Ghaf school team

Julian Williams

Principal

Julian Williams is from the UK. He was born in Hereford, on the border of England and Wales and went to Hereford Cathedral School, where he developed a love for debating and music. He read Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Wales, before deciding to enter teaching.

He undertook his teacher training at the University of Birmingham. He has a strong track record of achievement in both the government and independent sectors in the UK and internationally. He has taught Economics, Politics and Law to IGCSE, GCE A and scholarship level. He has supervised the IB Diploma Extended Essay in Economics.

He has held positions of Head of Department Boarding Housemaster, Deputy and Head Teacher in Malawi, Colombia and China. He has been an IELTS examiner, Examinations Officer and Counsellor for Higher Education. His school leadership experience extends across all four phases from KG – Grade 12/Year 13.

His career in the UAE began in 2008, when he was appointed as Advisor for EAL and SEND education in the public-private sector partnership for school improvement in government schools in Abu Dhabi. He moved to Dubai in 2011 as Quality Assurance Director for a group of international schools. He has been Principal of two KG – Grade 12/Year 13 schools in Dubai before joining GPS. He has prepared schools for KHDA inspections, Cambridge and IB authorisations and accreditation by the Council of International Schools (CIS). He has experience of several curricula, including NCoE, Cambridge, IB programmes and Indian CBSE.

He has a Master’s degree in Education Leadership and Management and is pursuing his doctorate in international education policy and school improvement. He holds Fellowships of the Royal Society of Arts, and Chartered College of Teachers. He was presented an Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education in 2015. He is a founder member of the KHDA and University of Birmingham sponsored Governors’ Group.

Julian has a passionate interest in the martial arts and has a 2nd degree black belt in Karate. His other interests include his family, writing, music, cinema and Indian food.