(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) He will focus on driving long-term strategy on low cost schools in India, South East Asia One of the UK"s leading educators, Sir Michael Wilshaw, who previously stood as Her Majesty"s Chief Inspector of Schools, Ofsted, has just landed a role in Dubai as a Senior Advisor - Education Strategy for Gems Education.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on Wednesday, Wilshaw said he aims to "challenge the network of Gems schools" across its global network, because "all schools can do better".
After visiting several Gems campuses in Dubai on Tuesday, Wilshaw admitted that he won"t be "hugely hands on" here as schools are performing well, but confirmed that he will act as an advisor and provide help with Dubai-based schools when asked.
In his new tenure, Wilshaw will mainly focus on driving Gems Education"s long-term strategy on low cost schools in India and South East Asia.
"India has a burgeoning economy, but there is not enough good schools available for low income families. I will focus on accountability and quality assurance in providing the right education for children from modest to poor backgrounds."
Adding that he wants to end his career doing work that "interests me personally", Wilshaw said coming from an Ofsted background (the UK"s inspection and regulation service for education) he will also give advice on things like inspection frameworks too.
"This goes for Dubai and India. I will give my advice where needed as no matter how good a school is, it can always strive for more, and that"s what inspections focus on."
Sunny Varkey, founder and chairman of Gems Educations, said Wilshaw has a "remarkable track record" of transforming low-achieving schools in England into outstanding ones through strong values and innovative methods within classrooms, which is why he has been brought on board.
"He has continuously raised the bar on excellence, a value that we 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 Wilshaw. During his tenure, he oversaw the improvement of many primary and secondary schools.
At present Gems owns and operates 14 schools in India as well as three nurseries and 178 Dream India Schools - an initiative which aims to "Educate and Empower Indians" with a focus on mass population through a Block level approach.
The 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 programme aims to make tuition "cost neutral" for parents, to help alleviate their financial burden.
Kelly Clarke Originally from the UK, Kelly Clarke joined Khaleej Times in November 2012. She has a keen interest in humanitarian issues and took over as the dedicated Education Reporter in August 2016. In her spare time she loves to travel off the beaten track, and often write about her quirky experiences of pastures new. Kelly received her BA Honours in Journalism from Middlesex University, UK in 2008. Before joining Khaleej Times she worked as a Supervising Editor for three Healthcare titles in London. @KellyAnn_Clarke
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