Two educational institutions in Dubai have earned a spot on the prestigious Global Schools Index’s Ones to Watch list, according to a recent publication by Carfax Education, a renowned global education consulting company. Deira International School has been recognized among the established schools to watch, while The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai has made its mark in the category of new institutions to watch.
The Ones to Watch list, comprising 25 schools, highlights those on the verge of entering the top 125 globally or demonstrating uniqueness compared to mainstream education. Fiona McKenzie, head of education at Carfax Education, emphasized the list’s role in acknowledging schools with consistent potential, innovative approaches, or distinctive learning experiences.
Schools were evaluated based on various criteria, including academic standards, facilities, unique ethos, university preparation, and life skills imparted to students. A panel of consultants at Carfax Education meticulously researched and selected these institutions based on their distinctive qualities.
The list is further categorized into four sections: Schools to Watch, New Schools to Watch, Schools Breaking Away from the Mold, and Small Schools Offering a Distinctive Experience.
Deira International School, founded in 2005 and following the UK curriculum with the IB diploma program, was recognized for its student involvement in decision-making processes and a culture of coaching and mentorship that ensures no one is left behind.
The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, established in 2021, is committed to providing a progressive education in an eco-friendly environment. The school is on track to become the first near-energy-neutral school in the Middle East, incorporating innovative sustainability measures. The British curriculum is followed, aligned with the ethos of its UK counterpart, and the school has pledged to eliminate all single-use plastic by the end of the year.
This recognition follows a previous acknowledgment in September, where 10 private schools in the UAE, including those featured in Carfax Education’s School Index 2023, were named among the top 15 in the Middle East and the top 125 globally.
The Ones to Watch list highlights schools demonstrating remarkable potential and poised for significant impact. Other categories in the list recognize schools breaking away from traditional models and small schools offering unique experiences. One such school mentioned is Think Global School, a traveling high school that integrates exploration into its progressive and academically rigorous curriculum, immersing students in various global locations each year.
