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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.
Senior Leadership Team
The skills and experience of our Senior Leadership Team will sit behind the achievement and engagement of every new staff member and all our children.
Through their contribution to the continuous improvement of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and culture, they will uphold our values and deliver against our mission by modelling healthy practices and making leadership a foundation of the school.
They will lead by example and empower all staff to develop new skills. This will underpin DESS’s enviable staff retention record and make sure we are adaptable, flexible, approachable, and nimble enough to achieve all our whole-school goals.
The DESS Academic City SLT will be responsible to the Board of Trustees, and each member of the team will have specific responsibilities around the school.
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Christopher Vizzard
Chris has been at the helm of DESS College since 2012 and has overall responsibility for its operations and strategic development. Under his leadership, the College has achieved 'Outstanding' ratings every year in KHDA and BSO inspections. Chris has championed many of the ground-breaking initiatives that sit behind our commitment to ensuring the College continues to deliver excellence across benchmarks inside and outside the classroom.
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Matthew Cotgrove
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 the College, he has been instrumental in our enviable inspection ratings.
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Lucy Petith
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.
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Michael Fallon
Since joining DESS College in 2017, Michael has been pivotal in upholding and enhancing the high standards of Teaching and Learning throughout the College. He is tasked with crafting an effective 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.
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Martin Nash
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.
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Malachy McGrogan
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 DESSC His focus is on enhancing the integration and application of technology throughout the 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 College's digital platform at the forefront of educational technology, ensuring it remains innovative and responsive to the rapid evolution of tech trends.
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Hani El Taher
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 the 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.
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Sophie Barratt
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 the 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.
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Joe Roberts
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 the 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.
Results & Inspection Report
DESS Academic City will strive to uphold the DESS family’s Outstanding rating, which is the result of continual reviews and inspections by several bodies that are tasked with ensuring the consistency and quality of the education offered by Dubai schools.
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What Else Is Special?
At DESC, we understand that competitive universities look for students who are not only academically proficient but also genuinely passionate about their subjects.
Our LIFE curriculum addresses essential life skills and knowledge not covered in traditional academic programmes.
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Examinations
We do not select our students on an academic basis yet we are regularly ranked amongst the best International Schools for our examination results. Students at DESC achieve outstanding examination results due to the solid foundation given to them by their teachers throughout their time at the College.
At DESC, students sit some GCSEs in Year 10 (Science and English), however, most GCSEs are taken in Year 11. Currently, students take their A levels at the end of Year 13. Some students in the Sixth Form are enrolled on BTEC qualifications that have more of a portfolio-based assessment structure.
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.
