GEMS Education has appointed Ann Haydon MBE as Principal of GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail (WEK). She will take up the role on 2 January 2026 and brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience from leading UK and international schools.
Ann Haydon joins WEK following her role as Head of Harrow International School Hong Kong, a position she has held since 2017. She was the first female Head in Harrow’s global network. During her tenure, the school achieved strong academic outcomes, with more than 70% of A Level grades consistently at A*–A. Her leadership also focused on pastoral care and whole-child development.
Her career includes senior leadership roles at some of the UK’s best-known independent schools. She previously served as Principal of Surbiton High School and Deputy Headmistress at Guildford High School, both part of United Learning UK. In these roles, she led all-through schools for pupils aged four to 18. Both schools achieved ‘Excellent’ ratings in Independent Schools Inspectorate inspections.
Commenting on the appointment, 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 executive roles, Haydon has contributed to education governance and sector leadership. 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 contribution to education in the UK and Hong Kong, Haydon was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours List.
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.”
Founded in 2013, GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail is a British curriculum school located in Dubai Hills. It offers education from Nursery to Post-16 and is rated Very Good by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and Outstanding by British Schools Overseas. The school delivers GCSE, A Level, and BTEC pathways and supports progression to universities worldwide. Haydon’s appointment marks the next stage in the school’s development as it continues to strengthen teaching, learning, and leadership.