Steve Dobson
Head of Secondary
Dubai
Summary
Results-driven educational leader with over 25 years of teaching and leadership experience across diverse school settings. Career defined by a commitment to fostering academic excellence, implementing innovative practices, and driving whole-school improvement. Proven track record of enhancing student outcomes, developing leadership capacity among staff, and successfully navigating school inspections. Passionate about creating inclusive environments, aiming to empower students and educators to achieve their full potential.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
2015
2015
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Secondary
Regent International School
9 2016 - Current
- Led the development of the secondary phase, including curriculum design, staff development, and assessment systems, ensuring alignment with the UAE National Agenda
- Achieved consistent improvements in teaching quality through a structured coaching, mentoring, and monitoring program
- Served as Safeguarding Lead, implementing robust systems to ensure student well-being and compliance with regulatory requirements
- Directed the Digital Innovations Group, successfully introducing initiatives that enhanced learning through technology
Year Leader and Class Teacher
The Pearl Primary School
09.2014 - 08.2016
- Coordinated the Year 4 and Year 6 teams, leading curriculum planning and assessment
- Headed the Maths Development Team, introducing strategies that improved student attainment and engagement in mathematics
Deputy Headteacher & Head of Teaching and Learning
Bruton Primary School
09.2012 - 08.2014
- Led teaching and learning across the school, introducing innovative practices that increased student progress by X%
- Oversaw the assessment framework, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of student performance
- Provided leadership during the federation process with another primary school, assuming responsibility as Head of School
Deputy Headteacher
Hamp Community Primary School
09.2009 - 08.2012
- Acted as Headteacher for one year, maintaining stability and leading school improvement initiatives
- Enhanced staff professional development through CPD programs, coaching, and team teaching
- Improved assessment accuracy and moderation practices across the school
Deputy Headteacher
Ashlands First School
04.2006 - 08.2009
Senior Teacher & Class Teacher
Curry Mallet Primary School
09.2002 - 03.2006
Class Teacher
St Michael on the Mount Primary School
09.1999 - 08.2002
Education
National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) -
John Cabot Learning Federation
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - Primary
University of Exeter
BA - Archaeology
University of Wales
Skills
Strategic Leadership and Vision
Curriculum Innovation and Assessment
Staff Development and Mentoring
Safeguarding and Student Well-being
Budget and Resource Management
Data Analysis for School Improvement
Teamwork and collaboration
Friendly, positive attitude
Accomplishments
- Leadership Impact, Led the strategic development of a secondary school in Dubai, achieving a X% improvement in student attainment and securing strong inspection outcomes from the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau.
- Innovation, Spearheaded a digital transformation initiative, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
- Staff Development, Implemented a coaching and mentoring program for middle leaders, fostering a collaborative culture and improving leadership capacity across the school.
- Operational Excellence, Successfully managed budgets, safeguarding procedures, and staff recruitment for a secondary school of 1,300 students, ensuring alignment with international standards.
References
Available upon request.
Professional Development
- Regularly participate in leadership training, including safeguarding, curriculum design, and digital transformation workshops.
- Attended international conferences on school improvement and 21st-century education strategies.
Timeline
Year Leader and Class Teacher
The Pearl Primary School
09.2014 - 08.2016
Deputy Headteacher & Head of Teaching and Learning
Bruton Primary School
09.2012 - 08.2014
Deputy Headteacher
Hamp Community Primary School
09.2009 - 08.2012
Deputy Headteacher
Ashlands First School
04.2006 - 08.2009
Senior Teacher & Class Teacher
Curry Mallet Primary School
09.2002 - 03.2006
Class Teacher
St Michael on the Mount Primary School
09.1999 - 08.2002
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - Primary
University of Exeter
BA - Archaeology
University of Wales
Head of Secondary
Regent International School
9 2016 - Current
National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) -
John Cabot Learning Federation