GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi achieves International Centre of Excellence Status

November 24, 2025

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Serving a diverse community of 3,675 students, GEMS Cambridge International School (GCIS) Abu Dhabi is a vibrant and welcoming learning community where every learner can thrive. The school hosts over 90 nationalities, with the largest nationality groups being Indian, Emirati, and Pakistani, and has a rich linguistic profile with more than 50 languages spoken across campus. The school currently supports 139 diagnosed Students of Determination, representing 3.8% of the total student population. The prime areas of need include speech, language, and communication (SLCN), mild to moderate learning difficulties, and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges. Diversity is championed and difference is celebrated at GCIS, there is a space for everyone here to achieve their full potential. Inclusion is at the heart of every policy, decision and action at GCIS. The school is unashamedly child-centred and is solution focused. They face many barriers when it comes to meeting the needs of students (mostly economic), but they are creative and innovative and have a ‘Can Do’ attitude. Every stakeholder is encouraged to work as a team, from students to staff, to build a school community to be proud of. Staff work in teams, and it is the team approach that makes inclusion a reality.  Children come first in this school and staff go above and beyond to support them. There is an understanding and acceptance that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. Students are also used to working in teams and acknowledge that more can be accomplished as part of a team than by someone working completely alone.

Everyone benefits from inclusion

Inclusion is clearly understood and embedded across the school. It extends beyond Students of Determination (SOD) to encompass all aspects of school life, including staff, students, and families. Leaders are clearly reflective, evidenced through the areas for development and next steps acknowledged in advance of the assessment. They know the direction of their goals, and their problem-solving approach is ambitious and aspirational. The Principal and Local Advisory Board (LAB) are fully committed, with policies in place to guide inclusive practice. Senior leaders are champions of inclusion, and are fully supportive of the inclusion agenda.

Leadership are champions of inclusion

The Principal and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) take responsibility for inclusion across the school, making sure they contribute their expertise and experience so that inclusion can function effortlessly in the school. The vision and determination of the Principal is key to the success of the school. With a clear goal for inclusion, and careful resource management, they have ensured that inclusion is sustainable and will have longevity in the school. The Principal is assisted by the Deputy Head (Inclusion & Safeguarding), who has built up the provision for Students of Determination since the school opened in 2013. She has taken the time to speak to staff about the importance of inclusion, and how a whole school commitment can ensure that every learner feels its benefits. The Head of Inclusion is people focused and takes innovative approaches to inclusive policy. She leads her very extensive team well and does so with warmth and a quiet confidence. Inclusion really matters to her, and she is determined to drive positive change in this area, inspiring not only her team but all staff to recognise difference and strive for the very best.

Staff are encouraged as much as students to always strive for improvement and better outcomes. Ongoing professional development (PD) for teaching and support staff is thoughtful and responsive. The school supports teachers to be the very best they can be. They are enabled to keep improving their practice, and this is seen in action in the excellent teaching right across the school.

Students are proud of their school

Students are at the very heart of GCIS’s inclusive vision. They are happy to come to school and speak with pride and enthusiasm about their learning community. This gratitude is reflected in the exemplary behaviour across the school and the respect shown towards all staff. They have a strong understanding of the power of inclusion, and how, by participating with it fully, they can build a safe and happy environment for every member of the school community. Students are keen to participate and contribute to school life, becoming active citizens in their own school community. They know their voices matter, so take every opportunity to share their thoughts on how to build a community that reflects their needs. This is undoubtedly a strength of the school. Students are given many opportunities to extend their learning throughout their time in the school, and these add to their learning experience, enjoyment and sense of self-worth. Students are very supportive of those who are more vulnerable and who may have special educational needs. They act as mentors and buddies, coaches and sports ambassadors for SEN students and for younger year groups.

Indeed, The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Department and provision for Students of Determination has grown exponentially since the school opened.  The Deputy Head has built the team over that time, and they are now a confident and expert group who are there to support students and to support teachers and LSAs who need advice and guidance on strategies to help meet their needs.

Diversity is a school strength

The diversity of students and staff, together with a rich linguistic, religious, and cultural mix, meaning young people learn about different cultures and appreciate rather than fear difference. Students from diverse ethnic and cultural groups live in harmony together.  Tolerance, acceptance and respect are by-words in the school. They all come together to make a very large family.

The whole school community at GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi is truly a force for good. They are relentless champions of inclusion, and of each other. By adopting the values of tolerance, encouragement and belonging, they have built a solid school community that supports and uplifts each other at every opportunity.