Arbor School, an independent educational institution in Al Furjan, Dubai, comprising kindergarten, primary, and secondary levels, has been honored for embedding Eco Literacy into its curriculum. The school is dedicated to nurturing critical thinkers and problem solvers through practical projects that tackle issues like waste reduction, energy efficiency, and other environmental challenges.
About the World’s Best School Prizes
Established in 2022 post-Covid, the five World’s Best School Prizes celebrate schools that are making a transformative impact both within and beyond the classroom, and are regarded as the most prestigious global school accolades.
Gemma Thornley, Principal of Arbor School, expressed, “Accepting the World Best School Award for Environmental Action on behalf of our entire Arbor School community in Dubai is a profound honor. This remarkable recognition celebrates our students who engage in environmental action not because it’s obligatory, but because it is the right thing to do. It honors our enthusiastic staff, supportive families, and the larger UAE community, all of whom share our conviction that education must prepare the youth to lead in a world facing climate challenges.”
Selection Process for Schools
An expert Judging Academy selects winners based on stringent criteria. ZP School Jalindarnagar in Taluka Khed, Maharashtra, India, won the Community Choice Award after securing the highest votes in a public poll among the top 50 shortlisted schools for the five World’s Best School Prizes.
Winners will be invited to the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi on November 15-16, where they will share their best practices and unique insights with policymakers and prominent figures in global education.
Inspiring Others
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, stated, “Congratulations to Arbor School in Dubai, UAE, on this exceptional achievement of winning the global schools prize.
“Our world is at a pivotal point. We require leaders capable of addressing the 21st century’s paramount challenges, from climate crises to the AI revolution, from conflicts to scarcity, and from populism to prejudice. Above all, we need leaders who understand that at the heart of these critical issues lies the enlightenment provided by quality education.
“It is in institutions like yours that global leaders can discover the solutions they seek. As the recipient of the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action, your pioneering work will inspire educators and policymakers worldwide. Thank you for all your contributions.”
2025 Prize Winners
Other recipients of the 2025 World’s Best School Prizes include:
-
Franklin School, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA – Innovation Prize
-
A Favor del Niño, Mexico City, Mexico – Community Collaboration Prize
-
Escola Estadual Parque dos Sonhos, Cubatão, São Paulo, Brazil – Overcoming Adversity Prize
-
SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1), WP Putrajaya, Malaysia – Supporting Healthy Lives Prize
