V.M. Public School - Pakistan

Founded in 1963 by the late Mohamed Aly Rangoonwala, V.M. Public School in Karachi, Pakistan, stands as a beacon of accessible, quality education. For over six decades, this English-medium, co-educational institution has served more than 10,000 graduates, many from under-served communities, thanks to the Rangoonwala Trust's commitment to affordable fees. Today, under Principal Mariam Mukhi's leadership, the school nurtures 401 students aged 3.5 to 16, supported by 49 dedicated teachers and 26 non-teaching staff.

What sets V.M. Public School apart in its bid for the Global Schools Prize 2026 is its profound commitment to teacher development as the engine of institutional excellence. The school has built a vibrant professional learning ecosystem that blends internal expertise with world-class global partnerships. Through its collaboration with the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), teachers receive research-backed training in early childhood learning, differentiated instruction, and formative assessment. International partnerships extend this reach: the Technical University of Berlin delivered anti-bullying interventions, while Finnish Global Education Solutions (FGES) brought Finnish best practices in early-years reading and classroom environment design directly to the staff.

The school's recent introduction of STEAM education marks a defining achievement. Two trained teachers cascaded their learning across the faculty, guiding students from primary level upward through research-based projects — many built from recycled materials, reflecting the school's environmental consciousness. Neurodiversity training, led in-house by a specialist teacher, ensures inclusive practice reaches every classroom. Crucially, all professional development is fully school-funded, guaranteeing equity of access regardless of a teacher's background, role, or experience.

V.M. Public School's academic track record is equally impressive: a consistent 100% success rate in Karachi Board Examinations. From 2027, the school will affiliate solely with the Aga Khan University Examination Board, prioritising conceptual understanding over rote learning. Teacher growth is tracked through a cyclical model of planning, implementation, reflection, and refinement, supported by micro-teaching sessions, classroom observations, and collaborative weekly meetings where educators co-plan, analyse student work, and share strategies.

The school's culture is built on trust, collaboration, and wellbeing. Teachers shape curriculum decisions, lead policy reviews, mentor peers, and run extra-curricular clubs ranging from archery and taekwondo to fine arts and futsal. Leadership pathways are intentional: emerging leaders receive mentorship, small responsibilities, and measurable goals. Staff wellbeing is protected through free medical insurance, provident fund benefits, flexible hours for those pursuing further qualifications, and a genuine open-door culture. The result: demonstrably higher retention rates and minimal mid-year turnover.

Should V.M. Public School win the Prize, funds would power three interconnected initiatives: modern science and learning labs with digital integration; sustainability projects, including a school garden and community awareness campaigns; and expanded professional development in digital literacy, differentiated instruction, and leadership. With its proven model of equitable, evidence-based teacher development and measurable student outcomes, V.M. Public School offers a compelling blueprint for how legacy institutions can continuously reinvent themselves to prepare students and teachers for global challenges.