The first Arbor School graduates have reached an important milestone, marking the school’s first-ever Year 13 graduation while securing more than 200 university offers from institutions around the world.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Serdaal Ballroom at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, brought together students, families, staff and governors to celebrate the Class of 2026. Beyond the impressive university destinations, the event recognised a group of students who have helped shape the culture, traditions and identity of a young school.
Collectively, the 26 graduates received offers from universities across 16 countries and secured more than AED 27.5 million in scholarships. Their chosen degree subjects include medicine, engineering, architecture, psychology, politics, business, design and the creative arts.
Arbor School Graduates Head to Universities Around the World
The Class of 2026 will begin the next stage of their education at leading institutions across the UK, North America, Europe and the UAE.
Among their destinations are the University of Bath, University of Exeter, University of Leeds, University of Nottingham, University of Twente, Saint Louis University, Florida International University, American University in Washington DC, Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Concordia University, American University of Sharjah and Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai.
For parents and students considering their own higher education journey, these outcomes demonstrate the breadth of opportunities available through strong academic preparation combined with personalised university guidance.
A Graduation That Celebrated More Than Academic Success
While university offers were a significant achievement, the ceremony focused equally on the personal growth of the school’s first graduating cohort.
Addressing the graduates, Principal Gemma Thornley reflected on the unique role they have played in Arbor School’s history.
“Today marks the first time in our school’s history that a Year 13 cohort leaves Arbor carrying not only qualifications and university offers, but carrying our story.”
She continued by recognising the lasting contribution the students have made to the school community.
“You have helped shape traditions that did not yet exist. You have tested ideas. You have challenged us. You have left fingerprints all over Arbor.”
That sense of legacy was echoed by Head Girl Katie Keeshan.
“The traditions, celebrations, expectations and memories that make a school feel like a school had to start somewhere,” she told fellow graduates. “For the first time in the school’s history, future students won’t just hear about Arbor’s traditions, they’ll inherit them.”
Head Boy Titus Taumoepeau also reflected on the school’s strong sense of community.
“There really is no school like Arbor,” he said. “The memories we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned and the people we’ve met have shaped us into who we are today.”
Recognising Character, Leadership and Service
Alongside celebrating academic achievement, Arbor School presented a series of awards recognising students who have made an exceptional contribution to school life.
Marko Pavlovich received the Heart of Arbor Award for demonstrating kindness, compassion and care for others.
Meanwhile, the school’s highest individual honour, The Principal’s Award, was presented to Katie Keeshan in recognition of her leadership, character and contribution to the school community. Additional awards were presented to Omar Mirza for The Arbor Legacy Award, Helena Smith for the Enough for All, Forever Award, Sana Kader Aga for The Pioneer Award and Anna Thompson for The Darwin Award. These awards reflect Arbor’s emphasis on developing compassionate, responsible and engaged young people alongside academic success.
A Legacy That Future Students Will Build Upon
Throughout their time at Arbor School, the Class of 2026 embraced opportunities beyond the classroom. Students participated in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, leadership programmes, environmental initiatives, work placements, performances and community projects. Consequently, they leave school with experiences that have prepared them not only for university, but also for the wider responsibilities of adult life.
As Arbor celebrates its first graduating class, these students leave behind more than outstanding academic results. They have established traditions, created lasting memories and helped define the values of a school that will continue to grow for future generations.
For families considering Arbor School, the achievements of its first graduates offer an encouraging glimpse of the opportunities available through a balanced education that values academic excellence, character development and community contribution.
For more information about Arbor School, visit their website below
Further Reading
- Dubai’s Arbor School Wins Environmental Prize
- Discover Arbor School, British Education Designed for Tomorrow
- Inside The Arbor School Dubai, a Sustainable British School for Modern Families