David Strange
International Educational Leader
Founding Headteacher | Whole School DSL | Safeguarding and Inclusion Specialist
An experienced international educational leader with over 22 years of continuous service across UK and international school settings. Recognised for authentic, visible and relationship-driven leadership that balances strategic clarity with operational credibility.
Current Role
Currently serving as Founding Headteacher of the Middle School at Newton International School Lagoon, Doha, Qatar, alongside responsibility as Whole School Designated Safeguarding Lead across EYFS through to Sixth Form.
Open to Whole School Headship and Principalship opportunities from 2027.
Safeguarding Leadership
Safeguarding sits at the core of David's leadership identity. As Director of Inclusion and Whole School DSL at Regents Park Community College, Southampton, he led a complete redevelopment of safeguarding systems, culture and CPD, recognised directly by Ofsted.
"You ensure that the technical and operational aspects of safeguarding are administered carefully. But, much more than this, you have created a rich culture of safeguarding in the school."
Ofsted
Key Areas of Expertise
Whole School Safeguarding
Foundational School Leadership
School Improvement and Strategy
Inclusion and SEND Provision
Behaviour and Pastoral Systems
Staff Development and Coaching
Accreditation Readiness
Data-Informed Leadership
Crisis and Operational Leadership
Qualifications and Development
NPQH - National Professional Qualification for Headship (In Progress, completion 2027)
PGCE with QTS - University of Southampton
BSc (Hons) Sport Science 2:1 - Brunel University
Level 3 DSL Certified - Extensive Safeguarding CPD
Accreditations: BSO, BSME, QNSA, CIS (in progress)
Professional Engagement
Guest Speaker - Qatar Leadership Expo, May 2026
Ongoing educational writing and thought leadership on safeguarding leadership, inclusion and school culture
Active contributor to professional dialogue surrounding safeguarding systems and wellbeing
Leadership Philosophy
"Education is fundamentally a people profession. Strong schools are built through integrity, clarity, relationships and collective responsibility. Leadership should create sustainable systems, strong culture and environments where pupils and staff feel safe, supported, challenged and valued."
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