GOVERNANCE
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GOVERNORS
Good governance ensures that a school is well run, guided by a clear purpose and accountable for delivering its vision and values. At Arbor School, our governance structure provides oversight and support to the school’s leadership team, helping to ensure high standards and positive outcomes for students.
Governance at Arbor School reflects the context of Dubai and the UAE. It enables the school’s owners to ensure their vision is realised while providing opportunities for the voices of different stakeholders across our community to be heard.
The Governing Body is formed of five committees, each with distinct responsibilities:
- Executive Committee
- Education Committee
- Sustainability, Environment & Facilities Committee
- Digital Strategy and Communications Committee
- Wellbeing and Inclusion Committee
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee serves as the focal point and custodian of governance at Arbor School. It holds the leadership team accountable for the school’s performance and monitors progress against its agreed purpose and strategy, with the aim of continually improving outcomes for students.
The Committee also provides constructive challenge and feedback to the school’s senior leadership. Its members listen, learn and draw on their expertise to offer relevant advice, ask challenging questions and support informed decision-making.
The Executive Committee comprises:
- Dr. Saad Al Omari - Chief Executive Officer and owner of Praxis Educational Investment
- Mr. Lance Sheeran - Director of Finance of Praxis Educational Investment & Group CFO
- Mr. Ken Jones - Chief Operating Officer of Praxis Educational Investment
- Dr. Pirin Erdoğdu - Deputy Director of Education and owner of Praxis Educational Investment
- Gemma Thornley - Principal
Arbor Governing Board Advisory Council
The Arbor Governing Board Advisory Council (the ‘Council’) provides a voice for stakeholder groups from across the school and wider community. It offers feedback on different aspects of school life, contributes ideas and supports an ongoing, constructive dialogue between stakeholders, school leadership and the Governing Board.
The Council provides feedback to the Board through its meeting minutes, while school leaders in attendance report back to the Principal. Council members also take part in regular learning walks and form focus groups to consider specific school priorities and projects.
The Council also provides an opportunity for the Board and school leadership to share the school’s vision, communicate progress against initiatives within the School Development Plan and discuss ideas with stakeholders.
The Council includes representatives from the following committees:
- Education Committee
- Sustainability, Environment & Facilities Committee
- Digital Strategy and Communications Committee
- Wellbeing and Inclusion Committee
- Leadership Committee
Contact the Governors
If you wish to contact the Governors directly, please email the Chair of Governors, Marc Prendergast, at governors@thearborschool.ae
