Arnold has held senior leadership roles in both the UK and the Middle East 

Dubai, May 20, 2025: Ranches Primary School (RPS) has announced the appointment of Steve Arnold as its new Principal.  

With more than ten years of leadership experience in both the UK and the Middle East, Arnold brings both knowledge and expertise to the role. Most recently, he led the Gifted and Talented programme at GEMS Education, supporting learning across 48 of the top schools in the region.  

Prior to his role at GEMS, Arnold held senior leadership roles in the UK, including Head Teacher and later Service Manager for Education at Orkney Islands Council in Scotland.  

At Ranches Primary School he’ll be focused on boosting all parts of school life: from academic success and teacher development to co-curricular fun and well-being. With a strong background in working with gifted and talented children, he plans to introduce a strengths-based, personalised approach to teaching that brings out the best in everyone. He believes that learning should be tailored, flexible and joyful, supporting each child’s journey not just academically but emotionally too.  

Steve’s appointment follows the announcement that the current Principal Emma Ledger will be stepping down in July 2025.