meet the team

Having graduated in Geography and Economics from University of Surrey, Ann Haydon completed her PGCE at University of Nottingham, going on to gain the National Qualification for Headship from University of London in 2007. She is a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.

Ms Haydon served as Deputy Head at Guildford High School before taking up the position of Principal of Surbiton High School in 2008. It was during her time at Surbiton High School that Ms Haydon and her team received the ‘Outstanding Senior Leadership Team of the Year’ as well as ‘Outstanding Governing Board of the Year’ awards from Independent Schools. In 2017, Ms Haydon took on the role of Head of Harrow International School Hong Kong.

Ms Haydon was awarded a distinction in the Pearson UK Headteacher of the Year Award and gained national recognition for her work in leadership, governance, teaching and learning, and marketing in schools. In 2024, she was named on King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours List and awarded an MBE for services to British Education in the UK and Hong Kong.

Ms Haydon has served as HMC London Division Secretary, a member of the HMC Sports Committee, and International Schools representative on the HMC Communications Committee. She was a member of the United Learning Heads Reference Group working on strategic developments across a group of independent schools and academies and she has sat on the governing body of several independent schools.

Upon graduating with an Education Studies and Sports Studies (BA) degree, Gary Hancock then completed his PGCE at the University of East Anglia (UEA). He has since completed his National Qualification for Headship (NPQH) from the Institute of Education at University College London (UCL) and is a Member of the Chartered College of Teaching (MCCT).

Mr. Hancock taught in two schools in Suffolk, England before venturing abroad, with his first international post commencing at The British School of Guangzhou, China where he oversaw a variety of pastoral and academic leadership roles, including Primary Maths Leader and Head of Key Stage amongst others. He then moved to Bangkok Patana School, a leading school in Thailand and South East Asia, where he had continued to develop as a leader by taking on numerous pastoral roles during his time there.

In 2015, Mr Hancock moved to Harrow International School Hong Kong, where he held roles of Assistant Head - Teaching and Learning and then  Lower School Deputy Head - Academic, whilst overseeing the growth of the school, supporting and leading on a whole school curriculum review, the implementation of an Oracy curriculum, outstanding CIS and BSO accreditations and much more. During Mr. Hancock’s time at the school, it was regularly named in Spears School Index top 100 schools in the world and was often noted for its educational excellence and leadership.

Georgina joined the Academy as an Assistant Principal in 2021 and has held a variety of leadership positions in the eleven years she has been at GEMS Education. She is a highly experienced educator with a passion for pastoral care, safeguarding, and behavior management which she believes are crucial aspects of a student's holistic development. She brings to GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail an exceptional track record of success in helping students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Georgina's teaching career began more than 20 years ago as a graduate of Surrey University with a bachelor’s degree followed by a Postgraduate Certificate of Education. Georgina has taught across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 as well as being a Head of Year in both Year 2 and Year 4, allowing her to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities at different stages of a student's academic journey.  She was appointed her first senior leadership role as Assistant Principal for FS and KS1 and over the years, she has gained extensive experience in designing and implementing strategies that are effective and supportive for students of all ages and backgrounds.

In her current role, she is responsible for creating a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students, as well as developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure the wellbeing of every child. Georgina is committed to building strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. She firmly believes in the power of collaboration and actively works towards creating a supportive and caring school community. Her open-door policy ensures that she is always accessible to those who seek guidance or support.

Outside of school, you can usually find Georgina planning her next adventure around the world as she is an avid traveler. Having grown up in Hong Kong and Bahrain, she spent her university days in England followed by nearly 17 years in the UAE. She is most definitely a Third Culture Child. Her multicultural experiences have shaped her worldview and instilled in her a deep appreciation for diversity and culture.

Over the last 13 years, Georgina is most proud of the relationships she has built with children, parents and staff at GEMS Education. Her door is always open and she is very much looking forward to meeting and getting to know all our new children and parents.