Dubai, October 27, 2011: GEMS Education, the educational provider with the largest network of schools in the UAE from kindergarten to grade 12, has signed a memorandum of understanding  with University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations to boost teacher training and give learners increased access to internationally recognised English language tests.

Beginning in UAE in 2012, the project is expected to extend to other countries around the world over the next few years. GEMS schools will be given Cambridge ESOL Authorised Centre status, allowing them to run tests for their students, using the world-famous Cambridge English exams and following Cambridge ESOL's strict standards for security, quality and customer service.

Dr Michael Milanovic, Chief Executive Office of Cambridge ESOL said  'We are very pleased that GEMS has demonstrated its commitment to high quality in English language training by taking the step towards adopting the Cambridge English exams, and we are looking forward to working with them both in UAE and globally. Students who succeed in the Cambridge English exams can be confident that they have the skills they need for success in English, and have a qualification that is recognised all over the world.'

Ralph Tabberer, Chief Education Officer at GEMS commented, "Our schools want to provide world class English language support to students. Our collaboration with Cambridge ESOL will bring us materials, training, qualifications and expertise so that we can stay on the cutting edge of international provision."

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About GEMS Education:
GEMS Education has a global network of world class international schools. With 50 years of experience in education, GEMS provides high quality holistic education to over 100,000 students from 150 countries. It employs over 9,000 education professionals, specialists and staff from around the world. The GEMS approach to learning focuses not only on academic excellence, but also in helping students develop their character and creativity so that they achieve their full potential as human beings.  The GEMS Education school model is unique in the world because it offers a broad range of curricula across a range of tuition fees making private education more accessible to the broader community. GEMS Education also supports Governments' education reform agenda by working with Ministries of Education to lift school performance and improve the standards and expertise of government schools across the globe. GEMS Education has offices in the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, India and Singapore.

About Cambridge ESOL:
University of Cambridge ESOL examinations is the world's leading language assessment provider. It provides exams in English language for over 3 million people every year, in more than 130 countries as well as a range of qualifications for language teachers. Around the world, thousands of
universities, employers and government ministries rely on Cambridge ESOL certificates as proof of English language ability. A Cambridge ESOL certificate can determine whether the career is progressed or a university place offered, while the broader examination results can help to determine a nation's education and investment policy.

It is a not-for-profit department of the University of Cambridge and is part of the Cambridge Assessment group, Europe's largest assessment agency which provides exams and tests covering a huge range of subjects and levels; more than eight million are taken every year.
www.CambridgeESOL.org

Media Enquiries:
Zara Shahid
Marketing Manager
Telephone: +971 (0) 4 294 9989
Email: shahidkhan.z@cambridgeesol.org / shahidkhan.z@cambridgeesol-me.ae

Anjana Sankar
PR and Communications Manager
Telephone: +971 (0) 4 3477770 extn  492
Email: anjana.sankar@gemseducation.com

© Press Release 2011