Clare Preston

Principal education advisor specialising in long-term education strategy for UHNW families and family offices. Known for a nurturing, child-centred approach and for building exceptional rapport with children and parents, particularly in high-pressure or complex family contexts. Brings a deep, practical understanding of child development, motivation, and potential, enabling progress that feels natural rather than forced. With over 8 years’ UAE experience, advises families on education consultancy and placement strategy, including curriculum design, assessment, safeguarding, school selection, entrance preparation, and long-term pathway planning within KHDA-aligned frameworks. Well-connected across the UAE and international education landscape, with trusted relationships spanning schools, admissions teams, specialists, enrichment providers, and family offices. Recognised for identifying and addressing the less visible gaps in education—from confidence, leadership, and self-management to organisation and real-world readiness. Proven ability to design and oversee high-touch, holistic education models that integrate academic rigour, accelerated pathways, and broader life-skills development, equipping children for independence, resilience, and long-term success.

Led the design, launch, and ongoing strategic oversight of a highly personalised education programme for ambitious UHNW families, acting as senior advisor on structure, delivery, and long-term direction.
Acted as a trusted senior contact for parents, managing sensitive pastoral matters, SEN considerations, and complex family dynamics, while aligning parental expectations with each child’s personality, pace, and potential.

Designed bespoke education pathways that move beyond age-based models, focusing on motivation, confidence, independence, and ownership of learning, alongside academic excellence.
Served as SEN Lead, supporting gifted and neurodiverse learners through targeted intervention and stretch strategies; enabled multiple students to achieve GL Assessment scores of 141, while maintaining engagement and wellbeing.

Oversaw assessment-led education mapping, combining standardised testing, school reports, qualitative observation, and deep child knowledge to identify gaps often missed in traditional settings.
Integrated holistic skills development into day-to-day learning—leadership, communication, AI, debate, critical thinking, collaboration, strategic thinking (e.g. chess), and problem-solving—often delivered through experiences where children learn without feeling “taught”.

Embedded structure, organisation, time awareness, and self-management skills through routines and expectations that build discipline and responsibility without reliance on pressure or punitive approaches.

Advised families on guardianship models, residential schooling, and education-led travel programmes, ensuring pastoral continuity, safeguarding, and developmental readiness during boarding, relocation, and international travel.

Oversaw and guided educators, tutors, and specialists, setting standards, boundaries, and expectations aligned with family priorities and child wellbeing.

Designed and implemented safeguarding, governance, and operational frameworks, ensuring child protection, discretion, and compliance within KHDA and government requirements.

Leveraged trusted networks within UHNW education circles, providing insider insight, introductions, and guidance that support informed decision-making and high- quality outcomes.

Advised on strategic growth scalability, international applicability, and long-term sustainability of personalised education models.

Msc Development Studies from SOAS