Seer Bani Yas Charter School has emerged as a regional pioneer in AI-driven and technology-enabled education. Judges could tell that AI and innovation was a part of everyday school life – contributing to the success of students. The school empowered teachers, engaged families and cultivated responsible digital citizens. Its contribution to ADEK’s digital policy and the launch of a digital citizenship curriculum exemplify sustainable, future-ready innovation across the learning community.
GEMS Wellington International School is pioneering AI and digital innovation through real-world tech applications, AI classroom integration and the Ped-Tech Research Initiative. By fostering ethical understanding of AI, strengthening industry and promoting digital responsibility, the school empowers students with creativity, critical thinking and future-ready skills to thrive in an evolving, technology-driven world. Judges were impressed by how inclusive their practice was and their drive to support girls in AI.
Safa British School fosters a ‘home away from home’ centred on joy and curiosity. Their research-informed pedagogy utilises authentic materials to inspire discovery, while the bespoke STRONG model integrates social, emotional and academic growth. With a dual-language approach and reflective teaching, they ensure inclusive, high-quality environments that consistently deliver exceptional learner outcomes.
JESS presents a deeply learner-led and exploratory curriculum rooted in strong oracy, creativity, and enquiry. The forest school programme and integration of STEAM provide meaningful opportunities for independence. Judges were impressed by the highly skilled staff trained in child development who consistently adapt provision based on reflective observation and feedback. Impact is seen in the confidence, collaboration and curiosity of learners and in the school’s professional influence across other schools in the region.
Judges highlight Alana as a teacher whose work ‘makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up'. She combines expertise in performing arts and restorative education to change the lives of children from within, nurturing confidence, creativity and resilience. She has played a key role in building leadership, empathy and self-belief across the school and wider community. Her work with prisons, at-risk youth and families solidified her impact, making her a worthy winner.
Mohamed has a wide sphere of influence in and beyond the classroom. He is a world class chemistry educator who excels in innovation, leadership and STEM integration. He has advanced the development of the curriculum, mentored colleagues and guided students to success in science fairs, robotics and national competitions while always championing excellence and inclusivity.
Applied Technology High School Dubai excels by empowering Emirati students to lead AI-driven sustainability and STEAM innovation. Rooted in heritage and Islamic values, the school fostered strong community partnerships while achieving high benchmarks in AP exams and national competitions. This purposeful integration of cultural identity and academic excellence prepares future leaders to drive the UAE’s knowledge-based economy through real-world problemsolving.
Al Danah Charter School distinguishes itself through the pioneering Al Sanna programme, a parent-driven initiative that seamlessly unites home and school. By integrating Arabic and Islamic heritage, the school nurtures deep national identity and resilience. Driven by active community partnerships and innovation, Al Danah Charter School empowers Emirati students to become culturally grounded leaders, achieving exceptional results across key performance benchmarks.
JESS Dubai
JESS Dubai is committed to staff wellbeing, professional growth and inclusion across all roles. Their values-driven culture ensures low turnover, high staff satisfaction and strong internal promotion. Through transparent communication, tailored development and recognition, every team member is empowered to thrive and contribute to the school’s ongoing excellence and innovation. Judges were impressed by the engagement of a range of employees and strong data which evidenced and supported great impact.
Dubai College
The judges recognise Dubai College as an employer with ‘pzazz’. It is clearly loved by its staff and has a culture that is supportive and community focused. Its commitment to recruitment, retention, staff culture, academic excellence, innovation and wellbeing solidify Dubai College as an excellent place to work and learn.
JESS Dubai
JESS’ Period Empowerment Project was hailed by judges as ‘far-reaching’ and a ‘brilliant example of genuine enrichment in action’. This was a student-led initiative that created partnerships with multiple corporations, raised funds to support girls in developing nations and launched an enterprise with 44,000 pre-orders for sustainable sanitaryware. What really stood out was the mix of empathy and initiative: ‘they spotted a global issue, took action and built something lasting’.
Hartland International School
The judges described Hartland’s Junk Kouture initiative as a ‘wonderful mix of creativity, sustainability and confidence-building’.Its practicality and inclusivity were commended as pupils are given the opportunity to design, lead and perform. The project includes upcycling rubbish to create outfits, tackling real world issues while unleashing creativity. The judges claimed this project showed ‘initiative outside of the usual’ in its continuity from primary (Mini Junk Kouture) through to the international competition in secondary.
GEMS Wellington International School
GEMS Wellington International School exemplifies inclusive professionalism and impact. Their system-wide structures were commended by the judges as they ensure consistency of practice across all phases, with inclusion embedded as a shared responsibility. Structured LSA induction, weekly CPD and peer mentoring foster collective accountability and sustained improvement. Judges were impressed by the evidence of impactful engagement and the school's cluster-based leadership model that has influenced the region.
Raha International School - Gardens Campus
Judges praised Raha for ‘intentionally strategically planning on making a difference’. They use a powerful data-driven model, working across a large and complex setting which highlights their systematisation of inclusion excellence. Through a unified inclusion and EAL model, visible mini-IEPs, a whole-school literacy focus and embedded wellbeing systems, every learner is seen, supported and empowered to thrive. Inclusion is not a separate service at Raha, but a central pedagogical principle with strong measurable outcomes.
DESS College
DESS presents a deeply strategic and well-embedded approach to parent partnership. Through initiatives like Marhaba Moments and the RISE framework, the school demonstrates a clear long-term vision where parents are positioned as partners in education. The judges noted the strong quantitative data and clear impact on staff development, learner wellbeing and community cohesion. Parent learning feeds directly into classroom practice, demonstrating real purpose. Practical, open and truly supportive: ‘it’s a whole culture built on genuine partnership’.
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai
SISD’s approach to partnership struck the judges as ‘thoughtful and well-balanced’ with an outstanding wellbeing provision for pupils and parents. The Good Enough Parent series and Arabic lessons for families impressed the panel and showed the school’s commitment to learning that goes beyond the classroom. Parent-led sustainability projects, like the eco-uniform scheme and wellbeing garden are ‘wonderful examples of shared creativity and ownership’. Regular feedback mechanisms ensure continuous improvement, making SISD a model of effective parent-school collaboration.
Fiona Cottam - Hartland International School
Fiona’s personal and hands-on approach at Hartland ensures students thrive, staff flourish and families belong. She has also made significant contributions to the wider educational landscape. Judges were impressed by the impact of Fiona’s leadership strategies on both academic achievement and student, staff and parent satisfaction backed up by evidence from clear data and feedback. Fiona’s impact is not just measured in results but through relationships and lived experiences. She sets a tone of excellence with compassion, balancing wellbeing with high performance.
David Tongue - Doha College
Judges were impressed by David’s continued mission to maintain high standards, seek marginal gains and make every student and staff member feel value through his personal interactions. David ensures students are at the heart of every plan and decision he makes. The judges noted his world-leading outcomes and strong support of school community and culture, alongside his ‘personable, sleeves-up and hands-on approach’ which ensures he is well-known and appreciated across the community he serves.
The British International School Abu Dhabi
BIS Abu Dhabi’s philosophy of ‘You Said, We Did’ was commended by the judges, with a plethora of opportunities on offer for students to discover their passion. Strong impact was evidenced by BIS with excellence in community engagement. Listening, early support, student leadership, gratitude practices and community collaboration are all embedded across BIS and wellbeing is the authentic heartbeat of the school.
Safa British School
Strong parent partnership and staff wellbeing drive real change with strong evidence of safety and happiness in the halls and corridors of Safa British School. The judges were impressed by the school's targeting of programmes, with different age-appropriate frameworks in place for different ages and stages. From EYFS Colour Monsters to Komodo check-ins and Pop-By Pod drop-ins, pupils have multiple trusted routes to help.
Hartland International School
A recent BSO inspector described the team’s superpower as its remarkable ability to adapt and evolve each year while maintaining authenticity, warmth and an unwavering commitment to the school’s values. This school achieves outstanding outcomes and has evidenced continuous improvement across all phases. Leadership is a team effort, visionary and values-driven, uniting excellence with empathy.
Al Ain British Academy
Al Ain British Academy clearly focuses and prides itself on having significant impact on students. Their leadership team has been instrumental in driving academic excellence, pastoral care and whole-school development. Their efforts to make standards high have been recognised by several Quality Kite Marks. They should be proud of their pupil-centred approach and focus on Emirati children which have contributed to amazing results and impact. Leaders have created an environment where both students and staff can thrive.
JESS Dubai
JESS gave compelling evidence of significant development and initiative that have had a strong impact on the whole school community. These include developing an outstanding inclusion hub offering a wide range of support, a new sixth form centre and library. A coaching certification programme has developed staff wellbeing, inclusion and parental engagement awards show measurable improvement. Outstanding academic achievements are accompanied by equal success across diverse areas of school life, evidencing a truly holistic education. The school's AI Think Tank for 60 schools shows impact on the wider education landscape and its student service work has had a positive impact globally.
Doha College
Doha College's nomination exemplified their vision of academic excellence coupled with personal development to nurture confidence, creativity, intellectual curiosity and ethical awareness. Initiatives to support this vision include bespoke learner profiles, a pioneering AI curriculum, a teaching and learning playbook, instructional coaching and solid induction and transition programmes. This all contributes to Doha College’s outstanding academic results. Staff development programmes and working groups give teachers agency, raise job satisfaction and aid retention.
GEMS Founders School, Dubai
Judges were impressed by the comprehensive way in which wellbeing seeps into every facet of life at GEMS Founders School. This school takes a strategic approach to staff wellbeing with large numbers of staff trained to support. Judges remarked on the depth and breadth of the support being provided and evidence of its impact. There is impressive tracking of data and of impact. All staff are included and automation of systems relieve workload.
Dubai College
Dubai College demonstrates a robust and well-resourced approach to staff wellbeing which is deeply embedded in school life. Their approach to wellbeing is rooted in research with strong models such as PERMA underpinning and fostering a thriving culture.The Staff Wellbeing Action Group contributes to high staff engagement, belonging and pride. Daily lunch for all staff in the staffroom highlights how ‘the staff that eat together stay together’! Staff flourish personally and professionally in this holistic, supportive, community-driven environment.
Bateen World Academy
Bateen World Academy’s submission reflects bold innovation and systemic thinking. The STEM diploma model, vertical curriculum integration and strong industry partnerships are genuinely forward-looking and refreshing. Parental involvement and school and industry connections are impressive. There is real implementation, from student projects and curriculum samples to early outcome reflections. This is a school willing to take risks for progress—a hallmark of educational leadership.
ADNOC Schools Madinat Zayed
ADNOC Schools Madinat Zayed have moved from one-off activities to a pioneering, evidence-led STEM ecosystem that consistently produces competitive, real-world outcomes. Teachers, students and the wider school community have developed their STEM knowledge through skill hub ECAs, certified pathways and the implementation of a STEM assessment policy. They take a holistic approach to STEM and have gained several regional awards for their provision. Engagement with project-based AI and environmental initiatives have made future-ready, responsible innovators.
Bateen World Academy
Bateen World Academy’s submission was comprehensive, showing clear evidence of whole-school action. A particular highlight is that more than 90% of students engaged in sustainability opportunities.Bateen showed great commitment to taking a whole school approach to sustainability. They have integrated the UN sustainable development goals across every subject and their students are leading the way as Green Ambassadors and innovators.
ADNOC Sas Al Nakhl School
This school takes a true whole-school approach, combining student leadership with operational changes. Students are at the heart of leading sustainability work, auditing and contributing to measurable change. The Eco Club has directly contributed to the surge in recycling. The impact of building works was recognised, identifying these areas of usage and ways to reduce them. ADNOC Sas Al Nakhl clearly demonstrated how sustainability is part of the curriculum and their use of data clearly evidences that the school prioritises impact and monitors where it can make a difference.
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