18 January 2017
· Sir Michael Wilshaw, former Chief Inspector of Schools, Ofsted takes on new role of Senior Advisor - Education Strategy at GEMS

Dubai, UAE: GEMS Education has announced that Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty’s former Chief Inspector of Schools, Ofsted, will begin a new global role as Senior Advisor – Education Strategy.

In his new role, he will drive GEMS Education’s long term strategy for its network of globally connected schools, and Private Public Partnerships. Sir Michael Wilshaw will advise on GEMS low cost schools in India and South East Asia, which will further add to the wide variety of educational options that GEMS provides across multiple curriculum and price points.

Sunny Varkey, Founder and Chairman of GEMS Education, said: “We’re privileged to welcome someone of Sir Michael Wilshaw’s distinction to advance the GEMS cause of providing high quality education to children across the world.

“Sir Michael Wilshaw has a remarkable track record of transforming low-achieving schools in England into outstanding ones through strong values and innovative methods within classrooms. He has continuously raised the bar on excellence, a value that we at GEMS practise on a daily basis. We believe our schools will greatly benefit from his experience in shaping students into global citizens.”

Considered to be one of the leading educators in England, the education sector saw significant growth under the leadership of Sir Michael Wilshaw. During his tenure, he oversaw the improvement of many primary and secondary schools.

Sir Michael Wilshaw has over 43 years of experience in education, where he served in several roles including Principal of Mossbourne Community Academy, Hackney; Director of Education, ARK Schools and 13 years in middle management and senior posts in the Inner-London Education Authority and an additional four years as Deputy Head of Trinity High School, Redbridge.

“We believe that our teachers help give our students great opportunities to achieve well beyond their perceived potential. I am confident that Sir Michael will further enhance these opportunities for children. His experience and expertise will add value to each of our schools as they continue to move towards outstanding and beyond,” said Tony Little, Group Chief Education Officer, GEMS Education.

On joining, Sir Michael Wilshaw shared, “GEMS Education’s mission to put a quality education within the reach of every child is a very admirable one. Governments in many countries around the world need to look at partnerships (Private Public Partnerships) with companies like GEMS to ensure all children are educated, and I hope that my years of experience and the expertise that GEMS has in providing low cost schooling, will help further this mission.”

He is very passionate about education in India, especially as he was born in Shimla. “I also have the opportunity to go back to my roots, with the work I hope to do in India,” explained Sir Michael Wilshaw.

GEMS Education currently operates low cost schools in parts of Africa and India, with plans to expand that model globally.  In addition the recently announced Loyalty program aims to make tuition ‘cost neutral’ for parents, to help alleviate their financial burden.

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About GEMS Education:
GEMS Education is a pioneering education company. Through our schools, consulting practice and our charitable foundation we are advancing education for all. Every day in our schools around the world, we prepare thousands of children of all ages for real world success. We are a catalyst and delivery partner. We work with governments, donor agencies and private clients to improve education systems, and provide vital training for young people in an increasingly competitive world. Through the Varkey Foundation we campaign for, and support initiatives that change lives through education.

For more information on GEMS Education, please contact:
Gladson Ronad | Yasser Alvi
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: (+971) 4 4507 600
Email: gladson.ronad@bm.comyasser.alvi@bm.com

© Press Release 2017