Duncan Grice’s journey in international education reads like a global adventure with one constant theme: putting people—students, teachers, parents—at the center of everything he does. Since joining XCL Education Malaysia, Duncan has brought this people-focused philosophy to life, making sure every voice is heard and every individual feels valued.
Before taking on his role as Principal at XCL Education Malaysia, Duncan’s career was already a showcase of impactful leadership. He was the founding Headmaster of Malvern College Egypt, where he led the school’s establishment from scratch, emphasizing a student-centered approach. Under his guidance, the school earned an impressive A* report from Malvern College UK in its first-ever Quality Assurance inspection. Reflecting on his approach, Duncan says, “My feeling was not to moan but instead move into leadership and improve things.” He’s never been one to stand on the sidelines when positive change is needed.
Earlier in his career, Duncan served as Deputy Head of College and Head of Junior School at Dulwich College Suzhou, China. There, he chaired the steering committee that guided the school through its Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation, an extraordinary feat for such a young institution. His international teaching career began even further back, in 2000, at the British International School Jakarta. With each new chapter, Duncan carried forward his unwavering belief in fostering school environments where everyone can thrive.
Yet, despite these notable achievements, Duncan’s leadership philosophy remains refreshingly simple. “Leadership is about valuing people, the well-being, development, and contentment of our entire community,” he explains. He emphasizes transparency and open communication, with a focus on genuine listening. His goal isn’t just academic success; it’s the overall well-being of students and staff. Duncan’s vision for XCL Education Malaysia is straightforward: “Happy Principal = Happy Teachers = Happy Children = Happy Parents = Happy Principal.”
For Duncan, leadership also means aligning every decision with the school’s vision, “To be a school community where everyone can thrive and meet with success.” It’s a guiding principle that’s kept front and center, even in seemingly small choices. “If a prospective idea does not match that vision, we do not proceed with it. It is that simple,” he says.
With XCL Education’s extensive network across Southeast Asia, collaboration is key. Principals and executive teams meet regularly, whether in person or online, to discuss goals, share ideas, and ensure they’re on track. Duncan is proud of how well-connected the schools are, with initiatives ranging from leadership conferences to interschool competitions. But at the heart of it all is the ethos of ‘Believe, Belong, Become.’ As Duncan puts it, “Believing in a child and developing a positive self-belief is so important, as is a feeling of belonging. If we get this right, they will grow to become the best versions of themselves.”
In every school he’s touched, Duncan Grice has shown that real leadership is about more than just academic results; it’s about creating a thriving community, one where everyone feels they truly belong. And at XCL Education Malaysia, he’s doing just that—one thoughtful decision at a time.
A Journey of Lifelong Learning at BXCL
At the age of three, children are full of wonder, endless questions, and boundless curiosity. At BXCL, this spirit of discovery is something they believe should never fade. The school provides a nurturing environment designed to be safe, secure, and happy, a critical foundation for effective learning. “If children or staff do not feel safe and secure,” says Duncan, “you can forget about learning and personal development.”
The teachers at BXCL are not just educators; they are facilitators of thought, supporting each child’s learning and encouraging deeper exploration. This child-centered approach ensures that learning opportunities are meaningful and cross-curricular. At the heart of their philosophy is a definition of learning: “Good learning is a meaningful and rewarding experience where students enjoy building on prior knowledge. Good learning allows students to flourish through being engaged, challenged, and valued, and to confidently question, communicate, and reflect independently and collaboratively.”
Every lesson at BXCL aims to instill these core skills, with high expectations set for effort, achievement, and behavior. “Bringing out the best in our children is our constant aim,” Duncan emphasizes. Creativity, cooperation, confidence, and courtesy are cultivated to prepare students for the complexities of the world.
Learning at BXCL is interactive and vibrant, often including debate, collaboration, and real-world engagement. Community partnerships like the collaboration with The Pink Ladies, a group raising funds for cancer charities, make learning impactful. Students not only learn about the serious subject of cancer but participate in fun, engaging fundraising activities, deepening their understanding.
One of the school’s standout initiatives is the “Classmate of the Week.” Each week, a student is chosen, and their peers leave positive affirmations beside their photograph. This simple act promotes emotional well-being and a positive self-image, which is instrumental for a productive learning mindset.
In fostering future leaders, BXCL has developed robust student leadership programs. From responsibilities in sport, music, and the arts to leading school assemblies, students are encouraged to take ownership. The younger students watch in awe and are inspired. “The growth in confidence and leadership we’ve seen in these students is remarkable,” Duncan notes.
The school’s staff also participate in professional learning communities that focus on teaching excellence. Teachers meet monthly to explore new ways to improve student learning and then reconvene to discuss outcomes, challenges, and innovations.
Building a Legacy Through People
For Duncan, recruiting exceptional teachers is among the most critical elements of his role. His leadership team operates with a simple but powerful criterion: “Would I want that teacher teaching my own children?” If the answer is no, the teacher isn’t hired.
Good teachers, as Duncan puts it, have a unique ability to elevate student experiences. Unlike traditional, often stressful teaching observations, BXCL’s professional development approach focuses on student learning. Teachers observe each other to learn and grow together. “We talk to the students about their learning,” Duncan explains, “then have constructive conversations with the teachers.” It’s an approach that emphasizes collaboration and continual improvement.
BXCL thrives on its strong human connections. The school isn’t defined by its buildings but by the quality of relationships within. Mutual respect, trust, and open communication are the core pillars. Teachers and tutors build meaningful connections with students and parents, guided by a positive approach to education. An open-door policy, prompt communication, and a dedicated Parent Relationship Executive who speaks three languages ensure that every concern is addressed quickly. “We believe in offering a Five Star service in everything we do,” Duncan says.
Feedback from families is taken seriously, and parent surveys shape the School Improvement Plan. “Education is a three-way relationship built on trust, honesty, and integrity,” he adds.
Navigating Modern Challenges in Education
Beyond the pandemic’s devastating impact, modern challenges like social media influence and the rise of AI continue to affect students. Post-pandemic, BXCL has observed young children struggling to play and socialize, older students dealing with delayed emotional development, and even some who face mental health challenges exacerbated by social isolation.
The digital world adds to these complexities. Today’s teenagers are swamped with unrealistic social media portrayals, creating an urge to escape into the metaverse or present a facade of perfection. Duncan expresses deep concern: “The dangers lurking online are frightening.” One concerning trend is how AI-driven content curation can create echo chambers, polarizing young minds and normalizing extreme behaviors. In response, BXCL emphasizes ethical AI usage and online safety.
Parents often ask for advice on supporting their children’s learning. One key suggestion from the school is ensuring students get adequate sleep. “Leave devices outside the bedroom,” Duncan advises. The impact of sleep deprivation on learning is profound, affecting cognitive function and overall well-being.
Five Promises for a Brighter Future
BXCL’s mission revolves around five key promises to families: Top Academic Outcomes, Future-Proof Preparation, Holistic Character Development, Welfare & Safeguarding, and Continuous Improvement. Each priority is a commitment to excellence.
The school remains dedicated to rigorous academic standards while embracing AI’s potential to enhance learning. Holistic character development is captured in the school’s mantra, “Believe, Belong, Become,” which is more than just a slogan; it’s a philosophy embedded in the school culture. Welfare and safeguarding practices ensure every staff member is recruited with the highest standards of safety and ethics. And finally, continuous improvement efforts drive BXCL’s sustainability initiatives, making eco-awareness a core value.
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