A quieter day: Gulf schools report a broader mix of nationalities, Cambridge refreshes its international syllabuses, and two new school heads are named.
UAE schools report rising applications from Spain, Turkey, Singapore, Russia and the US alongside continued strong British and Indian demand. Taaleem now has more than 19,800 pupils across 15 private schools, up from about 18,300, with nine at full capacity, and the new Harrow International School Dubai opened with 400 pupils from about 45 nationalities, 53% of them British. — The National
Cambridge International is refreshing its English literature and language syllabuses, dropping authors such as Thomas Hardy, George Eliot and Sylvia Plath and adding writers including Lorraine Hansberry and Ada Limón. The changes, which also add a compulsory argumentative essay at AS and A level, take effect from 2029. — Tes
Simon McCloskey will become director of Bishop Mackenzie International School in Lilongwe from August 2027, in an appointment announced on 21 September. He recently completed seven years as head of the International School of Busan in South Korea and previously led Stonehill International School in India. — The International Educator (TIE)
Jennifer Caires has accepted the director post at QSI International School of Suriname, in an appointment announced on 23 September. She has more than 25 years' experience, including QSI roles in Slovakia, Ukraine, China, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. — The International Educator (TIE)