DESS College

• Vision, Culture and Values
• Student experiences
• Our Community
• Staff culture, recruitment, growth and wellbeing
• Strategy and Standards
• College and Site Development

Lucy joined DESS College in 2013 as a geography teacher. The following year she moved into a pastoral leadership role as Deputy and then Head of House. She has been a member of SLT since 2018.

Lucy studied BA (Hons) Geography at the University of Nottingham and later completed her PGCE and MA in Leadership at Univeristy College London. Her teaching career began at an academy in South London as part of the Teach First programme. Her keen interest in education emerged during her dissertation research in rural Kenya where she spent a summer better understanding female perceptions on education, interviewing women and listening to their insights on the signifance of education in their lives.

Prior to having a young family, the geographer in Lucy spent most summers travelling and seeing for herself the extraordinary landmarks and features she often shares with her students. Nowadays, weekends are always busy with playdates and parks, but Lucy is happiest when she is with her family relaxing in the garden or back at home in Plymouth, eating a pasty and enjoying the beach.

Responsibilities:

• Sixth Form Experience
• Overseas Trips
• Community Engagement
• Staff Wellbeing

Since joining DESS College in 2017, Michael has been pivotal in upholding and enhancing the high standards of Learning and Teaching throughout DESS College. He is tasked with crafting an effective timetable that facilitates an outstanding curriculum experience for both staff and students. Under his guidance, Learning and Teaching 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 Learning and Teaching standards, ensuring students benefit from exceptional classroom experiences and achieve outstanding levels of success.

Responsibilities:

• Learning and Teaching
• Curriculum
• Timetable
• KS3-4 transition and GCSE Options
• Staff Professional Development

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.

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.

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, something that informed her research when completing her Masters in Education. Her aim is to empower students with a comprehensive set of skills for their future success and wellbeing. Having completed her Advanced Senior Mental Health Leaders Course, Sophie will continue to implement change based upon research and the needs of our students. 

Responsibilities:

• Student Wellbeing and Mental Health 
• Deputy DSL and House Team Support
• Overseeing our School Counselling and Advisory Service, School nurses and Head of MSCE
• Developing and implementing our RISE (relationships, interests, skills and emotions) Framework

Joe has been a key leader within the DESS College community since 2025, providing strategic oversight of Curriculum, Assessment, National Agenda, Data and Examinations. His leadership philosophy centres on empowering both students and staff to achieve excellence through collaborative, evidence-informed practice.

With an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, Joe leads with the conviction that every student at DESS College deserves access to outstanding educational experiences. He champions a data-responsive approach to teaching and learning, working alongside colleagues to translate research and evidence into meaningful classroom practice that drives exceptional outcomes across our College community.

As a leader, Joe has focused on fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. He actively engages faculty in professional dialogue about curriculum design, assessment for learning, and the implementation of National Agenda priorities, ensuring that DESS College remains at the forefront of educational excellence. His collaborative leadership style encourages staff to take ownership of their professional growth while maintaining a shared focus on student achievement.

Joe's leadership extends beyond operational management to visionary thinking about the future of education at DESS College. He is deeply committed to exploring and implementing evidence-based strategies that not only elevate academic standards but also cultivate a sustainable culture of success, resilience, and intellectual curiosity throughout our College community. His approach balances the pursuit of outstanding examination results with the broader goal of developing well-rounded, confident learners prepared for future success.

Responsibilities:

• Curriculum
• Assessment
• Data Analysis and Intervention
• Literacy Across the Curriculum
• National Agenda/E33
• Leadership Development

Malachy McGrogan joined DESS College in 2012, and took on the role of Assistant Headteacher in 2021 while also retaining his responsibilities as Director of Technology across all DESS Schools. 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 ensuring that DESS's digital journey is at the forefront of educational technology, remaining innovative and responsive to the rapid evolution of tech trends.

Responsibilities:

• New Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Network Development
• Hardware and Software Solutions

Sarah joined DESS College in 2014 as Head of Drama and, two years later, was promoted to Director of Performing Arts in 2016. In this role, she championed a vision to equip students with transferable skills in communication, collaboration, and public speaking through Dance, Drama, and Music. Under her leadership, the department grew into an award-winning hub of creativity, with students performing at prestigious events across the UAE and internationally.

In 2025, Sarah was appointed to the Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Headteacher for Community Development. Drawing on her expertise in event planning and cross-department collaboration, she leads initiatives that strengthen the College’s sense of unity and belonging. She also oversees DESS’s charity partnerships, including work with the Sparkle Foundation through the DESS Gives Back initiative.

At the heart of Sarah’s work is a deep belief in the power of community. She understands that when students, staff, and families feel connected and supported, they thrive both academically and personally. By fostering meaningful relationships and shared experiences, Sarah aims to cultivate a culture where everyone feels valued and inspired to contribute.

Responsibilities:

• Community Events and Trips 
• Student and Parent Voice 
• Charity 
• Alumni 

Since joining DESS College in 2015, Ebrahim has played a strategic role in driving innovation and shaping the school’s digital learning vision. His leadership has been instrumental in developing a future-focused digital curriculum and fostering a culture of excellence.

Over the past decade, he has led the design and implementation of a forward-looking, knowledge-rich curriculum that not only supports strong examination outcomes but also equips students with essential skills for a digital future.

Ebrahim has spearheaded initiatives such as the creation of an eSports arena, a robotics hub, and the launch of pioneering courses like the BTEC in Artificial Intelligence—among the first of its kind in the region—opening new avenues for student engagement. Programmes such as Digital Leaders, the Technology Society, the Tech Olympics, and the integration of 3D printing have added further depth to the student experience. More recently, he has focused on strengthening digital safeguarding across the school, promoting the safe and responsible use of technology.

Now serving as Assistant Headteacher, Ebrahim is deeply committed to driving meaningful growth across the school. He is passionate about cultivating a dynamic and inclusive learning culture—one that empowers both students and staff to thrive, innovate, and continuously strive for excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Curriculum
• Assessment
• Data Analysis and Intervention
• New Staff Induction
• Early Careers Teachers