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

• Business Pressures on International Schools
  Host: Dr Stephen Morales (CEO, ISBL)

Track C: Leadership & Professional Development

• International Schools in the GCC, Market Growth and Emerging Trends
  Host: Sami Yosef (ISC Research)

Track D: Teaching & Learning (Pedagogy)

• Nature-Connected Learning: Embedding Sustainability Through Outdoor Pedagogy
  Host: Alan Smith (Nature Wave)
  

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: Dr Farrah Sarraj (Al-Futtaim)

The Leadership Tightrope: Retention, Regulation and Burnout

• Host: Fiona Cottom (Hartland International School)
  

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
• Host 3 - Aneil Peswani (Head of Digital Learning, St. Christopher’s in Bahrain) - AI-enhanced personalised learning

Peer Exchanges & Panel

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

• The Human Factor: How Personalised Induction and Development Drive Retention
  Philippa Wraithmell (EdRuption)

School Operations & Business

• From Classrooms to Climate Action: Growing a Greener Generation
  Bella Rai (Student Podcaster)
  Alan Smith (Founder, Nature Wave)
  Maryam Denton Cardew (Director of Education, Heather Harries Education)
  Susie Fisher (Lead Educator of the Center for Abundance, The Arbour School Dubai)
  

Leadership & Professional Development

• What’s Working (or Not) for You? What’s one change that could improve retention tomorrow? - Dr Farrah Sarraj (Al Futtaim), Mrs Kerry Ross (Al Futtaim School of Management)
  

Pedagogy & Student Experience

• Financial Literacy and Wellbeing - Ben Bolger (Co-Founder, Squirrel Education)

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

• From Classrooms to Climate Action: Growing a Greener Generation
  Bella Rai (Student Podcaster)
  Alan Smith (Founder, Nature Wave)
  Maryam Denton Cardew (Director of Education, Heather Harries Education)
  Susie Fisher (Lead Educator of the Center for Abundance, The Arbour School Dubai)

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.

Toddle - AI That Serves Educators: A Human-Centred Approach to Innovation

Vectare

White Rose Education

Renaissance

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.

Dhuhr Prayer Break

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

Fireside Chat

Building with Courage: Risk Taking in Systems That Resist Change

Russell Cailey (Founder, Elham Studio & Bestselling Author, Jolyon Kimble (COO, APCO) and, Dr Farah Sarraj (Al Futtaim)

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

Plenary Case Study: Empowering Wellbeing: From Screens to Support, How Fairgreen International School X Digital Bridge Are Bringing a Holistic Digital Strategy to Life

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

Plenary Keynore: The Reality Check: Operating Pressures and Securing Financial Futures

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.

Optional Extended Networking

Join us at Above Eleven, the Marriott’s spectacular rooftop sky bar, for extended networking beyond the event day. Enjoy the views, the conversations, and enjoy the rest of your evening in a relaxed environment.