GEMS Education is developing GR8 School, a new education model that combines AI-powered learning with teachers, industry experts and practical experiences.
The first GR8 School will soft launch in January 2027. It will initially operate as a “school within a school” inside existing GEMS school communities.
The model is designed around the idea that students can progress through core academic material at their own pace rather than following the same timetable as every other student.
Students could learn at their own pace
GR8 will use AI-powered learning systems to track individual progress, identifying areas where students need support and subjects where they are ready for greater challenges.
Teachers will remain responsible for academic learning while spending more time on individual support, mentoring and practical aspects of the curriculum.
Students will combine self-paced learning with around 90 minutes to two hours of teacher-led learning each day. A further two to three hours will be dedicated to enrichment activities, projects, sport, arts, collaboration and specialist learning.
Education linked to future careers
The programme will also connect students with specialists, industry experts and practitioners based on their interests and potential career goals.
Alongside academic subjects, the model will focus on skills including critical thinking, communication, teamwork, financial literacy and practical life skills.
GEMS said students will also have opportunities to work on projects and experiences designed to connect classroom learning with further education, entrepreneurship and employment.
Fees expected to vary by school
GR8 is being developed for different GEMS school segments and price points.
Final fees have not yet been confirmed, but the current indicative annual ranges are around US$8,000–10,000 for affordable offerings and US$20,000–40,000 for premium offerings.
The model is intended for students who are comfortable with greater independence and a more personalised approach to learning.
First school to launch in January 2027
GEMS will use the period before launch to develop and test the learning technology, academic model, teacher and guide roles, and network of specialists and industry experts.
Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education, said: “GR8 is our answer to that question. It starts with the individual child and asks what combination of technology, great teachers, industry experts and real-industry experiences will help that young person achieve academically and discover what they could become.”
Further details about the first GR8 School are expected to be announced closer to its January 2027 launch.
