Management Changes Across Many UAE Schools

While we might only be just over quarter of the way through the year, 2016 has already seen an unprecedented movement in senior positions across Dubai schools. Here however is a roundup of the movers and shakers that have made a difference to the UAE's education scene this academic year - so far. Horizon International School In March, husband and wife team, principal David Wilson and Cathy Wilson, head of secondary, announced they would be leaving Horizon International School at the end of the academic year. In a letter to parents, David Wilson said the decision had followed “many discussions and some really difficult decisions,” before a decision was made to leave the school. Parents at HIS responded with their own letter to Al Najah, the school’s management company letting it know of the "disappointment amongst parents and children" and that the news of the Wilsons resignations had not been "accepted lightly". The parents noted the positive environment and changes David Wilson as principal had brought to the school during his tenure. There has been no public announcement of replacements for either position so far.   Safa British School Also in March, Safa British School announced their principal Maureen Chapman would be leaving the school at the end of the academic year. In a letter to parents SBS said, “we want to take this opportunity to announce that Mrs. Maureen Chapman will be leaving her position as Head Teacher of Safa British School.” “The strong senior and middle management team will resume all leadership and management responsibilities in the interim period. We will support the school in the transition to a new Head Teacher.” Safa British School has yet to provide details of Chapman's replacement.   Credence High School- Dubai In January, Kulbhushan Kain Director/principal at Credence High School left the school for a new director’s position at the prestigious Delhi Public School, Jaipur. Reports from Credence say Kain has yet to be replaced.   Jebel Ali Primary/School Jacquie Parr, the current head of JAPS primary school is to become the head of the new Jebel Ali based school. Parr was appointed primary head back in  2014 and was previously deputy head at JESS Jumeirah. Also at JAPS/JAS, Colette Doughty has been appointed as head of secondary for the new Jebel Ali School set to open in August. Doughty was previously head of science and assistant principal at JESS Arabian Ranches.   Hartland International School In a letter to parents issued on Saturday 9th April, the Board of Governors at Hartland International announced that Executive Director, Jenny Stephen and head of primary Melissa McBride will both be leaving the school at the end of the academic year. The school already has a high profile replacement lined up for Ms Stephen, but is waiting for KHDA approval before making the appointment public.   The English College In addition to announcing its new primary school, launching in August 2016, The English College stated it will be replacing the current board and handing over school management to LVS Ascot, a British independent school owned by a Charitable Trust, from 1st March 2016. In a letter to parents, the English College said, “with the charity trust behind them, they are fortunate to be extremely strong financially with assets, excluding school buildings, in excess of £55 million...”   Foremarke School This month, principal at Foremarke School, Alistair Bond was replaced by Naomi Williams. Williams moved over from Repton where she has been deputy head of the junior school since September 2014.