Leigh Deans-Watson is Head of Positive Engagement at RAK Academy in the UAE, where she leads on inclusion, pastoral care and child protection across one of the emirate’s largest international school communities.

She came to education via an earlier career as a Metropolitan Police officer — a background that shapes how she reads risk, safeguarding, and the early signals that a child or colleague is struggling. After holding senior leadership roles in the UK, she brought that experience to the Gulf, where she now leads on whole-school culture and pastoral provision.

Leigh focuses on the alignment of culture, systems and student support, and has contributed to significant school improvement. A quoted voice on wellbeing in the Khaleej Times, she is passionate about practical, relationship-based leadership that helps every member of a school community feel safe, supported and that they belong.