Ed Marsden
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Summary
A warm,experienced and progressive school leader with high expectations of staff and pupils. Experienced in managing curriculum change and growth development. I have outstanding interpersonal skills which allows staff body to thrive. I am an experienced safeguarding lead and passionate about developing an outstanding school culture. I am a huge advocate of an enquiry based curriculum and the benefits of a balanced use of technology in the classroom, to ensure academic achievement and personal growth for all pupils. A Level 7 (ICF) Leadership/Mentor coach, passionate sportsman, husband to a passionate SEND teacher and dad to Albie (12) and Jonty (9).
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Principal - Primo and Junior School
Bloom World Academy
Dubai, UAE
08.2025 - Current
- Led Junior and Primo school with 800 pupils and 160 staff, from 90 different nationalities.
- Developed staff CPD programmes, led on staff deployment.
- Collaborated with parents and community stakeholders to foster a supportive learning environment for students, with the ethos of a 'family first' school.
- Oversaw daily operations of Junior school, ensuring adherence to school policies and KHDA regulations
- Pupils and staff wellbeing is central to all I do.
Head of Prep
Ryde School (a 2-18 School)
Ryde, Isle of Wight
01.2021 - 07.2025
- Led Prep School within a 'through school' environment of 850 pupils following the National Curriculum for England.
- Ensures high standards of academic stretch (and challenge) with a diverse, modern curriculum.
- Level 7 ICF Leadership coach, working with IAPS and HMC leaders.
- Safeguarding lead for Prep school
- Successfully delivers on tasks within tight deadlines including preparation for ISI inspections.
- Delivered 1:1 technology to Prep school (Year 3-6)
- Led curriculum change in 2022 after thorough review.
- Led and delivered whole school CPD
- Delivering on whole school '5 Year strategy, in line with school aims and values.'
- Navigated Covid Pandemic receiving National acclaim for online programme
- Works closely with Pre-Prep and EYFS (and Senior school) to enable excellent transitions for pupils
- Has developed a strong sense of community within parent, staff and pupil bodies
- Recruited outstanding teachers to deliver exceptional outcomes for pupils
- Controlled operational budget for Prep school
- Led on delivery of the 'HIVE' (purpose built STEM lego studio).
School Governor (Volunteer)
Binstead Primary School
Binstead Primary School, IOW
02.2022 - 07.2024
- Sits on Governing board
- Advises on policy and recruitment.
- Ensures school is OFSTED inspection ready.
- Helps raise literacy and numeracy standards across school.
- Analysis of school budgets to ensure pupils are at the centre of all decision making.
- Provided strategic direction to ensure compliance with educational standards and policies.
- Facilitated discussions on budget allocation and resource management for school initiatives.
Deputy Head (Pastoral)
Ryde Prep School
Ryde, Isle of Wight
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Pastoral lead for pupils in Years 3-6
- Member of Whole school SLT
- Liaised with parents and external agencies
- Overhauled behavioural policy
- Re-invigorated House rewards system
- DSL - level 3
- Provided pastoral care and support to students, promoting wellbeing and personal development
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to uphold high standards of teaching, learning and behaviour.
- Managed extra curricular provision through whole school
- Games and STEM teacher.
Senior Teacher
St Michael's Prep School
Kent
01.2008 - 01.2016
- CPD and safeguarding lead for Whole school (500 pupils)
- Achieved Outstanding ISI Inspection result
- Expanded Fixture calendar
- Led Extra-curricular programme
- Head of Boys' Games and Geography
- Teacher of PE (year 3-8)
- Led assemblies
- Ski Trip Organiser for past 5 years.
- Member of whole school SLT
- Built comprehensive employee recruiting strategy.
Head of Department in British International School
British School of Vila-Real
Valencia, Spain, Valencia, Spain
08.2006 - 07.2008
- Led Sports Department
- Initiated first ever fixtures with other international schools
- Form teacher
- Teacher of Geography
- Complete PE curriculum re-design
- Managed facilities and Budget
Teacher of PE, Assistant Head of Year 11
Bennett School
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
09.2004 - 08.2006
- Teacher of PE from Year 7 -13
- Anatomy and Physiology specialist (A Level)
- Assistant Head of Year (11)
- Supported in pastoral care of 130 pupils
- Co - led Ski Trips
- Delivered outstanding PE lessons.
- Complete NQT year
Education
Bachelor of Science - Science
University of Greenwich, London
London 09.1998 - 05.2001
Level 7 Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring - Leadership Coaching
Kingstown College
Dublin 03.2024 - 11.2025
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Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar School
Tunbridge Wells 01.1991 - 01.1998
PGCE (PE) -
University of Greenwich, London
London 09.2022 - 06.2023
Sevenoaks Prep School
SevenoaksSeal Church of England Primary School
SevenoaksSkills
- Highly motivated leader
- Qualified & Accredited Leadership Coach (ICF Level 7) working with IAPS and HMC school leaders
- A warm and approachable manner
- Huge advocate for 'Enquiry led learning'
- Appreciates a good sense of humour
- Excels at parental engagement and community involvement
- Champions inclusive, adaptive education strategies
- Effective communicator with staff, pupils and parents
- Child protection and safeguarding experience as DSL
- Excellent recruiter - pulls together a world class team
- Curriculum implementation and design
- Academic financial planning - Budgets/proposals/New Builds
- Inspiring leadership style
- Exceptionally organised
- A strong and confident public speaker
References
Current executive Principal (BWA) - Mr John Bell
Email- MMalik@bloomworldacademy.ae ( Heads PA)
Al Barsha South, Dubai
Fomer Principal, 2022-2024 (Ryde School) - Mr William Turner
Email-HMoffice@rydeschool.net
Ryde School, 7 Queens Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3BE
(+44) 1983 562229
Former Principal, 2016-2022 (Ryde School) - Mr Mark Waldron - Current Head of Ticino International school, Switzerland
Email-marcoinrio@outlook.com
International School of Ticino, Via Ponteggia 23,Candepino, Switzerland
(+41) 919710344
Timeline
Principal - Primo and Junior School
Bloom World Academy
08.2025 - Current
Level 7 Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring - Leadership Coaching
Kingstown College
03.2024 - 11.2025
PGCE (PE) -
University of Greenwich, London
09.2022 - 06.2023
School Governor (Volunteer)
Binstead Primary School
02.2022 - 07.2024
Head of Prep
Ryde School (a 2-18 School)
01.2021 - 07.2025
Deputy Head (Pastoral)
Ryde Prep School
01.2016 - 01.2021
Senior Teacher
St Michael's Prep School
01.2008 - 01.2016
Head of Department in British International School
British School of Vila-Real
08.2006 - 07.2008
Teacher of PE, Assistant Head of Year 11
Bennett School
09.2004 - 08.2006
Bachelor of Science - Science
University of Greenwich, London
09.1998 - 05.2001
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Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar School
01.1991 - 01.1998
Sevenoaks Prep School
Seal Church of England Primary School