Jones’ tenure will be effective starting August 2027 

Dubai, May 14, 2026: GEMS Education has announced Richard Jones as proposed Principal/CEO-designate of GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI), effective August 2027, subject to approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).   

Jones joins SRI from Bryanston School in Dorset, UK, where he has served as Head since 2022. He brings more than 13 years of senior educational leadership experience across leading British independent schools. Alongside his role as Head of Bryanston School, he has held leadership positions at Canford School and St John’s School, Leatherhead, with extensive experience spanning academic excellence, pastoral care, boarding, strategy, operations, financial sustainability and organisational transformation. 

Commenting on the announcement, Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education says, “Richard Jones is an exceptional educational leader with the experience and strategic vision required to lead a school of this scale and ambition. He understands how to honour strong educational traditions while building a future-facing culture grounded in innovation, wellbeing, creativity, and excellence.”  

Jones says, “This is a tremendous privilege and responsibility. SRI represents one of the most ambitious and exciting educational projects anywhere in the world. Subject to the KHDA’s approval, I look forward to building a deeply collaborative culture across students, staff and families…” 

Jones holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Buckingham, Qualified Teacher Status through the University of Southampton and an undergraduate degree in Industrial Economics from the University of Nottingham.