Polly Akhurst is the Co-founder and Co Executive Director of Amala, a not for profit organisation which uses the power of education to transform the lives of refugees, their communities and the world. Amala has developed the first high school diploma programme specifically designed for displaced youth, and offers non-formal education programmes in areas including Ethical Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship and Peace-building. Polly has also acted as a working group leader and contributor to the OECD’s Education 2030 project. Prior to Amala, Polly spent five years working for UWC International in the area of community engagement and outreach. Polly graduated from UWC Atlantic in 2006 and is a member of the UWC Atlantic Education Committee.
MEET THE TEAM
Our people
Polly Akhurst

NEWS
Stay informed

Improving the induction of new staff in international schools
With an average of just three years per contract, what are international schools doing to support new staff – those new to the location, and those who are local but new to the school? Read more

A strategic approach to wellbeing within an international school community
Marlborough College Malaysia won the strategic leadership award at the 2022 International School Awards for a whole-school positive psychology and wellbeing initiative for students and staff, involving a wellbeing researcher-in-residence and peer group mental health first-aiders for staff. Read more

Big ideas: forging partnerships to tackle climate change
Graeme Lawrie's role is to drive ACS's charitable mission to advance the education of its students and also the wider community, by working locally and internationally, sharing expertise and resources, as a valued partner to schools, businesses, and communities. Read more
GET IN TOUCH
Let's discuss your needs
We are dedicated and committed to supporting the broader international schools community by providing data, trends and intelligence. Since 1994, we have guided schools with their growth plans, informed investors on new school development, helped universities to engage with international schools, and advised education suppliers that are supporting the market.