Simon O’Connor joins Harrow International Schools UAE as Executive Principal, bringing over 25 years of distinguished leadership experience in outstanding UK and international schools. In his new role, Simon will oversee two Harrow International Schools, furthering our commitment to provide academic excellence, character development, and holistic education inspired by the ethos of one of Britain’s most historic public schools.

Simon’s own education was shaped by the UK’s independent school tradition. A former pupil of The King’s School, Rochester—one of the oldest schools in England—he experienced first-hand the richness and rigour of a classical British education. He went on to read History and Philosophy at the University of Wales, Cardiff, before completing his PGCE at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was a choral scholar. Simon also holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). He is currently completing a Doctorate in Education at the University of Buckingham, researching the influence of organisational culture on school improvement.

Throughout his career, Simon has led schools known for their academic distinction and innovation. Most recently, he served as Director of Deira International School in Dubai and Chief Education Officer for the Al Futtaim Education Foundation. Under his leadership, the school consistently achieved ‘Outstanding’ inspection ratings and international accolades for digital learning, wellbeing, and leadership development. During this time, Simon also founded the Centre for Education Action Research (CEAR), establishing a Research Schools Alliance of over 165 educators engaged in inquiry into areas such as AI in education, leadership, and English language learning.

Earlier in his career, Simon was Principal of Jumeirah College, widely regarded as one of the leading academic schools in the UAE. He also served as Vice President for GEMS Education, with responsibility for the performance and improvement of British curriculum schools across the region.

Simon is deeply committed to nurturing school cultures rooted in high expectations, intellectual curiosity, and pastoral care. He is a firm believer in the transformative power of education to build character, resilience, and purpose in young people. He brings to Harrow a leadership style shaped by tradition, driven by research, and attuned to the needs of a global learning community.

Alongside his school leadership, Simon has contributed extensively to the broader education sector. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), been a Global Advisory Board member for TES, led a Special Interest Group on school culture for ECIS, and chaired the Leadership Council for the T4 World Schools Summit.

Outside of school life, Simon is married with two daughters currently studying at university in the UK. He values the role of family, community, and service in shaping students who will lead with integrity and imagination in the world beyond school.