Safana Al Alawi appointed Vice Principal, alongside new Assistant Heads overseeing academic standards and data, primary teaching and learning, and primary pastoral care 

Muscat, Sept 17, 2026: Downe House Muscat has strengthened its senior leadership team for the 2026-27 academic year with four key appointments, welcoming Safana Al Alawi as Vice Principal, Tharina Brits as Assistant Head, Academic Standards and Data, Annabel Oxenham as Assistant Head, Pastoral (Primary) and Mary Stuart as Assistant Head, Teaching and Learning (Primary).   

Among the new appointments is Safana Al Alawi, who joins Downe House Muscat as Vice Principal, bringing experience spanning biomedical sciences, teaching and educational leadership. Having begun her career as a Biomedical Scientist, Al Alawi pursued her passion for education and progressed into school leadership through her commitment to academic excellence, student well-being and school improvement. Passionate about holistic education, she is committed to supporting students in becoming confident, resilient and lifelong learners.  

Joining Al Alawi on the senior leadership team is Tharina Brits, appointed Assistant Head, Academic Standards and Data. With more than a decade of educational experience, Brits most recently served as Head of Assessment and Achievement at an international school in Muscat. In her new role, she will work closely with colleagues to strengthen academic standards and use data to inform teaching and learning.  

Strengthening the school’s Primary leadership, Annabel Oxenham joins as Assistant Head, Pastoral (Primary), bringing 26 years of educational experience and an accomplished track record in senior leadership. Her previous roles include Head of Special Educational Needs, Head of Early Years and Head of Lower Primary. Having called Oman home for the past six years, Annabel also brings a strong understanding of the local community. She will provide strategic leadership for pastoral care and student well-being across the Primary School. 

Mary Stuart has been appointed Assistant Head, Teaching and Learning (Primary), following nine years as Deputy Head at a leading British school in the UAE and previous Assistant Head positions in both the UK and Europe. She will work alongside colleagues across the Primary School to champion excellence in teaching and learning, strengthen classroom practice and enrich learning experiences/ 

Helen Booth-Smith, Principal of Downe House Muscat says, “As Downe House Muscat continues to grow, these appointments bring valuable experience and expertise to our senior leadership team. I am delighted to welcome Safana, Tharina, Annabel and Mary to their new roles, and I look forward to seeing their contribution to our students and the continued success of our school community.”