GEMS Education has announced the appointment of Ann Haydon MBE as the new Principal of GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail, one of Dubai’s leading British curriculum schools. Haydon will join the school on 2 January 2026, bringing with her an outstanding record of leadership across top UK independent schools and international education.
The appointment reflects GEMS Education’s continued commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, and strong community leadership across its global school network.
Extensive International and UK Leadership Experience
Ann Haydon brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience, having worked across some of the United Kingdom’s most respected independent schools as well as within international education.
She most recently served as Head of Harrow International School Hong Kong, a role she has held since 2017. During her tenure, she made history as the first female Head in Harrow’s global network. Under her leadership, academic outcomes were consistently strong, with more than 70 percent of students achieving A* to A grades at A level, alongside a clear focus on pastoral care and holistic student development.
Prior to this, Haydon served as Principal of Surbiton High School and Deputy Headmistress at Guildford High School, both part of United Learning UK. At these all through schools for students aged 4 to 18, she led institutions that achieved Excellent ratings in their Independent Schools Inspectorate inspections.
GEMS Leadership Welcomes the Appointment
Commenting on the announcement, Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education, said:
“Ann Haydon is an exceptional school leader whose career reflects an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, and values-driven education. Her experience across leading UK and international schools, combined with her visionary leadership, makes her ideally placed to lead GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail into its next phase of growth. We are delighted to welcome her to the GEMS family.”
Governance Roles and National Recognition
Beyond her school leadership roles, Haydon has contributed extensively to education governance and sector development. Her experience includes serving as London Division Secretary of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, membership of the HMC Sports Committee, and participation in the United Learning Heads Reference Group. She currently serves as a Governor of Repton School UK.
In recognition of her services to education in both the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, Haydon was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours List.
Principal Vision for Wellington Al Khail
Speaking on her appointment, Ann Haydon MBE said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail and the wider GEMS Education community. GEMS has an unparalleled global reputation for educational excellence, and Wellington Al Khail is a school with a strong sense of purpose, ambition, and community. I am very much looking forward to working with students, staff, and families to build on the school’s successes and to ensure every child is inspired to achieve their very best.”
About GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail
Founded in 2013, GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail is a premium British curriculum school located in Dubai Hills, offering education from Nursery through to Post 16. The Academy is rated Very Good by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and Outstanding by British Schools Overseas.
The school delivers strong academic outcomes across GCSE, A Level, and BTEC pathways, supporting personalised progression to leading universities around the world. Ann Haydon’s appointment marks a new chapter as the Academy continues to strengthen its educational provision and prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
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Further Reading:
- GEMS Education Unveils GEMS School Management – A Turnkey Solution to Build World-Class Schools Globally
- Reimagining Education: Why The GEMS School of Research and Innovation Is So Unique