Horizon English School Town Square has announced key leadership appointments ahead of its planned opening in the 2027–28 academic year in Dubai. The school has named Charlotte Grieves as Head of Primary and Lewis Hammill as Head of Secondary, strengthening its founding leadership team under Principal Nick Hart.
- Experienced educators to drive academic excellence from day one
- Secondary leadership strengthened with data-driven academic focus
- Integrated all-through model to ensure continuity for students
- New campus to offer premium facilities and innovation-led learning
- Backed by Cognita’s global education network
The new all-through British curriculum school aims to establish strong academic standards from the outset. With these appointments, it signals a clear focus on leadership depth, student outcomes, and long-term institutional credibility.
Experienced educators to drive academic excellence from day one
Charlotte Grieves brings more than 20 years of experience in education, including over 15 years in the UAE. She currently serves as Head of Prep at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, part of Cognita’s global network.
During her tenure, she contributed to strong inspection outcomes and helped build a high-performing academic culture. In addition, she has held senior leadership roles across several leading schools in Dubai, including a stint as Interim Principal. Her experience spans more than ten inspection cycles, giving her deep expertise in curriculum design, school improvement, and regulatory readiness.
Speaking on her appointment, Grieves said she aims to create a nurturing primary environment. She added that the focus will remain on balancing high expectations with student wellbeing, ensuring every child feels supported and motivated.
Secondary leadership strengthened with data-driven academic focus
Lewis Hammill joins with 14 years of experience in education, including a decade in senior leadership roles across the UK and UAE. He previously served as Deputy Head of Secondary at a leading British curriculum school in Dubai.
He played a central role in improving academic performance and strengthening teaching systems. Notably, GCSE results ranked within the top 1% globally, while A Level outcomes placed in the top 10% against international benchmarks.
Hammill specialises in assessment strategy, curriculum development, and leadership capacity-building. He emphasised that the new school will focus on high expectations, strong relationships, and clear purpose to prepare students for both academic and real-world success.
Integrated all-through model to ensure continuity for students
Together, Grieves and Hammill bring complementary expertise across primary and secondary education. As a result, the school aims to deliver a seamless learning journey for students aged 3 to 18.
Principal Nick Hart highlighted the importance of strong leadership in building trust with families. He stated that both leaders bring integrity, sound judgement, and a shared commitment to student success. Their appointment, he added, ensures the school will launch with clarity and purpose.
New campus to offer premium facilities and innovation-led learning
Building on Horizon English School’s 35-year legacy, the Town Square campus will deliver a well-rounded British education within an inclusive community.
The school will feature 1,260 sqm of sports and arts facilities, accessible to both students and the wider community. Additionally, a Design & Innovation Hub will support hands-on, interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem-solving.
Backed by Cognita’s global education network
Horizon English School Town Square is part of Cognita, an international schools group established in 2004. Cognita operates more than 90 schools across 21 countries and educates over 100,000 students globally.
In the Middle East, Cognita manages 14 schools, including Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, Repton Dubai, and Horizon English School. The group focuses on delivering global education standards while fostering adaptability, critical thinking, and holistic development.
