On December 15, 2025, the Public Foundation “The Ulytau Educational Foundation” announced the launch of the “Best School Principal of the Year – 2026” competition among principals of public schools participating in the Center for Pedagogical Transformation “Ustaz Ulytau” project.
The competition serves as a professional platform for developing managerial leadership and improving the quality of education in the regions.
“This competition, held for the second consecutive year, sets a high standard of professionalism in schools of the Ulytau, Karaganda, and Zhambyl regions. In the future, we aim to expand its scope and strengthen its status in the educational community,” noted Raisa Yeshimova, a member of the jury. “This year, we expect projects that demonstrate real innovation, technological solutions, and the creative potential of schools.”
The competition is held online and consists of two stages.
At the first stage, participants submit a portfolio showcasing school performance over the past three years and a video “Leader in Focus”, presenting the principal’s management philosophy and real transformation cases.
Finalists will present and defend an innovative management project in a Zoom presentation format.
Applications are accepted in Kazakh and Russian at: bestprincipal2026@uef.kz
The competition offers an opportunity to demonstrate leadership qualities, managerial excellence, and a vision for the development of modern schools in the Ulytau, Karaganda, and Zhambyl regions.
The competition serves as a professional platform for developing managerial leadership and improving the quality of education in the regions.
“This competition, held for the second consecutive year, sets a high standard of professionalism in schools of the Ulytau, Karaganda, and Zhambyl regions. In the future, we aim to expand its scope and strengthen its status in the educational community,” noted Raisa Yeshimova, a member of the jury. “This year, we expect projects that demonstrate real innovation, technological solutions, and the creative potential of schools.”
The competition is held online and consists of two stages.
At the first stage, participants submit a portfolio showcasing school performance over the past three years and a video “Leader in Focus”, presenting the principal’s management philosophy and real transformation cases.
Finalists will present and defend an innovative management project in a Zoom presentation format.
Applications are accepted in Kazakh and Russian at: bestprincipal2026@uef.kz
The competition offers an opportunity to demonstrate leadership qualities, managerial excellence, and a vision for the development of modern schools in the Ulytau, Karaganda, and Zhambyl regions.