Nicholas Soar succeeds Interim Principal John Stapley 

Dubai, June 23, 2026: GEMS Education has announced the appointment of Nicholas Soar as the Principal and CEO of GEMS Founders School – Dubai South (GFD), effective August 2026. He succeeds Interim Principal John Stapley.  

Located at the heart of Dubai South, GFD was established in 2024 to serve the expanding community. 

Soar brings more than two decades of educational leadership experience in the UK. Throughout his career as a Headteacher, Executive Principal and Deputy Headteacher, he has led multiple schools.  

Soar joins GEMS Education from the Harris Federation, one of the UK’s leading education organisations, where he served as Executive Principal across several schools in London.  

His experience extends beyond school improvement. He has played a key role in developing leadership programmes for aspiring Headteachers and Executive Leaders across the UK, contributed to international education partnerships spanning China, Ghana and Eastern Europe and worked with organisations including the OECD to advance educational practice and opportunity.  

Commenting on the appointment, Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS Education says, “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…”  

Soar says, “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… 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.”