GEMS Modern Academy Dubai is International Centre of Excellence

November 24, 2025

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Now in its 38^th year of educational excellence, GEMS Modern Academy is a shining example of how inclusion can transform the life of every learner. Their core values of “Care, Excellence, One Team and Always Learning” embody the school’s commitment to every leaner, and in turn inspires children to be positive change-markers. Led expertly by an inspiration Principal, her vision and commitment to inclusion at every level has infiltrated every part of the school. There is an understanding that inclusion is about everybody and it is everybody’s responsibility to make it happen. Students are valued, no matter what their abilities or disabilities may be.  Great care is taken to ensure that students’ potential is known, nourished and supported.

Diverse student body

The Academy has been rated ‘Outstanding’ for the past 13 years, and the Department of Inclusion has maintained this rating since 2017, according to Knowledge of Human Development Authority KHDA reports. There are just under 4000 students on roll, with 278 of these students identified as requiring additional support from the Inclusion Team. The school has a diverse population, with Indian students making up most of the student body, so the school follows a dual curriculum pathway. The curriculum is in itself unique, and the staff manage to blend the two curriculums under the same pedagogy and are able to offer clear pathways for all students. Teaching and Learning are the core purposes and great attention is paid to getting this right for every child.

Importance of emotional and social development

Whilst academic excellence is important at GEMS Modern Academy, emotional and social development are equally important. Staff have worked hard to ensure the school is a safe place for students to learn and thrive. Students reciprocate the respect they are shown by staff, and indeed by their peers. Students are proud to attend this school, therefore they follow school rules and misbehaviour is a rare occurrence.  The school encourages students to follow their interests and grow as young individuals, taking responsibility for academic progress and behaviour. Staff at every level know their students well and know what they need to do to move them on to the next stage of their learning journey. There is a great deal of trust at every level in the school, and this is seen in the hopes and ambitions of every learner. Students crave challenge, irrespective of academic level, knowing the school will support them every step of the way. Our assessor noted that students are quite often instigators and vehicles of changes at GEMS Modern Academy, showing how inclusion has allowed the school community to grow and flourish.

Meeting the needs of every learner

Educational experiences are tailored to meet the needs of the individual learner. The Teaching and Learning Team make sure that every teacher is well-trained and supported in their role. Students are encouraged to think independently, and paths are put in place by teachers to extend learning experiences where applicable. For those who require further assistance, they are fully supported by a dedicated staff. Differentiation is not only applied to academia but also to pastoral care and behaviour. This does not lead to inconsistency but is a matter of adjusting systems so that they can be accessed by all.

Equipped to support every student

GEMS Modern Academy has a clearly defined Inclusion Policy and a dedicated team that collaborates with classroom and subject teachers to bring this policy to life. The Executive Principal directly oversees the core Inclusion Team, showing the school’s commitment to fostering an inclusive culture. This agenda is strongly supported by the Local Advisory Board (LAB), and the Family of Modern (parent body) which includes a dedicated parent representative for Inclusion. The team is led by a passionate and experienced professional who possesses a deep understanding of how to support students with SEN and Students of Determination (SOD). The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Department is exceptional in the way students are supported. The extensive Team is led by a passionate and experienced colleague who leads by setting an example.  She works with staff throughout the school and plans strategically to make sure they are equipped to support every student in the classroom.

Always striving to improve

The commitment to academic inclusion is both lived and voiced by the Executive Principal, who affirms, “Inclusion is everybody’s responsibility.” She has been a steadfast champion of the inclusion agenda, securing funding and ensuring her vision is clearly communicated across all levels of the school. Indeed, teachers note that they are always striving to improve the quality of teaching across the school, with teachers actively encouraged to learn themselves, and this is led from the top. Everyone can fulfil their full potential in an equitable, inclusive environment. Hence why the word ‘team’ was heard often during the assessment process. Regardless of position of length of time spent at the school, everyone works together, collaborating on resources and sharing best practice, to build a brighter educational future.

Staff lead by example

At GEMS Modern Academy, staff lead by example, encouraging open discussion and inclusion in action. Student leadership is strongly encouraged, through the 12 Democratic Councils that students apply for according to interests. Students decide how the council is led and organised, allowing them to work collaboratively to build a school environment that works for everyone. Not only does an early introduction to inclusive values produce a cohort of emotionally astute students, it also gives these young people a real insight into leadership in the world beyond. Students know that their voices matter, and that their opinions are treated with respect. By learning collaboration amongst their peers, they are able to work collaboratively with staff and in turn find it easier to seek help when required. Indeed, it can be seen that inclusion has formed the basis of the trust between every member of the school community at GEMS Modern Academy. By allowing every stakeholder to feel supported and welcomed, they can trust their peers or colleagues to encourage them on their journey.

Dedication to nurturing individuals

The school’s vision, “Inspiring children to be positive change-makers”, reflects its dedication to nurturing individuals who contribute meaningfully to society. It emphasises the development of mature, culturally intelligent individuals equipped to make a positive impact both locally and globally.