Our commitment to safeguarding

Sharni began her educational journey in the UK, earning a BSc (Hons) from Bournemouth University and an iPGCE with ‘Outstanding’ teaching practice from the University of Buckingham. She later completed a Master’s in Education and the NPQH. With over a decade of experience in international schools across Kuwait, China, and Qatar, she now serves as Whole School Deputy Head at Durham School for Girls. Her leadership portfolio includes safeguarding, student wellbeing, and enrichment, with a strong focus on creating supportive, inclusive environments.

Her global perspective is shaped by years of working in diverse cultural settings, including her time at Harrow International School in China during its founding phase. Sharni’s collaborative and strategic approach empowers staff and drives school-wide improvement. A former world-ranked junior tennis player, her background in sport has instilled resilience and a global mindset—qualities she now channels into building student-centred schools that prepare young people to thrive beyond the classroom.

Somaia Mehana is a passionate educator and experienced leader, currently serving as Vice Principal and Director of Arabic Studies at Durham School for Girls Doha. With a background in teaching and departmental leadership, her work focuses on academic excellence, student empowerment, and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Prior to joining DSGD, she was Head of Key Stage 3 Girls at Newton British Academy – Doha, where she led a team of tutors and taught both English and Arabic as a foreign language, supporting diverse student needs.

At DSGD, Somaia plays a key role in promoting Qatari values and integrating national heritage into the curriculum. Through Arabic and Islamic Studies, she cultivates pride, cultural awareness, and respect among students. Her leadership is rooted in empathy and collaboration, working closely with staff and parents to instil values of integrity and community. Somaia’s vision ensures students thrive academically while remaining deeply connected to their cultural identity.

Denice originally studied law in Birmingham, where her passion for advocacy and justice laid the foundation for a career focused on safeguarding, student wellbeing, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). After earning her PGCE in Primary Education from Roehampton University, she gained extensive experience in British curriculum schools in the UK and Qatar, holding leadership roles such as Head of Year, Assistant Head, and Deputy Head. Denice has led whole-school initiatives in pastoral care, PSHE, and mentoring, with a strong focus on nurturing the whole child.

Beyond the classroom, Denice is a COBIS Peer Accreditor and has supported schools through Ofsted, BSO, QNSA, and WASC inspections. A published children’s author and advocate for global learning, she has visited over 50 countries to promote literacy and inclusion. Her qualifications in NPQSL, advanced safeguarding, and educational policy reflect her commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environments—values that align strongly with the ethos at ISP.

Fatima Bassadien joined Durham School for Girls Doha in January 2025 as Deputy Head Pastoral, bringing over a decade of experience in education from her native Cape Town, South Africa. With a strong background in student wellbeing, safeguarding, and pastoral leadership, she also serves as the school’s Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Her work focuses on strengthening attendance and behaviour systems, promoting a culture of success, and leading initiatives such as the House System and reward structures that celebrate student growth both academically and beyond.

Before joining DSGD, Fatima spent six years in Qatar, advancing from teacher to Deputy Head of Secondary (Pastoral). Her academic specialisms include Biology and English, and she has taught a wide range of IGCSE subjects. She completed the NPQSL in 2024 and is passionate about fostering inclusive, values-driven environments where every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.