These Two UAE Schools Achieve Top 10 Shortlist In World’s Best School Prizes 2024

Two United Arab Emirates schools have achieved significant recognition by being shortlisted the Top 10 for the World's Best School Prizes 2024, a testament to their outstanding contributions to education. These awards, established by T4 Education in partnership with Accenture, American Express, and the Lemann, aim to celebrate schools that are making profound impact both in and out of the classroom The finalists are vying for a share of a $50,000 prize fund and the opportunity to attend the World Schools Summit in Dubai on November 23-24, 2024.

Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills has earned its place on the shortlist for the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action. This institution stands out for its dedication to empowering students through personalized learning pathways and project-based learning. Its focus on culturally responsive education and sustainability projects is driving significant community change, highlighting its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Similarly, GEMS Legacy School has been named in the Top 10 for the World's Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives. This school is at the forefront of integrating comprehensive wellness into education, positively affecting over 6,285 students. With initiatives like school-wide fruit breaks and sleep hygiene workshops, GEMS Legacy School promotes a holistic approach to wellbeing and sustainable lifestyle choices among its students.

The five categories of the World's Best School Prizes include Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives. Introduced in the wake of COVID in 2022, these prizes serve as a global platform for schools to share their innovative practices and solutions, aiming to enhance educational outcomes worldwide.

The selection process for the winners involves a Judging Academy, comprising experts who assess the nominees based on stringent criteria. Additionally, all 50 shortlisted schools are eligible to participate in a Public Vote, which commenced today. The school receiving the highest number of votes will be awarded the Community Choice Award, along with membership to T4 Education's Best School to Work programme. This initiative is designed to support teacher wellbeing and address the challenges of teacher recruitment and retention.

This year's inclusion of two UAE schools among the top contenders underscores the country's commitment to excellence in education. Their innovative approaches to learning, focus on sustainability, and dedication to student wellbeing set an exemplary standard for educational institutions worldwide.