meet the team

Heath has joined GEMS World Academy Dubai from The British School in the Netherlands, one of the largest and oldest international schools in Europe, where he has been CEO since 2020. Prior to that, Heath was the Executive Director of the Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham in the UK, an historic organisation dating back to 1563, which now consists of fourteen secondary schools and two illustrious independent schools.

Previously, Heath was also Chief Executive of the Future Leaders Trust (London) and Deputy Schools Commissioner at the Department for Education, where he wrote and coordinated the Government White Paper on 'Higher Standards, Better Schools for All' and the Education and Inspections Act that followed it.

Heath started his career as an English and Drama teacher, working as Assistant Housemaster in Sevenoaks School and as a teacher at Bennett Memorial School. He graduated with a First Class degree in English Language and Literature at Oxford University, before going on train as a teacher at Sheffield University.

Peter initially joined GEMS World Academy in August 2017 and he has gained a wealth of experience as Form Tutor, Grade Leader, PYP Coordinator, and Primary Assistant Principal since then. He has completed a Bachelor of Science degree in City Planning, a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Education, a Master of Education degree in Professional Practice, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership and Management.

Peter is committed to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive, and he works tirelessly to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education. As the primary school principal, Peter is excited to continue his work in support of young learners.

Karen Nyborg joined GEMS World Academy – Dubai in 2020, as Secondary Assistant Principal for Curriculum, Progress, and Assessment. In her role, she works closely with the MYP and DP teaching staff, administrators and families to ensure students achieve outstanding success and meet all personal and academic goals.

Karen has experience leading and delivering IB, US Common Core and Canadian curricula in schools throughout the UAE, China, South Korea and Canada. She gained a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in International Development Studies and History, as well as a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership at University of New Brunswick.

With over 20 years of experience in international IB education, Lee brings a proven track record in leading student wellbeing, behaviour, and academic success. He is excited to join GWA where he can contribute meaningfully to a school that aligns with his values of inclusion, innovation, and community. Lee believes that schools must be safe, inclusive environments where staff and students are supported intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. As a senior leader, Lee has built highly effective middle leadership teams and continues to coach international leaders through the NPQSL programme

Sivaprasad has close to 12 years experience managing premium education facilities, having overseen departments such as Facility Management, Health and Safety, Fleet Operations and Catering. He joined GEMS Education in 2012 as an Assistant Facility Manager, progressing to Manager School Operations at schools including Jumeirah College, GEMS United School and GEMS Wellington Academy. Sivaprasad holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and is an IOSH-qualified Health and Safety Manager as well as a CIPS-qualified Procurement and Contract Manager. He oversees all non-educational aspects of the building management at GEMS World Academy – Dubai.