Dover Court International School in Singapore has welcomed Richard Vaughan as its new Principal, beginning the 2026-27 academic year. Bringing more than 25 years of educational leadership experience across the UK, Europe and Asia, Vaughan joined the school at the start of the academic year and brings extensive experience leading international schools, including within the Nord Anglia Education network. Most recently, he served as Principal of the British International School Hanoi. Throughout his career, he has led diverse international school communities and championed high-quality teaching, student wellbeing, and an approach to education that ensures every learner is supported, challenged and able to succeed. 

 An International Perspective Shaped by Experience

Vaughan's own international upbringing has played a significant role in shaping his approach to education. Born in Sri Lanka and educated in New Zealand and the UK, he has spent much of his life living and working across different countries and cultures. 

That experience has given him a personal understanding of what many international school families encounter when relocating to a new country: the need to find connection, community and a sense of belonging. 

For Vaughan, helping students feel comfortable, valued and understood is not simply a pastoral priority. He believes it is fundamental to successful learning. 

"When people feel that they belong, they are more comfortable being themselves, learn more effectively, embrace new challenges and achieve their potential," he explains. 

This belief aligns closely with Dover Court's longstanding reputation for personalised learning and non-selective education, where students with a wide range of strengths, interests and learning profiles are supported to succeed.

A School Where Every Learner Can Thrive

Having joined the Dover Court community at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, Vaughan has been impressed by the school’s combination of academic ambition, student support and strong community culture.  

Rather than viewing inclusion and excellence as competing priorities, he believes successful schools create environments where every learner is appropriately supported and challenged, enabling students to make strong progress and achieve their personal best. 

His leadership philosophy centres on ensuring students develop not only academically, but also as confident, compassionate and globally minded young people prepared for life beyond school. 

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

One theme that runs consistently through Vaughan's career is a commitment to continuous learning.

He often describes himself as a "learner first", believing that curiosity, reflection and growth are just as important for educators as they are for students. This mindset has informed his leadership approach, encouraging both staff and students to embrace challenge, seek improvement and remain open to new ideas.

As education continues to evolve, Vaughan sees schools as learning communities where everyone, regardless of age or role, should have opportunities to develop and grow.

Looking Ahead

Having followed Dover Court's development in recent years, Vaughan says he is excited to join a school with a strong sense of identity and community. 

He is particularly looking forward to getting to know students, families and staff, learning from the community and building on the foundations already in place. 

With more than 50 years of history behind it, Dover Court continues to evolve while remaining committed to its core values of inclusion, belonging and high-quality teaching. Under Vaughan's leadership, the school aims to continue strengthening those foundations while preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. 

Outside school, Vaughan enjoys running, tennis, golf, music and travel. He is married to Alison, a qualified educator, and together they have two adult children.