British International School Abu Dhabi British International School Abu Dhabi British International School Abu DhabiBritish International School Abu Dhabi
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how we teach

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Our exceptional teachers deliver outstanding learning experiences that will foster your child’s talents and unlock their true potential.
ABOUT OUR TEACHERS

NURTUrING GROWTH, EMBRACING TALENTS

Our teachers shape lives. Gifted, passionate, trailblazing and highly qualified, they deliver extraordinary learning experiences every single day – both in and beyond the classroom.

As well as nurturing academic strengths and interests – which will ensure your child gets outstanding exam results – our native English-speaking teachers will support their personal development, too. Your child will learn how to thrive in life, thanks to extraordinary opportunities that promote creativity, critical thinking, social responsibility, and cultural awareness.

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  • Leadership team

MEET OUR TEAM

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Alan Cocker
Principal
Alan has been teaching since 1994 and has nearly 30 years of experience in education, with over 17 years in senior leadership roles. He is passionate about improving outcomes for children and is a big believer in the idea of 'learning to learn.' Throughout his career, Alan has created outstanding development opportunities for both students and staff, forming partnerships within and across organisations and working with exceptionally talented individuals.
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Alan Cocker
Prior to moving to Abu Dhabi, Alan spent 12 years as a headteacher, transforming a school that faced challenging circumstances into one that supported the improvement of others. In each of his roles, Alan takes pride in empowering others to grow, enhancing the lives and opportunities of students in the communities he serves. He believes that as a school leader, one is a custodian, entrusted with the responsibility to leave the organisation in a better state than when inherited—whether in terms of educational outcomes, a skilled workforce, reputation, or commercial performance.

Since joining The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi) in 2018, Alan has fallen in love with the school and is proud to be part of its history. As Principal, he is committed to building on the school's legacy and making it world-class in all aspects. Alan has delivered training opportunities for staff and spoken at national conferences on subjects ranging from leadership and coaching culture to the effective use of CPD. His approach involves listening, observing with intent and accuracy, and actively involving student voices in solutions and processes, ensuring they witness the value they add to their school and their lives.

Away from school, Alan enjoys staying active and being with people. He loves playing golf and football, and he is learning to play the guitar.
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John Dibdin
Head of Primary
John Dibdin brings over 20 years of experience in primary education and a passion for nurturing student success. A strong advocate for innovative teaching methods and a child-centred approach, John is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment. Before relocating to Abu Dhabi, John held various leadership roles in the UK, where he was recognised for his ability to transform school performance and improve student outcomes.






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John Dibdin
John began his career in 1992 after completing his Bachelor of Education at the University of Hertfordshire. He quickly moved into leadership, becoming Deputy Headteacher at Mandeville Primary School in 1997. His leadership journey continued as Headteacher at Shenley Primary School, where he led significant improvements from 2005 to 2010. John's commitment to educational excellence was evident during his time as Headteacher at Mount Pleasant Lane JMI & N and Lanchester Primary School, where he fostered an inclusive and high-achieving environment.

In addition to his headteacher roles, John has been an independent leadership consultant and coach, sharing his expertise and mentoring other educational leaders. His qualifications include a Master of Education from the University of Cambridge and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), reflecting his commitment to continuous professional development.

Outside of his professional career, John enjoys staying active and engaging with the local community. He is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys hiking and cycling. John's wealth of experience, dedication to educational leadership, and commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment make him a valuable addition to our school community. We are excited to have him lead our Primary School, ensuring every child reaches their full potential.





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Aine McGlue
Head of Secondary
Aine has dedicated over 20 years to education, with a passion for fostering inclusive learning environments and supporting student well-being. She believes in the power of inclusive practices and has been a driving force behind implementing support systems that benefit both students and staff. Before moving to Abu Dhabi, Aine held several leadership positions in the UK, including Head of Humanities and Assistant Principal, where she played a crucial role in improving school culture and academic outcomes.
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Aine McGlue
Since starting her career as a History teacher in 2003, Aine has demonstrated a commitment to continuous professional development. Her qualifications include a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Educational Leadership. Her dedication to advancing her skills is further shown by her completion of the Nord Anglia Education Senior Leadership Programme and her ongoing pursuit of a master’s degree.

At BIS Abu Dhabi, Aine has served in various leadership roles, including Head of Inclusion and Deputy Head of Secondary, focusing on safeguarding, curriculum development, and student welfare. In her current role as Deputy Head of Whole School, she is instrumental in the strategic planning and operational growth of the school.

Outside of her professional life, Aine enjoys staying active and engaging with the community. She has a love for reading and exploring new educational philosophies. Her passion for continuous learning and commitment to creating a supportive, high-achieving school environment make her a perfect fit for our team.






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TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM AND AT HOME

USING TECHNOLOGY TO TRANSFORM LEARNING

At BIS Abu Dhabi, we bring teaching and learning to life through the latest education technology (EdTech).

Our teachers embrace innovation in and outside the classroom, finding new ways to engage and inspire your child. Our students use iPads, 3D printers, robotics, VR headsets, and state-of-the-art photography equipment, which transform lessons and are explored in depth at specialist co-curricular clubs.

On our exclusive Global Campus learning platform, your child will connect with classmates in 32 countries. They’ll collaborate on one-of-a-kind global projects and immerse themselves in specially curated content from our world-leading partners, MIT, UNICEF, and The Juilliard School.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

HELPING OUR TEACHERS GROW

Our teachers deliver extraordinary learning experiences every day. We provide outstanding opportunities for them to develop and grow, too.
  • On the award-winning Nord Anglia University platform, our teachers share ideas and collaborate with colleagues from across the world, study for further qualifications – including a Master’s degree – and complete hundreds of courses every year.
  • Our Collaborative School-based Inquiry (CSI) project encourages teachers and teaching assistants to come up with their own professional development training. These are then presented at a symposium for staff and local schools.
  • The BISAD Improvement Cycle (BICycle) programme runs throughout the year, challenging staff to identify areas for improvement and embed solutions in the classroom.
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QUALITY ASSURANCE

SETTING THE STANDARD

We’re incredibly proud of our teaching standards. Our teachers have a wealth of experience in British and international schools, and are specialists in their fields. We only recruit native English speakers who have UK qualified teacher status (or equivalent).

To ensure quality, our teachers are regularly assessed against local and national benchmarks, as well as Nord Anglia’s stringent Quality Assurance framework. Through rigorous background screening, a strong safeguarding policy, and criminal record checks, we make sure our students are cared for and safe at school.

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JOIN OUR inspiring COMMUNITY

WORKING AT BIS ABU DHABI

Our exceptional teachers deliver life-changing experiences every day. Join our vibrant international school community, and help shape the next generation of leaders.
Find out more
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WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

Get in touch with us today for an in-person tour, where you’ll meet our incredible teachers and get a feel for our thriving inclusive and diverse community.

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