Dover Court International School Welcomes New Principal Richard Vaughan

Dover Court International School (DCIS) in Singapore is delighted to welcome Richard Vaughan as Principal, having joined the school at the start of the 2026-27 academic year. Bringing more than 25 years of educational leadership experience across the UK and internationally, Mr Vaughan joins Dover Court with a strong track record of fostering academic excellence, inclusive education and community-building.

An Experienced International Educator

Mr Vaughan brings extensive leadership experience from across Europe and Asia, including within the Nord Anglia Education family of schools. Most recently Principal of the British International School Hanoi, he has spent much of his career leading international school communities across the ASEAN and Asia-Pacific region.

Born in Sri Lanka and educated in New Zealand and the UK, Mr Vaughan's own journey reflects the global perspective that has shaped his educational philosophy. He holds a Bachelor of Education (Hons) from Westminster College, Oxford, and the National Professional Qualification for Headship from the National College for School Leadership in the UK.

Throughout his career, he has been committed to creating schools where students are supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their full potential, while fostering strong academic outcomes, meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom and a deep sense of community.

A Personal Understanding of Belonging

A strong sense of belonging sits at the heart of Mr Vaughan's approach to education, a belief informed not only by his professional experience but also by his own life growing up and living internationally.

Having spent much of his life across different countries and cultures, he understands first-hand the importance of finding connection, identity and community when living away from one's country of origin. This perspective has shaped his conviction that every child should feel known, valued and understood at school.

"What makes a school feel like home is belonging," he explains. "Creating an environment where students feel valued, understood and connected is incredibly important. When people feel that they belong, they are more comfortable being themselves, learn more effectively, embrace new challenges and achieve their potential."

This philosophy resonates strongly with Dover Court's commitment to inclusion, personalised learning, and ensuring every student is appropriately challenged, supported and inspired to achieve more than they imagined possible.

A Learner First

Alongside his passion for education, Mr Vaughan is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and often describes himself as a learner first.

He believes that curiosity, reflection and continuous growth are qualities that should be nurtured in both students and adults. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, through the arts or in everyday life, he sees learning as a lifelong journey that extends far beyond school.

This mindset has shaped his leadership throughout his career, fostering school cultures where students and staff alike are encouraged to embrace challenge, pursue improvement and continue growing. For Mr Vaughan, learning is not simply something that happens in school. It is a lifelong pursuit that helps individuals thrive and communities flourish.

Looking Ahead at Dover Court

Reflecting on his appointment, Mr Vaughan shared that he had been following Dover Court's development and reputation for a number of years. From afar, he had admired how the school consistently delivers excellent outcomes for all learners through its deeply inclusive approach to education.

"I've been aware of Dover Court for a number of years and have seen the school growing and developing from a distance. One of the reasons I was excited to join was the opportunity to become part of this culture and community."

As he begins his leadership of the school, Mr Vaughan is excited by the opportunity to build on Dover Court's strong foundations while learning from and alongside its community.

"I am genuinely looking forward to learning here, understanding the school community and helping Dover Court become the very best version of itself," he said. "The school has a proud 50-plus-year history, and I'm excited to work alongside students, staff and families as we build on that strong foundation and shape the next chapter together."

Mr Vaughan believes Dover Court's strong sense of community, commitment to inclusion and ambition for every learner provide a powerful platform for continued success. He looks forward to building on these strengths while ensuring that every student is known, valued and inspired to achieve more than they imagined possible.

Life Beyond School

Outside of school, Mr Vaughan enjoys running, tennis, golf, travelling and music. He is married to Alison, a qualified educator, and together they have two adult children, Harriet and Tom.

Having experienced international life across multiple countries as both an educator and parent, he brings a deep appreciation for the perspectives, experiences and aspirations that families contribute to a school community.

As he begins his journey at Dover Court, Mr Vaughan looks forward to listening, learning and working alongside students, families and staff to build on the school's strong foundations. Together, he hopes to strengthen the culture of belonging, learning and ambition that enables every student to thrive and achieve more than they imagined possible.