Mr Nick Hart
Principal
With 20 years of educational experience, Mr Hart joined Horizon as Principal in summer 2023. A Master in International Educational Leadership with University College London, Mr Hart leads by taking experience of executive leadership in the UK and amplifying it with global educational evidence on what makes great schools.
Mr Hart is passionate about schools being community hubs, believing in the power of lasting community connections through great relationships and high standards. Horizon is more than a school, it is a community.
Mr Hart is a significant contributor to educational discourse, having written two books on educational leadership and speaking regularly at education conferences and lead professional development sessions to support leaders and teachers internationally to develop their practice.
Mr Martin Cole
Deputy Headteacher
Having worked as a teacher within the UK education system since 2012, Mr Cole joined Horizon in 2016. He joined as a class teacher before being promoted to Assistant Headteacher within the Senior Leadership Team where he played an integral role in taking the school to KHDA ‘Outstanding’ status in 2019.
As a trusted leader within the Horizon community, Mr Cole was appointed as Deputy Headteacher in 2022 and has continued in the role since. Whilst at Horizon, he has undertaken Master’s level study in Educational Leadership, focusing in particular on teachers’ professional development.
In his role as Deputy Headteacher, Mr Cole is responsible for whole-school teaching and learning & works alongside the teachers within the school to create the best day-to-day learning experiences for Horizon students from FS1-Year 6.
Mrs Siobhan McHugh
Assistant Headteacher
Siobhan joined Horizon in 2015 as a class teacher, bringing valuable teaching experience from the UK. Since then, they have become a well-known and trusted part of the Horizon community, moving into leadership roles that reflect both expertise and passion for helping every child succeed.
Now overseeing the Inclusion Department, whole-school assessment, and the school’s delivery of the UAE National Agenda and Emirati education, Siobhan is dedicated to making sure all children feel supported and celebrated in their learning. With a particular love of reading and early literacy, she takes great joy in helping children build the foundations of reading, sparking curiosity and confidence that lasts well beyond the classroom.
Having completed the NPQSL, Siobhan has been part of Horizon’s Senior Leadership Team for the past five years. In this time, they have played a key role in leading Key Stage 1, assessment, and curriculum development, always working to ensure that Horizon provides the very best learning experiences for every child, every day.
Mrs Lauren Craig
Assistant Headteacher
With over a decade of experience in Upper Key Stage 2, Mrs Craig has a proven record of teaching and leading Years 5 and 6. She is passionate about the power of relationships and routines, recognising the security they provide for children to thrive both academically and personally.
Mrs Craig has held leadership positions in the UK and, since joining Horizon in 2017, has taken on a range of roles culminating in her appointment to the Senior Leadership Team. As Phase Leader for Years 5 and 6, she drives high standards across Upper Key Stage 2. She also oversees specialist provision in Music, Art, Computing and PE, ensuring children benefit from a rich and well-rounded education. In addition, she leads Horizon’s secondary transition programme, guiding families and pupils as they prepare for the next stage of their education.
Having completed the NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership), Mrs Craig is committed to ensuring every child leaves Horizon confident, well-prepared and ready to succeed in the next stage of their educational journey.
Mr Adam Lake
Assistant Headteacher
Adam joined Horizon in 2017 as a class teacher after completing his teacher training in the UK. Since then, he has become a valued member of the Horizon community, progressing into leadership roles including Head of Gifted and Talented and Head of Mathematics.
He now oversees Years 3 and 4, the school curriculum, and the use of technology. Passionate about Maths and Science, Adam enjoys helping children build strong foundations in Mathematics and develop the confidence to succeed. He is committed to ensuring every child engages with a curriculum that reflects current, real-world topics.
Having completed a Master’s in Education, Adam has been a member of the Senior Leadership Team for the past three years. In this role, he has led assessment strategies, developed school partnerships, and managed resources strategically, always with the aim of providing outstanding learning experiences so that every child can thrive.
Miss Lizzie Harding
Assistant Headteacher
Miss Harding began her teaching career in Leeds, England before moving to Dubai, where she worked in a large international school for two years prior to joining Horizon in 2019. Since then, she has taught across Year 2, Year 5 and Year 6, before moving into leadership as Head of Year 1 and later Head of Year 2. During this time, she also joined the Extended Leadership Team, supporting Teaching and Learning in Arabic and greatly valued being part of the Arabic department.
In 2022, Miss Harding was appointed to the Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Headteacher and Phase Leader for Years 1 and 2. In this role, she works closely with staff and families to drive high standards across the phase while ensuring a positive and supportive environment for all.
Passionate about wellbeing, Miss Harding places the happiness and development of both staff and students at the centre of her leadership, ensuring Horizon remains a place where everyone can thrive.
Mrs Stephanie Nazarian
Assistant Headteacher
Mrs Stephanie Nazarian brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to nurturing the growth and development of young learners. She has been teaching in the UAE for the past 12 years, following her teaching career in her home country of Scotland.
While she has taught across most primary year groups, Mrs Nazarian's true passion lies in Early Years and Key Stage 1 education. She joined Horizon in 2021 as Head of FS2 and soon progressed into the Extended Leadership Team as Head of Early Years. In 2023, she was appointed Assistant Headteacher, continuing her leadership of the Foundation Stage, as well as working closely with the Islamic department and overseeing Wellbeing.
Mrs Nazarian is a passionate advocate for play-based learning and for creating stimulating, nurturing environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, challenge, and a love of learning. Mrs Nazarian believes a truly holistic approach, nurturing both academic progress and emotional wellbeing, is the key to helping every child thrive.
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