Optimus Education is delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the 2027 MENA School Excellence Awards, celebrating the exceptional achievements, innovation and dedication taking place across schools in the MENA region.
With 16 award categories available, the awards provide an opportunity to recognise the individuals, teams and schools making a lasting impact on education, wellbeing, leadership and community engagement.
This year’s categories include:
- AI and Digital innovation
- Community engagement
- Early years
- Educator of the year
- Emirati education
- Employer of the year
- Enrichment initiative
- Inclusion
- Parent partnership
- Principal of the year
- Pupil wellbeing
- School leadership and development
- School of the year
- Staff wellbeing
- STEM award
- Sustainability
Schools are encouraged to submit nominations that showcase excellence, creativity and meaningful outcomes for pupils, staff and wider communities.
Nominations close on Monday 14 September 2026, giving schools plenty of time to prepare and submit their entries for consideration by the judging panel.
The awards timeline includes:
- From May 2026 – Register interest for specific categories
- 14 September 2026 – Nomination deadline
- Autumn 2026 – Shortlist announced
- 18 March 2027 – Awards ceremony and celebrations
The MENA School Excellence Awards continue to highlight and celebrate the outstanding work happening across the region’s education sector, bringing together schools committed to innovation, inclusion and excellence.
Schools can now register their interest and begin preparing nominations. For any questions about the process or categories, please contact:
