Neal Oates

Neal Oates is an award-winning senior leader, with over a decade of experience in international school leadership. Joining Star International School, Mirdif in 2019 as Principal, he helped lead the school through the pandemic and launched the Secondary phase of school. He has overseen the rapid expansion of the school in recent years and is very excited about the future. His previous experience of being a part of a team which took a school from good to outstanding for DSIB and BSO inspections, has supported the extensive improvements seen across Star, Mirdif

He finished his BSc Hons Business Management degree from The University of Wales Aberystwyth and has completed his NPQSL and NPQH (National professional qualification for headteachers). Neal was an overall winner in the 2018 Microsoft e2 Global Educators competition in Singapore. He has won awards in the areas of educational digital technology and curriculum development, and won the BETT 2019 leadership in education award. Neal believes in a research-informed, well-being aware approach to teaching and learning, as he believes this allows for maximum student learning in the classroom and beyond.

Neal is passionate about preparing young people for the future, he feels very privileged to work with inspirational young adults on a daily basis..

Neal is also a proud father of two girls and spends his weekends with his family and dog Harold.