Repton Al Barsha school is celebrating a proud moment as sixth form student Ismail Al Rantisi has been recognised as the only UAE winner of the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) Ed Goodwin Award for Exceptional Service. The prestigious annual award honours students who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to service, leadership and social impact.
From his very first weeks at Repton Al Barsha, Ismail has shown a deep commitment to giving back to the community. His notable initiatives include:
- Organising gifts for the school’s support staff to show appreciation for their hard work.
- Leading Festival of Lights celebrations, fostering inclusivity and cultural awareness.
- Spearheading fundraising efforts for the Sparkle Foundation in Malawi, supporting children’s education and healthcare.
His acts of kindness and generosity during Ramadan reflect the true essence of the Holy Month, inspiring his peers to embrace charity, compassion and selflessness.
Janice Williams, Head of Sixth Form at Repton Al Barsha, praised Ismail’s achievement, saying "Ismail’s dedication to service and leadership is truly inspiring. His selfless contributions to both our school and the wider community reflect the core values we seek to instil in our students. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his compassion and drive to make a meaningful difference."
The BSME Ed Goodwin Award for Exceptional Service, named after education visionary Ed Goodwin, encourages students to develop a lifelong commitment to service and leadership. Ismail’s achievement serves as a powerful example for students across the UAE, reinforcing the values of kindness, community engagement, and giving back, particularly during Ramadan.