Amanda Spielman, former Chief Inspector for the UK’s Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services, and Skills (Ofsted), has been appointed as the Chair of GEMS Education’s newly established Academic Council. Spielman, who served as Chief Inspector for the English independent inspectorate of schools over the course of seven distinguished years from 2017 to 2023 is renowned for her extensive experience in educational leadership.
Spielman's seven years at the helm of Ofsted have made her one of the most respected figures in global education. Spielman’s deep expertise in all facets of education and school strategy will greatly benefit GEMS Education’s Academic Council.
In her new role at GEMS, Spielman will lead the Academic Council, which is responsible for advising and overseeing the standards and quality of education across the GEMS network. The Council will ensure that the curriculum and teaching methods align with global best practices, further strengthening GEMS’ position as a top global private kindergarten to 12th grade school operator.
Speaking about her appointment, Spielman said: "I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of the GEMS Education Academic Council, working with the board and senior executives to support their continued efforts to improve and develop GEMS schools."
While at Ofsted, Spielman revamped the inspection process to focus on the substance and integrity of education, fostering constructive dialogue between inspectors and educational institutions.
Before her tenure at Ofsted, Spielman was Chair of Ofqual, the English regulator of qualifications and assessments, where she oversaw a full programme of successful reforms to General Certificate of Secondary Education and A-levels. She now advises on education and regulatory projects in the UK and internationally and is also a trustee of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Group Chairman of GEMS Global and Founder of Varkey Foundation and GEMS Education, Mr Sunny Varkey said, "We are delighted to welcome Amanda Spielman to GEMS Education. Her unparallelled experience, expertise, and leadership in education will undoubtedly drive our schools to new heights."
What Is The Role Of The New Academic Council
The Academic Council will be vital in overseeing and evaluating the effects of educational policies and practices throughout the GEMS network. Its responsibilities cover a broad spectrum, including curriculum and qualifications, assessment, educational technologies, inclusion, innovation, quality assurance, teaching and learning, and student wellbeing.
The Council includes prominent figures from various sectors within the GEMS group, representing education technology, wellbeing, assessment, curriculum, pedagogy, and children’s services.