School Advisory Board

Mr. Lanson Lazar Chairman

At The Royal Academy, we are committed to providing a world-class education that prepares our students for success in an ever-changing world. To support this mission, we have established a School Advisory Board (SAB) comprising renowned education experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our school community.

Ms. Sandra Blaskovic CEO

As we continue to drive excellence in education, our School Advisory Board (SAB) plays a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction. Along with our input, the School Advisory Board (SAB) provides invaluable expertise, ensuring our institution remains aligned with its mission and values. At The Royal Academy, we are dedicated to delivering world-class education that prepares students for an ever-evolving world. Our School Advisory Board (SAB), comprising renowned experts, enriches our community with their wealth of knowledge and experience, and their initiative in exploring ways to further elevate our educational agenda.

Mr. Peter Carpenter Head of the School Advisory Board

Meet Mr. Peter Carpenter, a renowned education expert with a distinguished career spanning multiple prestigious roles. Currently, he serves as the Director of School Quality Assurance in the UAE, overseeing private schools, Charter Schools, and 'Ajyal' Schools.

His impressive portfolio includes:

• Was the Chief Inspector & Director of the Office of Education Standards, reporting to the Minister of Education & Cayman Islands Education Council
• Was the Director of Education at Aldar Academies, where he led schools to achieve the first-ever 'outstanding' rating from Abu Dhabi Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
• Was the Director of Education & Children's Services and Director of Inspection at Dubai Government (KHDA) and managed the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB)
• Was Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools (HMI) in the UK, conducted school inspections.
• With his extensive experience and expertise, Mr. Carpenter is dedicated to ensuring excellence in education, driving quality assurance, and elevating standards in schools across the UAE.

Mr. Michael Popinchalk Head of Culture, Vision, and Mission

Mr. Michael Popinchalk, a distinguished International Schools’ Advocate, has been instrumental in driving excellence at NPE. Having a wealth of experience of supporting educational institutions across five continents, Mr. Michael brings unmatched expertise in developing and implementing American, British, and International K-12 educational models. His unique ability to integrate national curriculums with internationally recognized program standards has been a significant asset to the NPE. As a seasoned educator and leadership coach, Mr. Michael has nurtured internationally minded school leaders and educators, aligning with the UAE National Agenda and reinforcing NPE's dedication to exceptional standards.

Ms. Nicola Walsh Head of Teaching, Learning and Assessments

Ms. Nicola Walsh's renowned expertise and collaborative engagement with NPE have strategically boosted the institution's academic profile. With an impressive 40-year tenure spanning teaching, leadership, and evaluation, Ms. Nicola brings a distinctive blend of expertise, passion, and global perspective to NPE. Her academic credentials, including postgraduate qualifications from renowned UK universities, are complemented by her extensive experience as an Ofsted inspector, school principal, and consultant, having worked in diverse educational settings across the UK, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Ms. Nicola's collaborative leadership has significantly influenced NPE's strategic direction, creating a culture that values excellence, innovation, and student-centered learning, distinguishing NPE as a leader in educational excellence.

Ms. Jacquiline Joseph Quality Assurance (Administration)

Ms. Jacquiline is a strategic thinker, with 27+ years of experience in the field of education, driving student success and administrative excellence. With a distinctive combination of skills in quality assurance, leadership, and strategic planning, she plays a key role in the Quality Assurance (Admin) Team at North Point Education. She coordinates the administrative functions of the schools, ensuring seamless operations.

Dr. Roopa Bhalla Quality Assurance (Academics)

Dr. Roopa Bhalla is a distinguished educationist and leader with over 35 years of experience in the education sector. Currently serving as Head of Quality Assurance at North Point Education, UAE, with a distinguished career marked by driving academic excellence, quality assurance, and strategic leadership. A recipient of the Distinguished Educationist of UAE Award and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from Maryland University, USA, Dr. Bhalla has also been honoured with the Visionary Leader Award for her outstanding contributions to education.

Ms. Hussaina Begum Principal of The Bloomington Academy, our sister school

Ms. Hussaina is a result-driven educational leader with the ability to propel academic progress and institutional excellence. Her expertise spans school leadership, educational consulting, and mentoring. She is highly effective in strategic planning, team development, and stakeholder relations.

Mr. Muneer Chalil School Principal

Mr. Muneer is a seasoned School Leader and a dedicated Education Professional with 28+ years of experience in education management, driving academic excellence in UAE schools. Being passionate about leading educational institutions, he, along with the Senior Leaders, ensures school excellence, academic achievement, and student welfare.