Ann Haydon MBE

Ann Haydon MBE joined GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail as Principal on 2 January 2026, bringing an extensive track record in educational leadership across the United Kingdom and internationally. She holds a degree in Geography and Economics from the University of Surrey, completed her PGCE at the University of Nottingham, and gained the National Qualification for Headship from the University of London in 2007. She is a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.

Haydon served as Deputy Head at Guildford High School before becoming Principal of Surbiton High School in 2008, where she and her team received the 'Outstanding Senior Leadership Team of the Year' as well as 'Outstanding Governing Board of the Year' awards from Independent Schools. In 2017, she became Head of Harrow International School Hong Kong, which has been ranked among the Top 100 Schools in the World since 2020. She made history as the first female Head in Harrow's prestigious global network.

Haydon achieved a distinction in the Pearson UK Headteacher of the Year Award in 2013. Under her leadership at Harrow Hong Kong, students achieving A* – A grades at A Level consistently exceeded 70%, supported by strong pastoral care and holistic development. In 2024, she was made an MBE for services to British education in the UK and Hong Kong.

Career History

• Principal, GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail (2026–present)
• Head of Harrow International School Hong Kong (2017–2025)
• Principal, Surbiton High School (2008–2017)
• Deputy Head, Guildford High School (pre-2008)

Governance & Professional Roles: Haydon has served as London Division Secretary of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC), a member of the HMC Sports Committee, and participant in the United Learning Heads Reference Group. She currently serves as a Governor of Repton School UK.

What Ann Haydon could bring to GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail: With 25+ years of proven excellence in school leadership, international experience, and a demonstrated commitment to academic rigor and student wellbeing, Haydon brings transformational expertise to Dubai's premium British curriculum sector. Her track record of leading schools to exceptional examination outcomes (70%+ A*–A grades) combined with her governance contributions and recent MBE recognition positions her to elevate GEMS Wellington Academy's academic standing and operational excellence while fostering an inclusive, values-driven learning community.