Staff
The senior education leader will provide strategic, educational and operational oversight at the GEMS school from April 2026
Dubai, Apr 20, 2026: GEMS Education has announced the appointment of Nicola Huggett as Executive Principal of GEMS Wellington International School (WIS). Huggett has assumed her role with effect from April 2026, bringing with her more than three decades of senior leadership experience across some of the UK’s independent and international schools. Andrew Jenkins, currently Principal and CEO, continues in his role till January 2027 and will then move on from GEMS Education to pursue other career opportunities. Jenkins and Huggett will continue to work together until January 2027, ensuring a purposeful and seamless transition.
Huggett has served as Head of Cheltenham College, a co-educational day and boarding school in the UK, overseeing more than 1,100 students across junior and senior phases, as well as working with the leadership of Cheltenham’s international school in Oman.
Across her earlier career in the UK, Huggett held senior leadership roles, including Head of Blundell’s School and Deputy Headmistress at Downe House School, as well as pastoral, academic and boarding leadership positions at Haileybury.
In her current role, she will be working closely with the WIS leadership team and the wider GEMS network.
Commenting on the appointment, Dino Varkey, Group CEO of GEMS says, “Nicola’s career reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, student well-being and purposeful leadership through innovation, inclusion and character development. Her experience leading complex school communities in the UK and internationally, combined with her strategic clarity and people-focused approach, positions her strongly to support GEMS Wellington International School as it continues to evolve, including the introduction of A Levels this year to broaden pathways for students…”
Huggett says, “I am particularly committed to ensuring that students benefit from innovative and technologically forward-thinking learning environments, while also deepening opportunities for character development and confidence in their own student voice. The strengthening of Arabic and Islamic education within this diverse and international community will be a focus.”
Huggett is an active contributor to the wider education sector. She currently serves as Chair of the Professional Development Committee of the Heads’ Conference (HMC), a leading UK-based association representing many of the country’s top independent schools and international member schools worldwide. She has held multiple governance roles, led national HMC leadership programmes for school heads and regularly speaks at conferences on leadership, school improvement and professional development.
