The school, set to open in September 2027, marks GSM’s entry into the Iraqi market and strengthens its international growth.

 

GEMS School Management (GSM), the advisory and operations arm of GEMS Education, and the American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB), have signed a pre-operational agreement to establish and operate a world-class, GEMS-managed international school in Baghdad, Iraq.

Scheduled to open in September 2027, the school will offer an American curriculum for students aged 3 to 18, serving up to 2,100 pupils. It will be located within the secure campus of the American University of Iraq – Baghdad, a former presidential site.

Robert Tarn CBE, CEO of GEMS School Management, said:

“Baghdad is a city with tremendous long-term potential, and Iraq has a proud educational heritage on which to build. Our partnership with the American University of Iraq – Baghdad brings together GEMS School Management’s decades of international educational experience with AUIB’s deep understanding of the local community. Together, we look forward to establishing a world-class school that sets a new benchmark for international education in the country.”

Eng. Hussein Saihood, member of the Founding Family and Board Trustee of the American University of Iraq – Baghdad, said:

“Baghdad is at an exciting moment in its development, with a young and growing population, a strengthening economy, and a clear ambition to expand educational opportunities for future generations. By pairing AUIB’s deep roots in the Iraqi community with GEMS School Management’s international educational expertise, we are creating something neither could build alone. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping students flourish academically and personally, and to giving families in Baghdad a world-class option close to home.”

Iraq represents a compelling long-term opportunity for international education. In recent years, the country’s private primary and secondary education sector has expanded significantly, reflecting growing demand among families for greater educational choice. Against this backdrop, Baghdad’s role as Iraq’s political, commercial and financial centre makes it a natural location for a high-quality international school.

Under the partnership, GSM will deliver its turnkey ASPIRE model, covering school design, curriculum planning, recruitment, safeguarding, technology integration, and operations, bringing GEMS’ 65+ years of global education expertise to the project.

To learn more, visit www.gems-sm.com or contact info@gems-sm.com.

About the ASPIRE Model

ASPIRE is GEMS School Management’s all-in-one model for designing, opening and elevating schools bundling six essential pillars into a single, proven package. The six pillars are: All-encompassing end-to-end support; Systems processes, and procedures; Partnerships and stakeholder engagement; Inclusivity and high standards; Recruitment, retention, and staff development; Education excellence.

About GEMS Education

GEMS Education is one of the world’s leading private K-12 education providers, educating more than 200,000 students from 176+ nationalities across its global network of owned and managed schools. With nearly half a million alumni, GEMS has built a legacy of impact that spans generations and continents.

Established in Dubai in 1959, GEMS remains a family-founded and family-led organization, guided by its visionary Founder and Chairman Sunny Varkey, and his sons Dino Varkey (Group CEO) and Jay Varkey (Deputy CEO).

With a focus on delivering high-quality education to students from all walks of life, GEMS offers a wide range of curricula and learning pathways. Each year, GEMS students graduate into the world’s top universities, including all eight Ivy League institutions and every UK Russell Group university, and go on to become leaders, innovators, and changemakers in every sector.

Learn more at www.gemseducation.com

 About the American University of Iraq – Baghdad

The American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) is a private, non-profit University founded in 2018. It follows in the tradition of the three historical institutions of Baghdad: The House of Wisdom; al-Nizamiyya  Madrasah, often described as the largest university in the medieval world; and al-Mustansiriyah Madrasah. As such, AUIB is steeped in the rich historical academic and intellectual traditions of Iraq while embracing the pedagogy and cutting-edge knowledge of the 21st century as embodied in the American-style system of higher education. Through a deep partnership with Vanderbilt University, AUIB is also home to a College of Education and Human Development dedicated to training the next generation of teachers for Iraq’s schools, reflecting the University’s commitment to raising educational standards across the country.

As a bridge between historical traditions and modern technologies and knowledge, AUIB offers students a solid foundation for lifelong learning built on centuries-old cultural and academic traditions with an openness to global developments. Through this partnership, AUIB brings its deep understanding of the local community, its established campus and institutional foundation, and its commitment to Iraq’s educational renaissance, complementing GEMS School Management’s international operating expertise to create a school rooted in Iraq and connected to the world.

Learn more at www.auib.edu.iq/