🌟Last night, we celebrated the outstanding achievements of schools across the region at our MENA School Excellence Awards.🌟

The awards ceremony and gala dinner highlighted the significant impact schools have had on pupils, staff, and their communities. With more than 250 guests in attendance, the evening was filled with joy and celebration. 

Helen Farmer did a fantastic job of hosting the event and guiding us through the 15 categories including school of the year, principal of the year, staff wellbeing, inclusion and many more. 

A huge thank you to everyone who made the event possible: our partners, judges, sponsors, guests, and of course, our shortlisted schools and winners. We can’t wait to see you again next year.

Congratulations to our 2026 winners! 

For comments from the judges, check out the winners’ page. 

AI and Digital Innovation

  • Winner: Seer Bani Yas Charter School
  • Highly commended: GEMS Wellington International School

Early Years award

  • Winner: Safa British School
  • Highly commended: JESS Dubai

Educator of the year     

  • Winner: Kent College Dubai - ALDAR Education - Alana Hicks
  • Highly commended: Applied Technology Schools - Al Aqabiya - Mohamed Ibrahim Aboughonim

Emirati Education award

  • Winner: Applied Technology High School – Dubai Campus
  • Highly commended: Al Danah Charter School - Operated by Aldar Education

Employer of the year    

  • Winner: JESS Dubai
  • Highly commended: Dubai College

Enrichment Initiative     

  • Winner: JESS Dubai
  • Highly commended: Hartland International School

Inclusion           

  • Winner: GEMS Wellington International School
  • Highly commended: Raha International School - Gardens Campus

Parent Partnership        

  • Winner: DESS College
  • Highly commended: Swiss International Scientific School Dubai

Principal of the Year      

  • Winner: Hartland International School - Fiona Cottam
  • Highly commended: Doha College - David Tongue

Pupil Wellbeing

  • Winner: The British International School Abu Dhabi
  • Highly commended: Safa British School

School Leadership and Development     

  • Winner: Hartland International School
  • Highly commended: Al Ain British Academy

School of the year          

  • Winner: JESS Dubai
  • Highly commended: Doha College

Staff Wellbeing

  • Winner: GEMS Founders School, Dubai
  • Highly commended: Dubai College

STEM award     

  • Winner: Bateen World Academy
  • Highly commended: ADNOC Schools Madinat Zayed

Sustainability 

  • Winner: Bateen World Academy
  • Highly commended: ADNOC Sas Al Nakhl School

Get ready for the 2027 awards. 

You can now register your interest for the MENA School Excellence Awards 2027! Which category will you enter? 

#MENAExcellenceAwards

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