Opening Keynote Address

We're proud to welcome our special guest opening keynote speaker: Rt Hon Sir Nick Gibb (Former Schools Minister, UK Government)

• English education reforms
• Knowledge-rich curriculum vs competence-based learning
• Phonics in reading instruction
• East Asian mathematics approaches, and why knowledge-rich curriculum produces better critical thinking than skills-based approaches

Product Showcase

Explore solutions, ask questions, and meet the people behind the products — whether you're comparing providers or just staying ahead of the curve, the Product Showcase is a key stop on your OS agenda.

Networking

Outstanding Schools isn't just about ideas — it's about connections. We've built structured and informal networking into every part of the day so you leave with new partnerships, not just notes.

Track Deep Dives

Choose one of four themed tracks led by sector experts and international school leaders. Each track combines research, case studies, and real-world practice to give you both strategic insights and practical tools.

Track A: Digital Transformation & AI

• UAE AI policy update and poll: Where is your school today on AI implementation?
  Host: Dr Neelam Parmar FCCT (Group Director of Digital Learning and Education, AISL Harrow Schools)

Track B: School Operations & Business

• The Reality Check: Operating Pressures & Financial Futures
  Host: Dr Stephen Morales (CEO, ISBL)

Track C: Leadership & Professional Development

• The Leadership Tightrope: Retention, Regulation and Burnout

Track D: Teaching & Learning (Pedagogy)

• The Student Experience - Purpose, Progression & Pressure
  Host: Alex Gray (Founder, The International Classroom

Track Case Studies

Hear how leading schools are tackling today’s challenges through real-world examples.

AI Curriculum Case Studies

• Host 1 - Dr Neelam Parmar FCCT (Group Director of Digital Learning and Education, AISL Harrow Schools)
• Host 2 - Baz Nijjar (Vice-president for education technology and digital innovation, GEMS)

Resilient School Business Models

• Host TBC

Future-Ready People Strategies

• Host TBC

Evolving Pedagogy for Today’s Learners 

• Host 1 - Alan Smith (Sustainability Lead and STEAM Teacher; Founder, Nature Wave) - Nature-Connected Learning – Embedding Sustainability Through Outdoor Pedagogy
• Host 2 - Michelle Sakande FCCT (SENDCo, The Arbor School Dubai) - Integrated wellbeing models
• AI-enhanced personalised learning

Peer Exchanges

Step into focused, small-group discussions with peers facing the same challenges as you. These sessions are designed for open exchange, honest reflection, and practical takeaways you can put into action straight away.

Digital Transformation & AI

• Where are you seeing the most opportunity for AI – and what’s blocking progress? What support or policy would help?
  Philippa Wraithmell (EdRuption)

School Operations & Business

• Three 10-minute insights from Finance, Operations, and Strategy Leads

Leadership & Professional Development

• What’s Working (or Not) for You? What’s one change that could improve retention tomorrow?
  

Pedagogy & Student Experience

• Financial Literacy and Wellbeing

Panel Discussions

Hear directly from diverse voices across international education in interactive, thought-provoking panels. With opportunities for live Q&A, these sessions are designed to surface fresh ideas, and spark solutions you can take back to your school.

Digital Transformation & AI

• Outstanding and Ethical AI & EdTech for Schools
  Philippa Wraithmell (EdRuption)

School Operations & Business

• Schools as Sustainable, Financially Agile Organisations
• Bella Rai (Student Podcaster)
• Alan Smith (Founder, Nature Wave)

Leadership & Professional Development

• Leading Through Change in the UAE Education Sector
  Dr. Catherine O'Farrell (Chair of the Board, GEMS AL Khaleej International School, Dubai)

Pedagogy & Student Experience

• Teaching for Tomorrow - What Changes, What Stays
• Tomas Duckling (Headmaster at Dubai College)
• Dr. Farah Sarraj (Al Futtaim Education Foundation)
• Shen Megalaa (Vice Principal Assessment and Data, Misk Schools)

Sponsor Sessions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading education partners in focused sponsor-led sessions. These short, high-impact presentations highlight innovative tools, services, and strategies designed to tackle real challenges facing international schools today.

Vectare

• Discover how Vectare is transforming school transport with smart, sustainable solutions that save time, cut costs, and enhance the parent experience.

Renaissance

• Explore how Renaissance Learning supports schools worldwide with data-driven insights, empowering teachers to accelerate progress in reading, maths, and beyond.

Buffet Networking Lunch

• Enjoy a relaxed buffet lunch while connecting with peers, speakers, and partners from across the region. It’s the perfect chance to build relationships and exchange ideas in an informal setting.

Themed Hosted Tables

• Join intimate, curated conversations led by experts on the topics shaping international education, including:
  AI & EdTech
  The Business of International Schools
  Female Leadership
  Sustainability & Wellbeing
  Leadership & Professional Development

Dhuhr Prayer Break

• A dedicated prayer room will be available on-site for attendees observing the Dhuhr prayer.
  

Special Keynote - Announcement Coming Soon

Plenary Keynote: Leadership, Collaboration and the Future - Lessons from the Sports Industry

Plenary Case Study: Operationalising Excellence

Plenary Case Study: Embedding Wellbeing into Academic Pathways

Plenary Masterclass: Designing for Belonging - Inclusive Classrooms that Work for All

Product Showcase

Explore solutions, ask questions, and meet the people behind the products — whether you're comparing providers or just staying ahead of the curve, the Product Showcase is a key stop on your OS agenda.

Networking

Outstanding Schools isn't just about ideas — it's about connections. We've built structured and informal networking into every part of the day so you leave with new partnerships, not just notes.

Plenary Keynote: How Aristotle Helps Us in an Age of AI

What can ancient wisdom teach us about the most modern of challenges? In this thought-provoking session, Tomas Duckling will draw on Aristotle’s philosophy to explore how timeless principles of ethics, reasoning, and human flourishing can guide schools in the age of artificial intelligence.

Leaders will leave with a fresh perspective on balancing innovation with values, and on shaping education that prepares students not only to use AI, but to use it wisely.

Closing Remarks

A chance to reflect on the day’s key insights and takeaways, as we look ahead to the future of international education together.

Community Networking Drinks - Sponsored by GEMS

End the day with relaxed conversations and new connections over evening drinks, generously hosted by GEMS. This informal gathering is the perfect setting to strengthen relationships and spark collaborations that last beyond the conference.