News and events

From JESS student to Olympian!

Sean’s journey is shaped by passion, perseverance, and the teachers who went the extra mile. He recalls the teachers who stayed late, gave their time, and made learning something to enjoy, shaping a journey that led all the way to the Olympics.

So many memories, from sewing felt toys to participating in school productions, gymnastics and choir, Moira’s JESS story is filled with moments that stayed with her long after she left.

For her, JESS was the place to try, explore, and discover what she loved – shaping a path that led to a 30-year career in teaching.

Through years as both a parent and an active member of the JESS Parent Group for many years, Tricia experienced the power of connection, collaboration and shared purpose that makes JESS so special.

From starting at JESS at just four years old to now watching his own children begin their journey here, Calum’s story is a true full-circle moment.

What began as childhood friendships, school traditions, and unforgettable memories has grown into a lifelong connection.

It’s the people who make JESS what it is.

For Marlene, Asmaa, and Azeez, a combined 60 years at JESS tells a story of dedication, support, and a place that has always felt like family.

From student to teacher – a full-circle journey shaped by the moments that matter most.

For Emily, JESS was where she found her confidence, her voice, and a love for learning that stayed with her long after she left. Now, she’s back, helping her own students create memories of their own.

A year of celebration. A community that made it matter.

As our golden chapter closes, the story continues, carried forward by every student who follows.

Thank you for being part of an extraordinary 50th year.

Flying to school? Learning on the moon? No one knows exactly what the future holds, but at JESS, we know how we’ll face it.

With open minds, open hearts, and the same spirit that’s carried us for 50 years.

Built together. Evolving with intent.

From the vision behind the Arabian Ranches campus to the spaces shaping learning today, every chapter of JESS continues to build on what came before.

From FS1 beginnings to lifelong friendships, every JESS journey is shaped by moments that stay with you.

It’s the traditions, the people, and the shared experiences that turn a school into a second home.

Every story has a beginning.
For this week’s 50 Face episode, we return to where it all started – with Rita Biro, JESS’s first Headteacher.

Rita helped shape not just a school, but a community built on care, purpose and belief in every child. A legacy that continues to flourish today.

For five decades, JESS teachers have shaped lives far beyond the classroom, inspiring students to lead, create, compete, perform and make a difference in the world.

This episode celebrates the lasting impact of a JESS education.

At JESS, learning has always stretched far past lessons and timetables.

From trips and performances to sport, service and adventure, these are the moments that build confidence, character and memories that last.

For 50 years, JESS has encouraged students to ask questions, embrace differences, show kindness and strive for excellence.

This episode reflects on the values that remain woven through school life – then, now and always.

From arriving in 1999 to leading JESS through growth, innovation, and the founding of Arabian Ranches School, Rob Stokoe helped define what JESS stands for today.

Recognised with an OBE for services to education, his story is one of vision, belief, and community – and a reminder that schools are built on people, not just places.

JESS has been built by people who believe in its vision.

From our founding families to today’s dedicated teachers, parents, students and alumni, this episode celebrates the community that makes JESS so special.

Follow our mini docuseries each day as we count down to the end of the academic year.

In 1975, JESS opened in a small apartment near Deira Clock Tower with just 17 students and two teachers.

Fifty years later, we look back at the humble beginnings of a school built on vision, generosity and community.

Follow our mini docuseries each day as we count down to the end of the academic year.

From student to staff, Kareem’s JESS journey has come full circle.

Sixteen years on, what stands out isn’t just the growth or ambition – it’s the people. The encouragement to lead, the confidence to try, and the sense of belonging that stays with you long after you leave.

A place where people show up for each other. Always.

What makes JESS truly special?
As Chairman of the board and a JESS parent, Stuart Walker has seen it firsthand: a non-selective, not-for-profit school driven by purpose, integrity, and a commitment to bringing out the very best in every child.

Charlotte’s JESS journey has been shaped by a community that shows up on the sidelines, in the classroom, and in every moment that matters.

From forming lifelong friendships to captaining the first JESS rugby team to win a Rosslyn Park title, her story is a powerful reflection of what JESS stands for: encouragement, opportunity, and a belief in every student.

When Elsa joined JESS in year 7, she found more than just a school.

Shaped by a community that challenges and supports in equal measure, she’s now helping lead the Period Empowerment Project – tackling period poverty and expanding access to education worldwide.

18 years. Countless memories. One very special place.

For Rukhsana, JESS has been more than a school – it’s been a constant through every chapter of life.

The word she chooses to describe it? Inspiring.

For Paula Stewart, JESS isn’t just where her sons have grown up, it’s where friendships were formed, traditions were shared and connections have lasted.

An integral member of the Arabian Ranches JPG, Paula reflects on International Days, Spring Fairs and everyday moments that have shaped her family’s journey. To her, JESS has always felt like family – a genuine partnership spanning almost two decades.

Graham Black has been part of the JESS family since 2008. From watching his daughter graduate after starting in FS1, to being supported through life’s biggest moments, JESS has shaped him as a teacher, a parent and a person.

It’s in the trips taken, the challenges embraced, the pride our students carry, and the people who always go the extra mile. Over 18 years on, Graham’s JESS journey is a reminder that the most powerful lessons so often happen beyond the classroom.

Leadership, belonging, and the moments that matter.
As secondary Head Girl and Head Boy, Habiba and Mitchell look back on what has shaped them at JESS, from school spirit and teamwork to inspiring teachers and friendships that last.

One school. Many voices. An inspiring, unbreakable community.

From Oxfordshire to Dubai, and even an audience with the Prime Minister of India.

Jon Gill arrived at JESS in 1980 as one of the school’s first male teachers, seeking a new challenge – and left with memories that shaped a lifetime.

42 years on, stepping back onto campus during our 50th year feels just as wonderful.

Seventeen years, countless moments, and a bond that goes far beyond work. Michael shares why JESS is more than just a workplace, it’s family.

From supporting events behind the scenes to feeling deeply cared for during life’s most challenging moments, JESS has been there every step of the way. So much so, he even named his son Jess.

As Chair of the JESS Jumeirah Parents’ Group, Mirna has seen firsthand how our community comes alive when families and school come together.

Celebrating the warmth, partnership and heart that make JESS feel like a little village in the middle of Dubai, Mirna shares how nine years of being a JESS parent have shaped her family’s journey.

This year we welcomed back former director, Mark Steed, who returned to campus for our 50th anniversary exhibition in November, and he shared his thoughts on what makes our community so special.

From shaping our early IB years to watching our students grow into true global citizens, his message is clear: JESS continues to thrive because of its people, describing JESS as “simply the best.”

From deputy head at Jumeirah to leading Arabian Ranches Primary, Jose Diez shares how JESS has evolved and how the people have remained its constant strength.

His 10‑year journey captures the collaboration, traditions and everyday moments that continue to shape the school from the inside out.

From nursery classmates to head students of JESS Jumeirah in our 50th year – Soul, Katinka, Ayan and Ariella reflect on the friendships, favourite moments and big dreams that make our school such a special place.

A wonderful snapshot of what it means to grow up at JESS.

Becky and Steve Gibson have been part of JESS for almost 20 years, inspiring students, embracing every adventure, and raising two proud JESS boys of their own.

Their journey captures everything we celebrate in our 50th year: passion, purpose and a place that becomes family.

Carolyn Belsey-Morton joined JESS in 1979 as Head of Music, laying the foundation for what has since become a thriving performing arts department.

Arriving in Dubai when both the city and the school were works in progress, Carolyn recalls a pioneering spirit, a close-knit team, and traditions that shaped JESS’s ethos: children come first. Decades later, that same inspiration lives on.

From arriving in Dubai as newlyweds to watching their own children grow up at JESS, Andy and Beth have spent more than a decade immersed in the moments that make this school special – in classrooms, on sports fields, in rehearsal rooms, on international adventures and so much more.

Here’s their JESS story.

In 1975, a 26‑year‑old architect helped turn a remote patch of desert into what would become JESS.

Today, Brian Johnson reflects on designing our very first school building in Jumeirah and the vision that sparked 50 years of growth and innovation. His story highlights how a bold vision and child‑centred, thoughtful design laid the foundations for the JESS we know today.

Katie reflects on a childhood at JESS filled with laughter and culture. Her sister, Sarah, was among the school’s very first cohort in 1975, and together they experienced an education that thrived on warmth and global friendships.

From diving for bricks in pyjamas to meeting Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on a school trip to India, Katie’s memories spotlight the teachers and moments that made a lasting mark.

Having spent nearly 30 years of combined service supporting the growth and direction of JESS, former Board Members Marco Caporilli and Robin Padgett reflect on what drew them to take on this volunteer role, and the joy of serving a not‑for‑profit school.

Across countless discussions and decisions, it always came back to one question: Is this right for the student?

“I hope our students leave Jess with more than academic success. To know that character counts, kindness matters, and true success is found in giving your best and supporting others.”

For Stephen Green, being Secondary Headteacher at JESS is more than a role, it’s a privilege. In this week’s 50 Faces of JESS episode, he reflects on the power of belonging, the joy of learning, and the culture of care that defines our school.

Having joined the JESS family in 1997, Alison Jaap is JESS’s longest-serving current teacher with 28 years of incredible memories. From assemblies and dress-up days to sports galas and lifelong friendships, Alison has seen the school grow while staying true to its heart: a place where everyone works hard and has fun doing it.

Rachel joined JESS in 2008 as a management accountant and left in 2021 as Head of Finance and Property. Over 13 years, she witnessed incredible growth from a small accounts team to a thriving school community, while ensuring every decision put students first.

Shaheen first joined JESS at age seven, graduating in 1986. Her own children have since walked the same grounds she once did. From handmade costumes for Topical Nights to singing under the stars at Christmas, Shaheen’s memories reflect the heart of JESS: a caring community that has grown with Dubai while holding on to its warmth.

Carolyne Palmer has been part of JESS since 1999, dedicating over two decades to supporting students through learning development and inclusion.

From the early days of small classes and limited resources to today’s thriving community, Carolyne has witnessed incredible growth while the school’s ethos has remained beautifully consistent.

For Assia, JESS is more than a school, it’s family. Since joining in 2017 as both a parent and an Islamic teacher, Assia has watched her five children thrive in a community built on care, connection, and shared values.

From proud graduation moments to witnessing JESS make history at Rosslyn Park, her journey reflects what makes our school special: academic excellence, creativity, sports, and a spirit of belonging.

Meet the Arabian Ranches Primary Head Students for JESS’s 50th year! Harry, Zeina, Teddy, and Aria share what makes JESS special, from friendships and unforgettable events to dreams for the future.

As they lead us through this milestone year, their message is clear: JESS is more than a school, it’s a place where everyone belongs.