Families and staff pay tribute to Abu Dhabi vice principal following sudden passing.
Abu Dhabi’s Raha International School has announced the passing of its Vice Principal, Carol Pratt, describing her as an “exceptional educational leader” whose compassion and commitment left a lasting impact on generations of students, colleagues and families.
In a message shared with parents and members of the Raha Gardens community, the school said Pratt died in Canada on July 20, 2026.
The cause of her death has not been disclosed and remains unknown at this time.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our much-loved Vice Principal, Carol Pratt, tragically passed away in Canada on 20th July 2026,” the school said.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from students, colleagues, parents and members of the wider Raha community, with many remembering Pratt as a compassionate leader who had a lasting influence on those around her.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Pratt built an extensive career in education spanning several decades and multiple countries. Her international teaching journey included serving as Head of Science at a school in Pattaya, Thailand, followed by a three-year role in São Paulo, Brazil.
She moved to Abu Dhabi in 2022 and took on the role of Vice Principal at Raha International School after previously working in China and Cairo.
‘Touched countless lives’
Paying tribute to Pratt, the school described her as “an exceptional educational leader whose kindness, warmth and unwavering commitment touched the lives of countless students, colleagues and families.”
The statement added that she was “deeply respected and admired” by all those who had the opportunity to know and work alongside her.
The school said Pratt’s passion for education, generosity and genuine care for others made a lasting impact on the lives of many.
“As a community, we extend our deepest condolences to Carol’s family, friends and all those whose lives she touched,” the school said.
“We remember Carol with immense gratitude, honour the legacy she leaves behind, and keep her family and loved ones in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
Tributes pour in
Messages of condolence began appearing on social media soon after the announcement, with students, colleagues and members of the community sharing memories of Pratt and expressing their grief.
One person, posting under the account @aka_bourds, wrote:
“It is hard to express the loss of Carol. She was the administrative heartbeat of our school and a grounding presence for us all. I always admired how she held everything together with unmatched knowledge, yet always took the time to greet everyone by name with genuine kindness. Her gentle spirit left a lasting mark on my heart. Sending my deepest prayers to her family.”
An account believed to belong to Pratt’s daughter also shared an emotional tribute, saying:
“My mom absolutely loved the Raha community. She was such a dedicated leader. My brother, dad and I will miss her so much.”
The school said many members of the Raha Gardens community would be deeply saddened by Pratt’s loss, as they remembered her as “an extraordinary educator, colleague and friend.”
