Latest news with #SimonOConnor
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Harrow School UAE head reflects on fees, AI and shaping future leaders ahead of launch
The newly-appointed head of two Harrow schools expected to open in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2026 has told of his vision to 'redefine the education landscape' and help mould the leaders of tomorrow. Simon O'Connor, who will oversee both campuses, said a Harrovian should be equipped to 'lead in any capacity anywhere in the world' and life at the schools – from the intellectual rigour to sports and music delivered by world-class teachers – will build that type of character. Speaking a day after he was named executive principal of the two schools, Mr O'Connor offered a glimpse of what pupils and parents can expect when Harrow International School Dubai and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi welcome pupils. Mr O'Connor also reflected on the role artificial intelligence will play, why less screen time for pupils is crucial and what parents will get in return for 'super-premium' school fees. '[The schools] will blend intellectual rigour, well-being, leadership and more, and will redefine the education landscape,' Mr O'Connor told The National on Wednesday. 'It will be the pinnacle so many schools will aspire to.' Renowned school goes global UK's Harrow is arguably one of the most famous educational institutions in the world. Its history stretches back about 450 years. Former UK prime minister Winston Churchill, the poet Lord Byron and Maro Itoje, captain of both the England and British and Irish Lions rugby teams, are among those who have walked its hallowed halls. The development of Harrow schools in the UAE comes through a partnership with Taaleem, which has secured exclusive rights to operate Harrow International Schools in the six countries of the GCC. It was previously announced that the schools in the UAE will have a fee structure of Dh80,000 to Dh100,000 ($21,780 to $27,230) for pupils in early years to year 6. Details on admissions for both schools will be announced shortly, Taaleem said. It is also expected both will open in 2026 and further thought the schools will gradually expand to serve older pupils. Each Harrow school – covering 50,000 square metres in Dubai and 70,000 square metres on Saadiyat Island – will eventually accommodate up to 2,000 pupils. Delivering value for money Mr O'Connor said the organisation understands that choosing a school is a significant investment as fees are increasing and 'we take that incredibly seriously'. 'This creates a responsibility to invest in quality and Harrow International Schools will invest in the development of facilities, curriculum innovation, student and staff well-being. In Harrow, we are determined to create an experience that matches or exceeds the fee points,' said Mr O'Connor, who will also serve as the founding principal of the Dubai school. He said attending the schools would be a 'life-defining experience' and the cost was an opportunity to 'invest' in students' 'character, potential and global readiness' so they can be 'leaders of tomorrow'. He said both will have advanced campuses and world-class facilities and Harrow will bring in the 'very best teachers from across the globe'. It will seek to implement Harrow's house system – which divides pupils into smaller groups (or houses) for social interaction and pastoral care – in both schools. '[The two schools] represent the pinnacle of education offering in the UAE,' he said. 'A Harrovian should be equipped to lead in any capacity anywhere in the world. It is not just about preparation for today but about shaping future leaders.' Mr O'Connor, 53, has about 25 years' experience in the UK and UAE. He previously served as director of Deira International School and is a former principal of Jumeirah College. He is also the founder of the Centre for Education Action Research, an alliance of educators assessing themes such as artificial intelligence. AI to assist not replace He said that over the past two years, teaching had changed more than at any time in his career and educators had to embrace AI. He said it could lead to greater efficiencies such as helping teachers to save time on tasks such as grading. 'AI won't replace teachers but our students will need to be AI natives and use it to their advantage,' he said. 'A balance has to be struck. The question becomes 'what do we do with time'.' Mr O'Connor said that when schools went online during Covid-19 it reinforced how teaching is about human interaction, and that would inform how both schools would operate. 'We are determined not to be screen-free but to have limited screen time. Everything has shown us that interaction between people is what is most important. AI should be a servant to the people; people should not be a servant to AI.' Harrow's arrival in the UAE comes as the populations of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are surging, leading to a huge demand for schools. Abu Dhabi's population passed four million last week, while Dubai's stands at about 3.97 million and is rising rapidly. Dubai's private school sector alone recorded a 6 per cent rise in enrolments this academic year, reaching 387,441 pupils across 227 schools, the emirate's Knowledge and Human Development Authority said. Work to prepare both schools is advancing rapidly and Mr O'Connor is confident the arrival of Harrow is a game-changer. 'I'm very honoured and excited to get this role,' he said. 'I'm really looking forward to it.'
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Simon O'Connor appointed to lead Harrow International Schools in the UAE
Mr. O'Connor brings 25+ years of experience and a global education vision grounded in Harrow's core values of Courage, Honour, Humility, and Fellowship Taaleem announces the appointment of Mr. Simon O'Connor as the Executive Principal of Harrow International UAE. Harrow's illustrious alumni network includes some of the most influential figures in global history, among them, Winston Churchill, the poet Lord Byron, and numerous Nobel laureates, statesmen, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. The Harrow name is synonymous with distinction, not only academically but in shaping leaders of integrity, influence, and imagination. Maro Itoje, the current captain of both the England and British & Irish Lions rugby teams is an Old Harrovian. Taaleem's announcement of the appointment of Mr. Simon O'Connor marks a significant milestone in the development of Harrow International School Dubai and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi, through a landmark partnership between Harrow International Schools Limited (HISL) and Taaleem. As Executive Principal, Mr. O'Connor will oversee both schools and serve as the Founding Principal of the Dubai school, helping to shape a new chapter in Harrow's 450-year legacy of educational excellence. With more than 25 years of leadership experience across outstanding British and international schools, Mr. O'Connor brings a deep understanding of academic excellence, innovation, and character-building education. Most recently, he served as Director of Deira International School and Chief Education Officer for the Al Futtaim Education Foundation. Under his leadership, the school received multiple accolades for digital learning, wellbeing, and inspection outcomes. Mr. O'Connor is a former Principal of Jumeirah College and has also served as Vice President for a leading education company, overseeing the performance of British curriculum schools across the UAE. He is the founder of the Centre for Education Action Research (CEAR), a pioneering alliance of educators investigating topics including AI in education, instructional leadership, and language learning. Educated at The King's School, Rochester, one of England's oldest independent schools, Mr. O'Connor went on to read History and Philosophy at the University of Wales, Cardiff, followed by a PGCE at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was a choral scholar. He holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), and is currently completing a Doctorate in Education at the University of Buckingham, with a focus on organisational culture and school improvement. He also serves on the Board of COBIS, the TES Global Advisory Board, and chaired the T4 World Schools Leadership Council. Rebecca Gray, Chief Education Officer at Taaleem, said 'Mr. Simon O'Connor's vision for the Harrow International Schools in the UAE is firmly rooted in the four timeless Harrow values: Courage, Honour, Humility, and Fellowship. These principles are not just traditions; they are enduring pillars that inform every aspect of school life, from pastoral care and academic endeavour to leadership, service, and global citizenship. Under Mr. O'Connor's guidance, these values will be brought to life in a dynamic and inclusive way, tailored to the UAE context. His educational philosophy is rooted in these principles, and he is passionate about cultivating school cultures that inspire curiosity, purpose, and global citizenship'. Mr. O'Connor commented 'I am immensely proud to lead the launch of Harrow International UAE. We are building schools that honour Harrow's tradition while embracing the innovation, diversity, and ambition of this extraordinary region. Our pupils will be supported, known, and challenged to become thoughtful leaders in a rapidly changing world.' Mr. O'Connor's appointment underscores Taaleem's commitment to delivering world-class education, with the Harrow International Schools representing a flagship expansion into the super-premium sector. As Executive Principal, he will be instrumental in embedding Harrow's ethos and setting the foundation for long-term success across both campuses.
