UAE Shines Globally: Three Schools Among Top 10 Finalists for World’s Best School Prizes 2025

In a groundbreaking achievement for the nation, three schools from the United Arab Emirates have made it to the list of Top 10 finalists for the World’s Best School Prizes 2025. This marks the first time that three UAE schools have reached the final stage of these prestigious global awards in the same year, underscoring the UAE's growing stature in the international education landscape.

The schools recognised are:

• Dubai British School Jumeirah Park (DBSJP) for Community Collaboration
• Arbor School for Environmental Action
• Applied Technology Schools – Umm Al Quwain Campus (ATS-UAQ) for Innovation
   

Each school has demonstrated outstanding commitment to creating impactful educational ecosystems, reflecting the diverse strengths of the UAE’s K-12 sector.

Dubai British School Jumeirah Park: Redefining Community-Centric Education

Principal Rebecca Coulter of DBSJP attributes the school’s success to its core belief that education is a shared journey. The school excels through deep partnerships with students, staff, families, and the wider community.

Key Highlights:

• First UAE school to achieve both Inclusion Quality Mark and Centre of Excellence status.
• Emphasises inclusion and well-being as cornerstones of academic success.
• Runs over 90 co-curricular clubs and hosts community-focused events such as iftars, cultural celebrations, and sustainability drives.
• Encourages co-creation of support strategies with parents and specialists, especially for students of determination.
   

Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, praised the school’s dedication, calling it "a shining example of excellence, innovation, and inclusion that truly represents the best of UAE education."

Arbor School: Leading the Way in Environmental Education

Located in Dubai, Arbor School earned its finalist position for seamlessly embedding eco-literacy across its academic curriculum. Principal Gemma Thornley highlighted the school’s integrated approach that combines the National Curriculum for England with a bespoke ecoliteracy programme.

Standout Features:

• The Centre for Abundance, where students collaborate with experts in sustainability and science to tackle real-world issues.
• The Living Campus, featuring biodomes, regenerative gardens, and native habitat zones for immersive, hands-on learning.
• Cross-curricular integration of environmental justice topics and student-led eco-committees.
• Focus on food systems, climate adaptation, and ecological resilience.
   

The school’s approach ensures that sustainability is not just a subject but a lived experience throughout the student journey.

ATS-UAQ: A Visionary Model of Innovation in Public Education

The Applied Technology Schools – Umm Al Quwain Campus (ATS-UAQ) represents a leap forward in integrating AI, engineering, and sustainability into a project-based curriculum. Located in Fallaj Al Mulla, ATS-UAQ is a public secondary school transforming education for the 21st century.

Innovative Practices:

• Curriculum tailored to equip students with life skills and workforce readiness.
• Emphasis on real-world problem solving through cross-disciplinary projects.
• Focus on next-gen technologies like artificial intelligence and engineering design thinking.
• Prepares students to become changemakers and innovators.
   

This recognition shines a spotlight on the UAE’s public school sector and its strategic efforts to align with global education trends.

The World’s Best School Prizes: A Global Recognition Platform

Organised by T4 Education, the World’s Best School Prizes aim to recognise and celebrate schools that are transforming the lives of students and their communities. The prizes are awarded in five categories:

• Community Collaboration
• Environmental Action
• Innovation
• Overcoming Adversity
• Supporting Healthy Lives
   

Each category will have one winner, chosen by an expert Judging Academy based on rigorous criteria. All 50 finalist schools will also participate in a Public Vote to decide the Community Choice Award.

Winners will be announced in October 2025, with all finalists invited to the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi on November 15-16, where they will share insights and best practices with global education leaders.

A Testament to UAE’s Educational Vision

Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education, emphasised the global importance of such recognition, especially in today’s rapidly evolving world.

"In a world being turned upside down by AI, climate change, and social shifts, schools like DBSJP, Arbor, and ATS-UAQ give us hope for a better future. Their innovation and commitment to holistic education are lessons for the world."

This landmark achievement reflects the UAE’s consistent investment in education as a national priority. It highlights the power of inclusive, environmentally conscious, and technologically integrated teaching models in preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.

As the world watches these finalists, the UAE stands tall as a beacon of progressive education on the global stage.