The Arbor School, Dubai, has been crowned winner of the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action 2025, beating 10 shortlisted schools from across the globe. Out of thousands of entries, Arbor emerged as the front runner, becoming the first UAE school to ever claim a World’s Best School title.
Run by T4 Education, the World’s Best School Prizes celebrate schools that make an extraordinary impact in transforming lives and communities. Arbor’s victory not only elevates the UAE’s standing in global education but also solidifies its role as a pioneer in ecoliteracy and sustainability-driven learning.
A Model of Sustainability in Education
Located in Al Furjan, The Arbor School integrates the British National Curriculum with a unique ecoliteracy programme, designed to equip students from Foundation Stage to Secondary with the skills to become changemakers in a fast-evolving world.
Key Features
- Living Campus: Biodomes, regenerative gardens, and native habitats offering hands-on immersive learning.
- Centre for Abundance: A dedicated Environmental and Ecological Education department collaborating with experts in sustainability, science, and systems thinking.
- Student-led Action: Eco-committees, conservation projects, and integration of environmental justice across all subjects.
Aligned with the UAE’s National Vision
Arbor’s recognition comes at an important time for the UAE, as the country strengthens its sustainability agenda. The award showcases how the UAE schools are innovating to nurture future-ready learners, instilling in them the values and skills needed to lead global change.
In November, the World Schools Summit will be hosted in Abu Dhabi, where winners including schools from the USA, Mexico, Brazil, and Malaysia will share their expertise with policymakers and international education leaders.
Voices of Leadership
Gemma Thornley, Principal of The Arbor School, said:
“This recognition is a powerful affirmation of The Arbor School’s founding belief: that education can and must play a central role in addressing the ecological and social challenges of our time. Being named the world’s best school for environmental action honours the collective commitment of our students, staff, parents, and wider community.”
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education, said:
“Our world stands at a crossroads. We need leaders who can rise to the 21st century’s greatest challenges, from climate breakdown to the AI revolution. As the winner of the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action, Arbor’s trailblazing work will inspire educators and policymakers across the globe.”
Invitation to Families
To celebrate, The Arbor School is inviting families to its whole school Open Morning on Wednesday, 8 October, from 8am to 11.30am. The event offers a chance to tour the campus, sit in on live classes, and meet the leadership team.
About The Arbor School
The Arbor School is a pioneering ecological school in Dubai offering a British education for students from Foundation Stage to Secondary. With sustainability, ecoliteracy, and environmental justice woven into its curriculum, Arbor empowers students to become compassionate leaders of tomorrow. Its unique living campus, ecolabs, biodomes, and Centre for Abundance create a dynamic environment where education is lived, not just taught.