Growing up in Shrewsbury, UK, I began my educational journey in 1998 as a PE and Mathematics teacher at a high-achieving state school in Dorset. A passion for teaching and a desire to explore the world led me to the UAE in 2005, where I spent 19 years honing my leadership skills at two outstanding schools. In 2019, I had the privilege of joining Kent College Dubai.
At Kent College Dubai, we believe that values and relationships are the cornerstones of educational excellence. My commitment to lifelong learning and team dynamics is about creating a culture where every member of our community feels valued and empowered. Drawing on my experience as a former international sportsman, I thrive on the challenges and excitement of pushing boundaries, motivating our staff and students to reach their fullest potential.
Our ethos at Kent College Dubai is built on integrity, tolerance, respect, and a genuine sense of belonging. We strive to cultivate strong, supportive relationships among students, staff, and parents, recognising these connections as vital to our collective success. I am dedicated to promoting community development and ensuring every student feels part of a nurturing and inclusive environment where they are encouraged to be curious, ambitious, and caring. My journey in education has shown me the profound impact of a values-driven, relationship-focused approach, and I am committed to leading Kent College Dubai with these principles at the heart of everything we do.
The UAE and Kent College is very much home for my family and I, who cherish sharing and learning.
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
I have had many wonderful opportunities to lead and teach during my 20 year teaching career, both here in Dubai and in Ireland. I was honoured to be Deputy Principal in two schools for over 12 years, while also holding teaching roles across all grades and inclusion departments.
Ensuring that all children under our care are engaged and motivated to learn each day is of the utmost importance to me. Working together with staff and parents to ensure we nurture this love of learning in every child, using age appropriate approaches, is at the heart of what we do here at Kent College Dubai. I am so proud to be part of this wonderful team and look forward to the journey ahead, working in collaboration with our Kent Community.
With over fifteen years of experience in the UK education system, including six years as Deputy Head at King’s College School, Wimbledon, John brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record in educational leadership.
John's career is marked by a steadfast commitment to inspirational and instructional leadership, high educational standards, and innovative strategies. His achievements include raising academic attainment, with his pupils achieving outstanding results year after year. At King’s College School, his strategic implementation of evidence-informed practices significantly enhanced both pupil performance and teacher satisfaction.
In addition to his classroom success, John has demonstrated exceptional leadership in various roles. As a governor at Dar al Marefa, his efforts led to an improved KHDA rating and elevated standards of teaching and learning. His focus on individual well-being and a holistic approach to education aligns perfectly with our values at Kent College Dubai.
A passionate advocate for leadership development, John has appointed and trained over 300 middle and senior leaders globally. As the Founder and CEO of Support-Edu, he has guided numerous schools and individuals in enhancing their leadership capabilities. His international experience, including speaking engagements and advisory roles, further highlights his commitment to nurturing future leaders.
“Working at KCD is a privilege, and I am fortunate to collaborate with a team of highly skilled and dedicated teachers who are committed to enhancing the academic and social development of their students.”
Andrew brings over 15 years of teaching experience from both the state and independent sectors in the UK, primarily as a Leader of Sport Programmes with national-level success. He also has extensive experience working with the OCR examination board in various roles within A Level Physical Education. Andrew holds a BSc (Hons) in Sport Science & Education from the University of Worcester, and his educational philosophy focuses on cultivating global citizens who exhibit intellectual curiosity, tolerance, and resilience.
Andrew has been with Kent College for six years, initially serving as Head of Senior School Sport before transitioning to the role of Deputy Headteacher with a focus on the pastoral development of students. He has been Acting Headteacher for the past year.
Since joining Kent College Dubai in 2017, it has been a privilege to work with dedicated and skilled educators who share a commitment to nurturing the complete well-being of every student. With a 20-year teaching career that includes experiences in schools both in the UK and the UAE, I have had the opportunity to work with children of all ages across the Junior School spectrum.
My passion lies in the nurturing of all children within an engaging and inclusive atmosphere that promotes the collaboration of diverse nationalities in order to foster and broaden academic and social growth.
My role in SLT allows me to contribute to the educational journey of each and every child, helping them to create memorable lifelong experiences.
Originally hailing from Gloucestershire in the UK, I now consider Dubai my home after residing here for 18 years. My professional journey began as a Mathematics teacher, having obtained a BSc in Mathematics from Liverpool University. Subsequently, I pursued a PGCE to secure my teaching qualification. From Liverpool, I took my first International post in the Canary Islands before heading to the UAE. With a short two year stint in Malaysia before returning back to Dubai.
From an early age I knew I wanted to be a Mathematics teacher. I enjoy the challenge that Mathematics brings and I have a passion for helping students, especially those who find Mathematics difficult, to discover enjoyment in the subject. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in diverse schools across the region. Each institution presented unique opportunities for personal and professional growth, whether through exposure to new curricula, undertaking various roles of responsibility, or interacting with students from different nationalities. I believe that these varied experiences have significantly contributed to my growth as both a teacher and a leader.
In 2022, I joined Kent College as the Head of Mathematics and was subsequently promoted to Deputy Head in August 2023. Witnessing numerous transformations since I started KCD, I am enthusiastic about the school's future developments and proud to be part of its journey toward excellence.
Hailing from the picturesque County Cavan in Ireland, I am thrilled to step into my new role as Deputy Head of Juniors at Kent College Dubai. With over a decade of teaching experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for inclusive education. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Care and Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Education from the University of Edinburgh with a number of additional accreditations specialising in special educational needs.
My journey has taken me through mainstream and special education settings in the UK, Ireland, and the UAE. For the past eight years, I have been teaching and leading inclusion departments in Dubai, creating welcoming environments that extend beyond traditional educational models. I am committed to providing a personal and bespoke support system for each student and family, fostering an inclusive culture that permeates every aspect of school life.
While my passion lies with inclusion, I also have a keen interest in wellbeing, safeguarding, and teaching and learning. Since joining Kent College Dubai, I am proud of the strides our team has made in enhancing our inclusion provision. The warm welcome and ongoing support from the KCD community have been invaluable, and I am excited to continue working together to make every student feel happy, supported, and confident in their individuality.
I am privileged to be part of the wonderfully nurturing and inspiring environment at Kent College Dubai. With a deep passion for Early Childhood Education, I am committed to creating inclusive and supportive learning spaces where children can flourish. My dedication to this field drives me to develop innovative curricula tailored to the unique needs of young learners, ensuring that each child feels valued and supported. I approach these formative years with empathy, creativity, and a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative and encouraging school community.
A key aspect of my educational philosophy is developing strong teams around each child, involving teachers, parents, and support staff in a unified effort to support the child's growth and development. By building these collaborative networks, we can address the unique needs of every student, creating a holistic and enriching educational experience.
In addition to my professional responsibilities, I take great joy in spending quality time with my family. Exploring new countries has become a cherished pastime, allowing me to experience diverse cultures and broaden my perspectives.
Born in Wirral, in the North West of England, I trained as a teacher in Manchester and worked in Surrey before moving to Dubai. As a Mathematics teacher, I am passionate about education and live for those moments when a student suddenly grasps a new concept. I believe that education is the key to unlocking a world of potential within every learner. In today’s rapidly changing environment, young people face numerous challenges, from technological advancements to social pressures. I am committed to guiding students in forming positive habits that will help them lead happy and successful lives, both in and out of the classroom. I believe that by fostering critical thinking, resilience, and adaptability our students will gain the skills needed to navigate the complexities of the future. My focus is on building confidence and a growth mindset, ensuring each student is prepared to tackle challenges head-on. I am dedicated to creating a supportive and enriching educational environment where every student can thrive.
I grew up in the South West of Britain and Shropshire, and I have always enjoyed being outside in the countryside, particularly by the sea. At Junior School I was always more into Science than my friends and would often take the lead on a Science project. At Senior School I had an amazing Chemistry teacher who really opened my eyes to the excitement and possibilites of Science, there are so many avenues that there is something for everyone. That was when I thought I would beome a Chemistry Teacher. During my A Levels Biology became my firm favourite of the three Sciences. I found particualr enjoyment in Human Physiology and Genetics, an extrmemly exciting and cutting edge field, as is it still is today. I investigated a career as a Marine Biologist (due to the love of the sea), Nutritionist or Physiotherapist, but came back to Education and becoming a Teacher. The main drive was passing on the excitement of Science and the fact it is a social job where I could interact with people. I knew I would always teach teenagers. I wanted to make them excited about Genetics, Stem Cell Research or the Immune System and hope, as I still do now, that I will generate enough of a spark to make some of them go into a career in Science. I have been blessed to teach so many amazing students and I have been lucky enough to teach many who have gone into a scientific career. I still meet some of my former students to hear about their lives and careers, and feeling like a proud teacher is one of life's highs. I absolutlely LOVE being a teacher and know that I will never have any other career - teenagers make me laugh and I am not sure I could ever have another job which has so many positive interactions in one day.