Warrenpoint man up for prestigious ‘Principal of the Year’ award

​James McDonald has been shortlisted for Principal of the Year by the Tes, formerly known as the Times Educational Supplement.

The shortlisted finalists have been selected by a panel of expert judges including school leaders, experts, and education researchers. The awards highlight the most outstanding schools and teachers the global education community has to offer.

James studied at St. Patrick Grammar school in Armagh, University of Ulster, before moving to John Moores University in Liverpool to train as a teacher. He has worked across the UK, China, Qatar, Egypt and is now working as Principal CEO for GEMS education in the UAE.

He has led international schools through British School Overseas (BSO) inspections achieving ‘Outstanding’ judgements, as well as supporting schools in challenging circumstances in the UK out of requiring improvement to being at least good in their Ofsted rating.

His current school, GEMS Wesgreen International School, is one the fastest improving schools in the UAE and has become one of the leading schools in the Emirate of Sharjah.

James has been voted on to Sharjah Private Education Authority Principal’s Council, working closely with local Government to improve the quality of education in the region.

If this year was not already a great success for James, he was honoured recently by being made Chairman of the Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO). This is a position previously held by Ed Goodwin OBE and Sir Roger Fry, two very distinguished educational leaders.

In his role as Chair, James is responsible for leading the organisation's strategic direction and driving growth in the Department for Education BSO inspection scheme globally. He is regularly supporting schools here in the UAE and across the Middle East to achieve BSO status.

His recent work with AoBSO has led to the launch of the British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition at the AoBSO conference at the end of November 2023. He works alongside the DfE and other Government associations to support improvements in International British education around the world.

James grew up in Warrenpoint, son of local publicans Frank and Dympna McDonald. He worked behind bars for a number of years, including The Ship Bar, Bennett’s, The Crown and Jack Ryan’s.

He still visits Warrenpoint regularly to visit family and friends and says: “Warrenpoint will always be home and is filled with the greatest of people.”

He played football for Warrenpoint GAA till the age of 22 before joining Sylvester’s Malahide and then Shanghai Saints during his first international post in China, where he was awarded Asian Player of the Year during the 2005 Asian Gaelic Games.

Talking about his school and the two awards they have been nominated for, James said: “Reflecting back over the last 18 months, the progress we've made is beyond anything we could have imagined.

“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of our outstanding team, the unwavering commitment of our amazing teachers, and the robust support network that surrounds us.

“Our journey has been marked by a collective effort to foster a positive and supportive educational environment. The recognition in these categories underscores the impact of our collaborative initiatives and highlights the strides we've taken in prioritising student well-being, especially in the realm of mental health.”

“As we eagerly anticipate the final results on April 25, 2024, we extend our gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this success. It is a testament to what can be achieved when a great team comes together with a shared vision and determination.

“We look forward to the continued growth and success of our educational community.”

James will be back in Northern Ireland in March recruiting for his school and the wider GEMS network. The UAE is a very attractive option with tax free salaries, free accommodation, medical insurance, relocation allowance and free flights a part of most teacher packages. There is a large and growing Irish community across the UAE, with many now calling it home.