Leading British curriculum school, Brighton College Abu Dhabi is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Barney Durrant as its new Head Master, officially beginning his role in April 2025. His arrival marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Brighton College Abu Dhabi, which continues to thrive as one of the region’s leading British curriculum schools.
In 2024, Brighton achieved record-breaking A-Level and GCSE results and received an ‘Outstanding’ rating across all categories from British Schools Overseas (BSO). Combined with a ‘Very Good’ ADEK rating, the school’s reputation for academic excellence and pupil wellbeing continues to grow. The appointment of Mr Durrant as Head Master signals a renewed commitment to innovation and educational leadership at Brighton College Abu Dhabi.
Mr Durrant brings over 20 years of experience in both British and international education. Prior to joining Brighton, he served as Head of St Lawrence College in the UK, where he was recognised for his work on student wellbeing, including a shortlisting in the Independent School of the Year Awards. He has also held senior leadership roles at Harrow International School Hong Kong and spent 14 years at Stowe School in the UK.
As Head Master, Mr Durrant will focus on nurturing a culture of academic excellence, personal growth, and pupil wellbeing. His educational philosophy aligns perfectly with the school’s values of kindness, curiosity, and confidence—qualities that are deeply rooted in the daily life of the school.
Mr Durrant holds a BA (Hons) from University College London, a PGCE from the University of Cambridge, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Nottingham. He is also a regular speaker at international education conferences, known for championing the connection between wellbeing and academic achievement.
Commenting on his new role at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Mr Durrant said:
“It is an honour to join Brighton College Abu Dhabi as Head Master, working alongside our outstanding sister schools in Al Ain and Dubai. Brighton College Abu Dhabi holds a special place in the Capital, consistently performing as the top school for A-level and GCSE results. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warmth of the community and the energy across the campus. The culture of kindness, curiosity and confidence is evident in everything our pupils do – and reflects the values I care most deeply about in education. I’m looking forward to working with our talented staff and supportive parents to ensure every pupil is challenged, inspired, and supported to achieve their very best – not just academically, but as confident, compassionate young people ready for the world beyond school.”
Mr Craig Lamshed, General Manager of Brighton Colleges UAE, added:
“It is an honour to join Brighton College Abu Dhabi as Head Master, working alongside our outstanding sister schools in Al Ain and Dubai. Brighton College Abu Dhabi holds a special place in the Capital, consistently performing as the top school for A-level and GCSE results. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warmth of the community and the energy across the campus. The culture of kindness, curiosity and confidence is evident in everything our pupils do – and reflects the values I care most deeply about in education. I’m looking forward to working with our talented staff and supportive parents to ensure every pupil is challenged, inspired, and supported to achieve their very best – not just academically, but as confident, compassionate young people ready for the world beyond school.”
As the newest chapter begins under Mr Durrant’s leadership, Brighton College Abu Dhabi remains dedicated to offering a world-class education that balances academic success with personal development—equipping pupils to thrive in the modern world.