Profile Category: Senior Leadership

“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.

"Working at KCD is a privilege and I am fortunate to work with a team of teachers that are highly skilled and dedicated to improving the academic and social development of their pupils."

Andrew has over 15 years teaching experience working in both the state and independent sector in the UK, mainly as a Leader of Sport Programmes & Head of Faculty for Performing Arts. He has a BSc (Hons) in Sport Science & Education from the University of Worcester and his educational ideals centre around developing global citizens who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, tolerance and growth mindsets.

Andrew loves all sport but especially football, and enjoys reading and travelling in his spare time. 

It has been an amazing experience, watching Kent College grow into the thriving and dynamic educational hub it is today. Since the day the school first opened, I have had the privilege of working with fantastic staff and wonderful children. The community spirit and pupil focused fabric of the school make it a fantastic place to work."
Ben has a bachelors degree in Management and Mathematics from the University of Essex and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education from the University of Suffolk. Throughout his career he has taught in various schools across the U.K., Abu Dhabi and now Dubai. He has completed his NPQSL and is now looking towards a Masters in Education.

“It is both a privilege and an honour to work at Kent College Dubai alongside such a passionate and experienced group of educators and with children who are inquisitive, engaged and keen to learn.”

Annie has spent most of her career teaching internationally having completed the first three years of teaching in the UK where she also carried out her BEd training. Annie has a young family with husband Gerard Lavelle, who is also a teacher in Dubai. In her spare time, Annie enjoys baking, reading and spending time with her family.

"Arriving at Kent College Dubai at the beginning of this academic year, I was instantly impressed with the warm welcome and caring nature of the school.
We have an outstanding community; parents, pupils and colleagues who are passionate about, and committed to, aiming for the highest academic and pastoral standards.
It is an honour and pleasure to be leading the Senior School in this next phase of our development, as we set about installing such high standards as the norm, creating a learning culture that promotes curiosity, collaboration and kindness in a rich and vibrant environment.
Great relationships and morals are the underpinning elements of a great school, and with our values; integrity, tolerance and respect at the heart of everything we do, I look forward to seeing our pupils embrace the challenges on offer with enthusiasm and passion.
As a former international athlete, who has been involved in education for over 20 years, I very much believe that excellence is a state of mind, that when instilled, encourages everyone to settle for nothing less than their very best."