Dubai’s Arbor School has been named the winner of the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action 2025, cementing its reputation as a global leader in eco-focused education.
The independent kindergarten, primary, and secondary school in Al Furjan was recognised for embedding Eco Literacy into its curriculum. Students actively engage in projects that promote waste reduction, energy efficiency, and other sustainability initiatives.
Gemma Thornley, Principal of Arbor School, expressed her pride in the recognition. “On behalf of our entire Arbor School community, I am deeply honoured to accept the World Best School Award for Environmental Action,” she said.
Thornley highlighted that the school’s students participate in environmental action not out of obligation but out of a sense of responsibility. She also praised the staff, families, and wider UAE community for supporting the school’s vision of equipping young people to tackle global climate challenges.
The World’s Best School Prizes were launched in 2022 to recognise schools transforming lives inside and beyond the classroom. The awards are widely regarded as the most prestigious global recognition for educational excellence.
Winners are selected by an expert Judging Academy based on rigorous criteria, assessing innovation, impact, and sustainable practices. This year, the Community Choice Award went to ZP School Jalindarnagar in Taluka Khed, Maharashtra, India, which received the most public votes.
The 2025 award-winning schools will attend the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi from November 15-16. They will share their best practices with policymakers and education leaders from across the globe, fostering collaboration and inspiring global initiatives.
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, congratulated Arbor School, noting its vital role in shaping leaders for the 21st century. “Schools like yours provide the answers to the world’s greatest challenges, from climate change to social inequality,” he said.
Other winners of the 2025 awards include Franklin School in Jersey City, USA, for Innovation; A Favor del Niño in Mexico City for Community Collaboration; Escola Estadual Parque dos Sonhos in Brazil for Overcoming Adversity; and SK Putrajaya Presint in Malaysia for Supporting Healthy Lives.
The recognition underscores the UAE’s growing emphasis on sustainability and the role of schools in promoting environmental stewardship. Arbor School’s approach serves as a model for educators worldwide seeking to integrate eco-consciousness into education.
By combining hands-on environmental projects with academic learning, Arbor School not only educates students but also empowers them to be active global citizens committed to sustainable change.
This award marks a significant milestone for Arbor School, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing critical thinkers and problem-solvers who are prepared to face the pressing environmental challenges of the future.
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