Nick Magnus MBE

Reflecting on your last ten years, what do you consider to be the school’s most significant milestones?  

It is so hard to single out events because there have been so many highlights. I think just the fact that we opened on time, albeit when it was still a construction site, was hugely significant. So many people had placed their children and their trust in us, and we could not afford to let them down. In the week beginning 27th August 2014, 884 children turned up, the teachers were ready, and we hit the ground running. It wasn’t quite that simple, truth be told, but Dulwich College (Singapore) was up and running! A week later our U13 Rugby team were competing in the finals against the Australian International School in the DeBrincat Cup. No one could believe that we were already playing team sports at a competitive level in one week! 

Can you share some of your earliest memories (or challenges!) from the early days of the school’s establishment?   

We have already mentioned the construction of DUCKS and Junior School, which was very stressful, but once the children arrived we quickly established ourselves and went from strength to strength. Our opening Founder’s Day concert, “A Day to Remember,” on the 17th April 2015, will always be the most special day for me. We had our official opening ceremony in the morning, with Heads of all of the Dulwich family of schools present, including Dr. Joe Spence, Master of the College in London. The College looked magnificent, with displays throughout to represent the different locations of the different Colleges. We concluded with a concert with all Y3-Y8 students in the basement Gym, and then we all went out onto the rugby pitch to party and enjoyed a wonderful fireworks display. I don’t think I have ever been so proud…and relieved! 

How does it feel to see your child graduate and thrive in a school you helped create and what dreams and hopes do you have for their future?  

 I am immensely proud that my daughter graduated from the College last year and that she is so well prepared for university and adult life as a result. She is absolutely a product of Dulwich! My hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future have not changed at all from the day I arrived in Singapore on 1st August 2012 to establish the College. Our mission and purpose is to provide young people with opportunities to mature, learn and grow, to appreciate their privilege and the responsibility that this brings with it. To go out into the world and make a positive difference. To be the changemakers, peacemakers, influencers and leaders of tomorrow. This was my dream. It is now a reality.