Welcome from our Headteacher
I am so thrilled to have joined 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 are 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 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
Life at DESS Academic City
Our new DESS Academic City is where the time-honoured traditions of our legacy meet the dynamic energy of a modern, forward-thinking environment. Every day is 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 offers 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 have a key role to play in the learning experience we provide and so we are looking forward to watching our investment in the latest equipment and development of spaces encourage participation and endeavour.
Curriculum and Learning
DESS Academic City follows the English National Curriculum, and so has a particular focus on essential outcomes in Mathematics, Literacy, and Science.
The learning journey we have crafted is engaging and meaningful, with lessons that are designed to be relevant, challenging, and engaging for every child.
Foundation
Stage
The Foundation Stage at DESS Academic City encompasses FS1 (ages 3-4) and FS2 (ages 4-5). It is where we spend time laying firm foundations for every child's educational journey within an engaging play-based environment that we align with the UK EYFS curriculum.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1 (for Years 1 and 2) we create an inclusive, warm, and bright learning and development journey based on the National Curriculum for England.
We 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 Academic City 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 encourages 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.
Primary Pulse - December 2024
A SITE TO BEHOLD: Headteacher Neil Brinicombe watches the future take shape
Read here
Primary Pulse - November 2024
TAKING SHAPE: Dreams are under construction and the future of learning is coming to life.
Read here
Primary Pulse - October 2024
Information, articles and updates on DESS Primary Academic City
Read here
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.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
The skills and experience of our Senior Leadership Team sit behind the achievement and engagement of every staff member and student.
Through their contribution to the continuous improvement of curriculum, instruction, assessment and culture, they uphold our values and deliver against our mission by modelling healthy practices and making leadership a foundation of the school.
They lead by example and empower all staff to develop new skills. This underpins our enviable staff retention record and makes sure we are adaptable, flexible, approachable and nimble enough to achieve all our whole-school goals.
The DESS Academic City SLT is responsible to the Board of Trustees, and each member of the team has specific responsibilities around the school.
.jpg?height=2000&name=Neil%20Brinicombe_W%20(1).jpg)
Neil Brinicombe
Responsibilities:
- Health and Safety
- School Operations
- Community
- Marketing & Communications
.jpg?height=2000&name=Ruth%20Gibson%20-%20White%20Background%20Image%20(1).jpg)
Ruth Gibson
Ruth arrived at DESS Oud Metha in September 2016 as a Year Leader and advanced to the Senior Leadership Team the following year. Ruth is now Deputy Headteacher for both DESS Oud Metha and DESS Academic City.
Her education journey began with a PGCE from Swansea Metropolitan University, leading her to Bristol to start her teaching career. There, Ruth taught students from Year 2 to Year 6 and gained her SENDCO teacher accreditation. Her commitment to education extended beyond her school, working with the local authority to aid other schools in behaviour management.
In 2014, Ruth grasped an international challenge in Mombasa, Kenya, as Deputy Headteacher, where she was instrumental in implementing the National Curriculum and overhauling the school's reporting and assessment procedures.
Beyond her professional life, Ruth cherishes time with her family and loves to indulge her spirit of adventure with paddle boarding and exploring distant places.
Responsibilities:
- Leading on the schools Safeguarding, Wellbeing and Inclusion
- Staff Wellbeing & Sustainability
- Overseeing Islamic
.jpg?height=2000&name=Georgia%20Lavery%20-%20White%20Background%20(1).jpg)
Georgia Lavery
Responsibilities:
- KS1 (Year 1 and 2)
- Teaching and Learning including Technology
- Reporting and Compliance.
- Emirati Enrichment
- Overseeing Performing Arts, STEM and French/Spanish
.jpg?height=2000&name=Sam%20Bown%20-%20White%20Background%20Image%20(1).jpg)
Sam Bowen
Sam's teaching journey kicked off after completing his English Language degree at Cardiff University and his PGCE at the University of Portsmouth. Initially, he taught in a junior school in Portsmouth, specialising in support for children with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. In 2015, he moved to Dubai, where he has since worked in two primary schools, taking on roles in senior leadership and teaching across Key Stage 2, while leading the Maths and English curriculum.
Outside school, Sam enjoys cooking, keeping fit, and playing sport including football, kitesurfing, and Frisbee.
Responsibilities:
- Year 3 and 4
- Assessment for Learning
- DESSCovery
- Overseeing PE & Sport
.jpg?height=2000&name=Anthony_Hall_STAFF%20(2).jpg)
