GEMS Winchester School – Dubai becomes first outside UK to earn Gold AI Quality Mark
Inclusive school-wide approach encompasses staff research, student tools, and global collaboration
Dubai, UAE: GEMS Winchester School – Dubai (WSD) has become the first school outside the United Kingdom to be awarded the prestigious Gold AI Quality Mark from Good Future Foundation, a UK-based organisation that promotes innovation and responsibility in education through the use of artificial intelligence.
This significant recognition celebrates WSD's strategic and inclusive approach to embedding AI across every facet of school life – from teaching and learning to school operations, safeguarding, and community engagement.
Matthew Lecuyer, Principal/CEO of GEMS Winchester School – Dubai, said: 'I am immensely proud that we have achieved the Gold AI Quality Mark – a true testament to our commitment to innovation, future-ready learning, and academic excellence. To be the first school in the world outside the UK to receive this prestigious recognition is a powerful reflection of our vision and ambition.
'This accolade isn't just a recognition of where we are today; it's a launchpad for where our learners, staff, and wider community are heading. It positions WSD at the forefront of education in the UAE and GEMS Education, ensuring our students thrive in a world shaped by AI – not just as users, but as ethical, empowered creators of tomorrow.'
The award process acknowledged the collective efforts of a dedicated leadership team led by Leena Atkins, Whole School AI Integration Lead and Head Teacher; Alicia Ramsay, Director of Learning and Teaching; and Swati Nirupam, Head of Computing. Together with school-wide participation from educators, operations staff, and students, the team has spearheaded WSD's AI transformation journey over the past academic year.
WSD's approach to AI integration has been holistic and sustained, involving:
Curriculum-wide embedding of AI tools and concepts
Rigorous internal reviews to ensure age-appropriate, inclusive implementation
An AI Learning Wheel for students and dedicated safeguarding policies
Action research projects led by staff exploring AI's ethical and educational impact
Professional development has been central to the initiative, with AI Champions appointed across both primary and secondary phases. Staff have participated in peer training and hosted conferences and workshops with leading voices in AI and education, including Priya Lakhani OBE, Founder CEO of Century Tech; British politician Lord Jim Knight; and Professor Rose Luckin from UCL Knowledge Lab.
Leena Atkins, Head of Secondary and Whole School AI Integration Lead, said: 'Our goal was to make AI meaningful and accessible to everyone in school – from our youngest students to our senior leaders. It has been a real team effort and inspiring to see so many members of our community engage with AI along the way. It is great to receive this recognition and a fantastic way to end the year. We are excited to see the journey continue next term.'
Good Future Foundation, which partnered with Council of British International Schools (COBIS) as well as STEM Learning UK, praised the school for its strong CPD programme, student exposure to a wide range of AI tools, clear policies promoting ethical and safe use, and meaningful engagement with parents.
About GEMS Education
Every day, GEMS Education has the privilege of educating more than 200,000 students from over 176 countries through its owned and managed schools around the world. With nearly half a million alumni who have influenced countless lives, GEMS is recognised as one of the most impactful education groups globally.
Founded in the UAE in 1959, GEMS Education is the largest and most respected K–12 private education group in the world, with a track record of providing diverse curricula and educational opportunities to families from all socio-economic backgrounds.
What began as a single school in a private home in Dubai remains a family business to this day. Its inspiring Chairman and Founder, Sunny Varkey, and his sons, Dino Varkey, the Group Chief Executive Officer, and Jay Varkey, the Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, continue to provide vision, insight, and strategic leadership across the organisation.
Through its growing school network and philanthropic initiatives, GEMS is committed to fulfilling its vision of putting a quality education within the reach of every learner, everywhere.
Each year, GEMS students graduate to join the world's leading universities. Over the past five years alone, they have been accepted into over 1,050 universities in 53 countries – including all eight Ivy League institutions in the United States and all 24 Russell Group universities in the United Kingdom. GEMS alumni have gone on to successful careers in all sectors around the world, including a large proportion reaching CEO and C-suite status.
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