Edarabia had the opportunity to interview Thomas Banyard, Principal/CEO of GEMS Founders School – Dubai South (GFD), to discuss the school’s educational philosophy, future growth, and its focus on fostering academic excellence, innovation, and student well-being. Mr. Banyard shared valuable insights into how GFD is preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world through a balance of rigorous academics, holistic development, and a nurturing school community.

1. What inspired you to join GEMS Education and take up your new role at this school?

Everyone in international education has heard of GEMS Education and their mission ‘to put a quality education within the reach of every learner’. I have worked in some exceptional schools in the UK and internationally, so I was excited to join a company that helps hundreds of thousands of students to flourish. It was the chance to lead an ambitious new school in Dubai South that inspired me most; being part of a new and innovative community centred around Al Maktoum Airport and all the growth potential it generates – this was an opportunity I could not pass up.

2. When you look at the UAE’s fast-evolving education sector, what excites you most, and how do you see yourself making an impact?

The Dubai ‘D33’ agenda aims to double the size of the economy in the next 10 years, which means we need to grow the number of school places available to support the new families arriving. I find it incredibly exciting to be part of an ambitious and forward-thinking emirate that cares deeply about its population. Part of this goal is to achieve a 90% satisfaction rate among parents across all the education options available in Dubai. I hope to contribute to the D33 agenda by providing an exceptional education for the families in Dubai South while also growing our community at GFD.

3. In your view, what are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing schools in the next 5 years?

Undoubtedly, the biggest challenge facing our young people is social media and the debilitating effects it has on their wellbeing and self-esteem. At GFD, we are proud of our strict ‘zero mobile phone’ culture and our approach of coupling a school-wide ban on social media with effective education on e-safety. However, technology and AI more broadly do have the potential to give students new opportunities. Effectively used, new programming can relieve our learners of menial tasks and allow them more time to focus on creativity and originality. At GFD, we are committed to helping students navigate the challenges of the online world while helping them see the possibilities through our AI curriculum and innovation hub.

4. As you begin your journey here, what are the key priorities you hope to accomplish in your first year of leadership?

We have a clear vision to help every member of our school ‘Grow, Flourish, and Discover You!’ That means my priority is helping to grow our community, developing the curriculum to help every learner flourish, and improving our outcomes, so each student can discover what makes them such a brilliantly unique individual.

5. How do you keep students interested in learning, especially those who struggle or seem unmotivated?

Most people hate maths because they grew up with parents that hated maths and because they were told it was hard. Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right”. I take this to mean that, if students are told that things are boring and hard, they will struggle and be demotivated. At GFD, we have therefore created an environment where outstanding teachers show a love of the subjects they teach and help every student to flourish by knowing them as individuals and helping them succeed.

6. How does the school ensure all students feel welcome and have the same chances to succeed?

This starts with our leaders, who welcome students with a smile at the gate each morning, and continues with our teachers, who do the same at every classroom entrance. This continues by having staff at every level who enjoy working with young people and is cemented by having a mission centred on kindness and inclusivity. At GFD, we make every family feel welcome, creating the environment for successful learning.

7. Which after-school activity would you say has the biggest positive impact on a student’s future?

For me – as a believer of academic, psychologist, and author Angela Duckworth’s concept of ‘grit’ – it is not the type of activity, but the skills you get from doing an activity consistently over time. Whether it’s learning an instrument, playing a sport, or taking part in a classroom club, it’s ensuring students have opportunities to try new things – and encouraging them to persevere with them – that will help them succeed in later life.

8. Thinking of your youngest learners today, what kind of world do you imagine they’ll be entering when they graduate?

Frankly, who knows? What we do know is that it will be a world transformed by technology and AI. Therefore, we have to ensure our learners are equipped with a ‘can do’ mindset to enable them to learn new things, coupled with the uniquely human quality of empathy. By helping our students grow into compassionate and positive individuals, we are confident they will be ready for tomorrow’s challenges, whatever form they take.

9. How do you develop a school culture that attracts and keeps great teachers?

Great teachers recognise that they can become ever greater and are attracted to a school where a commitment to excellence is achieved through focusing on the community’s wellbeing. At GFD, we help every teacher develop through innovative initiatives like our Teach Like a GEM programme, while also supporting them to grow as leaders.

10. Do teachers at your school have growth opportunities for leadership roles?

GEMS Education invests heavily in helping teachers develop in terms of both their pedagogy and their leadership skills. At GFD, we have already promoted some exceptional teachers to be middle leaders, and we are committed to helping our staff on their leadership journey.

11. As a principal, what is your definition of success?

Success, for me, lies in creating a happy and inclusive school community – qualities that you can feel as soon as you walk through the front door.

12. If you had the opportunity to inspire the world in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

You are capable of being who you want to be; stop making excuses.