Schools across the UAE are being encouraged to submit their nominations for the Education Achievement Awards 2026 before entries close on Friday 26th June, as a distinguished panel of education leaders from some of the sector’s most respected organisations lend their support to this year’s programme.
Returning for a second year, the Education Achievement Awards recognises the exceptional individuals, teams and initiatives that contribute to the success of education across the UAE. Organised by Stratos Pulse, the awards are open to schools teaching Foundation Stage through to Year 13, with nominations free to enter across 23 categories.
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony in Dubai on Thursday 1st October 2026 – held just ahead of World Teachers’ Day. Shortlisted nominees will be revealed at the beginning of the new academic year in late August.
The awards focus on celebrating the people behind successful schools, recognising classroom teachers, department leaders, support staff, inclusion initiatives, leadership teams and wider school programmes that make a meaningful impact on students and school communities.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of launching the Education Achievement Awards has been seeing how enthusiastically schools have embraced the opportunity to recognise their colleagues.” said Daniel Fewtrell, Managing Director of event organisers, Stratos Pulse.
“With the nomination deadline now approaching, we are excited to see the Awards grow and become even more inclusive – to celebrate the individuals and teams who make a difference every day in UAE education.”
As nominations enter their final weeks, organisers have confirmed a judging panel featuring senior education leaders from organisations including BSME, COBIS, High Performance Learning, WomenEd and Teach Middle East Magazine.
The 2026 judging panel includes :
• Debra Forsyth – CEO & Director, BSME
• Leisa Grace Wilson – Editorial Director, Teach Middle East Magazine
• Deniece Wheeler – Global Development Director, COBIS
• Brynn Cooper – International Director, High Performance Learning
• Dr Catherine O’Farrell – Inclusion Advocate and International School Inspector
• Nalini Cook – UAE Lead, WomenEd
• Louise Dawson – Founder, Louise Dawson Education
• Russell Cailey – CEO & Founder, Elham Studio
• Barry Cooper – Founding Principal, The Global College, Madrid
Together, the panel brings decades of leadership, consultancy, inspection and innovation experience spanning the UAE, the wider Middle East and international education sectors.
In addition, the Head Teacher of the Year category will be presented by Teach Middle East, further strengthening the awards’ commitment to recognising exceptional leadership within schools.
“At Teach Middle East, we believe that great schools are built by great leaders. The Head Teacher of the Year award recognises the individuals who carry that responsibility every single day, often without the acknowledgement they deserve,” said Leisa Grace Wilson, Editorial Director of Teach Middle East.
“We are proud to support the Education Achievement Awards and bring our platform’s voice to this category. As a judge, I am looking forward to hearing the stories behind the nominations. The UAE and wider region are home to some truly exceptional school leaders and this is their moment to be seen.
Recognising excellence is not just about celebrating the individual. It sends a message to every educator in the region that their work matters and that it is noticed.”
The Education Achievement Awards builds on a successful inaugural edition, which attracted more than 130 nominations from 26 schools across the UAE and welcomed 180 guests to the awards gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Dubai. Previous winners included GEMS Winchester School Dubai, Jebel Ali School, Deira International School and North London Collegiate School Dubai, which was recognized as School Team of the Year.
“We were incredibly honoured to have our Senior Team recognised as Team of the Year at the Education Achievement Awards.” said Thomas Jacobs, Vice Principal, North London Collegiate School Dubai.
“The entire evening was a fantastic celebration of the hard work and innovation happening across the education sector. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues and celebrate the successes of our peers.”
Schools may submit nominations across multiple categories at no cost through the Awards website. With entries closing on Friday 26th June, organisers are encouraging schools to complete their submissions before the end of term and ensure that the exceptional individuals and teams within their community receive the recognition they deserve.
For further information and to submit nominations, visit: www.educationachievementawards.com
For further information please contact:
Daniel Fewtrell
Managing Director, Stratos Pulse
daniel.fewtrell@stratospulse.com
+971 50 276 5706
