Meet Our Team

Mark Ford

PRINCIPAL

Mark Ford brings with him over three decades of experience in education. He graduated in Mathematics from Nottingham, before completing his PGCE at York University. His career has seen him teaching in the UK, Kenya, France, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, at Abu Dhabi’s ADEK ‘Outstanding School’, The British School Al Khubairat, followed by a Principal position at Dubai’s ‘Outstanding’ Dubai British School until 2016. He then moved to Kuala Lumpur to head the prestigious British Garden International School before joining The English College in August 2019.

Carmella Jodrell

HEAD OF PRIMARY SCHOOL

FOUNDATION STAGE 1 TO YEAR 6

Carmella Jodrell holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Education. She’s served as a head teacher for a decade, in a career spanning three decades of international education. Prior to moving to Dubai in 2016, she worked in the UK, Taiwan, Malaysia and Egypt. Marking a lifelong love of learning, Carmella is currently completing a sociolinguistics Doctorate with the University of Bath. She has coached teachers, parents and students in both personal and professional development.

Emily Hopkinson

HEAD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL

YR 7-13

Emily Hopkinson completed her BSc in Psychology at the University of Lincoln and gained QTS to become a Psychology teacher. After working as a teacher and a senior Psychology examiner for AQA for a number of years, she completed her MA in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Warwick. Emily has also completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) through University College London’s Institute of Education. She performed a number of senior leadership roles – both in the UK and internationally – before joining The English College as Head of Senior School in 2020. Emily became the Head of the Secondary School in 2021.

OUR TEAM

The English College is governed by a Board of Governors who represent the best interests of the students, teachers, staff and overall school community. They also provide governance to the school on policies, compliance and financial matters.