NLCS Dubai wins ‘School Team of the Year’ 2025

NLCS International is proud to announce that North London Collegiate School Dubai has been named ‘School Team of the Year’ at the Education Achievement Awards 2025.

The annual awards brought together more than 150 educators and leaders from across the UAE to celebrate excellence, innovation, and dedication in education. Across 23 categories, the event recognised the schools, teachers, and teams shaping the future of learning in the region.

This prestigious accolade celebrates schools that demonstrate excellence across all areas of school life. The judging panel commended NLCS Dubai for its distinctive combination of exceptional academic results, engaged and passionate staff, and a thriving student community – qualities that embody the NLCS ethos.

At the heart of this achievement is NLCS Dubai’s Senior Leadership Team, whose unified and strategic approach has been central to the school’s ongoing success. Under the guidance of Principal Jon Locke, the team has cultivated a collegiate, values-led culture that aligns the work of Foundation Stage, Junior School, Senior School, and administration. This cross-school collaboration has strengthened the school’s academic and pastoral provision, while creating a safe, inclusive, and ambitious environment for students and staff alike.

The team embodies the principles of excellence and empowerment. Through targeted leadership development and internal promotions, team members have grown into roles that deepen institutional knowledge and strengthen collective vision. Leaders such as Michaela Carney (Head of Junior School), Steven Helliwell (Deputy Head of Junior School), and Thomas Jacobs (Vice Principal of Assessment and Data) exemplify the school’s investment in nurturing talent from within. This emphasis on professional growth has directly enriched the student experience and contributed to NLCS Dubai’s reputation as one of the world’s top private schools.

Pastoral care and academic rigour are equally championed. Vice Principal Emma Dawson, recipient of the TES Senior Leader of the Year award in 2024, ensures students’ wellbeing is at the centre of school life. Alongside her, Vice Principal and Director of Studies, Marco Zambonini, leads on curriculum design, appraisal, and academic excellence — ensuring that every element of the student journey reflects the school’s high expectations.

The impact of this cohesive leadership is evident in exceptional stakeholder feedback. The vast majority of students, staff, and parents agree that NLCS Dubai provides a safe, respectful, and supportive environment in which pupils can thrive academically and personally. This shared trust and alignment reflect a genuinely collaborative leadership model, where individual expertise contributes to a shared vision of excellence.

A commitment to excellence across the NLCS family