Deputy Head of Primary

Over the last 20 years, I have worked in education in the independent and state school sectors. I started my career as the Head of PE in a preparatory school before qualifying as a teacher at Christ Church University in Canterbury, where I had also completed my degree a few years before. Since gaining my qualified teacher status, I have held several leadership roles across four schools and developed new leadership and management strategies. For the last four years, I have been a headteacher in a large Primary School in the beautiful countryside of Kent.  
 
As a father of four children, I know the importance of finding the right school for your children. I know that not only is BIS Abu Dhabi the right school for my children but also the right school for me as a leader. The ethos and vision of the BIS Abu Dhabi aligns with that of mine and that was evident when I had the chance to visit the school in October. I particularly enjoyed seeing the Year 6 children ready to abseil off the school building! I believe all children should have a wide range of opportunities in school, both in and out of the classroom and all children should receive high-quality teaching so they can reach their full potential. 
 
My family and I are currently preparing back in the UK for our new adventure, and we are very much looking forward to it. My son will be staying in the UK to complete his degree in History, while my three daughters will be starting at BIS Abu Dhabi in January. One of my daughters will be joining Year 10 and my twins will be entering Year 1. We have watched the induction videos and they can't wait to make new friends and start our adventure in the UAE. They are also very excited about having a swimming pool at school! 
 
As a family, we are very keen on sports, and I have been lucky enough to have played a high standard in hockey and cricket. I am a keen golfer and have recently had a few surfing lessons during a summer holiday in Cornwall. However, surfing is a work in progress for me, unlike my daughter, who picked it up with ease. 
 
I look forward to meeting more people in person when I arrive in January and please do come and say hello when I am at the gate.

Matthew Harper

Deputy Head of Primary

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