Education UAE - Issue 25 - Back to School Guide 2025

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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. 

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

SAMUEL HOLLIDAY Principal, Amity English 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, 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. 

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