GEMS Education recently welcomed over 1,850 new teachers from 57 nationalities at its annual GEMS Awareness Day (GAD), which also saw the addition of two new schools, expanding its network to 44 schools across the UAE. GAD is a pivotal event for integrating new educators into the GEMS Education system, which this year celebrates its 65th anniversary since its founding by the Varkey family in Dubai.
The theme for this year’s GAD was wellbeing and the event highlighted many initiatives that GEMS Education is carrying out to ensure that all its teachers and support staff have a network of support.
In terms of schools, the upcoming international academic year will feature the opening of two new schools, one is GEMS Founders School, Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, and the second one is GEMS Founders School, Dubai South, to address the record demand for school places.
For the 2024-2025 year, GEMS Education anticipates over 140,000 enrolments by the start of the new academic term next week. This increase aligns with the expanded capacity of its UAE network, which now exceeds 4,200 students due to the new schools and ongoing expansion projects at several existing institutions.
As a globally recognised employer of choice, GEMS Education attracts educators from around the world who are passionate about delivering exceptional teaching and learning experiences.
Many of this year’s new hires have relocated from abroad, primarily from the UK, India, and Egypt, and are already becoming part of their new school communities. Notably, two-thirds of the new teaching recruits are female. And the new intake of teachers encompasses all year groups covering a diverse range of curricula including British, International Baccalaureate, US, and Indian curricula.
Additionally, since launching its award-winning Emiratisation program in late 2022, GEMS Education has added 794 Emirati nationals to its team, supporting the UAE government’s strategy.
Importantly, GEMS Education has achieved a record retention rate, with 80% of teachers returning for the new academic year despite global competition for top educators. Moreover, three new heads of schools have been promoted from within the organisation in recent months.