Three UAE schools among finalists for World’s Best School Prizes 2025
Global education award to announce six winners this October
DUBAI: Three exceptional schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have earned a coveted place among the Top 10 finalists for the World’s Best School Prizes 2025, established by T4 Education to recognise schools with innovative practices that transform lives within and beyond the classroom.
Launched in 2022 in response to the COVID pandemic, the awards celebrate schools demonstrating outstanding contributions across five categories: Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives.
This year marks the first time three schools from the UAE have simultaneously reached the finals: Dubai British School Jumeirah Park (DBSJP), Arbor School in Al Furjan, and Applied Technology Schools-Umm Al Quwain Campus (ATS-UAQ). Each institution represents a unique model of education that is redefining learning experiences in the UAE.
Community-focused learning
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park (DBSJP), part of the Taaleem Group, has been named a finalist for the World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration. Located in the heart of Jumeirah Park, the school’s pioneering, community-driven approach integrates families and the wider community into the learning process – a rare model in Dubai’s educational landscape.
The school combines academic rigour with a strong emphasis on arts and sports, ensuring a balanced and inclusive education for all students, including those with special needs. Its holistic approach nurtures creativity, ambition, and belonging, allowing each child to follow a personalised path to success. With performance arts as a central pillar, students benefit from partnerships with international creatives and an alliance with Barcelona's Football Escola, gaining access to elite training in both arts and athletics.
In an effort to make the school a communal hub, its facilities remain active in the evenings, transforming into a centre of social interaction and collaboration. The school’s inclusive spirit is further reflected in its commitment to accessibility, inviting children of all abilities and nationalities, and offering tailored academic support.
With more than 2,100 students representing 90 nationalities, DBSJP boasts a 100% pass rate, over 70% of students scoring B or above at A-level, and a full university placement rate. The school was recently recognised with a UK Inclusion Award, becoming the first in the UAE to receive the honour, and was awarded platinum status as the Best School to Work in the UAE. It also won accolades for excellence in theatre, dance, and sport, including a landmark victory at the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) Games.
Sustainability in action
Arbor School, situated in Dubai’s Al Furjan community, has been selected as a finalist for the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action. The independent school’s curriculum is built around Eco Literacy, connecting traditional academic subjects to global sustainability challenges through inquiry-based learning and hands-on experiences.
The campus features six biodomes, functioning as living laboratories where students explore topics such as ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, and environmental engineering. Through real-world collaborations like the Dubai Oysters Project – aimed at reef restoration – students gain invaluable experience in applying their learning to ecological conservation efforts.
The school also implements practical sustainability measures, including waste reduction programmes, energy-efficient systems, and a fleet of biodiesel-powered school buses. Students take on leadership roles as eco ambassadors, council members, and even eco influencers, actively driving initiatives both on campus and within their local communities.
Arbor School’s influence extends beyond the classroom. Students are now speaking at international events such as COP28, and the school regularly shares its eco-centric teaching methods with others across the region. Many learners are already pursuing green careers and environmental certifications, a testament to the impact of the school’s progressive model.
Driving innovation
Applied Technology Schools-Umm Al Quwain Campus (ATS-UAQ) stands out as a finalist for the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation. Located in Fallaj Al Mulla, a remote desert region around 30km from the main city centre, the public secondary school serves a primarily Bedouin community and addresses the challenges of access to education with a career-oriented and project-based learning model.
Students engage in practical learning through focused “clusters” such as engineering, AI, health sciences, and business. The curriculum is designed to equip learners with real-world skills through hands-on activities including 3D-printing, AI-based solutions, and prototype development. This approach aims to produce students who are not just academically accomplished, but industry-ready.
One standout project developed by ATS-UAQ students in the medical sector has reduced emergency supply wait times by 40% and improved inventory tracking by 30%, highlighting the school’s direct impact on the community. Through strategic partnerships, students also participate in internships and gain exposure to industry leaders.
With a teacher retention rate of around 90% and widespread use of digital tools for learning, ATS-UAQ continues to produce top-performing students. Recognition has come in the form of silver medals at Emirates Skills 2023-24, victories in the Sandok Al Watan iOS Design Challenge, and a second-place finish in WorldSkills Asia. Students have also been selected to represent the UAE at the International Chemistry and Informatics Olympiads.
World’s Best School Prizes 2025
The five winners of the World’s Best School Prizes 2025 – covering the categories of Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives – will be selected by an expert Judging Academy. Finalists will also participate in a public vote for the Community Choice Award. All six winners will be announced in October.
The winners and other finalists will be invited to speak and share best practices at the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi on 15-16 November 2025. The event will bring together global education leaders, policymakers, and educators to celebrate excellence and innovation in schooling.
A global platform
T4 Education, the organisation behind the prizes, continues to grow the world’s largest community of teachers and schools. Through its digital platform, it provides opportunities for educators to share experiences, collaborate, and amplify successful practices in the education sector.
Founder Vikas Pota praised the UAE finalists, stating: “It is in schools like Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, Arbor School, and ATS-UAQ where we find the innovations and expertise that give us hope for a better future. Leaders and schools around the world have so much to learn from these inspirational UAE institutions.”
Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, also acknowledged DBSJP’s achievement: “This international recognition reflects the outstanding work of the school’s dedicated teachers, talented students, and highly supportive community.”