Al Futtaim Education Foundation has announced that Simon O’Connor, School Director of Deira International School, has been elected to the Board of The Council of British International Schools – COBIS. COBIS is the leading global association for international British schools overseas and represents over 450 members and supporting associates. Deira International School is an accredited COBIS member school and is owned and operated by Al Futtaim Education Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation.
Simon O’Connor will join the COBIS board and contribute with significant knowledge and experience of international school leadership. Simon has over 25 years of experience in education management and as a school leader and joined Deira International School in 2020.
Simon has over 25 years of experience in education management and as a school leader
COBIS represents and quality assures schools in over 80 countries worldwide. COBIS member schools share high expectations of both students and staff, and they strive to achieve the highest academic standards and quality of learning. The provision of a first-class pastoral care system, a wide range of co-curricular activities, and a keen focus on the whole child to develop qualities such as resilience, adaptability, self-confidence, tolerance and international mindedness, are at the heart of the COBIS philosophy.
COBIS is the leading global association for international British schools overseas and represents over 450 members and supporting associates
Being a COBIS accredited member school, Deira International School operates within specific ethical practice guidelines and good governance, which reflect the high standards and ethos expected of a first-class British-style educational system. Other quality assurance criteria for COBIS schools include suitably qualified school leaders, staff safeguarding, and policies and procedures to support enrichment and professional development.
Dr Farah Sarraj, Acting Managing Director of Al Futtaim Education Foundation, commented on the appointment: “We are delighted that Simon O’Connor has been appointed to the COBIS Board. Simon’s vast experience across outstanding international schools will benefit and support new collaborative initiatives across the network, and at the same time deliver an exciting future for Deira International School and our Foundation.”