meet the team

Simon Herbert joined GEMS Education in 2020 as Head of School/CEO of GEMS International School – Al Khail. A dynamic, culturally astute school leader skilled at encouraging and inspiring both students and staff, Simon has worked in the education sphere for over 30 years, having taught and held leadership roles in high-profile schools across the globe.

Simon is married to Helen, an Early Years teacher, and they have three children, William, Fred, and Oliver. Prior to joining GEMS, Simon was based in China, where he quickly rose to the position of Headmaster of Dulwich College Beijing after initially joining as Head of Senior School. Over the course of his eight years at Dulwich, the school achieved consistently high average IB results as well as superb university placements, while maintaining its holistic and philanthropic values.

With Simon at the helm, the school also picked up numerous accolades, including the International Schools Award 2019 for Creativity in Learning and being named the Hurun Education Report’s Top Ranked International School in Beijing.

Simon also spent 12 years with the prestigious Fettes College in Edinburgh, Scotland, first as Head of Modern Languages and then as Housemaster of Glencorse House. During his time at Fettes, he led the introduction of the IB Diploma Programme and transformed the effort grades of his house from mediocre to best-in-college. He also coached the First XI Boys’ Hockey team, who went on to win the Scottish Championship.

Simon’s qualifications include an MA in Educational Leadership and Management from Bath University, a PGCE: Modern Languages from South Bank and Open University and a joint honours BA in French and Latin from Nottingham University. He is fluent in French and speaks Spanish at advanced level with an Advanced Certificate in Spanish from Institute of Linguists, London.

Simon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, and a member of the Council of International Schools Inspector. In addition, during his time in China, he was twice elected to the British Chamber of Commerce in Beijing Executive Committee.

As well extensive teaching and education experience, including with schools in England and Kenya, Simon has strong marketing expertise, having previously worked across advertising and marketing in London, UK. He has also represented the South of England in hockey, climbed Mount Kenya, and completed the London Marathon.

• Sep 2020 – Appointed Head of School/CEO of GEMS International School – Al Khail, Dubai, UAE
• 2019 – Completed MA in Educational Leadership and Management from Bath University, UK
• Aug 2016 – Appointed Headmaster of Dulwich College Beijing, China
• Aug 2012 – Joined Dulwich College Beijing, China as Head of Senior School
• … Introduced IB Diploma Programme to Fettes College, Edinburgh, Scotland
• Sep 2005 – Appointed Housemaster of Glencorse at Fettes College, Edinburgh, Scotland
• Sep 2001 – Joined Fettes College, Edinburgh, Scotland as Head of Modern Languages
• 2000 – Completed Advanced Certificate in Spanish from Institute of Linguists, London, UK
• 1995 – Completed PGCE: Modern Languages from South Bank and Open University, London, UK
• Sep 1994 – Joined Eltham College, London, UK as French and Spanish Teacher
• Sep 1992 – Joined Leagas Delaney & Millward Brown, London, UK as Advertising Account Executive / Marketing Executive
• Sep 1990 – Joinedd Glynn School, Ewell, UK as French Teacher
• Sep 1989 – Joined St Andrew’s School, Turi, Kenya as French Teacher
• 1988 – Completed BA in French and Latin Joint Honours from Nottingham University

I have a BA Honours degree in European and International Politics from Northumbria University, a PGCE from Middlesex University, the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership from the Institute of Education and am currently studying for an MA in Educational Leadership. I taught Geography and Politics in the UK for ten years and held various leadership roles including Head of Department, Head of Year and Senior Leader in charge of Intervention, before moving to Dubai in 2016. At each school I have worked, and in each leadership role, I have raised standards and enabled students to set new school records for attainment.

My wife is also a teacher and we have two young sons, Thomas and Oliver, and I am enjoying the challenges of parenthood. In my spare time I am interested in rugby, which I played to a high standard for over 20 years and presently enjoy cycling. As a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society I enjoy all things Geography including international travel.

Wanita brings over 15 years of experience in early childhood and primary education to GIS. Throughout her career in South Africa, Cambodia, and Mozambique, she has thrived in both corporate and educational settings. She has worn many hats - Teacher, PYP Coordinator, Head of Early Years, Education leader, CIS Accreditation Coordinator, and CIS Team Evaluation Facilitator - all fueled by a passion for creating a dynamic, nurturing, and equitable learning environment.

Wanita’s core belief is in fostering well-being and strong relationships. She envisions a school where every learner flourishes academically and emotionally, equipped with resilience and empathy to face the future. Wanita is deeply inspired by the philosophy of Ubuntu - "I am because we are" - and believes in the power of collaboration to achieve collective success.

Wanita holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development, an Honours Degree in Education, and a Master of Science.  She is thrilled to be part of the GIS community and looks forward to working with all of us.

Harry Allen is UK native, married with one daughter. Mr. Allen completed a B.A. (Hons) Theatre Arts at the University of Leeds, UK before going on to complete a MA (Education) at the University of Nottingham. He started his International teaching career in Singapore, where he remained for 18 years. During this time he was the Assistant Principal at ISS International School from 2011 – 2014. Mr. Allen moved to Dubai in 2014 where he took on the role as Deputy Head of Secondary at Emirates International School. He remained in this role for 4 years. Prior to moving to the UAE,  Mr. Allen was based in Mauritius where he was the Founding MYP Coordinator at Northfields International School.