Leadership Team

Leadership Team at Victoria International School of Sharjah – Khorfakkan.

Mr. Steve Walsh

I am truly honored to join the vibrant community of VISS Khorfakkan as its new Campus Principal. Originally from Ireland, I hold a Master’s Degree in Education and bring over 20 years of international experience across China, the UAE, and Ireland. My diverse background in education underscores my commitment to fostering an inclusive, high-achieving environment where every student can thrive.

I am proud to have two children who will be joining me at VISS Khorfakkan, a decision that reflects my deep trust in and appreciation for the exceptional education and supportive environment the school offers. I believe that a nurturing and inspiring community is essential for students to reach their full potential, and I am excited to contribute to this shared journey.

Outside of my professional life, I am passionate about sports, especially football. I love playing and watching sports in general, and I am a proud supporter of Liverpool Football Club. Now that I am living and working in Khorfakkan, Khorfakkan FC will now become my UAE club of interest.

I am dedicated to upholding and helping to realize HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s vision for excellence in education. Our school’s core values—Excellence, Diversity, Learning, Integrity, and Community—are central to everything we do. I look forward to working collaboratively with our staff, students, and families to continue nurturing a positive, dynamic, and enriching learning environment for all.

I am genuinely excited for the road ahead and look forward to meeting you soon.

Steve Walsh

Campus Principal

Deborah Jessup

Assistant Vice Principal – ELC & Primary

Ms. Deborah Jessup

I am delighted to be Vice Principal at VISS Khorfakkan, having been part of the school’s journey since its opening. Originally from the UK, I bring over \ 20 years of international leadership experience across the UK, Australia, China, Kuwait, and the UAE Curricula, and I am proud to have recently completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). This has further strengthened my ability to lead transformational change, empower staff, and ensure every child experiences purposeful and engaging learning.

Over the past three years, I have been privileged to help establish VISS Khorfakkan, building strong systems, a student-centred curriculum, and a culture of care and inclusion. I am deeply committed to safeguarding, staff development, and fostering an environment where both academic achievement and well-being are prioritised.

Beyond my professional role, I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring the world, discovering new places and embracing different cultures. I strongly believe in working in partnership with parents and our wider community to ensure that every learner thrives, both inside and outside the classroom.

At VISS Khorfakkan, our values of Excellence, Diversity, Learning, Integrity, and Community guide everything we do. I am excited to continue this journey with our students, families, and staff, as we nurture confident, compassionate, and internationally minded young people.

Mr. Sean McInerney

As Assistant Principal for Wellbeing and Operations at VISS Khorfakkan, I have been part of the school since its opening over three years ago, progressing from teacher to middle leader and now senior leadership. Having taught the vast majority of our students during this time, I bring a unique perspective that combines deep knowledge of our community with a strong commitment to student success. Since 2017, I have worked in the UAE as a teacher and leader, gaining extensive experience in curriculum development, school improvement, and whole-school operations. 

My leadership is grounded in the belief that student wellbeing is the cornerstone of learning: when young people feel safe, supported, and valued, they are empowered not only to excel academically but also to grow in confidence, resilience and self-actualisation. With a Master of Education in Leadership and Management, I am passionate about embedding a culture of care and high expectations that ensures every learner can thrive.

Sean McInerney

Assistant Vice Principal – Wellbeing and Operations

John Anthony

Assistant Vice Principal – Middle School

Mr. John Anthony

I am truly honoured to be the Assistant Principal and Head of Middle School at VISS Khorfakkan. As the founding leader of the Middle School phase, my goal is to build an inquisitive learning environment that stretches, challenges and supports every child to become a lifelong learner who strives for excellence. We prepare students for their next phase with high expectations and high support: clear goals, expert modelling and frequent checks for understanding, so every student thinks hard and succeeds.

Day to day, you’ll find me in lessons, on learning walks or co-planning with teachers, turning research into simple routines that work tomorrow. I currently lead Middle School Maths alignment, sharpening planning, observation and feedback, assessments and moderation, and the smart use of data (PAT, CAT4 and classroom evidence) to stretch and support every learner.

Before moving to the UAE, I served in the UK as Deputy Head and Assistant Head, and led Maths across a group of schools—having previously led English and PE. These roles showed me how curriculum, assessment and behaviour systems work together to create calm, purposeful learning. I’m a firm believer in a warm-strict culture: kind, consistent routines that make school feel safe and productive.

Outside school, I recharge through football and golf (lifelong Wolves fan) and, most of all, family time—walks, swims and unhurried meals. If you’re a parent, carer or student and want to talk about learning, maths or how we can support your child, my door is open.