Sheikh Ali Azim Shirazi
Director of Islamic Religious Education
Category: Leadership Team
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Martin Ndungu – Secondary Principal
Martin Ndungu
Secondary Principal
Martin Ndungu is an educational leader with extensive experience in secondary school leadership across Africa and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has been driven by a passion for academic excellence, developing high-performing teams, and creating learning environments where every student is empowered to achieve their full potential.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Pure Mathematics. He is also an accredited Cambridge International trainer and Cambridge examiner, with extensive experience supporting schools in curriculum implementation, assessment, teacher professional development, and whole-school improvement.
His leadership philosophy is rooted in transformational and situational leadership. He believes that great leaders inspire a shared vision while recognising that every individual and every situation requires a thoughtful and adaptable approach.
He believes that every child is uniquely gifted. His goal is to create an environment where students are challenged to excel, encouraged to think critically, and supported to realise their full potential both academically and personally.
He also believes that a school’s greatest asset is its people. He is passionate about investing in educators and believes in creating opportunities for teachers and leaders to continually grow, refine their practice and embrace innovation.
For him, education about developing confident, compassionate, resilient, and globally minded young people who inspire excellence every day. Together, these are the foundations of a truly outstanding school.
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Shaymuna Chandoo – Primary Principal
With more than two decades of experience in education, Shaimuna Chandoo has dedicated her professional journey to the growth, development and success of Al Muntazir Islamic International School (ALMIIS). She joined the institution in 2003 and has progressively risen through the ranks, gaining valuable experience across different aspects of school leadership and education.
In 2025, she completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Education International (PGCEi), graduating with Merit. For her, professional learning is not simply about acquiring qualifications; it is about remaining curious, reflective and open to new ideas.
Over the years, she has supported and mentored several members of staff who have progressed into leadership positions. She considers this one of the most meaningful measures of leadership: not only what a leader achieves personally, but also the capacity they create in others.
Her educational philosophy is rooted in a simple belief: every child is unique and needs the right environment to bloom. She believes children flourish when they feel valued, understood, challenged and supported.
Shaimuna describes her leadership style as one that combines high expectations with empathy, continuous learning with practical experience, and accountability with encouragement.
At the heart of her work is a commitment to making a meaningful difference: to develop people, inspire children and help build a school environment where every member of the community has the opportunity to grow and flourish.
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Zahida Chagani – AMSEN Principal
Zahida Chagani
AMSEN Principal
Zahida Chagani is the Head of the Special Education Needs School at Al Muntazir. She is a dedicated educational leader with a deep passion for empowering children with diverse learning needs through inclusive, compassionate, and high-quality education.
With extensive experience in special education, school leadership, and educational administration, Zahida is committed to creating a nurturing environment where every learner is supported to achieve their full potential. She works closely with teachers, parents, and multidisciplinary professionals to ensure that students receive holistic support academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Academically, Zahida is pursuing a degree in Psychology with the goal of becoming an Educational Psychologist. Her studies continue to strengthen her understanding of child development, learning, behaviour, and evidence-based educational practices, which she integrates into her leadership.
Beyond her professional role, Zahida is actively involved in community and faith-based initiatives, believing strongly in service, lifelong learning, and the importance of instilling strong values alongside academic excellence. She is passionate about advocating for inclusion, supporting families of children with additional needs, and inspiring educators to embrace every learner’s unique strengths.
Her leadership is guided by integrity, collaboration, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
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Makala Cooper – Nursery Headteacher
Makala Cooper
Nursery Principal
With over 30 years of experience in education across the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Tanzania, I am a passionate educational leader dedicated to providing children with the knowledge, skills and values they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. My leadership philosophy is founded on a holistic, child-centred approach that places wellbeing, academic excellence and character development at the heart of every decision.
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to instructional leadership, recognising that the quality of teaching has the greatest impact on children’s learning. I believe that outstanding schools are built by investing in people, fostering collegiality, and empowering teachers to continually develop their practice. I am an active classroom leader, working alongside staff through coaching, mentoring, modelling effective teaching and ensuring that every child experiences engaging, purposeful and inspiring learning.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Years and Education, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Master’s level, and Early Years Professional Status. My expertise spans Early Years, Primary and Secondary education, teacher training, curriculum development, school improvement and strategic leadership. Throughout my career I have successfully led curriculum innovation, developed educational improvement plans, introduced evidence-informed teaching practices and supported schools through periods of significant change.
Before entering education, I worked professionally in the theatre as a Stage Manager. This experience provided a unique foundation for my leadership style, developing strong organisational skills, creativity, adaptability and the ability to work confidently within diverse and dynamic environments. It also instilled a belief in the importance of collaboration, communication and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Working internationally has allowed me to embrace different cultures, educational systems and communities, enriching both my personal and professional outlook. I firmly believe that every child deserves an inclusive, stimulating and nurturing environment where they are encouraged to become confident, independent learners who are equipped for life beyond the classroom.
Alongside leading schools, I have a strong passion for developing future educators. I enjoy mentoring teachers, designing professional development programmes and supporting colleagues to become reflective practitioners who embrace innovation while maintaining high expectations. I believe that when teachers flourish, children flourish.
The rapid evolution of education, including digital learning and emerging technologies, has reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning. I continue to embrace new approaches, ensuring that teaching remains relevant, engaging and responsive to the changing needs of today’s learners.
Above all, I believe education is about unlocking potential. My aim is to create learning communities where children, staff and families feel valued, inspired and empowered to achieve excellence while developing the confidence, resilience and compassion needed to make a positive contribution to society.
