The Secret Behind Happy Students? A school that truly sees them.
How School Culture Shapes Confident, Capable and Happy Students at NAS Dubai
More Than Academics: The NAS Dubai Experience
Walk through our school on any given day and you’ll feel it - an atmosphere charged with energy, connection, and confidence. At NAS Dubai, success isn’t just measured by test scores. It’s seen in how students carry themselves, how they engage with learning, and how supported they feel by the community around them.
What makes the difference? A school culture that truly sees and supports every child.
Culture Begins with Leadership
Exceptional teaching is foundational, but what amplifies its impact is leadership. Not the kind you see only in meetings, but the kind that’s embedded in everyday interactions, decision-making, and school-wide vision.
Leadership is the thread that connects our values to our actions. And as highlighted in Nord Anglia Education’s latest research initiative, it plays a crucial role in shaping environments where students flourish.
Explore the global research: Why Having a Great School Culture Matters
Research That Reflects What We Live Every Day
In partnership with Dr Flossie Chua from Project Zero at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, Nord Anglia’s new study, Leaders as Architects of Culture, sheds light on how purposeful leadership builds thriving school environments.
At NAS Dubai, this means:
- Prioritising trust, relationships, and emotional safety
- Inspiring curiosity through space, structure, and support
- Empowering teachers to build meaningful connections
- Using shared language and values to strengthen identity and purpose
“It’s hard to put into words, but there’s just a feeling here. The leadership doesn’t just talk about wellbeing and ambition, they show it.” NAS Dubai Parent
Why This Matters for Every Family
What does school culture mean for your child? Everything. It affects how they feel walking into class. Whether they take risks or hold back. Whether they feel safe enough to ask questions, make mistakes, and discover who they are.
At NAS Dubai, students are:
- Seen and supported for who they are
- Given tools to think deeply and act confidently
- Surrounded by adults who believe in them
- Part of a culture that celebrates both progress and potential
“It’s not just about grades here. My teachers actually care about who I am and where I want to go.” NAS Dubai Student, Year 11
Global Research, Local Impact
The insights from Nord Anglia’s research are already shaping our professional development, classroom environments, and staff-student interactions. And it’s only the beginning—the full publication, due in 2026, will capture stories and strategies from over 85 schools across the globe.
“What stands out to me is how intentional everything is. Leadership here doesn’t feel top-down. It feels like a shared mission.” NAS Dubai Teacher
A Culture That Evolves with Our Students
At NAS Dubai, we’re part of a wider network committed to continuous improvement - from our work on metacognition with Boston College, to early years innovation through Flag Time, and the DELTA Project focused on creativity and critical thinking.
We’re proud to be a school that doesn’t stand still. Because neither do our students.
