The Leadership Series 2025 with Tracy Crowder-Cloe
By The Leadership Series
Mrs Tracy Crowder-Cloe – Principal at Cranleigh, Abu Dhabi

With the new academic year here, what advice would you give to new teachers arriving to the UAE? (from a professional and personal perspective)

Professionally:

  • Choose your school carefully: The UAE offers incredible opportunities, but it’s also demanding, rewarding work. Choose your school carefully, culture and context matter everywhere, but especially here. If a school’s values don’t align with your own, it can be a tough experience. Be open minded, adaptable, and ready to work hard. The rewards are great, but success comes from finding the right fit and embracing both the challenges and the adventure.
  • Understand the vision: Schools here are required to align with both international frameworks and national priorities. Take time to understand how your school’s mission connects to the UAE’s broader educational goals and how that fits and sits with your philosophy.
  • Be open and intentional: The UAE offers a rich, multicultural educational landscape. Embrace the diversity and be intentional about building relationships across cultures.
  • Be reflective and agile: The pace of change can be swift. Stay curious, ask questions, and be ready to adapt and be able to go with it. The pace is amazing but can also be exhausting if you don’t manage your expectations and yourself.

Personally:

  • Find your rhythm: The UAE offers a beautiful balance of culture, nature, and modernity. Explore the cities but also carve out time for rest and reflection and when the weather cools, get outside and enjoy the many things on offer. My favourite thing to do is drive out of the city and head to the mountains for the hikes and fresh air.
  • Respect and learn: Understanding Emirati customs and Islamic traditions will enrich your experience and deepen your sense of belonging. We are in the most privileged position to live and work in such a diverse environment, surrounded by people from different backgrounds. Every day I learn something new and every day I feel genuinely blessed to be a part of such a rich and diverse community.
  • Build your circle: Whether through school, hobbies, or community groups, connection is key to thriving here and there are so many opportunities to meet new people and connect.

Can you give us a sense of what life is like as an expat in Abu Dhabi? (comparing to Dubai also)

I often get asked this having spent four years in Dubai before moving to Abu Dhabi and I can honestly say they are both wonderful places to live and work and despite their differences, there are also many similarities. The UAE is a nation of rich diversity, where each emirate contributes to a clear shared vision of progress, culture, and opportunity. While some cities offer a slower pace others pulse with commercial energy and global connectivity. Abu Dhabi and Dubai stand as two powerful pillars, Abu Dhabi, with its deep cultural roots, reflective pace, and strong sense of purpose and there’s the rapidly growing cultural district. Dubai, vibrant and fast paced in many ways can also offer a quieter pace and in my experience a strong sense of community and belonging. Though different in rhythm, both cities offer exceptional opportunities for personal and professional growth.Beyond these two, the other emirates each offer their own unique charm. Whether you’re drawn to the cultural depth of Abu Dhabi, the energy of Dubai, or the natural beauty of the northern emirates, the UAE really does offer something for everybody.

How do you foster a sense of community and collaboration within the schools you have led, between leadership, teachers, parents and students?

Over the past two years at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, we have been focussed on building a strong sense of community and collaboration across the school. I prioritise open communication and authentic relationships between leadership, teachers, students, and parents. Regular forums, collaborative planning, and shared decision making ensure everyone’s voice is valued.

With parents, I’ve moved beyond traditional engagement by creating genuine partnerships through workshops, open forums, and community events so families feel connected and involved. We’ve also strengthened ties with the wider community through service projects and local partnerships, enriching our students’ experiences and sense of belonging.

At the heart of these efforts is a commitment to holistic education. By fostering trust, inclusion, and shared purpose, I strive to create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to contribute. Building community is ongoing work, and I remain committed to leading with purpose, integrity, and a belief in the power of connection.

  • Shared leadership: Empowering staff and students to contribute meaningfully to school life.
  • Authentic relationships: Trust is built through listening, transparency, and consistency.
  • Student voice and agency: We encourage students to lead, reflect, and shape their learning journey.
  • Parent partnerships: Meaningful parent engagement and involvement. Providing opportunities to connect and engage.
  • Celebrating together: From cultural events to academic milestones, we honour the journey as much as the destination.

Tell us a little about your school and their vision?

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi stands at the heart of the city’s Cultural District, offering a UK-based curriculum with a global perspective. We are dedicated to nurturing creative, compassionate, and confident learners who are ready to lead with integrity and make a positive impact.  Leadership at Cranleigh is grounded in holistic education and our core values: Service, Leadership, Relationships, and Excellence. We believe leadership is about empowering others and driving meaningful change, not just personal achievement.  Guided by our philosophy of Thinking, Being, and Giving, we encourage pupils to be curious and reflective, to act with empathy and resilience, and to serve their communities with generosity and purpose. Opportunities to lead are woven throughout school life, from the classroom to the sports field, always underpinned by strong relationships and a pursuit of excellence.  By living these values, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi prepares young people to lead with wisdom, compassion, and courage, ready to make a difference wherever they go.

What qualities do you hope your graduates leave the school with, beyond academic achievement?

At Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, our commitment to holistic education goes far beyond academic achievement. We strive to nurture well rounded individuals who are prepared to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. Beyond academic success, we hope our graduates leave with:

  • Empathy and global awareness: Understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives and acting with kindness and respect.
  • Resilience and adaptability: The confidence to face challenges, embrace change, and persevere through adversity.
  • Integrity and authenticity: A strong moral compass and the courage to be true to themselves and their values.
  • Curiosity and creativity: A lifelong love of learning, a willingness to ask questions, and the imagination to innovate.
  • A sense of purpose and service: A commitment to making a positive difference, both within their communities and in the wider world.

By fostering these qualities, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi prepares learners not just for exams, but for life, empowering them to lead with compassion, confidence, and a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to society.

How many years have you been in leadership? What is your leadership style?

I have over 15 years in educational leadership, holding Headships and Principal roles in the UK and then the UAE in very different, yet similar schools.  I lead with a values driven, strategic vision rooted in authenticity, clarity, and community. I believe leadership must be deliberate and intentional, as our actions have a far reaching impact. As Principal, I prioritise people, foster belonging, and build cultures where everyone feels empowered. And whilst the schools I have led may appear very different, what they have all shared is a strong values driven philosophy and genuinely inclusive approaches.

Strategic development is central to my work, guided by global best practices and tailored to our school’s unique context. Progress comes from intentional planning, collaboration, and a clear sense of purpose.

Pastoral care is integral to my leadership. I listen deeply, champion inclusion, and create environments where trust and empathy thrive, recognising that education is as much about wellbeing as achievement.

Community building is at the heart of all I do. By inviting diverse voices and working transparently, I believe we achieve extraordinary results together.

Ultimately, I strive to lead with integrity, compassion, and a relentless belief in people’s potential, always seeking to inspire, ask the right questions, and communicate with clarity.

What do you look for when hiring new teachers and/or leaders?

  • Passion and purpose: Educators who care deeply about their craft and their students.
  • Cultural agility: The ability to thrive in a diverse, international environment.
  • Growth mindset: A commitment to learning and evolving.
  • Team spirit: Collaboration is key to our success.
  • Alignment with our ethos: We seek those who resonate with our values and vision.

Where do you see the greatest opportunities for innovation in teaching and learning?

Innovation is central to our holistic ethos. We see the greatest opportunities in:

  • Empowering people: giving students and staff the confidence and autonomy to lead and create change.
  • Student led learning and voice: ensuring learners shape their own journeys and contribute meaningfully to school life.
  • Wellbeing integration: embedding wellbeing into every aspect of our curriculum and culture, supporting balanced, resilient learners.
  • Sustainability and global citizenship: preparing students to address real-world challenges with responsibility and vision.
  • Creative technologies: using digital tools to enhance, not replace, human connection and collaboration.
  • Interdisciplinary learning: designing experiences that reflect the complexity of the real world and foster adaptable, innovative thinkers.

By championing these priorities, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi prepares students to thrive and lead in a rapidly changing world.

Any personal motto or philosophy that you live by?

For me, leadership is about leading with purpose and integrity, listening with heart, and being authentic in every interaction. I believe in being deliberate and intentional, recognising that our actions as leaders have a far-reaching impact on individuals and the wider community. This approach guides both my professional decisions and personal growth, reminding me to stay grounded and open.

Central to my leadership is the power of empathy, compassion, and mentorship. Building strong, trusting relationships, whether with colleagues, students, or parents, requires us to be present, to listen deeply, and to support one another’s growth. I have seen firsthand how the right mentors can provide guidance, encouragement, and honest feedback, helping others navigate challenges and develop their own leadership skills. Through intentional mentorship and authentic connection, we create communities where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their potential.

I aim to foster an environment where purpose, integrity, and meaningful relationships drive both individual and collective success.