The English College Dubai Empowering Students to Become Scholars

Simon Crane has a wealth of educational best practice through his eight years working alongside Brighton College in the UK, and his role as a highly regarded, qualified team inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

“BEING A HEAD MASTER IS THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD” – AN INTERVIEW WITH SIMON CRANE, HEAD MASTER OF BRIGHTON COLLEGE DUBAI.

THERE IS A PALPABLE SENSE OF COMMUNITY AT BRIGHTON COLLEGE DUBAI, WITH VISITORS REGULARLY COMMENTING ON THE WARM AND HAPPY ATMOSPHERE. THIS SHOULD COME AS NO SURPRISE, FOR THIS IS A SCHOOL THAT FOCUSES ON KINDNESS AND RESPECT, THE THINGS THAT MATTER MOST IN ANY ENVIRONMENT. TO FIND OUT MORE, EDUCATION UAE SPOKE TO HEAD MASTER SIMON CRANE ABOUT HIS COMMITMENT TO ENSURING THAT EVERY PUPIL RECEIVES AN EDUCATION THAT VALUES PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND INDIVIDUAL WORTH WITHIN A COMPASSIONATE MULTI-CULTURAL COMMUNITY.

EDUAE: As Head Master of Brighton College Dubai, what do you view as your most important contribution to the daily operations of your school?

Simon: I have a presence in all aspects of the school, such as seeing the parents at drop-off and pick-up, talking to the children during break-time and lunchtime, and checking in with colleagues, which is really essential for a good school. That then sets the tone for high standards of learning; for open, honest communication, and support for the whole community.

EDUAE: How would you describe your leadership style?

Simon: Leadership must be flexible. My default position is one that is open, calm, enthusiastic, approachable, but certain situations require a very different type of leadership, and sometimes you have to make difficult decisions and be dictatorial where necessary, and therefore I would describe my leadership style as being flexible EDUAE: Do you think you can learn leadership or are you born with it?

Simon: It’s a combination of both. I very much believe there is a leader in everybody, and that then can be harnessed through life experiences, upbringing and education.

EDUAE: What/who inspired you to join the world of education?

Simon: Being a Head Master is the best job in the world! You get to wear so many different hats, including working with young people and making a difference in society. My love of the job stems from my own experience of school, where I was inspired by good teaching, good teachers and good leaders, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. My mother was a teacher and my sister is a teacher, so I come from a family of educationalists, and saw the benefits of working in an environment where every day is different, where you are working with enthusiastic young people that have so many new ideas – it’s absolutely fascinating! EDUAE: You clearly love your work, but how do you ensure that your teachers are motivated and happy?

Simon: You need to develop an ethos where everyone is supported at all levels. So well-being is really important. I’ve introduced, for instance, an email curfew where we don’t allow any emails after 6.00 pm or before 6.00 am to ensure there is a sensible work/life balance. We keep our teachers hungry by offering lots of continuous professional development to make sure that education tomorrow is better than today. Education should never stand still so we make sure we feed our teachers with the latest and greatest information, ideas and practices. Also, I’m a great fan of internal promotion and harnessing talent and we have the opportunity to do that being part of the Brighton College family of schools.