Home LearningExcellence In...Schools Pupil Leadership Transformed – Brighton College Dubai Embraces Inclusivity & Growth

Pupil Leadership Transformed – Brighton College Dubai Embraces Inclusivity & Growth

by Belinda Breeze

Breaking with tradition, Brighton College Dubai appoints two female Head Pupils and expands pupil leadership structure

Brighton College Dubai is delighted to announce its new innovative approach to pupil leadership. Moving away from the traditional roles of Head Boy and Head Girl, the College has embraced a more progressive and inclusive leadership model with the introduction of the title “Head Pupil”.  

Brighton College Dubai introduces a gender-neutral ‘Head Pupil’ title, recognising leadership based on merit, not gender

This bold decision reflects the College’s commitment to recognising leadership based on merit, rather than gender. In line with this forward-thinking approach, the College is delighted to unveil its two new female Head Pupils for the academic year – Zahra Abdul Gaffar and Diyala Abdel Karim.

With seven Deputy Head Pupils, each taking on specialised roles, Brighton College Dubai ensures a collaborative approach to student leadership

In keeping with its evolving leadership structure, the College has also implemented significant changes across its pupil leadership team. Where previously there were just two Deputy Head Pupils, this year the College has appointed seven, each selected for their unique strengths and abilities that promise to enrich the College community. This expanded leadership team closely mirrors the staff leadership roles, ensuring a dynamic and collaborative approach to school governance.

Each Deputy Head Pupil will take on a specialised role. The Deputy Head Pupil for Academics will work alongside Heads of Department to shape and enhance academic offerings. Similarly, the Deputy Head Pupil for Well-being will collaborate with the College’s Counsellor and Well-being Ambassadors to support pupil welfare initiatives. Meanwhile, the Deputy Head Pupil for Houses and Sport will team up with House Captains and the Director of Sport to promote house events and sporting activities.

Brighton College Dubai’s Pupil Leadership Team

All Head and Deputy Head Pupils will meet regularly and undergo comprehensive training in leadership, including chairing meetings, driving change, and inspiring their peers. Brighton College Dubai is confident that these changes will not only enhance the pupil leadership experience but also inspire a new generation of leaders.

Our goal is to create leaders who build bridges, support peers, and push for excellence


Jane Clelow, Head of Senior School commented: “With such a wide array of opportunities, we are thrilled to offer so many of our pupils a taste of leadership, ensuring theirs and the voices of their peers are heard across the College. We are confident that these experiences will not only enrich their time at Brighton College Dubai but will also prepare them for leadership in the world beyond school.” She added: “We want them to build bridges that support and uplift others, as well as breaking barriers to push for new levels of excellence in all that they do.”

Brighton College Dubai now has 100 pupils in various leadership roles, which include: Head Pupils, Deputy Head Pupils Prefects, Pupil Council, UAE Ambassadors, Subject Ambassadors, House Captains, Deputy House Captains and Digital Ambassadors.

For more information please visit: https://www.brightoncollegedubai.ae/