James Balmer

I am originally from Ballycran, a small rural village in County Down, Ireland, where I grew up surrounded by sheep and cattle. I also enjoyed playing hurling, one of Ireland’s national sports.I am passionate about ensuring that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive at school. To further develop my expertise in this area, I recently completed a Professional Master’s in International Special Educational Needs Coordination.I have been teaching internationally for the past 11 years, and the upcoming academic year will mark my fifth year at GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi. During my time at the school, I have had the privilege of serving as both Head of Year and Assistant Head Teacher. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.I look forward to working closely with students, families, and staff as we continue to build a school culture in which every learner feels supported and can achieve success.