Prince Michael of Kent inaugurates GEMS Wellington School – Qatar

Prince Michael of Kent officially inaugurated GEMS Wellington School – Qatar, a branch of Premier Schools International, at a formal ceremony yesterday with founding families, students, parents and teachers of the school, as well as several dignitaries, including Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohamed Saud Abdulrahman al-Thani and British ambassador Ajay Sharma.
The delegation also included Dino Varkey, managing director and board member, GEMS Education; Sir Christopher Stone, chief education officer, GEMS Education; Peter Burdon, chief schools officer, GEMS Education; and Jonathan Dey, CEO and principal, GEMS Wellington School – Qatar.
Located in Al Wakrah, GEMS Wellington School is owned and operated by GEMS Education in Qatar. It joins the GEMS English National Curriculum school network in the Middle East, which includes Gems’ flagship GEMS Wellington International School in Dubai.
Modelled on the GEMS Wellington International School in Dubai, GEMS Wellington School – Qatar is GEMS Education’s second school in Qatar, offering the academically renowned National Curriculum for England. The programme has been adapted to suit students who come from countries around the world and expect a British education that prepares them for their lives as global citizens and innovators, according to a press statement.
After a ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling, Prince Michael toured the school and visited classes of Year 6, Year 8 and Year 1 students.
As patron of GEMS Wellington International School in Dubai, Prince Michael has seen the number of GEMS Wellington Schools in the UAE and abroad grow. Yesterday, he visited GEMS Wellington School – Qatar for the first time.  
“I am delighted to be able to visit and inaugurate GEMS Wellington School – Qatar. The school is providing high-quality British education with an international flavour to the local community. Each student I have met is happy and confident, which is a testament to the education they are receiving at these schools,” said Prince Michael.
“It is a dynamic and forward-thinking school, empowering students to develop the necessary skills for future success at university and future employment, meeting the high demands of the technological era,” said Varkey.
“Getting the best out of each student is our priority, as the school shapes how a student will learn and interpret the world as an adult,” added Dey.
The school offers “outstanding education” from Foundation Stage to Year 9 and has a Ministry of Education and Higher Education license to expand to Year 13 in the coming years, the  
statement adds.