GEMS Founders School Dubai South Appoints New UK Education Leader to Strengthen School Growth

GEMS Founders School Dubai South has appointed UK educator Nicholas Soar as Principal and CEO, a move aimed at consolidating leadership as the campus continues rapid expansion. Soar will take up the post in August 2026, succeeding Interim Principal John Stapley, and will lead a school that opened in 2024 and now occupies a 250,000 sq. ft campus within the Dubai South development.

"Since GFD first opened its doors in 2024 as the fourth addition to our successful Founders brand, it has grown rapidly and established itself as an important part of the Dubai South community," said Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education. "As we look to the future, we wanted a leader with the vision, experience, and ambition to help realise the school’s full potential. Nick combines a proven track record of educational transformation with a deep understanding of how schools can become catalysts for community growth. His appointment supports the school’s strategy of blending the best of British educational practices with the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of the UAE. We are delighted to welcome him to the GEMS family."

The appointment brings a senior UK education leader to a campus designed to serve an area linked to aviation, logistics and future industries. Nicholas Soar joins from the Harris Federation, one of the UK’s leading education organisations, where he served as Executive Principal across several London schools. His leadership career spans more than two decades and includes leading schools to “Outstanding” judgements under both Ofsted and Independent Schools Inspectorate frameworks. He has also been involved in leadership development programmes for aspiring headteachers and contributed to international education partnerships across China, Ghana and Eastern Europe, including collaboration with organisations such as the OECD.

Campus capabilities and early performance

• The campus covers 250,000 sq. ft and opened in 2024.
• Within eight months of opening, the school achieved a ‘Good’ rating and an ‘Outstanding’ judgement in its British Schools Overseas inspection.
• Facilities include robotics and flight simulation laboratories, a 25-metre swimming pool, a football pitch, a padel court and flexible learning spaces supporting collaboration and creativity.

Commenting on his appointment, Nick Soar said: "This is a rare moment when an ambitious school, a rapidly developing region, and my own leadership experience align powerfully. What excites me the most is the opportunity to help shape a school that becomes central to an evolving community, attracting exceptional staff, inspiring students, and contributing meaningfully to the rise of Dubai South. I am particularly excited by the opportunity to help build a school that reflects both the ambition of Dubai’s future and the values, culture, and identity that have shaped the UAE’s success."

The leadership change underlines GEMS Founders School’s focus on continuity and long-term development as enrolment grows. For families, the combination of early inspection success and investment in specialist facilities may reinforce confidence in the school’s trajectory. For educators, Soar’s background in school improvement and leadership development could signal expanded professional development and collaborative opportunities, particularly given his record with the Harris Federation and international partnerships.

As Dubai South evolves into a hub for aviation, logistics and advanced industries, the school’s leadership and specialised facilities position it to align curriculum and community engagement with the area’s economic ambitions. Soar’s start in August 2026 will mark the next phase of the campus’s growth and its integration within the wider Dubai South community.