College Leadership Team

Mr Barney Durrant has significant experience in independent schools, and believes strongly that academic and pastoral development is inextricably linked. The promotion of positive wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem combined with a curriculum embedded with co-curricular and enrichment activities allows pupils to thrive at school, whilst also developing the knowledge, skills and habits to become highly successful in later life.

Before joining Brighton College, Abu Dhabi, Mr Durrant was Head at St Lawrence College in the UK for five years, where all three of his children attended and his wife, Charlie, also taught. Prior to that, he spent eight years at Harrow Hong Kong where he was the Principal Deputy Head Pastoral and one of the founding members of the Senior Leadership Team. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Nottingham and a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography from University College London. He played rugby at a high level when he was younger, and as well as gaining his PGCE from Cambridge University he also gained a Full Blue in Athletics.

Mrs Ruth Forsythe is an outstanding educational leader with a wealth of experience in the field. She has dedicated over a decade of her career to Brighton College Abu Dhabi, and her impact has been felt throughout the College Community.  Mrs Forsythe's leadership style is characterised by a commitment to the holistic development of all pupils. She strives to create an authentic environment where pupils can strive academically and personally.  As a parent of two children at the College it places Mrs Forsythe in a unique advantage to allow her to understand the needs and perspectives of both pupils and parents. 

Beyond her role as an educational leader, Mrs Forsythe is a compassionate mentor and an advocate for personal and professional growth. She invests time and energy in empowering the staff, equipping them with tools and strategies needed to make a lasting impact on the lives of their pupils and beyond.  

Dr Jennifer Walters is the Head of Senior School at Brighton College Abu Dhabi. Her experience includes teaching, leadership and boarding roles in outstanding UK independent schools including Fettes College, Edinburgh, Malvern College, and Bedford Girls’ School. Before joining Brighton College Abu Dhabi in 2021, Dr Walters was the Founding Head of Senior School at Fettes College Guangzhou in the South of China.

Dr Walters is influenced by the work of the late Professor Sir Ken Robinson which insists that an outstanding education puts pupils in touch with their element, that schools that instil a lifelong love of learning prepare pupils to flourish in the future, yet that childhood is no rehearsal. Dr Walters, along with her leadership team, aims to ensure that pupils leave Brighton College Abu Dhabi when the time comes not only qualified but richly equipped for their next steps beyond Brighton.

Mr Luke Bromwich has extensive experience of leading successful schools in the Independent and State sectors, both in the UK and internationally. Before joining Brighton College, Abu Dhabi, Mr Bromwich was Headmaster at St Margaret’s Prep, Calne where he also played a key role as a member of the Executive Leadership Team at the sister school, St Mary’s, Calne.

Before this, Mr Bromwich lived in Hong Kong for 6 years, where he worked at Kellett School as Deputy Head with responsibility for the development of the curriculum, assessment procedures and the quality of teaching and learning. Mr Bromwich is an active member of IAPS and has experience of supporting school development as a Foundation Governor.  Mr Bromwich enjoys collaborating with colleagues to drive standards and manage change. Mr Bromwich grew up in Devon and studied Engineering at Exeter University before pursuing his passion in education.  

Ms Kelly Mansbridge, Head of Pre-Prep at Brighton College, Abu Dhabi, joined the College six years ago. She is a dedicated educational leader with a wealth of experience both in the UAE and the UK. Ms Mansbridge is deeply committed to early education and creating opportunities for every child to feel success.

Ms Mansbridge strongly believes in preparing children for the future, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. She promotes a culture of kindness, compassion, and tolerance, as well as cultivating the learning skills to equip children with the resilience and perseverance needed to overcome challenges and succeed in their pursuits. Ms Mansbridge fosters a love for learning and provides a supportive and nurturing environment. By nurturing a passion for knowledge and creating a safe and inclusive space, she ensures that every child at Brighton College, Abu Dhabi can thrive academically and grow into a well-rounded individual.