Gems Wellington School, Dubai. Any opinions?

[partialderivative]

Am I wise to be a little wary of 'for profit' schools?

I here they have really good facilities and a od reputation.

Can anyone give tell me of their own experiences please?

Thanks

[MarmiteAndButter]

In my opinion, Gems are the worst of the profit schools (and they are almost entirely for profit here)

Look at Nord Anglia. Much better and more of a holistic attitude towards learning. And incidentally pay their teachers better and give them a good deal, unlike a lot of schools in Dubai.

No, I don't work for them! Or any school. But these were contributing factors to my choice for my children. Plus I think the principal is ace. I really agree with what he stands for and the way he leads the school.

[Isthiscorrect]

Which Wellington? There are a number of them. Yes GEMS are for profit but currently for GCSE and A level results JC are second to DC, with other schools quite a way behind. The teachers can be lovely, as at all schools. GEMS are profit driven but that doesn't make other schools any better necessarily. There is a lot of competition now, with me schools opening all the time. For sure experience shows that certainly does not always make them better.
To be honest you need to see the schools and get your own impression. I'm not a huge fan of all the facilities, after all who knows how often a child gets to use those glossy facilities, if they are even completed? One of the best schools for ks1 and 2 is JAPS. Currently facilities falling apart, reputation? Second to none.
Schooling is a huge issue in Dubai, you will never get two people to agree and so I eat my case that you look at th schools you like and make your choice based on your child's needs.

[partialderivative]

Is there more than one GEMS Wellington in Dubai? I didn't know that.

Thanks for your replies, it helps me to build up a picture. I am actually thinking of applying for a job there. But parental viewpoints are extremely valuable.

[MarmiteAndButter]

As a fellow mumsnetter... Please don't work for GEMS.

[partialderivative]

Point taken M & B

I'm getting on a bit, so they probably wouldn't want me anyway

[MarmiteAndButter]

Young and very cheap...

But seriously, Dubai is an amazing place to live. The schools here are getting better and better every year. They are miles ahead of state education in the UK.

And lots of schools here employ more experienced teachers. I wouldn't be put off of applying for things here.