GEMS International School Al Khail receives International Centre of Excellence

November 24, 2025

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Proudly supporting over 2300 students from more than 100 nationalities, GEMS International School Al Khail is vibrant, multicultural community that is guided by the transformative power of inclusion. GEMS International School Al Khail (GIS) is a flagship GEMS Education institution located in Dubai, proudly delivering world-class international education through the full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. The school is privately funded and offers day-school education, with no boarding facilities. The school is inclusive to its core; having nearly doubled its enrolments in recent years, it supports many students identified as English Language Learners and also those with additional learning needs. Inclusion isn’t just a policy; it is a guiding principle for the school. Its rapid expansion has catalysed an expansion in inclusive practices, staffing, and alternative learning pathways.

Inclusion for All

Principles of inclusion are clearly displayed throughout the school, so it can permeate every aspect of learning. From operations to culture, the ethos of trust, ambition, and respect is visible throughout the learning environment. Sensory-friendly classrooms, differentiated curriculum delivery, multilingual signage and community events celebrate diversity and allows every learner to feel an immediate sense of belonging and encouragement. Inclusion is not just the responsibility of one member of staff or isolated to one classroom or year group. It is a whole-school commitment that is upheld by the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), teaching staff, support teams, students, and families. The Principal, recognised as exceptional within the GEMS network alongside the Executive Leadership Team, drives a vision of ‘Inclusion for All.’ The Principal is proactive and a strong advocate for inclusive education for all. Alongside the Head of Inclusion, they work tirelessly with the wider GEMS network to sustain and enhance their inclusive provisions. By securing essential resources, such as increased Inclusion Support Teachers (ISTs), Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), and approval for purpose-built facilities including high- and low-sensory rooms, GIS sets itself apart as a beacon of hope for a brighter educational future for every learner.

Significant expansion of Inclusion Team

Inclusion is driven by the school’s Inclusion Team and Inclusion Hub. Described as the school’s ‘Inclusion Champion’, The Head of Inclusion is a central figure in shaping the vision and day-to-day realities of inclusion at GIS. Policies are grounded in research, informing the school’s strategic transition from an intervention-based model to a co-teaching and coaching model, enabling greater classroom integration and collaboration.  This has allowed for the significant expansion of the Inclusion Team, meeting the evolving needs of the school community. Drawing on professionals with expertise in SEND, ELL, counselling, and alternative curriculum pathways, this interdisciplinary model supports an increasingly complex student profile. The Head of Inclusion works closely with curriculum leaders, external providers, and families to deliver a rights-based approach to education, ensuring students of determination access meaningful and dignified learning experiences.

Supporting academic growth

The school’s facilities play a critical role in its effective delivery of an inclusive education. Its Inclusion Hub offers exemplary support for every learner. By adopting an open-door policy to inclusion through the presence of leadership staff, every stakeholder can easily access the support they need on their learning journey. Inclusion facilities such as the sensory rooms and a life skills centre are purposefully designed to support both academic growth and independent living skills. GIS has invested in state-of-the-art infrastructure to ensure that every learner, irrespective of ability, can thrive at the school; The Centre of Excellence for Aviation, Aeronautics, and Space, alongside 11 science labs, a PYP Innovation Hub, and dedicated PE and performing arts facilities, offer all students, regardless of need, access to inspiring learning spaces.

A haven of support

For many children who have been turned away from multiple schools, GEMS International School provides a haven of support for a variety of educational needs, such as autism, speech and language needs, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Indeed, the learning environment at GIS reflects a deep commitment to inclusion, engagement, and adaptive teaching. Classrooms are welcoming, calm, and resourced to support a wide range of learner needs. The ethos of ‘Inclusion is for all’ is evident in every space, from the sensory-friendly design of classrooms to the purposeful co-teaching and small group intervention strategies observed across the school.

Ownership and advocacy for inclusion

Inclusion is also reflected in the curriculum. Students access multiple pathways which blends academic content with communication, social skills, and functional independence. Staff across all phases demonstrate ownership and advocacy for inclusion. Lessons are co-planned with ISTs and ELL specialists, and tailored interventions are based on comprehensive learner profiles. Lesson planning is adapted through collaboration between classroom teachers and inclusion specialists, ensuring scaffolds and differentiation are not retrofitted but intentionally built into the learning process.

Strong parental support

Parents also play a role in the school’s inclusive vision. The school hosts regular workshops, coffee mornings, and structured consultations with families. Individualised Service Agreements (ISAs) are co-constructed with parents to ensure that home and school are aligned in supporting each child’s progress. The Inclusion Link Governor is a parent and experienced therapeutic professional who maintains regular contact with the inclusion team. Her dual role supports strategic policy and reflects the ethos of transparent collaboration between leadership and the parent body.

High expectations for all learners

The impact of a whole-school commitment to inclusion is clear to see. The KHDA inspection in 2023/24 rated the school ‘Good,’ citing inclusion as a major strength. The GEMS Review also highlighted the motivation of students, the strength of the Inclusion Team, and the school’s climate of care and wellbeing. Students of determination are making better-than-expected progress from their starting points, and staff consistently reflect high expectations for all learners.

Valuing every learner

Inclusion is the foundation of GEMS International School Al Khail, clearly articulated in its vision and embedded in every aspect of the school’s culture, systems, and practices. The school community, which represents over 106 nationalities and is predominantly EAL, embraces a shared ethos that values every learner. Inclusion is multi-layered, strategic, and personal. Through targeted support, policy coherence, and a culture of compassion, the school ensures that every learner is seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.