Unlocking the Hidden Curriculum

November 23-24, 2024
Deira International School, Dubai, UAE

UNLOCKING THE HIDDEN CURRICULUM:

What really matters in Schools

The inaugural World Schools Summit brought together education leaders, academia, NGOs, and the public and private sectors, including leading EdTech companies, to explore how the Hidden Curriculum can transform teaching and learning.

Beyond academic results, the Summit focused on the unspoken values that define school culture, from nurturing work ethic and critical thinking in pupils to creating environments where teachers are supported and empowered to thrive.

Across two days, attendees heard from leaders of the World’s Best Schools and influential voices in global education, including recipients of the World Education Medals. The programme featured interactive panels, workshops, and opportunities to connect with schools certified as a Best School to Work.

Developed in close collaboration with our Leadership Council and global partners, the Summit was built by and for the education community.

Collage from the World Schools Summit showing speakers at a panel, an individual at a podium, attendees in conversation, and a close-up of a participant.

UNLOCKING THE HIDDEN CURRICULUM:

What really matters in Schools

The inaugural World Schools Summit brought together education leaders, academia, NGOs, and the public and private sectors, including leading EdTech companies, to explore how the Hidden Curriculum can transform teaching and learning.

Beyond academic results, the Summit focused on the unspoken values that define school culture, from nurturing work ethic and critical thinking in pupils to creating environments where teachers are supported and empowered to thrive.

Across two days, attendees heard from leaders of the World’s Best Schools and influential voices in global education, including recipients of the World Education Medals. The programme featured interactive panels, workshops, and opportunities to connect with schools certified as a Best School to Work.

Developed in close collaboration with our Leadership Council and global partners, the Summit was built by and for the education community.

2024:

Summit highlights

Global reach:

The summit attracted over 3,000 applications, with more than 1,500 delegates approved to attend.

Leading for a better world

Over 55% of delegates were school and system leaders, representing more than 80 countries.

International exhibitor presence:

14 exhibitors from 7 countries represented sectors including executive recruitment, educational resources, career tech, wellness, and more. 

World-class programming:

70+ speakers led 40+ hours of ideas and practical learning — from plenaries and panel debates to masterclasses and Meet the Mentor sessions. 

Relive the Highlights:

World Schools Summit programme 2024

Our programme offered a variety of engaging and interactive sessions designed to deliver valuable insights, spark meaningful discussions, inspire practical action, and strengthen networking opportunities. Each session was carefully crafted to provide unique experiences that encouraged active participation, turning learning into shared experience, and insights into action.

Day 1

Day 2

Audience members attentively listening and smiling during a session at the World Schools Summit.

Two speakers engaging in a one-on-one conversation on stage at the World Schools Summit, with an audience observing.

Audience members clapping and smiling during a session at the World Schools Summit, showing appreciation for the discussion.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION:

Bold global conversions with leading lights in education

A dynamic global gathering featuring bold ideas from leading voices in education, including Andreas Schleicher (Director for Education and Skills, OECD), Olli-Pekka Heinonen (Director General, International Baccalaureate Organisation), H.E. Aisha Abdulla Miran (Director General, Knowledge and Human Development Authority – KHDA), and Omar Al-Futtaim (Vice Chairman & CEO, Al-Futtaim Group), among others.

Together, they shared visionary thinking and bold ideas to shape what comes next for education, not just in policy, but in practice.

A panelist speaking into a microphone during a World Schools Summit session, with another panelist listening attentively.

A keynote speaker delivering an address at the podium during the World Schools Summit, with a red curtain backdrop and audience in view.

A smiling speaker holding a microphone during a panel discussion at the World Schools Summit, with event branding in the background.

In Their Own Words:

Hear from our World Schools Summit 2024 delegates

“When education wins, we all win. This is my favorite quote from the World School Summit. In particular, I learned so much from Andreas Schleicher who is widely regarded as one of the most impactful and influential people in education policy for initiating and expanding the PISA study”

Asheesh Advani

CEO,
JA Worldwide, USA

“I was in such great company, not only at the multiple presentations and panels, but also just around the place sharing ideas over a coffee. Education is a sector, like healthcare, where sharing ideas, resources and solutions should be a norm”

Mark Leppard MBE

Headmaster,
The British School AI Khubairat, UAE

“What stood out was the genuine interest to design not just another ‘conference’, but a gathering of minds that were passionate about education and building a community”

Kiran Bir Sethi

Founder,
Riverside School, India

Strategic Collaborators:

Our partners

The 2024 World Schools Summit demonstrated what is possible through strategic collaboration. We thank our partners and contributors for advancing meaningful dialogue and driving the future of education forward.

REGISTER FOR 2025:

Be part of the next chapter

Be part of the next chapter by joining education leaders from around the world and help your school build a thriving culture for educators while gaining the recognition it deserves.

REGISTER FOR 2025