As the 2025–26 academic year approaches, the UAE’s education sector is welcoming a wave of dynamic leadership. From the launch of brand-new schools to the appointment of seasoned leaders at established institutions, these principals bring a mix of global experience, innovation, and community-centred vision to classrooms across the Emirates. Collectively, they represent decades of leadership across continents, a shared commitment to student success, and an eagerness to shape the next chapter of UAE education.
From first-time founding principals building schools from the ground up to trusted leaders stepping into new roles, this year’s appointments reflect the diversity and ambition of the sector.
James Monaghan – Founding Principal & CEO, GEMS School of Research and Innovation, Dubai
With over 30 years of international leadership experience across the UAE, UK, USA, and South Korea, James Monaghan has been appointed as the CEO and Founding Principal of GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI), opening in August 2025. Formerly Principal of North London Collegiate School (Dubai and South Korea), Monaghan is known for his pioneering approach to values-driven, personalised learning and student empowerment. Under his leadership, SRI is set to become a global benchmark in educational innovation, described by GEMS as the “finest school in the world.”
Simon O’Connor – Executive Principal, Harrow International UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
Appointed in July 2025, Simon O’Connor is the founding Executive Principal overseeing both Harrow campuses. With 25+ years of leadership in British international education, O’Connor brings expertise in digital learning, wellbeing, and school inspection standards while adapting Harrow’s heritage to the UAE.
Michael Bloy – Principal, Repton School Dubai
Appointed for the 2025–26 academic year, Michael Bloy brings over 20 years of educational leadership across the UK, Middle East, and Asia, including heading Outstanding-rated schools in the UAE. A UAE alumnus with a Master’s in Educational Leadership and NPQH, Bloy is known for his inclusive leadership style grounded in values like belonging, belief, and big aspirations.
Amy Falhi – Founding Principal, Dubai British School Mira
Appointed for the 2025–26 academic year, Amy Falhi brings a passion for creating vibrant and nurturing school environments. A graduate of the University of Leeds with a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a PGCE, Amy has led in both the UK and UAE, most recently serving as Vice Principal at DBS Jumeirah Park, where she played a key role in achieving an Outstanding rating. Amy is dedicated to fostering community and connectedness at DBS Mira as it embarks on its journey to excellence.
Rachael Wilding – School Lead, North Gate British School, Ajman
Appointed for the 2025–26 academic year, Rachael Wilding brings over 25 years of educational leadership experience with a proven track record of school improvement in UAE. Rachael has her NPQH, a vast international network and is known for her practical on the ground leadership style grounded in values of mentorship, inclusivity, creativity and collaboration. She is excited to lead NGBS, a premium british curriculum school in Ajman.
Steve Arnold – Principal, Ranches Primary School (Dubai)
Appointed from August 2025, Steve Arnold arrives with over a decade of leadership across the UK and Middle East. His ethos emphasises personalised, pupil‑led learning and inclusive environments, which will be an ideal fit for RPS’s community-focused culture.
David Williams – Principal, Regent International School, Dubai
Stepping up from his role as Vice Principal, David Williams officially became Principal in May 2025 after 11 years with Regent. Williams has been instrumental in securing outstanding OFSTED and BSO outcomes, championing Regent’s STEAM and Positive Education initiatives as the school expands its legacy of excellence.
Naomi Williams – Principal, South View School, Dubai
Joining South View in April 2025, Naomi Williams brings over two decades of experience in the UK and UAE. Her leadership style prioritises wellbeing, student engagement, and a culture of kindness, paired with strong academic outcomes.
Samuel Holliday – Principal, Amity English School, Dubai
Samuel Holliday, who assumed the Principal role in mid-2025, has over 20 years of leadership experience across UAE and UK schools. He is known for his student-centred approach and commitment to cultivating supportive, achievement-driven learning communities.
Stephen Quinn – Principal, Horizon International School, Dubai
After six years as Vice Principal – Head of Primary, Stephen Quinn was promoted to Principal beginning Term 3, 2025. His leadership has already helped Horizon secure a ‘Very Good’ KHDA rating and an ‘Outstanding’ BSO grade, with a continued focus on inclusive, high-achieving learning environments.
Peter Taylor – Principal, Raha International School, Khalifa City Campus (Abu Dhabi)
Peter Taylor joins the Khalifa City Campus with extensive global experience in school leadership and international education. His appointment aligns with Taaleem’s vision of strengthening academic excellence, wellbeing, and global citizenship at a growing IB World School.
Jan Stipek – Principal, Raha International School, Gardens Campus (Abu Dhabi)
Starting in August 2025, Jan Stipek brings nearly three decades of IB experience to the Gardens Campus. He plans to build on the school’s IB continuum and CIS accreditations while deepening staff and community engagement.
Ian Temple – Principal, Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS)
Appointed for the 2025–26 academic year, Ian Temple brings over 30 years of global leadership experience. Formerly Principal at Nobel Algarve British International School in Portugal, he is known for his expertise with the English National Curriculum and his focus on driving academic excellence and inclusivity as AAESS approaches its 50-year milestone.
Gillian Hammond – Principal, Aspen Heights British School
Appointed for the 2025–26 academic year, Gillian Hammond brings more than 25 years of education leadership, including a long tenure in the UAE. Formerly Chief Education Officer of Excella and Principal at three Repton schools, she led both Repton Abu Dhabi and Repton Dubai to Outstanding ratings. Hammond is known for creating nurturing, high-achieving environments that inspire students and staff alike, and will guide Aspen Heights British School into its next chapter as part of the International Schools Partnership.
Ben Rothwell – Principal, Victory Heights Primary School City of Arabia
Appointed for the launch of the new Victory Heights Primary School City of Arabia in August 2025, Ben Rothwell brings a decade of leadership experience within the VHPS community and a background that blends education, IT expertise, and entrepreneurship. Currently Headteacher at Outstanding-rated VHPS in Dubai Sports City, he is known for fostering a culture of nurture, challenge, and excellence, with a strong focus on staff and student wellbeing. Rothwell’s approachable leadership style and strategic vision will shape the new school’s unique identity while carrying forward the values and high standards of the original campus.