GEMS Education, UAE. Nicola Huggett has started the role of executive principal of GEMS Wellington International School (WIS). Nicola brings more than three decades of senior leadership experience across top UK independent and international schools. This includes serving as head of Cheltenham College, head of Blundell’s School and deputy headmistress at Downe House School. In her new role, Nicola will work closely with the WIS leadership team, and the wider GEMS network. She will be responsible for upholding consistently high standards – building on the school’s 17-year Outstanding rating from KHDA – and delivering strong regulatory outcomes. Upon her appointment, Nicola said: “I have been inspired by the UAE’s ambitious vision for education and by the strong culture of excellence already established at WIS. The school has a strong identity, talented staff, and clearly ambitious students, and I am very much looking forward to working alongside its leadership team and outstanding community to build on its strengths.”