Welcome from our Headteacher
I am so thrilled to join DESS at such an exciting time.
Leading a new school within a family that boasts a remarkable legacy means expectations are high. But I am relishing the opportunity to set new benchmarks in education by recognising and nurturing each child’s unique talents and ensuring that everyone receives the support they need to shine.
My leadership philosophy is rooted in adaptability and direct involvement. I believe in nurturing diverse talents across sports, music, arts, and academics. It means my new team and I will be on a mission to provide an environment where success is not just a goal, but a journey defined by imagination and continuous growth.
With a background in sports, I value the spirit of competition, tempered with kindness and respect. I am committed to fostering an atmosphere where both students and teachers can thrive, personally and professionally.
I believe in the power of regular, meaningful communication and the strength of our school’s partnership with parents. By being a visible and approachable leader, I aim to build strong relationships with all our stakeholders, creating a true sense of community.
My team’s goal is to prepare our children for an ever-evolving future, equipping them with the resilience and skills they will need to succeed. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you and making DESS Academic City another of the family’s beacons of excellence in education.
Warm regards,
Neil Brinicombe - M.Ed (Hons), NPQH, NPQEL
Headteacher (Designate)
Life at DESS Academic City
Our new DESS Academic City is where the time-honoured traditions of our legacy will meet the dynamic energy of a modern, forward-thinking environment. Every day will be an opportunity for our students to grow, learn, and thrive within a community that celebrates both the richness of our past and the excitement of new possibilities. From the warm, supportive atmosphere that feels like home to the innovative experiences that push boundaries, DESS Academic City will offer a unique blend of the familiar and the new, creating a vibrant and inspiring journey for every child.
Our Facilities
From classrooms to play areas, we believe that our amazing new school facilities will have a key role to play in the learning experience we provide and so we are looking forward to watching our investment deliver the latest equipment and develop spaces to encourage participation and endeavour.
Curriculum and Learning
DESS Academic City will follow the English National Curriculum, and so have a particular focus on essential outcomes in Mathematics, Literacy, and Science.
The learning journey we will craft will be engaging and meaningful, with lessons that will be designed to be relevant, challenging, and engaging for every child.
Foundation
Stage
The Foundation Stage at DESS Academic City will encompass FS1 (ages 3-4) and FS2 (ages 4-5). It will be where we spend time laying firm foundations for every child's educational journey within an engaging play-based environment that we will align with the UK EYFS curriculum.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1 (for Years 1 and 2) we will create an inclusive, warm, and bright learning and development journey based on the National Curriculum for England.
We will use current and cultural concepts linked to ‘The UN Global Goals’ to enrich and engage our children in different ways and give the curriculum a sparkling life force.
Key Stage 2
Key Stage 2 at DESS Primary will involve Years 3 to 6 students (ages 7-11), who we will guide gently through a syllabus and programme of activities designed to prepare them for the transition to secondary school and ignite a passion for learning that we hope can last a lifetime.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Our range of all year-group activities will encourage students to step away briefly from their important classroom commitments and enjoy recreation with House mates that builds resilience, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
DESSCares
When students show appreciation and treat others with empathy, understanding, and consideration—without expecting anything in return—it leads to collective growth.
That’s why we are dedicated to creating and implementing a range of DESSCares initiatives and events. These are designed to help students grasp the significance of supporting both their local and global communities.
Throughout the year, we will host various events aimed at deepening students' understanding of the world, our impact on it, and how they can contribute to making it a better place.
