Maryssa O'Connor

Maryssa O’Connor was appointed as the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of GEMS Wellington International School in 2018. Maryssa has strengthened the school through sustainable systems and deep transformation in all aspects of its performance and GEMS Wellington International School is now a globally recognised World Class School, delivering an outstanding educational experience for all students regardless of ability including the IBDP and IBCP pathways to an exceptional level. This achievement has been recognised by BSO and DSIB. The school achieved COBIS Patrons membership in January  2023 with  Beacon  status  for Leadership.  Maryssa  works extensively  with  worldwide educational partners to promote high quality and inclusive education for all schools focusing on the IB and British Curriculum particularly. 
As a HPL Fellowship Principal, Maryssa is an expert coach in contemporary learning sciences, shaping educational futures with fellow ambitious, like-minded educationalists. Maryssa is also an associate member of the Association of Education Advisers, Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, Headmaster’s  Conference  member and  collaborates  with  leaders  across  the  world  to  create  a cohesive, consistent and quality support system providing rigour, integrity and gravitas to systems, improving coherence and consistency throughout schools. Maryssa sits on the advisory boards for a number of partners including 8Billionideas and HPL.
Maryssa graduated with a BA (Hons) in English Literature, holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership and is currently studying for her Med.  As a Senior Vice-President for GEMS Education, Maryssa works across the cluster of GEMS Wellington schools in Dubai and Qatar as well as supporting educational strategy across the group.

"One cannot underestimate the impact of a great teacher."