Joanna Povall brings over 25 years of leadership experience in schools across the UK, France, and the UAE. She currently serves as the Principal of Wales International School in Abu Dhabi, where she is dedicated to developing academic excellence and student success. In addition to her role as Principal, Joanna actively contributes to global school improvement as a Lead Improvement Partner for the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). Over the past decade, she has worked with more than 20 international schools worldwide. In recognition of her outstanding leadership, Joanna was honoured as the Tes International School Principal of the Year 2024.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with K12 Digest, Joanna shared insights into what drives her passion for education and leadership, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, her favorite non-academic book, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Joanna. What drives your passion for education and leadership, and how do you stay motivated?
My passion for education and leadership is primarily driven by the students and my firm belief in the transformative power of learning. The opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives, shaping their futures and helping them reach their full potential, is what motivates me most. Watching students grow academically, personally, and socially, remains one of the most fulfilling parts of my role. I am fortunate to remain in contact with many of the students I have taught over the years, and it is incredibly rewarding to see how they have grown and where life has taken them. As a leader, I also find inspiration in guiding and supporting my team, empowering them to excel and create impactful learning experiences.
What keeps me motivated is the understanding that education has the ability to break down barriers and open doors to endless possibilities. I am always looking for ways to improve, both personally and in the growth of the school as a whole. But no matter what, everything I do always circles back to my students. Being a principal comes with its share of stressful moments, but whenever I feel overwhelmed or demotivated, I take a brief walk around the school to reconnect with my students. This always helps me refocus and reignite my passion for my work.
I draw energy from engaging with students, staff, and parents, listening to their perspectives, and developing a shared sense of community. The challenge of continuously adapting to meet the demands of a changing world keeps me engaged and inspired. Knowing that my work contributes to a positive, inclusive school culture where every learner can thrive pushes me to give my best every single day.
What do you love the most about your current role?
What I love most about my role as Principal at Wales International School is, quite simply, everything! I truly love my job and our school. It is a place that fills me with pride, purpose, and genuine joy every day.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have the chance to make a genuine impact on the lives of our students, staff, and the wider school community. Each day is different, bringing fresh challenges and opportunities that keep my work both engaging and highly rewarding. I am passionate about creating a positive and inclusive school culture where every student and member of staff feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. It is so rewarding to witness our growth as a school. Working alongside a dedicated team who share a commitment to our journey to excellence is inspiring.
Building strong relationships with students, parents, and staff is a highlight of my role, as it develops a real sense of community within our school. I take pride in leading initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that our school is a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. I also enjoy the freedom to innovate and the strategic aspect of my role—setting goals, planning for the future, and guiding the school toward continued success—is something I find personally motivating. Seeing the positive impact of these initiatives firsthand is incredibly gratifying.
Our school community is predominantly made up of Emirati locals, and there is a palpable sense of pride in the UAE and in Islamic values throughout our school. It is a privilege to contribute to an environment where students flourish, and where education goes beyond academics to nurture lifelong learners and responsible global citizens. Our students are not only the future of the UAE but also of the world, and being part of their journey is truly an honour.
What do you believe are the most significant challenges facing educational leaders today, and how can they address them?
Educational leaders today face numerous complex challenges, including teacher retention, student wellbeing, technological advancements, and equity in education. I wholeheartedly believe that teaching is one of the most rewarding and impactful professions in the world. As educators, we have the power to shape lives, inspire curiosity, and make a lasting difference. It is essential that we share this passion and encourage others to recognise the profound value and joy of teaching. Excessive workloads and burnout contribute to teacher shortages, making staff support, professional development, and strong leadership essential. Leaders must cultivate a positive, inclusive culture, offer mentorship, and advocate for policies that prioritise wellbeing. Student mental health concerns are increasing, requiring schools to integrate social-emotional learning, provide access to support services, and create safe, nurturing environments. The rapid evolution of technology necessitates continuous adaptation, ensuring teachers and students develop digital literacy and understand ethical online behaviour. Additionally, addressing disparities in resources and opportunities is critical to achieving true equity in education.
To overcome these challenges, educational leaders must have open communication, engage in strategic planning, and collaborate with all stakeholders and the wider world. Leadership should be more solutions-focused, promoting shared learning and cooperation across schools. No school is perfect. Our school is on a journey of growth but by opening our doors to dialogue and best-practice sharing, we can collectively find innovative solutions. Anyone is welcome to visit our school. While it’s easy to dwell on difficulties, it’s equally important to highlight successes and recognise the meaningful impact we make every day. By focusing on progress and celebrating achievements, we can inspire positive change in education.
How do you see technology transforming teaching and learning, and what strategies have you implemented to support this transformation?
I strongly believe in the power of technology to transform teaching and learning by making education more interactive, accessible, and personalised. Today’s digital tools can enhance engagement through multimedia content, adaptive learning platforms cater to individual needs, and AI-powered analytics provide valuable insights into student progress. Remote and hybrid learning models have also broadened access to quality education beyond traditional classrooms. By developing a culture of innovation and adaptability, we can strive to create a learning environment that equips both students and staff for a technology-driven future.
To support this transformation, at Wales we have strategically integrated technology, utilising data-driven assessment tools, and encouraging the use of educational apps to enhance student engagement. Professional development is a priority to ensure teachers feel confident using digital tools effectively. However, we also recognise the importance of educating students about online safety and ensuring robust safeguarding measures are in place.
While I embrace technology and AI, I remain cautious about claims that computers could replace teachers. My husband, who teaches A-Level Physics, asked an AI platform to generate an image of a gold leaf electroscope, only to receive a picture of an electroscope with two gold leaves inside! While it was amusing for us, a student might not have recognised the mistake. This highlights why, despite technological advancements, the human element in teaching remains irreplaceable.
Can you share your thoughts on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential to creating a vibrant and dynamic educational environment and are deeply important to me. Embracing differences and ensuring every student feels valued is critical, and schools must actively implement strategies to support DEI. By prioritising diversity, we enable students to see themselves reflected in the curriculum, nurturing a sense of belonging and affirmation. True inclusion goes beyond acknowledgment—it means engaging every voice, valuing diverse perspectives, and making sure all students feel respected and heard. When education prioritizes DEI, it not only improves academic outcomes but also equips students for a multicultural world, enhancing empathy, critical thinking, and collaboration.
The same principles apply to adults in schools. A diverse and inclusive staff enriches the school community, promoting cultural awareness, understanding, and tolerance among students, staff, and the wider community. At Wales, we are proud to have a diverse team of teaching and support staff. Our recruitment process is designed to be fair, inclusive, and accessible to all candidates. I firmly believe that having the right people in the right roles is the most critical factor for our school’s success—regardless of age, race, gender, or neurodiversity. If a candidate is the best fit for the role, they deserve the opportunity.
It is crucial for everyone to challenge biases, celebrate differences, and create a safe, nurturing space where every learner can thrive. By embedding DEI principles into teaching practices, policies, recruitment, and school culture, we empower our school community to develop into compassionate, open-minded, and socially responsible individuals who make positive contributions to society. The journey toward building genuinely inclusive educational environments is ever-evolving, and I truly hope to see the day when inclusivity is fully woven into the fabric of society.
What does it mean to you to be awarded the Tes International School Principal of the Year 2024, and how do you think this recognition will impact your work?
Being awarded the Tes International School Principal of the Year 2024 was definitely the highlight of my career and something that I still find difficult to believe. It is an incredible honour and a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire school community. With so many incredible schools and outstanding principals worldwide, I could not believe that they would choose me. I still cannot believe it. I have to say that when we knew that the school was through to the final round, our children were so excited that I was more worried about letting them down if we hadn’t won. They were ecstatic and one of our younger students asked me if I was now the principal of the world!
This recognition, whilst I still find it hard to believe, reinforces my commitment to encouraging excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in education. It motivates me to continue leading with passion, ensuring that both students and staff are provided with a supportive and exciting learning environment. I hope this award inspires others to embrace leadership with a focus on collaboration and positive change. I will continue to use this platform to share best practices and advocate for continuous school improvement on a wider scale.
What have you learned as a woman in leadership?
Honestly, one of the most important lessons I have learned as a woman in leadership is that, at our core, we are all just people. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have incredible champions—some women, some men—who have supported and uplifted me. At the same time, I have also faced challenging experiences with individuals of both genders. What matters most to me is not someone’s gender, but their character and actions. Ultimately, I see myself simply as Joanna—beyond gender, race, religion, age, or neurodiversity, I am a person striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in my care. True progress, I believe, comes from recognising our shared humanity and focusing on the values that unite us rather than the differences that divide us.
What is your favorite non-academic book and why?
Anyone who has ever been to my office will know that I must admit that I do primarily read academic books, but Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy is my favourite work of fiction. This is because of its powerful exploration of ambition and the constraints of society. Through the tragic life of Jude, Hardy examines class struggle, unfulfilled dreams, and how people do not always fit in to social norms. The emotional depth and stark realism make it profoundly moving, and Hardy’s poetic language adds beauty to its darkness. Although it is heartbreaking, Jude the Obscure resonates with me deeply, revealing the fragility of human aspirations and the world’s indifference. When I am having a really difficult day, I cheer myself up by knowing my life isn’t as bleak as Jude’s!
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
We never know what will happen in the future but I hope to still be the Principal of Wales International School, feeling immense pride in the growth, achievements, and progress we have made as a community. I envision leading the school through continued innovation and transformation, ensuring that we provide the highest quality education for our students. My goal is to have a stronger culture of collaboration, resilience, and excellence, where both staff and students feel supported, inspired, and empowered. I hope to continue to develop my leadership skills, staying adaptable to the ever-changing educational landscape and embracing new challenges with a solutions-focused mindset. Strengthening partnerships with parents, teachers, and the wider community will be a key priority, ensuring that we create an inclusive and forward-thinking learning environment, playing a pivotal role in the future of the UAE. I also aim to mentor and support aspiring leaders, helping to nurture the next generation of educators. Above all, I want to look back in five years and know that our school has not only grown academically but has also become a place where students and staff feel valued, motivated, and truly excited about learning and their future.
What advice would you give to aspiring Principals or educational leaders who are looking to make a positive impact on their schools and communities?
Throughout my 30-year career, I have received so much valuable advice, but I can only share a few key insights, so I will share my top 5. Each of these lessons has shaped my leadership approach and continues to guide me in my professional life.
Listen and let go of your ego! Be open to learning because you do not know everything, and you won’t always be right. Take the time to genuinely listen to all your stakeholders—you may be surprised by how much they can teach you. Effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it is about valuing the perspectives of those around you. When people feel heard, they are more likely to contribute meaningfully and invest in shared success.
Clarity in communication is essential. As Brené Brown wisely says, “Clear is kind, unclear is unkind.” Being transparent and direct with your words encourages trust and prevents misunderstandings. Ambiguity can create confusion and frustration, leading to unnecessary stress. Whether delivering feedback, setting expectations, or having difficult conversations, clarity ensures that everyone is on the same page and moving forward together.
Recognise that not everyone is like you. We all have different abilities, strengths, and personal challenges, and expecting others to think or act as you do is unrealistic. Being a good leader requires understanding and embraces this diversity, ensuring that everyone is supported in a way that enables them. When you acknowledge and respect individual differences, you can create an inclusive and empowered team.
Take care of your people. True wellbeing goes beyond chocolates in pigeonholes or occasional staff social events—it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. This means setting realistic expectations, respecting their time, and showing appreciation in meaningful ways. A culture of kindness and understanding leads to a more motivated and committed team.
Find joy and positivity in every situation. Leadership can be a lonely journey, and challenges will arise, but maintaining gratitude and optimism is essential. Celebrate the small wins, acknowledge progress, and remind yourself why you started. Positivity is contagious, and when you lead with joy, you can create a workplace that inspires and uplifts those around you.