Monaghan to take charge of SRI, opening in August this year in Dubai  

Dubai, May 8, 2025: GEMS Education today announced the appointment of leading international educator, James Monaghan, as the CEO and founding Principal of GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI), which will open in August 2025.  

Monaghan’s career in private education spans more than 30 years across the UAE, UK, US and South Korea, leading numerous schools.   

He said today that the appointment was a ‘defining moment’ in his journey, as founding Principal for a school that made global headlines in January, when it was officially launched. 

The school will shortly be announcing more special advisors from the worlds of business, sports and performing arts.  

Monaghan arrives at the school, which will open for the academic year 2025-26 in August, armed with extensive UAE leadership experience, having successfully helmed North London Collegiate School (NLCS) in Dubai as well as NLCS in South Korea, his latest position.   

He describes himself as a strong advocate for values-driven, personalised learning, languages, sports and performing arts, student empowerment and strong community partnership with families.