Improving outcomes for multilingual learners

With over 20 years’ experience in consultative sales and training, Jenny brings extensive expertise to her role as Director of Sales (UK Schools and International) at FlashAcademy®. Jenny is instrumental in shaping strategy, driving record growth and supporting schools to achieve stronger EAL and ELL outcomes through effective use of digital learning tools.

Niamh is the corporate head of multilingualism and literacy at GEMS Education, leading flagship frameworks such as Read Like a GEM and GEMS of the World that shape how students learn to read, think and communicate across languages. With over 25 years of international experience, she drives strategic policy, professional development and quality assurance across 47 schools. Her background in EAL, multilingual learning and system leadership shapes her mission to ensure every learner can access knowledge, express ideas and thrive as a confident reader.

Alicia is a BACP-accredited therapist, parenting expert and keynote speaker known for her commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. She provides evidence-based advice to parents, teachers and caregivers, helping them take a proactive role in supporting the young people in their care. Alicia founded The Wellbeing Hub, an award-winning digital platform offering a whole-school preventative approach to mental health, now supporting over 300 schools worldwide. Her work continues to shape national conversations around child and adolescent wellbeing, making her a trusted voice in the field.

Lusine is a success manager for international schools and UK trusts at FlashAcademy, bringing a unique blend of legal expertise and a lifelong passion for languages. Fluent in English, Armenian, Russian and French, and currently learning Lithuanian, she understands the challenges faced by both learners and educators in multilingual environments. She’s committed to helping schools and students overcome EAL barriers and believes multilingualism broadens learners’ opportunities and builds their confidence.

Jemma is an experienced international educator, dedicated to improving outcomes for multilingual learners. Having grown up in a multilingual environment and now leading and teaching within one, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her role. Jemma has worked across a range of international contexts in UK, Belgium, Switzerland and the UAE, focusing on curriculum design particularly in the Early Years and Key Stage 1. Her current work explores the integration of Arabic language within the Early Years curriculum to enhance vocabulary acquisition and strengthen connections between home and school languages. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments where all pupils’ linguistic and cultural identities are recognised and celebrated.

As an accomplished educational leader with over two decades in international education, Joanna is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that celebrate linguistic diversity. Her expertise in English Language Learning has strengthened her belief that multilingualism is a powerful strength to be celebrated and leveraged. She is committed to fostering collaborative communities where multilingual excellence thrives across the Middle East and beyond.

Louise Dawson, Founder and CEO of the Louise Dawson Training and Management Centre, is a leading advocate for inclusion and multilingual education across the Middle East. She’ll be joining our panel discussion, A whole-school approach: Identity, belonging and achievement.