GEMS Education has confirmed the appointment of Ann Haydon MBE as Principal of GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail (WEK), one of Dubai’s leading British curriculum schools.
Haydon arrives with more than two decades of senior leadership experience across prominent UK independent schools and international institutions, bringing a strong track record in academic performance, student development and school improvement.
Her most recent role was as Head of Harrow International School Hong Kong, which she has led since 2017. She became the first female Head across Harrow’s global network, guiding the school through continued growth and strong examination outcomes. During her time there, the proportion of students achieving A* – A at A level consistently exceeded 70%, supported by an emphasis on pastoral care and all-round learning.
Before moving overseas, Haydon served as Principal of Surbiton High School and earlier as Deputy Headmistress at Guildford High School, both part of United Learning UK. In each post, she oversaw all-through schools educating pupils aged 4 to 18, with both institutions achieving ‘Excellent’ ratings in ISI inspections.
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.”
Alongside her school leadership roles, Haydon has contributed to sector-wide governance and advisory work. She has served as London Division Secretary of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), been part of the HMC Sports Committee, and participated in the United Learning Heads Reference Group. She is currently a Governor of Repton School UK.
Her contribution to education across the UK and Hong Kong was recognised when she was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours List.
Speaking about her new role, 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.”
Founded in 2013, GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail provides a premium British curriculum education from Nursery to Post-16 at its Dubai Hills site. The school is rated Very Good by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Outstanding by British Schools Overseas (BSO). It delivers GCSE, A Level and BTEC pathways, enabling tailored routes into leading universities worldwide.
Haydon’s arrival signals a new stage for the Academy as it continues to expand its provision and prepare students for future academic and career opportunities.
