ISP: OUR HEADS

Wayne Howsen

Principal, The Aquila School Dubai

Wayne is the Founding Principal of The Aquila School – a brand new school that opened in September 2018 in Dubailand.

Wayne loves working in school and seeing children make amazing progress with his learning. Prior to joining International Schools Partnership (ISP) Wayne was the Principal of a large primary school in Abu Dhabi – and he is proud that this school was the very first in the Emirates to be graded as outstanding in all areas and is still the only school to have been outstanding twice. Before that Wayne was a Headteacher in the UK.

Every school that Wayne has led has been commended for its relevant and engaging curriculum, amazing progress and sense of happiness and fun. Wayne can often be heard saying “we take what we do very seriously but do not take ourselves seriously”.

Wayne is a qualified school inspector but has always avoided such work as he likes being in school supporting learning and developing school connectedness. Wayne has spoken at several conferences in the UK and UAE and worked as a consultant Principal supporting schools in challenging situations.

Out of school, Wayne and his wife spend a lot of time rescuing ill or stray dogs and cats and at any one time have up to twenty animals in their home! It may surprise some people to learn that Wayne enjoys running – although he is not yet amazing at it! He recently re-learnt how to drive a team of huskies – and even managed not falling off!