GAIL was formed in 2013 by a group of school Heads who share the same educational philosophy. Initially they met annually to share new ideas in innovative learning. One of the earliest ideas was to start an annual student conference. Student exchanges and staff research projects were also begun.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted GAIL’s normal calendar of international events, GAIL student leaders co-created an online community, GAIL Connect. This online, social platform allows GAIL schools to remain connected, even where barriers to face-to-face connection exist.