Dave Buckley graduated from Cardiff University in 1999 with an honours degree in Education and Psychology. Shortly after he gained his PGCE from Leicester University, specialising in Primary Education and Educational Psychology. Dave is in the final stages of completing his MA in Educational Leadership in Practice, from The University of Manchester. Dave has an MA (with distinction) in Educational Leadership in Practice, from The University of Manchester.
Originally from South Wales in the UK, Dave's teaching career began in Worcestershire, England, before making the move to Bangkok for his first international role, as a founding member of a large British International School. Following his time in Thailand, Dave joined the English Schools Foundation (ESF) in Hong Kong, working in 3 different Primary Schools. He became Vice-Principal in 2011, leading a range of curriculum, pedagogical and pastoral initiatives that facilitated a period of sustained and strategic improvement for his school. Beyond the school, Dave also took a leading role in ESF wide curriculum development teams, improving learning outcomes for thousands of students across 16 schools.
Having moved to Singapore with his family in August 2020, he has joined Dover Court from UWCSEA. In addition to his work in schools, Dave has also chaired school accreditation visits for the Council of International Schools, visiting a range of schools in the Asia region. He has presented at international education conferences both in Hong Kong and Singapore and has led a number of workshops for the International Baccalaureate.
Dave is passionate about creating innovative and positive school cultures where learning and well-being are equally valued and enhanced. He works collaboratively with colleagues and communities to emphasise the importance of human connections, relationships and belonging. Understanding that learning occurs best when relationships are strong, as we build our collective confidence to seek challenges and overcome barriers to learning, unlocking, and expanding each learner's true potential.
In his spare time Dave enjoys spending time with his family and friends and is still attempting to play football, as well as other sports. He is joined in Singapore by his wife Catherine and 3 children. They all enjoy Singapore life, and are particularly fond of taking walks in nature, where they get to experience and observe Singapore’s rich variety of fauna and flora.
