DESS College

Matt joined DESS College in 2011 and directs the day-to-day functions that keep the College running smoothly. He leads a team of experienced Deputy Headteachers and Assistant Headteachers and during his time at DESS College, he has been instrumental in our enviable inspection ratings.

Lucy joined DESS College in 2013 and is responsible for Staff Development and Wellbeing. With a rich background in leading initiatives on Social and Environmental Responsibility, she has been instrumental in orchestrating whole-school campaigns that engage students in global issues and encourage them to take meaningful action.

In 2018, Lucy launched DESSCares, a comprehensive initiative that includes Theme Weeks, fundraisers, and various events aimed at fostering awareness and driving positive change within the College and the wider community. DESSCares collaborates with Dubai Cares and United World Schools, supporting educational projects like the construction of a school in Cambodia.

Lucy's vision is to cultivate a 'Culture of Caring' at DESS College that encompasses wellbeing, philanthropy, and service. She is dedicated to ensuring that both students and staff appreciate the importance of self-care, environmental stewardship, and mutual support, reinforcing the values of empathy and community engagement.

Since joining DESS College in 2017, Michael has been pivotal in upholding and enhancing the high standards of Teaching and Learning throughout DESS College. He is tasked with crafting an effective DESS College timetable that facilitates an outstanding curriculum experience for both staff and students. Under his guidance, Teaching and Learning at DESS College have consistently received 'Outstanding' ratings from DSIB and BSO. Michael has also spearheaded the rapid advancement of technology use in learning, further enriching the educational experience. His goal is to elevate DESS College's already exemplary Teaching and Learning standards, ensuring students benefit from exceptional classroom experiences and achieve outstanding levels of success.

Martin Nash has been a cornerstone of DESS College since 2009, primarily focusing on the comprehensive pastoral care of students. He ensures that the experienced House Leadership Team fosters a nurturing environment where students can thrive. Under his guidance, the Inclusion department has seen significant development and restructuring, embedding our inclusive ethos more deeply into the College’s culture. Martin has also spearheaded the growth of our extensive extracurricular programme, offering students unparalleled opportunities for enrichment in the region. He is dedicated to shaping students into outstanding individuals, ensuring every student enjoys a fulfilling and inclusive experience at DESS College, celebrating their unique qualities and interests.

Malachy McGrogan, who joined DESS College in 2012, has recently taken on the role of Assistant Headteacher, in addition to his duties as Director of Technology across DESS. His focus is on enhancing the integration and application of technology throughout DESS College, ensuring it enriches learning experiences both within and outside the classroom. Malachy has been instrumental in implementing strategies that guarantee seamless access to learning for all students, whether on-site or remotely. He has also been pivotal in developing a robust digital infrastructure that supports the entire College community. Malachy is committed to maintaining DESS's digital platform at the forefront of educational technology, ensuring it remains innovative and responsive to the rapid evolution of tech trends.

Sophie arrived at DESS College in 2014 and with her focus on the mental, social, and emotional wellbeing of students, is committed to ensuring that everyone receives the necessary support and opportunities to succeed both personally and academically. Since becoming a part of the House Team in 2016, Sophie has been able to have a major impact on pastoral care throughout the College, continually refining and expanding the support services available.

Sophie views her role as a chance to positively influence students' journeys, offering meaningful wellbeing education that not only supports students within DESS College but also prepares them for life's challenges beyond. Her aim is to empower students with a comprehensive set of skills for their future success and wellbeing.

Joe Roberts has been a key member of DESS College since 2015, with his primary responsibility centred around Assessment, Data, and Examinations. He plays a crucial role in refining our data and tracking systems to support both our Teaching and Learning provision and our inclusive curriculum. Joe's efforts are dedicated to enhancing the connection between data collection and its positive effects on student progress and achievement.

With a strong commitment to academic excellence, Joe is driven by the goal of ensuring students at DESS College consistently attain outstanding results. He is actively engaged in exploring strategies to further elevate and maintain the culture of academic success within the DESS College community.

Since joining DESS College in 2018, Hani has been at the forefront of the National Agenda, focusing on maintaining our status as a leading British Curriculum School in the region. His efforts are centred on the effective delivery of the Ministry of Education (MOE) curriculum subjects, fostering an appreciation for the culture and language of the UAE, and aligning with the nation's vision and goals, particularly in enhancing the educational achievements of Emirati students.

Under his leadership, the Arabic and Islamic Education departments have seen significant advancements, with the introduction of initiatives that have markedly improved student outcomes and elevated the stature of these subjects within DESS College. Hani is dedicated to ensuring that DESS College remains a benchmark for British schools in the UAE in achieving the objectives set forth by the UAE National Agenda.