Al Sanawbar School achieves the IQM International Inclusive School Award

September 21, 2026

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Al Sanawbar School in Al Ain has been awarded the IQM International Inclusive School Award, recognising its strong commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and equitable opportunity for all learners.

Inclusion is embedded across the school

Al Sanawbar School articulates a clear and ambitious mission: to nurture inclusive, world-class learners who honour heritage, embrace diversity, and excel through collaboration and innovation, preparing them to confidently meet global challenges. Importantly, this commitment is not confined to strategic documentation or promotional language. Throughout the assessment, there was consistent evidence that inclusive values are understood, modelled, and embedded across the daily life of the school.

Relationships between staff and students are characterised by warmth, respect, and mutual trust, contributing to a culture in which learners feel known, supported, and valued as individuals. What distinguishes Al Sanawbar most clearly is the authenticity of its relational culture. Students are treated with dignity, staff interactions are characterised by warmth and professional respect, and there is a noticeable sense that individuals are known personally rather than simply managed institutionally.

Leadership that strengthens inclusion

Leadership at Al Sanawbar School is characterised by stability, relational strength and a clear commitment to continuous improvement. Across all levels of the organisation, leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of the school’s context, its priorities, and the importance of inclusion in shaping both culture and outcomes. There is a strong alignment with UAE national priorities, particularly in relation to National Identity, wellbeing, innovation and equitable opportunity for learners.

The leadership of inclusion is particularly effective. The Head of Inclusion provides highly credible and thoughtful leadership, ensuring that systems for identification, intervention, monitoring and support are increasingly coherent and responsive to student need. Her work is characterised by professional clarity, calm oversight and a strong commitment to ensuring that inclusive provision remains both compassionate and accountable.

The wider Inclusion Team is a significant strength of the school. Staff work collaboratively across phases and departments, demonstrating strong professional knowledge and a shared commitment to ensuring that students requiring additional support are visible, well supported and able to participate confidently in school life.

A curriculum that removes barriers

The curriculum at Al Sanawbar School is structured to promote accessibility, participation and progression for a broad range of learners. Leaders have ensured that curriculum development remains aligned to ADEK expectations, UAE national priorities and the school’s wider commitment to inclusion and wellbeing.

The contribution of the Tier 2 Assistants and the wider Inclusion Team is a significant strength of the school’s curriculum provision. The team is exceptionally well line managed, highly accountable and clearly empowered to influence practice across classrooms and phases. Their responsiveness, professional knowledge and commitment to early intervention are contributing positively to the school’s recent improvements in both provision and student performance.

Importantly, the Inclusion Team does not operate separately from the curriculum; rather, its work is integrated into classroom practice and daily learning experiences, strengthening participation and reducing barriers to engagement across the school.

Students are listened to and valued

Students at Al Sanawbar School are a significant strength of the school and contribute positively to the calm, respectful and inclusive culture evident across the community. Throughout the assessment, students consistently presented as polite, courteous and socially responsible young people whose conduct reflects the school’s values and strong commitment to UAE identity.

The school has established effective opportunities for student leadership and student voice. Since 2024, the TEDx Club has had a positive impact on student confidence, communication and participation. Open to Grades 7–12 and expanding further next year, the initiative provides learners with opportunities to think critically, articulate ideas confidently and engage with wider social and cultural themes.

Student voice is also strengthened through initiatives such as Voices of Sanawbar, which provides students with a structured platform to express views, reflect on UAE values and engage thoughtfully with issues linked to identity and leadership. Contributions observed were articulate, reflective and grounded in genuine student experience. This work is strengthening confidence, oracy and critical thinking, while reinforcing a culture where students feel listened to and valued.

Wellbeing is lived across the school

One of the most striking aspects of the school’s culture was the exceptional student-led staff wellbeing event observed during the second afternoon of the assessment. This was not a token gesture, but an authentic expression of belonging, trust and collective care. Staff participated enthusiastically in activities including perfume making, laughter yoga and freestyle dancing, with IQM’s own “Dexter” teddy bear becoming an unexpected star attraction throughout the event.

The warmth, humour and genuine camaraderie between staff and students were remarkable. Every member of staff was present and fully engaged, reflecting a culture where wellbeing is lived rather than promoted superficially. It was, without question, one of the most uplifting and memorable wellbeing events I have witnessed during my time as an IQM assessor.

Al Sanawbar School continues to demonstrate stability, effective leadership and a clear commitment to improvement. Overall, this is a school with secure foundations, a caring ethos and clear capacity for continued improvement.

Find Out More About IQM

If your school is interested in achieving the IQM Inclusive School Award, contact the IQM team on 028 7127 7857 or email admin@iqmaward.com.

To find out more about IQM and request a free information pack, visit www.iqmaward.com.