Headmaster quits over inspections

Dubai:  The headmaster of Dubai College, Carlo Ferrario, has resigned in a protest against school inspections introduced in Dubai.

"The principal reason for my decision lies in the evolving educational landscape in Dubai. Over the past two years this has changed markedly with the level of intervention from external agencies in the operation of the school reaching levels that, in my view, compromise its independence and with which I do not feel comfortable as a headmaster," Ferrario wrote in his letter to the parents dated Sunday. He added that he is afraid it will go even further.

He said he has submitted his resignation as Headmaster of Dubai College, to the Board of Governors, effective at the end of the current academic year.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority said they will comment later.

Ferrario said he has taken the decision with a heavy heart as he sees the Dubai College's independence being gradually eroded.

"While school inspection is important and I applaud it, I believe the system of inspection that has been adopted in Dubai presents more disadvantages than benefits for schools like Dubai College. It is not a regime with which I feel able to work," Ferrario added.

The school inspections introduced by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority last year as a new framework for quality and fee control have kicked up a storm among the private school operators in Dubai.