Pauline Nord will assume the role in August 2026, following the departure of outgoing Principal Ruth Burke 

Dubai, Feb 16, 2026: Nord Anglia Education has appointed Swiss education leader Pauline Nord as the new Principal of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD), effective August 2026.  

Nord joins from Collège du Léman in Geneva, where she has served as Director General for seven years, leading the academically diverse international day and boarding school.  

With more than 30 years’ experience in Swiss and international education, Nord has led multiple academic pathways including the IB Diploma Programme, Swiss Maturité, French Baccalauréat, American High School Diploma and integrated bilingual programmes.  

Having long championed bilingual education, Nord’s experience closely aligns with SISD’s distinctive model. She also began her career as a teacher and boarding house tutor and has extensive experience aligning day and boarding provision into one cohesive student experience. 

Liz Lamb, Regional Managing Director, Middle East at Nord Anglia Education says, “SISD is a unique school in the UAE – proudly Swiss in heritage, deeply international in outlook and ambitious for every student.  

“Pauline brings exceptional experience in leading bilingual, multi-pathway, and boarding schools at scale. She understands the Swiss education model inside out, and she knows how to deliver both rigour and belonging. We’re confident she will lead SISD into an exciting next chapter.”  

Nord holds a degree in Primary Education from University of Edinburgh, a Master’s in International Education from King’s College London and a Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership from Harvard University.  

Having lived in Switzerland for more than three decades, and as a parent of two daughters who graduated through different Swiss pathways, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight into the Swiss model.  

“SISD stands out for its clear identity made up of Swiss values, bilingual pathways, academic ambition and a vibrant international community. I’m excited to build on that strong foundation and ensure every student achieves excellent outcomes while feeling known, supported and inspired,” says Nord.  

Nord will assume the role in August 2026, following the departure of outgoing SISD Principal Ruth Burke, who has led the school since 2021.  

Opened in 2015, SISD educates more than 2,900 students from 100 plus nationalities and offers the International Baccalaureate, French and German bilingual pathways.