience. The impact of Emma’s leadership has been externally validated with her previous school being graded ‘outstanding’ in every category in the UAE inspection framework in 2015-16. She is experienced in establishing and facilitating processes for continuous evaluation and improvement, exemplified by the successful launch of two brand-new schools, and transitioning an established school to an expanded campus.