Mrs Emily Hopkinson brings almost 20 years of experience in education to her new role as Principal of The English College. Originally from Yorkshire in the UK, she graduated from the University of Lincoln with a BSc in Psychology before gaining a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Warwick. In 2021, she completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship.
Mrs Hopkinson’s career has seen her teaching and leading schools in the UK, Malaysia and the UAE and prior to her role as Principal, she held the position of Head of Secondary here at The English College for 4 years.
Core Purpose: To inspire confident and passionate learners who will thrive and make a differenceTo inspire confident and passionate learners who will thrive and make a difference
Respect: We respect ourselves, others, and our environment
Aspiration: We have high expectations and strive to achieve excellence
Integrity: We have a strong moral compass, choosing courage over comfort
Resilience: We face challenges with tenacity – we adapt, respond and grow
Gratitude: We are kind and appreciative in all that we do
What Makes this School Unique?
Established in 1992, We are very proud of our strong heritage, traditions and values and are constantly looking forward, seeking to innovate and improve at every age and stage for every one of our pupils.
Why Choose this Curriculum?
We aren’t just another British curriculum school in Dubai – we are more than a school, we are a community, an experience and a way of life that nurtures excellence in every respect. Our community is culturally rich and diverse, welcoming students from a phenomenal range of backgrounds and over 70 nationalities. As a school we recognise and celebrate this.
Pastoral Care
Our DSIB-rated ”Outstanding” pastoral care, personal ensures that your children are equipped, socially and emotionally, to achieve their potential and flourish in all that they do.
After School and Co-curricular Activities
We recognise and value the importance of extra-curricular activities and we want our students to get the most out of their education. Each year, a varied and exciting range of activities run before school, at lunchtime and after school, with new activities appearing on a regular basis. The programme goes hand-in-hand with our sports and PE provision, giving students the extra training or impetus they need to make squads and represent the school. ECAs offer many benefits, including improved academic performance, further exploration of interests and passions, and opportunities to create broader perspectives and meet new people.
Ratings and Accreditations
The English College is expecting a new inspection from The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) through its Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau, this has been delayed due to the pandemic.
Here are some of our 2019/20 Report highlights:
- 62% of categories are rated Very Good or Outstanding
- All progress and attainment categories in Secondary Science and Mathematics increased to Outstanding
- Students’ personal and social development in Foundation, Primary, Secondary and Post-16 remains Outstanding
- The care and support of students in Foundation, Primary, Secondary and Post-16 remains Outstanding
- The school’s progression in international assessments is above expectations
- The impact of leadership is above expectations.
The Best Teachers
Our talented and highly dedicated team of teachers are committed to providing our students with the best possible high-quality, well-rounded education, preparing them to be successful in life. The team is complemented by the support staff, who work tirelessly and collaboratively to optimise the conditions and climate for learning.
- The best value, high-quality British education since 1992
- All-through school FS1 to year 13
- Primary specialized teaching: French, Music, pe Swimming
- Ideal location in al Safa 1
- Small classes
- Highly qualified experienced teachers from the UK
- A plethora of extra-curricular activities
- Outstanding pastoral care and personal development
Mark Ford
Principal
Mark Ford brings with him over three decades of experience in education. He graduated in Mathematics from Nottingham, before completing his PGCE at York University. His career has seen him teaching in the UK, Kenya, France, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, at Abu Dhabi’s ADEK ‘Outstanding School’, The British School Al Khubairat, followed by a Principal position at Dubai’s ‘Outstanding’ Dubai British School until 2016. He then moved to Kuala Lumpur to head the prestigious, British Garden International School before joining The English College in August 2019.
David Wilcock
Head of Primary School, FS 1 TO YR 6
David Wilcock completed his BA (QTS) at Edge Hill University and his Masters of Educational Leadership at The University of Auckland in New Zealand. During his teaching career he held posts in Milton Keynes in the UK and leadership roles in both Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand! In 2017, David decided to use his extensive leadership experience in a different international setting by joining Dubai’s Emirates International School. He took the position as Head of Primary at The English College in 2019.
Emily Hopkinson
Head of Secondary School, YR 7-13
Emily Hopkinson completed her BSc in Psychology at the University of Lincoln and gained QTS to become a Psychology teacher. After working as a teacher and a senior Psychology examiner for AQA for a number of years, she completed her MA in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Warwick. She performed a number of senior leadership roles – both in the UK and internationally – before joining The English College as Head of Senior School in 2020
Daryl Sims
Head of Learning
Daryl Sims studied for his degree in Industrial Economics at The University of Nottingham, before gaining his Masters in Leadership at the Institute of Education London. He joined The English College in 2011 as teacher of Economics and Business before beginning his current role. Previous to coming to Dubai, Daryl worked in East London, joining the teaching profession through the UK charity ‘Teach First’.
