An educational institution in the UAE has clinched the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action 2025.
Arbor School, a private kindergarten through secondary institution in Al Furjan, Dubai, won the accolade for its innovative integration of Eco Literacy in their curriculum. The school’s approach emphasizes developing critical thinkers and problem-solvers through practical projects tackling waste reduction, energy efficiency, and other environmental issues.
About the World’s Best School prizes
Inaugurated in 2022 amid the Covid pandemic, the five World’s Best School Prizes celebrate schools that are making a transformative impact both inside and outside the classroom, representing the pinnacle of global school awards.
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Gemma Thornley, Principal of Arbor School, expressed: “On behalf of our entire Arbor School community in Dubai, I am deeply honored to accept the World Best School Award for Environmental Action. This exceptional recognition is a testament to our students who engage in environmental action, not out of obligation, but because it is the right thing to do. It is for our dedicated staff, committed families, and the wider UAE community who believe that education must prepare young people to lead in a climate-aware world.”
How schools are chosen
Winners are determined by an expert Judging Academy based on stringent criteria. The Community Choice Award was claimed by ZP School Jalindarnagar, in Taluka Khed, Maharashtra, India, following a public vote among the 50 schools shortlisted across the five World’s Best School Prizes.
The winning schools will be invited to the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi from November 15-16, where they will share their best practices and expertise with policymakers and prominent figures in global education.
Inspiring Others
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, remarked: “Congratulations to Arbor School in Dubai, UAE, for the remarkable accomplishment of winning this global schools prize.
“Our world is at a pivotal moment. Leaders are needed to address 21st-century challenges like climate change, the AI revolution, conflict, inequality, and prejudice. Most importantly, we need leaders who understand that quality education is at the core of these critical issues.
“It’s in schools like yours that global leaders can find the solutions they need. As the winner of the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action, your pioneering work will inspire educators and policymakers worldwide. Thank you for your invaluable contributions.”
Other 2025 winners
Other recipients of the 2025 World’s Best School Prizes include:
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Franklin School, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA – Prize for Innovation
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A Favor del Niño, Mexico City, Mexico – Prize for Community Collaboration
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Escola Estadual Parque dos Sonhos, Cubatão, São Paulo, Brazil – Prize for Overcoming Adversity
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SK Putrajaya Presint, WP Putrajaya, Malaysia – Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives
