GEMS Education Appoints Nicola Huggett as Executive Principal of GEMS Wellington International School

GEMS Education has announced the appointment of Nicola Huggett as Executive Principal of GEMS Wellington International School, with effect from April 2026. The senior education leader will provide strategic, educational and operational oversight at the flagship Wellington school.

She brings more than three decades of leadership experience across leading UK and international schools, and will work alongside current Principal and CEO Andrew Jenkins to ensure a smooth and structured transition through to January 2027.

Leadership Transition and Continuity

Andrew Jenkins will continue in his role until January 2027 before moving on to pursue other opportunities. During this period, both leaders will work collaboratively to maintain stability and continuity across the school community.

The transition is designed to support long-term planning while maintaining the school’s established standards of excellence.

Extensive International Leadership Experience

Nicola Huggett joins GEMS from a distinguished career in the UK education sector, including her role as Head of Cheltenham College, where she oversaw more than 1,100 pupils across junior and senior phases.

Her leadership experience also includes senior roles at Blundell’s School, Downe House School, and Haileybury, with expertise spanning academic leadership, boarding education, pastoral care and whole-school improvement.

During her tenure at Cheltenham College, the school achieved its strongest A Level results in a decade, alongside sustained academic progress, curriculum innovation and digital transformation.

Commitment to Excellence at WIS

At GEMS Wellington International School, Nicola will focus on maintaining the school’s long-standing Outstanding rating from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, while strengthening academic pathways and student outcomes.

She will also support the school’s continued reputation as a leading IB Diploma provider in the UAE, with a strong record of top student achievement.

Her remit includes driving high standards in teaching and learning, strengthening parent engagement, and ensuring students are supported academically and personally in a rapidly evolving education landscape.

Strategic Vision for Growth

Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education, welcomed the appointment:

“Nicola’s career reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, and purposeful leadership through innovation, inclusion, and character development. Her experience leading complex school communities in the UK and internationally, combined with her strategic clarity and people-focused approach, positions her strongly to support GEMS Wellington International School as it continues to evolve, including the introduction of A Levels this year to broaden pathways for students. We are delighted to welcome Nicola to the GEMS family.”

He also acknowledged Andrew Jenkins’ contribution to the school:

“Since joining in 2017 and progressing to Principal and CEO, Andrew has provided clear and consistent leadership, delivering Outstanding inspection outcomes, strong academic performance, and a culture of high expectations and accountability. He leaves GEMS Wellington International School with strong foundations, a clear strategic direction and a high performing team well placed to build on his work. His contribution to the school and its community is deeply appreciated and will have a lasting impact.”

Vision for the Future

Nicola Huggett said she is looking forward to joining the school community and building on its strong foundations:

“I have been inspired by the UAE’s ambitious vision for education and by the strong culture of excellence already established at WIS. The school has a strong identity, talented staff, and clearly ambitious students, and I am very much looking forward to working alongside its leadership team and outstanding community to build on its strengths. I am particularly committed to ensuring that students benefit from innovative and technologically forward-thinking learning environments, while also deepening opportunities for character development and confidence in their own student voice. The strengthening of Arabic and Islamic education within this diverse and international community will be a focus. The WIS values of integrity, empathy and fortitude resonate deeply with me, particularly in supporting young people to thrive in an increasingly complex and digital world. It will be a privilege and a pleasure to join the GEMS and WIS team.”

Nicola also contributes to wider education leadership as Chair of the Professional Development Committee of the Heads’ Conference (HMC), a leading UK association for independent and international schools, and regularly speaks on leadership, school improvement and professional development.

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