A selection of the latest education news and jobs from around the world:
Editorial
Bloomberg and Arabian Business this week report that GEMS Education is considering an IPO that would see part of the business sold for potentially $6,000,000,000. The chain of schools is currently owned by Sunny Varkey and CVC Capital, and talks are taking place with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs to handle the sale with a consortium of Middle East sovereign wealth funds. Varkey started GEMS as a consultancy and education management firm in 2000, and built up a successful chain of schools in the UK, Dubai, and India. His sons, Dino and Jay, hold leadership roles in GEMS.
In the US, the Biden administration’s attempt to forgive student debt, which is expected to cost $400 billion, is facing legal challenges. Forbes reports that law firms are arguing that the forgiveness project will incur injurious tax costs. Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren, who are said to be leading the campaign in Washington, argue that the project supports the middle class directly in contrast to the tax-breaks Republicans have given in recent years to corporations. Applications for student loan forgiveness are due to go live in the coming week.
Current Jobs (@pgcejobs.com)
Petchey Academy, London – Religious Studies Teacher
Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hill – Physics Teacher (IBMYP / IBDP)
Lai Chi Kok Catholic Primary School – non-EDB NET
The Philippines School Dubai – Special Education Needs Teachers
Kwun Tong Maryknoll College – EDB Native-speaking English Teacher
Blossom House School – Post-16 Therapy Assistant
Newton International School Lagoon – School Counsellor
CCC Kei Long College – EDB NET
Ark Global Academy – Exams and Data Officer
Christian Alliance College – Secondary NET Teacher
News
Around Africa
Two new academic unions established in Nigeria during strike
Algeria invests in English education
Australia
New South Wales struggles with shortage of school counsellors
China
Education authorities support policy introducing ‘love’ into schools
Dubai and the UAE
GEMS Education considering an IPO, valuation potentially $6 billion
Around the EU
Germany and Spain sign agreement to cooperate on higher education
Hong Kong
Schools cautiously introduce national identity procedures
India
Making Indian education more accessible and inclusive
Russia
‘Weaponized’: how education has been used this year
Ukraine
Ukraine recognizes 5 EU education systems
United Kingdom
PM considering changes to nursery school subsidies, parents may receive money instead of schools
Should the UK follow the USA and forgive student debt?
United States
More on the decline in reading and math skills for US 9-year old
Republicans file legal challenge to student debt forgiveness