Arbor School Principal Selected for Inaugural Dubai Educators Council

Date Posted:Tue, 13th Oct 2026

Gemma Thornley is among just 15 educators appointed to the new KHDA council, bringing 14 years of experience in Dubai education to discussions about the sector's future.

Arbor School Principal Gemma Thornley has been appointed to the inaugural Dubai Educators Council, established by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) as part of Dubai's Education 33 (E33) Strategy.

Selected from 160 nominations across the emirate, Ms. Thornley is one of just 15 educators appointed to the Council, which brings together education professionals to share their expertise and contribute to the development of Dubai's education sector.

The Council forms part of KHDA's wider efforts to strengthen collaboration between educators, students, parents and policymakers, ensuring that those directly involved in education have opportunities to contribute to decisions affecting schools and their communities.

Having worked in Dubai's education sector for 14 years, Ms. Thornley brings considerable experience of international education and school leadership to the role.

"I am incredibly honoured to have been selected to join the Dubai Educators Council. Having spent 14 years working in education in Dubai, it is a real privilege to contribute to the continued development of education in a city that consistently strives for excellence. I look forward to collaborating with fellow educators and policymakers, sharing experiences and perspectives, and playing a part in Dubai's ambitious educational journey," she says.

The Council will provide a platform for educators to share insights from their professional experience and contribute to discussions around educational priorities, policy and initiatives.

The appointment comes alongside another achievement for the Arbor School community, with Year 12 student Imani selected for the second cohort of the Dubai Students Council. Both appointments reflect KHDA's commitment to bringing different perspectives into the development of education across the emirate.

Located in Al Furjan, Arbor School is an independent British curriculum school educating students from Foundation Stage to Sixth Form. The school was named winner of the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action 2025, presented by T4 Education.

Find out more: www.thearborschool.ae