Simon O’Connor Appointed Executive Principal of Harrow International Schools in the UAE

Taaleem has announced the appointment of Simon O’Connor as the Executive Principal of Harrow International UAE, marking a major milestone in the launch of Harrow International Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

With more than 25 years of educational leadership, O’Connor brings a track record of excellence across British and international schools. In his new role, he will oversee the development of Harrow International School Dubai and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi, while also serving as the Founding Principal of the Dubai campus.

Leading the Legacy of Harrow in the UAE

This appointment is part of a landmark partnership between Taaleem and Harrow International Schools Limited (HISL). Harrow’s name is globally associated with educational excellence and leadership, having shaped generations of influential alumni — including Winston Churchill, Lord Byron, and modern figures such as Maro Itoje, the England rugby captain.

“Mr. Simon O’Connor’s vision for the Harrow International Schools in the UAE is firmly rooted in the four timeless Harrow values: Courage, Honour, Humility, and Fellowship. These principles are not just traditions; they are enduring pillars that inform every aspect of school life, from pastoral care and academic endeavour to leadership, service, and global citizenship.
Under Mr. O’Connor’s guidance, these values will be brought to life in a dynamic and inclusive way, tailored to the UAE context. His educational philosophy is rooted in these principles, and he is passionate about cultivating school cultures that inspire curiosity, purpose, and global citizenship.”
– Rebecca Gray, Chief Education Officer, Taaleem

A Visionary Leader in British International Education

Simon O’Connor previously served as Director of Deira International School and Chief Education Officer for Al Futtaim Education Foundation, where he led award-winning advancements in digital learning, wellbeing, and school inspection outcomes. He is also a former Principal of Jumeirah College and has held executive roles overseeing British curriculum schools across the UAE.

O’Connor is the founder of the Centre for Education Action Research (CEAR), exploring innovations in AI in education, instructional leadership, and language learning. He currently sits on the Board of COBIS, the TES Global Advisory Board, and previously chaired the T4 World Schools Leadership Council.

“I am immensely proud to lead the launch of Harrow International UAE. We are building schools that honour Harrow’s tradition while embracing the innovation, diversity, and ambition of this extraordinary region.
Our pupils will be supported, known, and challenged to become thoughtful leaders in a rapidly changing world.”
– Simon O’Connor, Executive Principal, Harrow International UAE

Academic and Cultural Excellence for the UAE

Educated at The King’s School, Rochester, O’Connor holds a degree in History and Philosophy from the University of Wales, Cardiff, a PGCE from Trinity College, Cambridge (where he was a choral scholar), and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. He also holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and is currently completing a Doctorate in Education at the University of Buckingham, focusing on organisational culture and school improvement.

His appointment underscores Taaleem’s commitment to delivering world-class education in the UAE. The launch of Harrow International Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi signals a bold move into the super-premium education sector, combining centuries of Harrow tradition with innovation tailored to the UAE’s future.

AI, Human Connection, and a Vision for the Future of Learning

Speaking about the evolving role of technology in education, Simon O’Connor noted that teaching has changed more in the past two years than at any point in his career, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence.

“AI won’t replace teachers but our students will need to be AI natives and use it to their advantage,” he said in an interview to The National.
“A balance has to be struck. The question becomes ‘what do we do with time’.”

He explained that while AI could bring efficiencies — such as saving teachers time on tasks like grading — it must be thoughtfully integrated.

Reflecting on lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, O’Connor added that the shift to online learning reinforced one key insight:

“We are determined not to be screen-free but to have limited screen time. Everything has shown us that interaction between people is what is most important. AI should be a servant to the people; people should not be a servant to AI.”

A Timely Launch Amid Growing Demand

The launch of Harrow International Schools in the UAE comes at a time of surging population growth and increasing pressure on the private school sector.

Abu Dhabi’s population recently surpassed 4 million, while Dubai’s stands at around 3.97 million, with continued upward momentum. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai’s private school enrolment grew by 6% this academic year, reaching 387,441 pupils across 227 schools.

“Work to prepare both schools is advancing rapidly,” said O’Connor.
“The arrival of Harrow is a game-changer.”

Admissions Now Open for 2026 Intake

Harrow International School Abu Dhabi is set to open in the 2025/26 academic year, followed by the launch of Harrow International School Dubai in September 2026. Admissions are now open, with strong interest from families seeking a premium British curriculum education rooted in tradition, excellence, and leadership.

Prospective parents are encouraged to register early, with places in Foundation Stage to Year 9 initially available. Harrow UAE will expand to full senior school levels in the years that follow.

The expected annual tuition fees will range between AED 90,000 and AED 130,000, positioning Harrow among the super-premium tier of UAE schools.

To begin the admissions process, visit:

Website

About Taaleem and Harrow International Schools

Taaleem (DFM: TAALEEM) is one of the largest K-12 premium education providers in the UAE with a portfolio consisting of 38 schools, comprising 12 owned and operated premium private schools, and 26 Government partnership schools operated on behalf of Government entities. The Company boasts a student body of 41,117 students and world-class faculty from diverse backgrounds.

About Harrow International Schools Limited:

Harrow International Schools Limited (HISL), a trading subsidiary of the charity which owns Harrow School and its trademarks, grants the right to use the name and badge of Harrow School by independently owned and operated schools around the world. HISL provides oversight to ensure that these schools reflect Harrow School’s educational purpose, practice, strategy and philosophy, tailored to the needs of their students and locations.