As I look forward to taking up post as Head of Secondary of The British International School Abu Dhabi this summer, I do so with a genuine sense of excitement, responsibility and gratitude. Joining a school with such a renowned reputation for academic excellence, alongside strong pastoral care and a comprehensive, holistic co-curricular offer is a privilege.
My family and I are very much looking forward to relocating from the UK to Abu Dhabi. In every interaction we have had with the school, we have been struck by the warmth, diversity and kindness of this exceptional community.
I come to this role not only as a school leader and experienced secondary headteacher, but also as a parent. My wife and I are making this move with our three daughters, each at a different stage of their educational journey. Like all parents, we want our children to be challenged, supported, happy and safe. This dual perspective – as Head of Secondary and as a father – underpins everything I believe a school should be and drives my work each day.
At the core of the BIS Abu Dhabi vision is a simple yet powerful commitment: every child is entitled to a school experience that is both empowering and truly enriching. Only when these two elements are given equal importance can children and young people genuinely thrive. It is this fundamental belief that inspired me to apply for a role at BIS Abu Dhabi.
High expectations matter. Rigorous teaching matters. Clear, individualised pathways to success matter. But academic excellence is not only about test scores or exam results; it is about cultivating curiosity, perseverance and a love of learning, all supported by an enriching and engaging school experience. School should be enjoyable as well as successful!
I firmly believe that outstanding academic results are achieved when children feel confident, known and supported, as well as appropriately challenged. Our role as educators is to create classrooms where challenge is welcomed, mistakes are part of learning, and ambition is paired with encouragement. By combining a strong British curriculum with an international perspective, we prepare our students not just for examinations, but for life beyond school – whether that takes them to universities around the world or into careers that do not yet exist.
Some of the most powerful learning happens beyond the classroom. Sport, music, drama, art, debate, adventure, community service and student leadership opportunities all play a vital role in shaping confident, well-rounded young people. Participation in a range of activities helps children discover passions, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and build friendships that last well beyond their school years.
We are proud of the breadth and quality of opportunities available at BIS Abu Dhabi and we will continue to invest in programmes that allow every child to shine – whether on the stage, in a gallery, on the sports field, or through service to others. Success looks different for every young person, and our role is to help them find their own version of it.
My school leadership so far has been shaped by the belief that, while great schools are essential, they are not sufficient on their own to ensure every child thrives.
For young people to fully embrace the opportunities available to them, strong relationships are key: between students and staff, between school and families, and between the school and the wider community. I see the tole of Head of Secondary as one of partnership. Education is most powerful when communities work together, with mutual trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to what is best for every student.
My wife and I are very excited to make a new home in Abu Dhabi, and to contribute fully to the life of both the school and the wider community. Our daughters are equally excited to begin their own journeys at BIS Abu Dhabi, and that personal investment deepens my commitment to ensuring that this exceptional school continues to flourish.
The future of BIS Abu Dhabi is a bright one. I feel privileged to be joining a school with a well-established culture of excellence, built through the strong leadership of Mr Cocker, Mr Dibdin, Mrs. McGlue and their respective teams.
I am proud to be joining this community, and I look forward to working closely with students, staff and families as we shape the next chapter of the school’s journey together. I am particularly excited to meet students and their families, and to spend time listening to what you value most about BIS Abu Dhabi, as well as what you would like to see done differently, so that we can continue to make this outstanding school even stronger.
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