College Leadership Team

Simon Crane has a wealth of educational expertise, with over a decade of experience within the Brighton College family and as a qualified team inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate. His commitment to educational excellence has earned recognition locally and internationally, empowering pupils to achieve exceptional academic success.

Guiding Brighton College Dubai through challenges such as the COVID era, Mr Crane has also led the school to key milestones, including its ‘outstanding’ rating in all areas during the British Schools Overseas Inspection in November 2022.

Prior to his current role, Mr Crane served as Head of School at the ‘outstanding’ Brighton College Abu Dhabi and worked in the independent sector in Cheshire, UK. As a parent of two pupils, Poppy and Pippa, at the school, Mr Crane understands the needs of both pupils and parents, enabling him to create a nurturing and inclusive educational environment.

Jane Clewlow is the Vice Principal and Head of Senior School at Brighton College Dubai. With over 25 years of experience in education, Jane has held leadership roles in schools across London, Salford and Manchester, including Head of English, Head of Year, Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher. Before joining Brighton College Dubai, she was instrumental in the start-up and establishment of two new schools in the UK, where she also set up successful sixth forms.

An accomplished leader with a BA (Hons) in English Literature from Lancaster University and the National Professional Qualification for Headship, Jane trains aspiring headteachers and is deeply committed to achieving outstanding educational outcomes. At Brighton College Dubai, she is responsible for overseeing the operations and academics of the Senior School, ensuring it aligns with the Brighton College's exceptional standards.

Sarah Brannon is the Founding Head of Preparatory School at Brighton College Dubai, where she has been instrumental in shaping the Prep School since its launch. With over 20 years in international education, she has held headship roles in the UAE, Thailand, and Germany, bringing a global outlook and deep expertise.

Sarah holds a Master’s in Education focused on Educational Leadership and the NPQH qualification. She has been a school inspector for both CIS and BSO and she leads all Prep school operations and academics, ensuring excellence throughout. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, Sarah fosters a nurturing, high-achievement environment where pupils are supported and challenged to grow academically and personally. She values strong community ties, believing clear communication among staff, pupils, and families is key.

Katy Cooke is a founding member of the Leadership Team at Brighton College Dubai, where she is Head of Pre-Prep. She joined the College during its pre-operational phase after five years as Head of Reception at Dulwich Prep London, one of the UK’s most prestigious prep schools.

A graduate of Birmingham City University with First Class Honours in Primary Education (QTS), Katy is passionate about lifelong learning and has completed her National Professional Qualification for Headship with University College London. She has extensive leadership experience in both the UK and international school settings. Passionate about early education, she is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and happy environment where children thrive emotionally, socially and academically. Katy’s commitment to kindness underpins her approach, preparing pupils to become compassionate and confident global citizens.

Samantha has been living in the UAE for 10 years and  joined Brighton College Dubai as Head of Admissions in August 2022.  Prior to that, Samantha worked for 6 years at another British Curriculum School in Dubai as Head of Administration.

Samantha is an experienced educational specialist, well versed in the KHDA regulations and is passionate about providing an exceptional customer journey for parents.