GEMS Names Founding Principal of Dubai’s Most Expensive School

Monaghan brings over 30 years of international education leadership across the UAE, UK, USA, and South Korea. He most recently headed North London Collegiate School’s Dubai and South Korea campuses and is known for his dynamic, forward-thinking approach to academic development. Calling the new role a ‘defining moment’ in his career, Monaghan said he’s eager to build a thriving, inclusive school community where innovation, creativity, and world-class scholarship are at the core.

SRI’s state-of-the-art campus has been developed with a $100 million investment and will offer a reimagined British curriculum integrated with the latest AI, VR, and AR technologies. The expansive 47,600-square-metre campus will feature standout amenities like an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a 600-seat auditorium, a Disruption Lab and Research Centre, and even a rooftop helipad that doubles as a football pitch. Class sizes will be intentionally small – capped at 16 in early years and up to 20 in Year 6 – to ensure a more personalised educational experience.

Adding to its innovative edge, SRI students will be the first to benefit from GEMS Education’s new $1 million ‘Next Billion Innovation’start-up fund. The initiative is designed to support student-led ventures withglobal potential. As Dubai’s education sector continues to expand rapidly, SRI is expected to set new benchmarks in premium schooling, which aligns well with the city’s long-term strategy to become a global leader in educational excellence.

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