The English College, Dubai has welcomed students and families back for the start of the 2026 to 2027 Academic Year, bringing the EC community together for another year of learning, friendships, opportunities and growth in the heart of Dubai. There is much to celebrate as the new academic year begins. Following exceptional examination results this summer, students return to a school community that continues to combine strong academic outcomes with personalised support, wellbeing and opportunities that help every student Learn, Thrive and Make a Difference. The start of the year was particularly important for families joining EC for the first time. A dedicated new parent induction welcomed families into the school community, giving parents an opportunity to become familiar with the school, meet members of the EC team and feel confident about the journey ahead. The warm response from new parents reflected the sense of community and partnership that has been central to The English College for more than 3 decades. Emily Hopkinson, Principal at The English College, said: “There is something incredibly special about welcoming the community from The English College back together for the start of a new school year. We return with much to celebrate following exceptional examination results this summer, including a GCSE value added score of +1.76 and an A Level value added score of +1.17. Put simply, this means that, on average, our students achieve more than a full grade above what their starting points suggest they are capable of, powerful evidence of the exceptional progress our young people make at EC. “We are equally excited to welcome new students, families and colleagues and look forward to building on this success in the year ahead.” More than 33 years of learning in the heart of Dubai For more than 33 years, The English College has been part of Dubai’s educational community. As a British curriculum international school in the heart of Dubai, EC combines this established legacy with a continued focus on providing students with the experiences, skills and opportunities they need for their future. The school’s purpose, Learn, Thrive and Make a Difference, remains at the heart of the student experience. From academic learning and personal development to enrichment and future pathways, students are encouraged to discover their strengths, challenge themselves and develop the confidence to make meaningful contributions to their community. This commitment is also reflected in the school’s continued investment in learning. The new STEAM building, inaugurated in 2025, provides further opportunities for students to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, supporting creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and practical learning. Through the school’s STEAM Thrive programme, students can build on these experiences beyond individual subjects, developing skills and curiosity that can support their learning today and prepare them for a changing world. Starting the Year with Purpose Across Primary and Secondary As students settle back into school, the focus is on establishing positive relationships, reconnecting with the EC community and creating strong foundations for the year ahead. Teachers are getting to know new students while reconnecting with returning students, helping each individual feel supported, challenged and ready to make progress. Andrew Stenhouse, Head of Primary at The English College, said: “There is something incredibly special about welcoming our Primary community back for a new school year. From our youngest Curious Cubs in EYFS through to Year 6, it has been wonderful to see our classrooms filled once again with excitement, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. “We begin the year with much to celebrate and build upon, from the strong progress our students continue to make to the fantastic literacy skills developed through our Pathways to Read and Pathways to Write programmes. Alongside academic progress, we remain focused on helping every child become confident, resilient and ambitious. “We are also delighted to welcome our new students, families and colleagues to EC Primary. We look forward to working together as one community, ensuring every child is supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their very best — to learn, thrive and make a difference.” For Secondary students, the new academic year brings opportunities to set new goals, take greater ownership of their learning and explore the pathways available to them as they progress through school. From GCSE studies to A Level and BTEC pathways in Sixth Form, students are supported to develop the knowledge, confidence and independence they need for their individual next steps. Nicola Hamer, Head of Secondary at The English College, said: “It is always fantastic to welcome our students back to Secondary and see the school come alive again. We begin this year incredibly proud of our students following outstanding GCSE and A Level results, but what makes EC special is that success extends far beyond examination grades. We want our students to become increasingly independent, confident and responsible young people, discovering what they are good at, trying something new and making the most of everything school has to offer. This year, with even more opportunities through 4 international trips, sport, ECAs, student leadership and experiences beyond the classroom, we want every student to find their place and get involved. We want our students to leave EC with excellent qualifications, but also with the confidence, character and experiences that prepare them to thrive and make a difference in whatever comes next. I am incredibly excited to see what our students will achieve this year.” Student voice will also be an important part of reflecting on the return to school and the opportunities students are looking forward to this year. Aayan, EC student, Year 12, added: “I’m very excited to start sixth form with The English College, and I hope to achieve great results with the guidance of my teachers. I’m looking forward to making new memories and meeting a lot of new people as well.” Ashima Kapur, EC parent, said: “We are incredibly proud of Aayan for achieving all Grade 9s in his GCSEs and being one of EC’s top achievers. We are very grateful to the dedicated teachers and staff at The English College who have consistently motivated, encouraged and supported him throughout his journey at EC since Year 7. As he now begins Sixth Form at EC, we’re excited to see him take this next step and look forward to another successful and fulfilling year ahead.” Learning.First™: Keeping Student Learning and Progress at the Centre As part of the International Schools Partnership, The English College shares a commitment to putting learning first and helping every student make progress. Through ISP’s Learning.First™ approach, schools focus on recognising students as individuals, understanding where they are in their learning and creating opportunities for them to keep getting better, academically and personally. Rory Galvin, Director of Learning, ISP Middle East, said: “As we begin a new academic year, our focus is on what matters most: the learning and progress of every student. Through our Learning.First™ approach, we recognise each student as an individual and create opportunities for them to keep getting better, academically and personally. Alongside strong academic foundations, we want students to develop their curiosity, resilience and life competencies, giving them the confidence, skills and ambition to make the most of the opportunities ahead.” Looking ahead to an exciting year at EC The beginning of the 2026 to 2027 Academic Year marks another chapter in The English College’s more than 33 year story in Dubai. Building on a summer of exceptional academic achievement, the school looks forward to creating further opportunities for students to learn with purpose, explore their interests, develop their strengths and prepare confidently for their future pathways. As the year unfolds, EC students will continue to be encouraged to Learn, Thrive and Make a Difference, supported by teachers, families and a community committed to helping every individual make progress. From opportunities within the STEAM Thrive programme to academic learning, enrichment and preparation for life beyond school, the year ahead will give students new ways to challenge themselves, grow in confidence and build on what they have already achieved.
