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Schools and Teachers Shortlisted for First-ever Tes Awards for International Schools 2024 

by Belinda Breeze

The most outstanding schools and teachers have been shortlisted as finalists for the first-ever Tes Awards for International Schools. The awards showcase the best of the global education community and highlight their amazing achievements. 


The shortlisted finalists of the awards have been selected by a panel of 19 expert judges, including school leaders, experts, and education researchers. Their objectivity, professionalism, and high standards of the judging process will help establish the awards as an achievement to be highly sought after. 

The shortlisted schools and teachers are spread across 36 countries throughout the world, with those nominated from the UAE being: 


Teaching Initiative of the Year  

Emma Sims, Brighton College Abu Dhabi 

Teaching Assistant / Support of the Year 

Hayley Langusta, Brighton College Abu Dhabi 

Helena Hill, Brighton College Abu Dhabi 

Bhumika Chandnani, GEMS Founders School – Dubai 

Rajkumari Tilwani, GEMS Founders School – Dubai 

Ana de la Luna, Brighton College Dubai 

Student Mental Health Initiative of the Year 

GEMS Founders School – Dubai 

GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis 

Staff Well-being Initiative of the Year 

Horizon English School 

GEMS Founders School – Dubai 

Specialist Provision Provider of the Year 

Al Karamah School & Training Institute 

Principal / Headteacher of the Year 

Joanna Povall, Wales International School 

James McDonald, GEMS Wesgreen International School – Sharjah 

Leadership Award 

Emma Dawson, North London Collegiate School Dubai 

Simone Shaikh, GEMS Founders School – Dubai 

Shahana Kiran Salman, GEMS Cambridge International Private School – Sharjah 

International School of the Year 

GEMS Cambridge International Private School – Sharjah 

Dubai English Speaking School & College 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award 

GEMS Founders School Dubai 

Curriculum Initiative of the Year 

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi 

Community Engagement Initiative of the Year 

Repton School Abu Dhabi 

Best Use of Technology 

Ambassador International Academy 

Brighton College Abu Dhabi 

Debra Forsyth, CEO of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), said: “It is a real pleasure to recognise the incredibly high standards of British curriculum schools in the Middle East. These shortlisted schools and teachers are a testament to the hard work and dedication teachers in the Middle East invest to help children excel.” 

The awards have been supported by leading international school associations, including BSME, COBIS, (Council of British International Schools), ECIS (The Education Collaborative for International Schools), FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia), and the IB (International Baccalaureate), a global leader in international education. 

The overall winners will be announced on 25 April 2024. For further information on Tes and the shortlist, click this link.