DRAG

GEMS Awards

Do you know a student, parent, educator or school embodying the values-led education of GEMS, actively engaging and promoting the GEMS Values - Care, Excellence, Always Learning and One Team - and initiatives of Family First and Jewels of Kindness and Respect within school and community.

The GEMS Awards are your chance to honour someone or a school that has accomplished something outstanding, gone the extra mile or made a real difference, and highlight their successes.

The GEMS Awards bring together the GEMS family to celebrate the achievements of students, educators and parents who embody the GEMS values. The awards are designed to shine a light on our schools and wider GEMS family and recognise the many ways everyone contributes to the GEMS community.

You have until midnight on Friday 14 March, 2025 to submit your GEMS Awards nominee.

View the GEMS Award Categories and Nomination Guidelines

GEMS Awards – FAQS

  • What date do nominations close?
    Nominations for all award categories will close at midnight on Friday 14 March, 2025. Late nominations will not be accepted.
  • How can I nominate someone for a GEMS Awards?
    All award nominations are via the online nomination form above
  • Can I nominate a person in more than one category?
    No, a person can only be nominated in one category.
  • Can an educator be nominated for a GEMS Awards Teacher of the Year Award and The Mariamma Varkey Most Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award?
    No, an educator should only be nominated in one of these categories. Chose the award category most appropriate for the educator.
  • Does my nomination have to be approved before submitting?
    Yes, all nominations need to be approved by the principal before submitting.
  • What supporting documentation or evidence can I provide?
    Each nomination must be supported by a statement of no more than 500 words setting out why the recipient is worthy of the award and demonstrating how the award criteria are met. You can provide supporting documentation to support the nomination. Additional supporting materials may include newspaper articles, photos, testimonials etc. Please ensure all supporting documentation is uploaded as part of the nomination.
  • Do any of the awards have monetary prizes?
    As a prestigious award, the Mariamma Varkey Award for Most Inspirational Teacher has a monetary prize of USD 20,000. The GEMS Outstanding Parent School Initiative Award includes a prize in the form of 20% discounted fees, for one (1) child, for the 2025-2026 academic year.
    Other GEMS Awards winners will receive a certificate and trophy.
  • When will shortlisted nominees be known?
    Shortlisted nominees will be announced the week of 14 April via a virtual announcement event.
  • When will winners be announced?
    Award winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on Saturday 17 May, 2025 at the Atlantis. All shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend the gala event.