International schools group GEMS Education has appointed former UK foreign secretary Lord Hague as an honorary patron of GEMS School of Research and Innovation in the latest high-profile appointment for the group.
The school, which GEMS is touting as a new “flagship” setting, will open in Dubai in August and Lord Hague’s role will involve supporting its “launch and strategic positioning”, including attracting teaching talent and driving innovation.
Lord Hague will offer advice to the school’s senior leadership team on matters related to new technology, innovation and artificial intelligence, the group said.
The former leader of the Conservative Party said he was excited to be involved in the school’s development and its efforts to drive education forward.
“This landmark school is designed from the ground up to equip young people with the skills and mindset needed to face the challenges of a fast-changing, tech-driven world,” he said.
“I look forward to contributing to its ambitious vision and to helping place innovation and global competitiveness at the heart of the educational experience.”
More on international schools:
GEMS Education chairman and founder Sunny Varkey said the group was “honoured and privileged” by the appointment and that Lord Hague’s experience as foreign secretary would be advantageous.
“Lord Hague’s stature, wisdom and global perspective will be invaluable as we prepare students not just to succeed, but to lead in an uncertain and rapidly changing future,” he said.
“He shares our belief that innovation, academic excellence and values-based education must go hand in hand.”
Lord Hague’s role follows on from the appointment of former Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman as chair of GEMS’ academic council, while ex-multi-academy trust CEO Rob Tarn now chairs its First Schools Management division and Lisa Crausby is its new chief education officer.
For essential weekly intelligence on the international schools sector, sign up for the Tes International newsletter
