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.

Ben has been in the UAE since 2015, holding various executive leadership roles before becoming the Secondary Principal at GEMS Wellington - Dubai Hills. He holds a National Professional Qualification in Headship from University College London and a degree in Management and Mathematics from the University of Essex.

Ben is passionate about fostering independent learning in students, ensuring they develop into lifelong learners equipped with the interpersonal skills to build strong, lasting relationships. A keen sportsman, Ben has participated in many sports and is also a certified Dive Master. Now, as a father of two, he enjoys traveling with his family and exploring new destinations.

Ben places great importance on building strong relationships with parents and the broader school community. He looks forward to connecting with parents and families at coffee mornings, school events, and community gatherings at WDH.