GEMS The Millennium School achieves International Centre of Excellence Status

November 24, 2025

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GEMS The Millennium School (GEMS TMS) has been providing students in Dubai with an excellent, holistic education for nearly 25 years. Serving the Indian expatriate community, it welcomes learners from aged 5 – 18 year old in its 2760 strong student body. 128 students of determination are supported across all three levels of need, as well as students with medical conditions. The school has put an excellent structure in place to ensure that every learner can receive a great education; with seven Special Education staff, eight dedicated Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), 28 Teaching Assistants, as well as 14 members of the Senior and Middle Leadership Teams (SLT/SMT), ensuring that individualised support is available within and beyond the classroom.

Nurturing global citizens

This solid foundation has allowed the school to deliver a high-quality education in alignment with national directives, as is seen in its ‘Very Good’ overall rating from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), with many areas recognised to be ‘outstanding’. The school is ambitious and forward thinking in its outlook – they were the first school in the UAE to join the Round Square global network, reflecting a strong commitment to developing global citizenship, character, and service. The school’s vision of nurturing mindful global citizens is embedded in its ethos, “We Choose to Care,” which is evident in its curriculum, co-curricular activities, and whole-school culture. Inclusion and wellbeing are at the heart of school life.

Welcoming spaces

The school shows a clear understanding of the relationship between student outcomes and student wellbeing. There is a clear emphasis on nurturing the whole child, with a broad offer beyond the academic curriculum that promotes personal growth. This well-rounded approach ensures students develop both character and competence in a supportive and inclusive environment. An inclusive ethos is embedded right across the school, from physical spaces to attitudes in the classroom. “Cultures in action” displays celebrate diversity and remind students daily that every student belongs here. Core principles are not only articulated but actively lived and demonstrated by all stakeholders, including staff, students, and parents. Articulated as TMS’ DNA, the school ensures a strong and cohesive culture that clearly underpins day-to-day practices to grow all students to be “innovative, adaptable, ethical, knowledgeable, ambitious and mindful”. Staff work hard to ensure classrooms are calm, welcoming spaces where every learner can feel at ease and ready to learn. Daily mindful practices, including morning mindfulness sessions and inclusive assemblies, promote a growth mindset and reinforce emotional wellbeing. By respecting individual differences and cultural diversity, the school inspires an inclusive culture where every community member is empowered to contribute positively.

Peer support

Students and staff have a strong bond of trust, and it is a culture built on respect and understanding. There are clear behavioural expectations, which are reflected in pupil tolerance, resilience, kindness, and dedication to becoming well-rounded individuals. To support this, there is a robust and proactive pastoral care system in place, with staff collaborating to provide excellent safeguarding provisions and restorative practices. Students are encouraged to follow the examples set by teachers, and to use supporting their peers as an opportunity for personal growth. Peer support systems and accessible Pastoral Leaders provide clear channels for students to raise concerns, and the inclusive ethos ensures that all learners, regardless of need or background, fully access learning and community life. The ‘Adopt a Class’ initiative allows older students to develop their oracy and leadership skills whilst the younger children love learning from, and connecting with, their ‘grown up’ peers.  The school’s mentorship programme pairing senior students with younger students further cements this, supporting personal growth and positive role-modelling. Inclusiveness is further exemplified by dedicated support structures such as the Best Buddies programme, which supports Students of Determination, ensuring they fully participate in the school community with dignity and respect.

Ambitious and aspirational curriculum

The curriculum at GEMS TMS is highly ambitious and aspirational, rooted in the Indian national framework and aligned with CBSE standards. Effective formative assessments and use of technology ensures that every student has an engaging learning experience, with the strong focus on adaptive teaching allowing for a diverse range of needs to be met. Encouraging creativity, curiosity, and self-directed exploration, EYFS has an expansive programme that sets learners up for future years. Differentiation is central to curriculum delivery, with tools such as Gifted Individualised Plans (GIPs) enabling tailored challenges for high-ability learners. All students are encouraged to take positive risks and indeed take ownership of their progress. With meaningful self-assessment, all learners are table to set goals that empower and encourage them. Arabic is offered as a second language in the upper grades, enriching bilingual competence and cultural awareness. Complementing academic subjects is the dedicated ‘Skill Up’ enrichment programme, designed to build resilience, social responsibility, and practical capabilities essential for holistic growth. Curriculum planning is inclusive by design, with collaboration strongly encouraged and meetings are regular so that teachers can consider all possible ways in which learners can thrive. In turn, they also engage in continuous professional development through collaborative forums like the “Hubs of Learning,” promoting shared expertise and reflective practice. Co-teaching models provide personalised support, with LSAs offering tailored assistance.

Engaging meaningfully

The whole school community can engage with GEMS The Millennium School’s inclusive vision. The school fosters strong partnerships with parents, carers, and guardians through regular parent-teacher meetings and an open-door policy that encourages ongoing dialogue. Parents are encouraged to take an active interest and role in their child’s education, with monthly contact ensuring continuous communication and shared understanding of student progress and wellbeing. Formal parent groups, including the Parent Care Group and Parent Focus Group, actively contribute to school governance and policy development, promoting inclusivity and responsiveness. Inclusive workshops on topics such as safeguarding and child development further empower families to engage meaningfully in the school community.

Inclusion is not a vision or policy for the few at GEMS The Millennium School; every member of the school community is encouraged to embrace it, live by it, and in return see how transformational it can be in education.