Horizon International School (HIS), a leading British curriculum school in Dubai, has announced the appointment of Mr Stephen Quinn as its new Principal, effective from Term 3. Situated in the heart of Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, HIS is known for its inclusive ethos, high academic standards, and vibrant school community.
Mr Quinn has been part of the leadership team at Horizon for the past six years, serving as Vice Principal – Head of Primary. His promotion to Principal comes at a time when the school continues to build on its recent successes and milestones, both academically and within the wider school culture.
During Mr Quinn’s tenure, the Primary School has seen significant progress. Under his leadership, the Primary school has made exceptional progress, contributing to Horizon International School’s overall KHDA rating moving from ‘Good’ to ‘Very Good’ and securing an ‘Outstanding’ rating in all categories in the recent British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection —a recognition that places it among the top British schools in Dubai.
Before joining HIS in 2019, Mr Quinn held several leadership roles in both state and private schools in Greater Manchester. He later moved to Dubai to take up a senior leadership post at an Outstanding-rated British international school before becoming part of the Horizon team.
Leading the Next Chapter of Growth
Speaking on his appointment, Mr Quinn said:
“Leading Horizon International School into its next phase is a wonderful opportunity that truly excites me. During my six years as Vice Principal, I have witnessed the incredible growth and progress we have made together as a community. Our collective commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing learning environment has been at the heart of our journey, and I am proud of how far the school has come.
As Principal, I will continue to listen, collaborate, and lead with humility, always striving to build on the exceptional successes already achieved. Our ethos of ‘Everyone Counts, Everyone Contributes, Everyone Succeeds’ is embedded in everything we do, and I am committed to ensuring that every student thrives in a learning environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth. Together, I believe we will create even greater opportunities for growth and success for everyone in our school community.”
Mr Quinn will work alongside the outgoing Principal, Mr Gale, to ensure a smooth transition. The school extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Gale for his outstanding leadership and the lasting impact he has made on the HIS community. Mr Gale, who has led the school with distinction, will remain connected to the HIS community as he steps into a new role as one of Cognita’s regional Managing Directors.
Mr Ian Wallace, Chair of Governors and Director of Education for Cognita Middle East, added:
“We are delighted to confirm Mr. Quinn as the new Principal of Horizon International School. His vision for education, deep understanding of the school’s values, and proven leadership makes him the ideal candidate to guide the school community into its next stage of development. With his expertise, experience, and commitment, we are confident the school will continue to go from strength to strength. This marks an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to seeing Horizon International School thrive under his leadership.”
A School Celebrating Milestones and Momentum
HIS recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, with a number of key achievements underscoring its growth and ambition. Among these, the school earned the prestigious NACE Challenge Award—one of only two schools in the UAE to do so—recognising its commitment to delivering a personalised and academically challenging learning experience for all students.
The school also achieved Platinum status as one of the Best Schools to Work globally, a reflection of its strong leadership and positive working culture. Academic success remains central to HIS’s reputation, with excellent GCSE and A Level results year on year, supported by innovative programmes such as EVOLV3.
With a proven leader now at the helm and strong foundations already in place, the future looks bright for Horizon International School as it continues to evolve and deliver world-class education for its students.