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Discover Kings’ School Dubai

At our schools, we inspire growth, achievement, and excellence in every child.

Apply Now
Book A Tour

Discover Kings’ School Dubai

At our schools, we inspire growth, achievement, and excellence in every child.

Apply Now
Book A Tour
Inspiring Young Minds Since 2004.

We are a welcoming primary school community where children are encouraged to be curious, confident and compassionate from their very first days at Kings’.

About Kings’ School Dubai

As the founding school of Kings’ Education, Kings’ School Dubai has provided exceptional British education within a nurturing community, in Umm Suqeim, for over two decades. We welcome more than 1,100 children from over 60 nationalities, from Foundation Stage to Year 6, combining academic ambition and outstanding teaching with a nurturing community that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Our guiding philosophy, ‘The Best By Every Child’, shapes every aspect of school life, ensuring each child feels happy, supported and challenged to achieve their best and grow academically, socially and emotionally.

Explore Our Learning

The Best By Every Child

Children learn best when they feel safe, happy and valued. By understanding each child’s strengths, interests and needs, we nurture their potential and help them make meaningful progress, develop strong character and take pride in achieving their personal best.

Our teachers work with families to agree meaningful next steps for each child, keeping expectations ambitious while recognising that progress can take different forms throughout the primary years.

Our Campus

Our purpose-built campus in Umm Suqeim brings specialist primary learning, sport and creative spaces together in one welcoming setting. Explore our Campus page for a closer look at the facilities.

Explore Our Campus

Leadership Team

Our experienced school leaders work with teachers and families to protect the high standards, warmth and care that make Kings’ School Dubai distinctive.

Our leadership team works closely with teachers, students and families to ensure every child benefits from outstanding learning, strong pastoral care and a clear sense of belonging.

Bede Higgins
Principal & Director of Education
Louise Barber
Primary Headteacher
Amy McDonnell
Deputy Headteacher
Meet Our Leadership Team
Bede Higgins
Principal & Director of Education
Louise Barber
Primary Headteacher
Amy McDonnell
Deputy Headteacher
Meet Our Leadership Team

Inspection Reports & Accreditations

We are proud that Kings’ School Dubai has been rated Outstanding by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau every year since inspections began — a distinction unmatched by any other school in the UAE.

This record reflects the strength of our leadership, teaching, curriculum, wellbeing, inclusion and student outcomes.

You can explore our inspection reports and accreditation information below to learn more about the standards and care behind this record.

Pastoral Care & Child Wellbeing

We make pastoral care part of everyday school life. Our teachers and pastoral teams work alongside families to understand how children are settled, respond to concerns and offer guidance when additional support is needed.

We place value on clear communication with home and practical support when children face challenges with friendships, routines or their wider school experience.

Inclusion

Inclusion is central to the Kings’ approach. We recognise that every child’s learning journey is different. Some children may require additional learning support, some may be learning English as an additional language, and others may benefit from further challenge or enrichment.

Our teachers and specialist teams work closely with children and families to provide the right balance of support, challenge and care, helping every child feel confident, capable and included.

Learn About Inclusion
Inspection Reports & Accreditations

Inspection Reports & Accreditations

We are proud that Kings’ School Dubai has been rated Outstanding by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau every year since inspections began — a distinction unmatched by any other school in the UAE.

This record reflects the strength of our leadership, teaching, curriculum, wellbeing, inclusion and student outcomes.

You can explore our inspection reports and accreditation information below to learn more about the standards and care behind this record.

Pastoral Care & Child Wellbeing

We make pastoral care part of everyday school life. Our teachers and pastoral teams work alongside families to understand how children are settled, respond to concerns and offer guidance when additional support is needed.

We place value on clear communication with home and practical support when children face challenges with friendships, routines or their wider school experience.

Inclusion

Inclusion is central to the Kings’ approach. We recognise that every child’s learning journey is different. Some children may require additional learning support, some may be learning English as an additional language, and others may benefit from further challenge or enrichment.

Our teachers and specialist teams work closely with children and families to provide the right balance of support, challenge and care, helping every child feel confident, capable and included.

Learn About Inclusion
Our British Curriculum
What Sets Kings’ Apart

History Of Kings’

Kings’ School Dubai

Kings’ School Al Barsha

Kings’ Nad Al Sheba

Our Learning
Management
Careers
Media
Contact

The Leadership Team

Bede Higgins

Director of Education and Principal

Bede Higgins

Director of Education and Principal

Bede obtained a degree in Mathematics and Psychology from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, followed by a Diploma of Teaching in Mathematics, Physical Education and Outdoor Education from Christchurch College of Education. He began his teaching career as a secondary Mathematics and Physical Education teacher in New Zealand before moving to the UK where he taught specialist Physical Education at a London preparatory school.

Relocating to Dubai in 2002, Bede worked in two well respected British curriculum primary schools, firstly as Head of Physical Education and later as Assistant Headteacher. During this time, Bede completed his NPQH and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management.

Bede joined Kings’ School Dubai as Deputy Headteacher in 2014, and was subsequently appointed Principal in 2016, a position he still holds. In 2023, Bede was promoted to Director of Education, working closely with senior leaders across the group to ensure that Kings’ exceptional standards remain high.

Louise Barber

Headteacher

Louise Barber

Headteacher

Louise’s career in education began in 2006 after she graduated with a BA Hons. in Education. She started her teaching journey in Cheshire, England, where she taught students across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. In 2014 she moved to Dubai and joined Kings’.

At Kings’ School Dubai, Louise initially started as a classroom teacher and progressed to the position of Assistant Headteacher and more recently to the role of Deputy Headteacher. During her time at the school, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to education and student development.

Louise strongly believes that building strong relationships is crucial for providing an exceptional educational experience. She emphasises the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for students, fostering an atmosphere where they can thrive and grow. Her passion for education and her dedication to nurturing students’ well-being drive her to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and flourish. In 2023, Louise was promoted to the role of Headteacher, she is excited to contribute her expertise and continue making a positive impact on the educational journey of Kings’ School Dubai students.

Amy McDonnell

Deputy Headteacher

Amy McDonnell

Deputy Headteacher

Amy McDonnell is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience. For the past 11 years, she has made a significant impact at Kings’ School Dubai, where she initially started as a classroom teacher having worked previously in Ireland. During her time at Kings’ School Dubai, Amy has demonstrated her commitment to education and student development, culminating in her current position as Assistant Headteacher. Now, Amy is excited to embark on her new role as Deputy Headteacher.

Amy firmly believes that strong relationships form the foundation of an exceptional educational experience. At Kings’ Dubai, she emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for students, fostering an atmosphere where they can thrive and grow. With her passion for education and her dedication to nurturing students’ well- being, Amy is devoted to ensuring every child has an opportunity to learn and flourish.

As she assumes her role as Deputy Headteacher, Amy is excited to contribute her expertise and continue making a positive impact on the educational journey of Kings’ School Dubai students. Her unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment positions her as an invaluable asset to the school community.

Katie Crews

Assistant Headteacher
(Foundation Stage)

Katie Crews

Assistant Headteacher (Foundation Stage)

Katie is a dedicated and enthusiastic practioner with 18 years of experience across schools in the UK and internationally. She has been part of the Kings’ Dubai team for 8 years and has worked in both KS1 and KS2 as a Year Leader. Katie has a passion for empowering students and fostering positive learning environments where pupils can reach their full potential. She holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education and this educational foundation has provided Katie with a deep understanding of teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and student assessment.

Katie prides herself on her ability to generate relationships with students, parents and colleagues. This has allowed her to foster an inclusive and supportive environment, encouraging collaboration and teamwork among staff members. Their ability to build positive relationships has contributed to a harmonious team culture and improved student achievement. As she embarks on her new role as Assisant Headteacher for KS1, she is excited to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with the wider Kings’ School Dubai community.

Kate Waters

Assistant Headteacher
(Years 1 and 2)

Kate Waters

Assistant Headteacher (Years 1 and 2)

Kate’s experience of teaching in different countries and working across various curriculum systems has broadened her perspective on education. She is familiar with the British, US, and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula, each with their own focus and teaching methodology. This exposure has allowed her to adapt and integrate a variety of effective teaching strategies into the classroom. Since settling in Dubai in 2010, Kate has taught in Years 3 to 6, enabling a deep understanding of the developmental needs of children in this age range. As a teacher and Year Leader, she has taken on additional management responsibilities and provided support and guidance to colleagues that ensures a cohesive and collaborative learning environment.

Kate strongly believes in creating a safe and nurturing environment for her students. She understands that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and valued. By fostering a positive classroom climate, Kate encourages her students to take risks, ask questions, and explore their curiosity. She embraces diversity and strives to create an inclusive classroom where all students feel respected and celebrated for their individuality. Her diverse experiences have shaped her teaching philosophy, emphasizing student-centred learning, incorporating different educational styles and philosophies, and creating a safe and nurturing environment for students to thrive.

Sophia Green

Assistant Headteacher
(Years 3 and 4)

Sophia Green

Assistant Headteacher (Years 3 and 4)

Miss Green is entering her thirteenth year in education and her sixth year at Kings’ School Dubai. She holds a BSc in Psychology from London Metropolitan University and a PGCE in Primary Education from St Mary’s University, London.

Her passion for education began during her Psychology degree, where she developed a keen interest in how children learn and develop. After qualifying as a teacher, she taught in London, working closely with specialists from Lambeth Council to lead the PSHE curriculum, before moving to Oxfordshire where she served as Head of English.

Since relocating to Dubai in 2019, Miss Green has held a range of leadership positions, most recently at Kings’ School Dubai as Year 6 Leader. As Assistant Headteacher for Years 3 & 4, she is committed to ensuring every child is challenged, supported and inspired to achieve their full potential. With wellbeing at the heart of everything she does, Miss Green is passionate about the performing arts and creating engaging learning experiences that foster curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

Chantelle Connick

Assistant Headteacher
(Years 5 and 6)

Chantelle Connick

Assistant Headteacher (Years 5 and 6)

Chantelle graduated with a degree in Psychology, including a placement year working with children with additional needs, which inspired her passion for education. She went on to complete her PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Roehampton before beginning her teaching career in London, where she taught across Key Stage 2 and held curriculum leadership responsibilities. In 2017, Chantelle moved to Dubai and has since worked in a range of British curriculum schools, developing experience across teaching, curriculum leadership and school improvement. She has held a number of leadership roles, including Science Lead and Year Leader, before being appointed Assistant Headteacher.

Chantelle is passionate about curriculum design and the continuous development of teaching and learning. She believes that strong relationships are at the heart of a successful school and takes pride in working collaboratively with staff, pupils and families to create exceptional learning experiences. Through a culture of continuous improvement, she is committed to ensuring every child is supported to achieve their full potential.

Rebecca Hayward

Assistant Headteacher Inclusion

Rebecca Hayward

Assistant Headteacher Inclusion

Rebecca graduated with a BA/ Bsc (Hons) in Education and Geography in 2006 and began teaching in Bristol. Throughout her career, she has taught from Year 1 through to Year 6 and has led in many key curriculum areas.

In 2016, Rebecca became SENCO and Assistant Head of a primary school in Bristol and began her role as an Attachment Theory and Autism specialist. In 2019, Becky moved to Dubai to join the Kings’ family, where she has taken on the role of Inclusion Leader and SENCO.

Nisha Henry

Head of Pastoral and Wellbeing

Nisha Henry

Head of Pastoral and Wellbeing

Nisha’s educational journey began at City University, London, where she graduated with a BSc in Psychology before obtaining her PGCE at the University of East London. She taught in Hillingdon, Middlesex and worked as an Assistant Educational Psychologist in Slough prior to completing her Masters in Educational Psychology at Bristol University. As an Educational Psychologist, Nisha was based in Hillingdon and specialised in Mental Health and Well-Being. Nisha’s career took her to Dubai in 2006, as a class teacher, during her initial year at the school, she recognised the importance of well-being and created the Well-Being Department.

Nisha’s focus was on implementing preventative and proactive strategies to support the overall well-being of students. In 2014, Nisha joined Kings’ School Dubai as a Year 4 class teacher and she established the Well-Being Department at the school in 2016. Throughout her career, Nisha has consistently displayed a strong dedication and passion for mental health and well-being and her qualifications and experience have equipped her to positively impact the lives of students.