Dubai, UAE: Al Futtaim Education Foundation announced today 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.
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 development of the whole child develop qualities such as resilience, adaptability, self-confidence, tolerance and international mindedness.
Being a COBIS accredited member school, Deira International School operates within specific guidelines of ethical practice 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.”
About Al Futtaim Education Foundation:
Al Futtaim Education Foundation (AFEF) is a not for profit initiative started by the Al Futtaim family to support the Government’s and KHDA’s vision for the creation of a globally competitive knowledge economy while maximising their social contribution to the community. The vision of AFEF is to create excellence; to prepare its students for university and to give them the skills to successfully embrace global citizenship and future opportunities in the UAE and beyond.
Through its commitment to celebrating legacy, solidifying its links with the community and embracing the future, AFEF approaches education as the foundational principle of human progress. The personal growth, academic recognition and success of its student is at the heart of the Foundation.
About COBIS:
COBIS is the premier global membership association for international British schools overseas. COBIS delivers world class quality assurance and external validation through the COBIS Patron’s Accreditation and Compliance scheme. A fundamental aim of COBIS is to support its 500 plus members and represent their interests in Britain and overseas, particularly with Government, education authorities and educational associations in order to advance the interests of British schools overseas and the commercial organisations which export education resources, products and services.
