The Education Excellence Awards, which took place for the first time on Thursday, October 5th, showcased the outstanding achievements of educators in Dubai. This special event, coinciding with World Teachers’ Day, gathered 200 education professionals at the prestigious Grosvenor House Dubai. The evening featured a warm welcome reception, a sumptuous three-course gala dinner, and the highlight of the night, the awards presentation.
The winners of these accolades were carefully selected by a distinguished panel of judges, comprising Nalini Cook, Head of Global Research at ISC Research; Debra Forsyth, CEO of British Schools in the Middle East; Fiona McKenzie, Head of Education at Carfax Education; and Liesa Grace Wilson, Editorial Director of Teach Middle East & schoolfinder.ae.
Dubai schools affiliated with KHDA were encouraged to put forth nominations for their exceptional staff members. These awards aimed to honor the accomplishments of individuals rather than institutions. The event received an overwhelming response, with over 100 nominations submitted from 34 schools, resulting in 17 categories of recognition presented during the ceremony.
Here are the winners of the Education Excellence Awards 2023:
SEN Programme/Department of the Year
GEMS Wellington International School
STEAM Programme/Department of the Year
Ambassador International Academy
Drama/Arts Programme of the Year
GEMS Dubai American Academy
Sports/Athletics Department of the Year
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park
Arabic Teacher of the Year
Shams Al Ghali, Uptown International School
Science Teacher of the Year
Princy Soosepper, GEMS Legacy School
English Teacher of the Year
Clodagh McDonald, Ambassador International Academy
Maths Teacher of the Year
Zerina Dervishi, Dubai Schools Mirdif
Teaching Assistant of the Year
Justine Santoalla, American Academy for Girls
Innovative Teacher of the Year
Bhawna Sajnani, GEMS Legacy School
Unsung Hero of the Year
Thyra Rego, The Aquila School
Principal/Headteacher of the Year
Matthew Burfield, GEMS Founders School
Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award
The Millennium School
Kindergarten/Foundation Stage Team of the Year
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park
Primary Team of the Year
GEMS Founders School
Secondary Team of the Year
The Aquila School
School Team of the Year
Deira International School
