wiss International School Dubai (SISD), one of the region’s leading IB and bilingual boarding schools, is further strengthening its commitment to excellence by welcoming Luke Steward and his wife Mila, two distinguished education and boarding professionals from Aiglon College, one of the world’s top three ranked boarding schools.
This arrival marks the first time SISD has brought in Swiss boarding expertise from one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, reinforcing the school’s growing reputation as a premier destination for international education in the Middle East.
Strengthening SISD’s Boarding and Admissions Expertise
Luke Steward will join SISD in April 2025 as Director of Marketing and Admissions, leveraging his extensive experience in Swiss boarding education and his strong industry connections Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Luke began his teaching career before moving to Europe, where he worked in both Switzerland and the UK.
In 2013, he transitioned into admissions and marketing, combining his passion for education with strategic school growth initiatives. At Aiglon, he played a key role in expanding the school’s reach, developing strong relationships with families, and driving enrolment through his expertise in international education. With a proven ability to develop trust and engagement within school communities, Luke is eager to apply his knowledge at SISD to strengthen the school’s global presence, raise the awareness of the boarding school, and further establish its position as a leader in bilingual, Swiss-inspired education.
A focus on Student Well-being and Holistic Development
Mila will be joining SISD in August 2025, bringing over a decade of boarding school and IB experience to her role. Originally from Córdoba, Spain, Mila holds a Master’s in Spanish Language and Literature and is an experienced IB teacher and Senior Housemistress. Throughout her 12-year tenure at Aiglon, she played a pivotal role in both academic and pastoral care, ensuring students thrived – not just in their studies but also in their personal development.
As a Round Square representative, Mila connected Aiglon to a global network of over 200 schools, spearheading international service projects and collaborations. In her role at SISD, she will focus on student well-being, character development, and academic success, ensuring that the school’s boarding experience continues to meet the highest international standards.
Swiss-style Boarding Education Gains Popularity in Dubai
Their appointment comes at a time of growing interest in Swiss-style boarding education in Dubai, particularly as the city continues to gain global recognition as a safe, multicultural hub for international students. SISD is set to be ranked once again among the Spears Index Top 100 schools worldwide, further elevating its reputation.
And with the UK’s VAT changes impacting British boarding schools, more families are looking at Dubai as a serious alternative for world-class educational opportunities, making SISD’s Swiss boarding model an increasingly attractive choice.
Speaking about their move, Luke and Mila expressed their enthusiasm for joining the SISD community. “We are excited to be joining SISD and bringing our passion for holistic education and the IB curriculum to this vibrant school. As a bilingual English-Spanish family with an 18-month-old daughter, relocating to a dynamic and thriving city like Dubai is an exciting opportunity for us. We look forward to contributing to the school’s growth and engaging with students, staff, and families alike. We are already planning for our daughter to be the first student enrolled in SISD’s 2026-2027 intake!”
With their wealth of experience in international boarding education, Luke and Mila’s arrival underscores SISD’s commitment to providing a world-class academic and pastoral environment for its students. Their expertise will play a crucial role in shaping the school’s next phase of growth, solidifying SISD as a premier Swiss boarding institution in the heart of Dubai.
Ruth Burke, Principal of SISD commented “I am thrilled to welcome Mila and Luke, talented IB educators to our school community. Their boarding experience and commitment to fostering global perspectives will further enrich our students’ learning experiences. Together we will continue to cultivate an inclusive environment at SISD, where every student can thrive and become a true global citizen.”
Categories: School News Swiss International Scientific School Dubai