Ian Plant

Meet Ian Plant, the visionary Principal/CEO of GEMS Founders School – Dubai South (GFD)

Ian Plant is a distinguished senior leader with a notable track record in school improvement across institutions in England and the United Arab Emirates. Born and raised in England, Ian fulfilled his dream of playing professional football for Hull City in 1993. After a brief football career, he pursued a degree in Physical and Health Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in 2004.

Ian began his teaching career at Beckfoot School in Bingley, West Yorkshire, where he taught Physical Education and led initiatives to enhance teaching quality and learning as a Lead Practitioner. In 2010, he moved to Dubai and has since held senior leadership roles in three international schools.

In 2017, Ian joined GEMS Founders School – Dubai (GFS) as the Head of Secondary and was promoted to Associate Principal in 2022. Under his leadership, GFS achieved significant milestones: a "Good" rating in its first KHDA inspection, an "Outstanding" rating in its first British Schools Overseas inspection, and a "Very Good" KHDA rating with nine "Outstanding" judgments in 2023.

Ian holds a Master of Education degree from Murdoch University (2015) and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (2021). He is also a qualified Level 3 British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspector.

Passionate about sports, Ian enjoys exercising, cycling, competing in marathons, and playing golf and padel tennis.