News DeskDubai, UAE – The English College, Dubai recently hosted a special event under the banner ‘New Beginnings’ to celebrate its rich history spanning over three decades. The event marked the introduction of the new principal and the groundbreaking of a new building.
The celebration, attended by H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Butti bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, the son of the school’s founder H.H. Sheikh Butti Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, saw the gathering of previous leadership members, alumni, ISP team members, school staff, parents, and students.
Outgoing Principal Mark Ford expressed his sentiments: “This event commemorates over three decades of excellence in education that The English College has provided to families in the UAE, but it also looks at the future with the groundbreaking for our new building. Today is a celebration, but also a poignant day for me, as I hand over the reins as we introduce the new Principal, Emily Hopkinson.”
Emily Hopkinson, the incoming principal, shared her enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to be leading the school into its new phase of growth. Joining ISP at this juncture of the school’s journey means we have exciting plans designed to ensure our pupils receive unparalleled educational opportunities and innovations.”
The school’s expansion plans include new classrooms, specialist learning areas, and a new three-story STEAM centre. This centre will feature additional music and art rooms, a robotics suite, a graphic suite, a design technology suite, a textiles suite, and computing and media facilities.
During the event, the school’s choir performed the school song, and historic milestones were shared through pictures and videos. Key leadership members delivered speeches, culminating in the groundbreaking ceremony.
Bharat Mansukhani, Divisional CEO for ISP – Middle East, emphasized the significance of the event: “This ‘New Beginnings’ event represents a milestone for The English College, but it also highlights the commitment that ISP makes to continuously supporting our schools in getting better. In alignment with Dubai’s 2030 Vision, we are dedicated to preparing students for the future through innovative learning environments and technology integration.”
Established in 1992, The English College recently joined ISP, a global group of over 80 international schools in 22 countries. Located in the heart of Dubai, the school prides itself on its heritage, traditions, and values, while constantly innovating to provide high-quality teaching, learning, pastoral care, and extra-curricular activities.
As the school looks forward to this new phase, it remains dedicated to putting “Learning.First” and preparing its students to become future leaders and innovators.
