Joanne Bell

A warm welcome awaits you at GEMS Winchester.  My name is Joanne Bell and I am Deputy Head of Secondary, with responsibility for Years 7 to 10.  After graduating from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK (B.Ed Hons) in Physical Education,  I initially taught in inner-city Birmingham in the UK before moving out to Dubai. 

My first overseas teaching position was at Dubai College where I spent nine very happy years as the Head of Physical Education.  During this period, I also became a Pearson Associate member for GCSE Physical Education.  I was lucky enough to travel around the Middle East moderating schools’ examination work, a role I still enjoy doing to date.

After leaving Dubai College, I begun my best job as a MUM!  However, I soon returned to teaching, this time at Latifa School for Girls in Nad Al Shiba.  This job provided me with a rich Emirati cultural experience.  I was also lucky enough to forge a strong connection with the brother school, Rashid School for Boys.  I am very proud to have been the Head Teacher during the last five years of my career at Latifa School.  During this time period, I qualified as a British Schools Overseas Inspector in 2014 and completed my National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership in 2014 and my National Professional Qualification for Headship in 2019.

In 2021, I was delighted to join the Winchester Family as Assistant Principal and have since been promoted to Deputy Headteacher.  Within my role, I oversee the pastoral care of students in Years 7 – 10, line manage the Pastoral Team as well as the PE and Moral and Social Studies Departments; I am also responsible for Wellbeing in Secondary.  I am also the SLT link for the ‘Friends of Winchester’, a group of incredibly talented and committed parents.

Yes, school is about getting excellent academic results but I also believe that school is a place to have fun, form long lasting friendships and feel a sense of belonging.  I look forward to meeting you on site during the year.