Nord Anglia Education appoints Thomas Kinnersley as Principal of NAS Abu Dhabi

Nord Anglia Education has appointed Thomas Kinnersley as the new Principal of Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi (NAS Abu Dhabi), effective from the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

Kinnersley joins from Compass International School Doha in Qatar, where he is currently Head of Secondary, leading provision across two campuses and ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for students. He replaces the outgoing Principal, Liam Cullinan, who is returning to the UK.

Kinnersley’s appointment highlights Nord Anglia’s focus on developing and promoting talent from within its global family of schools. With a deep understanding of the organisation’s values, culture, and approach to teaching and learning, Kinnersley is well placed to build on the strong foundations at NAS Abu Dhabi.

A leading international school located on Al Reem Island in the UAE capital, NAS Abu Dhabi offers a British curriculum to students aged 3-18, with a clear focus on academic excellence, wellbeing, and global citizenship. The school is known for its inclusive community, strong pastoral care, and commitment to helping every student achieve their best.

Experience aligned to the school’s ambition

Kinnersley brings more than 10 years’ senior leadership experience across the Middle East and the UK. At Compass, he has led sustained improvements in academic performance through high-quality teaching, curriculum development, and the effective use of data. He has also played a key role in strengthening school culture, developing high-performing teams, and inspiring curiosity and a love of lifelong learning among students.

His experience aligns closely with NAS Abu Dhabi’s ambition to provide a broad, balanced education that supports both academic success and personal development. He has led the growth of Sixth Form provision, creating clear pathways that support student progression to leading universities worldwide.

Elizabeth Lamb, Regional Managing Director, Middle East at Nord Anglia Education, said: “Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi is a strong and ambitious school, with a clear focus on delivering an outstanding all-round education for every student. Thomas is a values-led leader who understands Nord Anglia schools and what makes them successful. He combines a sharp focus on academic outcomes with a genuine commitment to student wellbeing and strong relationships. We’re confident he will lead the school with clarity and purpose as it continues to grow and develop.”

Thomas Kinnersley said: “Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi is a school with a strong sense of community and clear ambition for its students. I’m excited to build on that, working closely with staff, students, and families to ensure every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. I’m very much looking forward to joining the school and serving the Abu Dhabi community.”

Kinnersley, who holds a Master’s in International Education from King’s College London, will take up his post at the end of the academic year and will visit the school in advance to meet staff, students, and families.