Principal Gemma Thornley Appointed to Inaugural Dubai Educators Council

Arbor School is proud to announce that Principal Gemma Thornley has been selected as one of just 15 members of the inaugural Dubai Educators Council, established by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). 

Launched as part of Dubai’s Education 33 (E33) Strategy, the Council brings together teachers and education professionals from across the emirate, giving those working directly in education a formal voice in shaping its future. 

Ms. Thornley was selected from a pool of 160 nominations through a structured selection process designed to ensure diverse representation and experience across Dubai’s education sector. 

The Council will work closely with KHDA, providing an opportunity for educators to contribute evidence-based insights from classroom practice and school leadership. Its work will help inform policies, programmes and initiatives relating to student learning, inclusion, teacher wellbeing and the wider educational experience. 

For Ms. Thornley, the appointment represents an opportunity to contribute to conversations that extend across Dubai’s private education sector, drawing on her experience as Principal of Arbor School and working alongside fellow educators to support the continued development of education in the emirate. 

The appointment is particularly significant as KHDA introduces three complementary councils for the 2026-27 academic year, bringing together the perspectives of students, parents and educators as part of a more collaborative approach to educational decision-making. 

Her selection also comes alongside the appointment of Arbor School Year 12 student Imani to the second cohort of the Dubai Students Council, marking two important opportunities for members of the Arbor community to contribute to the future of education in Dubai. 

Ms. Thornley said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been selected to join the Dubai Educators Council. Having spent 14 years in education in Dubai, it is a real privilege to contribute to the future direction of education in a city that continually strives for excellence.  

“I look forward to collaborating with fellow educators and policymakers, sharing experiences and perspectives, and playing a part in shaping the next chapter of Dubai’s ambitious educational journey.” 

We warmly congratulate Gemma on this appointment and look forward to following the work of the inaugural Dubai Educators Council.