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A former rugby player who last competed at the prestigious Dubai 7s in 2016, is now leading one of Dubai’s most eagerly awaited educational institutions — GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI).

James Monaghan, will be the CEO and founding Principal of the new ultra-premium school, set to open in August 2025, that promises to offer one of the world's most innovative educational institutions, also being labelled as

With annual fees ranging from Dh116,000 to Dh206,000, the school is positioned as a premium offering in Dubai's competitive education market.

With a career spanning decades, and a legacy of leadership at two Spears Top 100 schools, the new head aims to bring a forward-thinking approach to school leadership — one shaped by personal experience, family values, and a passion for innovation.

What inspired him to become a teacher?

In an exclusive interview to Khaleej Times, Monaghan opened up about what inspired him to become a teacher. He said, “I was lucky enough to be a student at The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, where I experienced a truly holistic education. I benefited so much from the opportunities I was given and the care I was afforded and this inspired me to become a teacher.”

After earning a degree in Geography and launching his teaching career at the age of 23, he went on to complete a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management in 2016. “The individual bespoke care and academic instruction I received has influenced my belief that this approach provides all students with the very best opportunities to enjoy and be successful throughout their time at school.”

Devoted to sports and family

But it’s not just academics that drive his leadership. A former rugby player who last took the field at the Dubai 7s, Monaghan remains an active sports enthusiast and triathlete. “My love of all things sporting underpins my desire to ensure students have access to a myriad of possibilities to pursue different passions,” he added. “At SRI, our access to the world’s best coaches and world-class facilities will allow our students to develop belief and a winning mindset.”

Family plays an equally important role in shaping his leadership values. “I am also a very proud father of three grown up children, two of whom are teachers. My wife is also a teacher. My family has always inspired me to provide an education that they would all thrive within.” For him, education must reflect inclusion and diversity—traits that he sees embedded in the culture of SRI. “The inclusive nature of SRI will allow everyone to be successful. Family values and building a trusting and long-lasting relationship with all parents will be a key part of the SRI community.”

Overcoming challenging times

No stranger to challenge, he recalls steering North London Collegiate School in Dubai through the height of the pandemic. The former Principal of NLCS Dubai said, “This was, without doubt, the most challenging part of my career so far,” he added. Balancing student safety, staff welfare, and parental expectations during an uncertain time provided a critical learning moment. “This experience taught me valuable lessons about the need for communication, about listening to the whole school community and working together.”

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Monaghan pointed out that SRI is set to distinguish itself with an academic programme that draws from a blend of global curricula, integrated with the latest in educational technology. “The academic provision will be taking the very best from a variety of curricula I have led and developed. This will be enhanced with the technology related to AI, VR and AR, to create the most engaging and academically ambitious programme.”

Future-facing education is at the heart of the school’s mission. “Innovation spaces, robotics and disruption labs will be a continuous part of a student’s education at SRI from FS1 through to Yr. 13. Innovation and AI will be a core field of study throughout the school preparing students for the future."

Extracurricular life at SRI

That vision extends into extracurricular life as well. SRI will feature an AI-driven sports monitoring system, a FIFA-grade pitch, Olympic-sized swimming pool, fencing salle, and off-site training in skiing, equestrianism, and sailing.

In the arts, the school will partner with globally renowned creatives. “An extensive world leading creative arts programme will also provide students with opportunities to develop the communication and confidence to be successful in many walks of life,” he added. “Collaborations with world leading dancers, musicians and artists will allow students to realise the genius in themselves and find their true potential.”

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