GLS Annual Report 2025-26

The 2025 - 26 academic year marks a defining chapter in the journey of GEMS Legacy School. As we present our first Annual Report, we celebrate a year shaped by ambition, achievement, innovation, inclusion, and community spirit.

Our journey continues to be inspired by the visionary leadership of the UAE, whose values of excellence, tolerance, innovation, and human possibility guide our work every day. We are also grateful to our Founder and Chairman, Mr Sunny Varkey, whose vision continues to empower GEMS schools to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. Through the support of our partners, parents, educators, and students, GLS continues to grow as a learning community where every child is encouraged to thrive.

Learn more about our [UAE Vision and Leadership].

We remain deeply appreciative of the guidance and support provided by the [Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)], whose commitment to educational excellence continues to strengthen our school’s focus on quality, wellbeing, inclusion, and innovation.

Our Legacy

The story of GLS began with seven teachers under the leadership of founding Headmistress Mrs Bernadette Pinto in modest portacabins in Karama. The school later moved to Al Garhoud in 1990 and evolved into The Kindergarten Starters. Under the leadership of Mr Lawrence Hartnett, the school expanded to Grade 5 and grew to serve over 4,000 students.

Today, we proudly build upon the legacy established by these visionary leaders while remaining committed to preparing learners for the future.

Explore [Our Journey Through the Years].

Academic Excellence

This year marked a historic milestone as GLS presented its first CBSE Grade 10 cohort. Our pioneering batch of 255 students achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate with a school average of 85%.

Forty-one percent of students secured 90% and above, while our school topper, Seara Mariam Jose, achieved an outstanding 99.2%. Students also earned perfect scores in Artificial Intelligence, Social Science, and Arabic, reflecting the depth of academic excellence nurtured across the school.

These results represent more than academic achievement. They are a testament to focused teaching, student dedication, and the strong partnership between school and home.

View our [CBSE Grade 10 Results].

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our academic leadership team, teachers, and support staff who guided our inaugural cohort throughout their learning journey.

Meet the [Academic Leadership Team].

As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead with confidence toward welcoming our first Grade 12 graduating cohort in the years ahead.

Leadership and Student Voice

At GLS, leadership is viewed as a responsibility to serve, inspire, and create positive change. Throughout the year, students across Primary, Middle, and Secondary phases were formally invested into leadership roles, strengthening student voice and participation throughout the school.

Through the [Student Leadership Programme], learners developed confidence, responsibility, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of service-based leadership.

Our monthly [Leadership Gemstone Themes], inspired by the vision of Mr Sunny Varkey and supported across GEMS Education, encouraged students to explore leadership through empathy, resilience, collaboration, and integrity.

Excellence in leadership was further recognised through the [GEMS Awards and Blue Ribbon Awards], celebrating outstanding contributions by both students and staff.

Inclusion and Belonging

Inclusion remains one of the defining pillars of GLS. We believe every learner deserves to feel valued, respected, heard, and empowered.

Throughout the year, our commitment to belonging came alive through meaningful initiatives such as the [Best Buddies Club Ramadan Celebration] with students from Merint Determination Centre and collaborative projects with [Team Angel Wolf].

These experiences demonstrated the power of friendship, empathy, and shared experiences in creating inclusive communities.

The annual [Walk for Inclusivity] brought students, families, and community partners together in support of belonging and acceptance. Additional fundraising initiatives supported Team Angel Wolf and Dubai Cares, reinforcing the values of compassion and service.

Global Outreach and Community Impact

GLS students extended their learning beyond the classroom through meaningful outreach projects that positively impacted communities both locally and internationally.

Through the [Angel Xpress Foundation Mentorship Programme], students supported underprivileged learners in India, helping build confidence and learning opportunities for younger students.

Another student-led initiative supported girls' education through the [Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Campaign], demonstrating how young people can become powerful advocates for educational equity and social change.

Innovation and Technology

Innovation continues to be a defining strength of GLS. Our focus extends beyond technology use to empowering students to create, innovate, and solve authentic real-world challenges.

This year, all teaching and support staff successfully achieved certification as [Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts], reaffirming GLS's commitment to future-ready learning.

Students excelled in global technology competitions and innovation challenges, including participation in the [FIRST LEGO League Finals], success at [Mubarmij Al Emarat], and project development through [Trusity Innovation Programmes].

Additional achievements included participation in the [GirlsDoCode Competition] and the [GEMS Global Innovation Challenge], where students showcased solutions focused on sustainability, renewable energy, recycling, and water conservation.

Our commitment to responsible innovation was further demonstrated through the [Digital Inclusion Initiative], where GLS donated 823 devices in collaboration with The Digital School, promoting both digital equity and environmental sustainability.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Sustainability remains deeply embedded within the GLS learning experience.

This year, the school received an impressive 35 [Sustainability Awards], recognising achievements across leadership, educator, student, and school categories.

Through initiatives such as [Eco Quest], students engaged with environmental challenges through hands-on investigations, technology-driven models, and practical solutions.

Younger learners explored sustainable practices through science exhibitions and composting projects, while older students participated in [Ecosphere Dialogues], climate change debates, and the [Future of Water Workshop].

These experiences encouraged students to become environmentally conscious global citizens committed to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Sports and Physical Development

Sport continues to play a vital role in developing resilience, teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.

This year, our students achieved significant success across multiple sporting competitions. Highlights included victories in the [GEMS Legacy Cup], strong performances in the [CBSE Cluster Football Championship], and championship success in Indoor Cricket competitions.

Our youngest learners benefited from the [Brilliant Balance Cycling Programme], which focused on developing confidence, coordination, and physical literacy.

Initiatives such as [Healthscapes], fitness experiences at [Bounce X], and our annual [Sports Day Celebrations] reinforced the importance of health, movement, and wellbeing.

We also proudly celebrate the achievements of our student record holders through the [International Book of Records Achievements], showcasing excellence in memory skills, problem-solving, and perseverance.

Reading, Language and Student Enrichment

Reading, language development, and creative expression remain central to the intellectual life of GLS.

Students participated enthusiastically in the [Arabic Reading Challenge], inspiring a lifelong love of reading while strengthening language skills.

Educational visits enriched students' understanding of Islamic history, culture, science, and the arts, creating meaningful connections between classroom learning and the wider world.

A wide range of [Student Enrichment Activities], including quizzes, spell bees, talent hunts, and inter-house competitions, encouraged creativity, confidence, collaboration, and communication.

Family Partnership

One of the greatest strengths of GLS is the strong partnership between school and home.

Throughout the year, the [Family First Initiatives] brought families together through events such as the Family First Carnival, Grandparents Day, World Family Day celebrations, Multilingualism Day, Rhythm and Tale, and parent-led learning experiences.

These opportunities strengthened relationships, celebrated diversity, and reinforced the shared responsibility of supporting every child's growth and success.

The celebration of students' first 100 days at school further highlighted the importance of family involvement in learning journeys from the earliest years.

Wellbeing and Safeguarding

Student wellbeing remains at the heart of everything we do.

Through a range of programmes focused on emotional wellbeing, physical health, creativity, and personal safety, GLS continues to create a nurturing environment where students can flourish.

Activities such as [Wellbeing and Music Initiatives], including Zumba sessions and the annual GLS Music Festival, promoted positive mental health and community connection.

Students also participated in [Dubai Police Awareness Programmes], covering important topics such as cyberbullying, online safety, substance abuse awareness, and responsible decision-making.

These initiatives reinforce our commitment to ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and empowered.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on this remarkable year, we do so with gratitude and optimism.

We thank our students for their curiosity and courage, our teachers for their dedication and expertise, our parents for their trust and partnership, and our leadership and support teams for their unwavering commitment to excellence.

The achievements celebrated throughout this report are not the culmination of our journey; they are the foundation upon which we continue to build.

Together, we look forward to shaping the next chapter of the GLS story with confidence, ambition, purpose, and pride.