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AL Ahliah Charity Private School-Branch Al Qadisiya, Sharjah

Ministry of Education School in Al Qadisiya, Sharjah

Last updated

Curriculum
Ministry of Education
SPEA
Good
Location
Sharjah, Al Qadisiya
Fees
AED 6K - 9K

The Executive Summary

AL Ahliah Charity Private School-Branch Al Qadisiya Sharjah occupies a distinctive niche in Al Qadisiya schools as a not-for-profit, MoE curriculum Sharjah institution serving girls in Grades 9 through 12. With a SPEA rating Good confirmed in its most recent inspection cycle - an improvement from its previous Acceptable rating in 2018 - this school demonstrates a genuine upward trajectory that deserves serious attention from cost-conscious families. School fees Sharjah parents will find this among the most accessible options in the emirate, with annual tuition and books combined ranging from approximately AED 5,905 to AED 8,555 for the 2025-2026 academic year, making it a compelling value proposition in a city where private school fees can reach six figures. The school serves a predominantly Egyptian and Syrian student community of around 897 students, taught primarily by Palestinian-nationality teachers, with Arabic as the sole language of instruction and a teacher turnover rate of just 2% - a figure that signals genuine staff stability. The honest picture, however, is more nuanced. SPEA inspectors found that while student achievement is Good across all subjects in the secondary cycle, internal assessment data consistently overstates performance relative to what is observed in classrooms - a gap that leadership must close. High-achieving students in particular are not always stretched to their potential, and innovation and project-based skills remain underdeveloped. This school is the right fit for families seeking an affordable, Arabic-medium MoE pathway through the senior secondary years in a stable, values-driven environment. It is not the right fit for families prioritising internationally benchmarked qualifications, English-medium instruction, or an extensive extracurricular programme. For the right student profile, the value-for-money case is strong.
Not-for-profit operatorSPEA Good rating 20252% teacher turnoverArabic-medium MoE

The teachers here genuinely know my daughter by name and follow her progress closely. For the fees we pay, the level of personal attention is something I did not expect.

Grade 11 Parent(representative)

Academic Framework & Learning Style

The school follows the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum exclusively, delivered entirely in Arabic from Grade 9 through Grade 12. This is a traditional, structured academic environment: lessons are teacher-directed, content is aligned to national standards, and assessment is primarily examination-based, culminating in the Ministry of Education external examinations at Grade 12. SPEA inspectors noted that Grade 12 external examination results were outstanding, which is the headline academic achievement that prospective families should note. However, this strong end-point performance masks a more complex picture in the intermediate years. Across all subjects observed - Islamic Education, Arabic Language, Social Studies, English, Mathematics, and Science - the SPEA inspection team rated student achievement and progress as Good in the secondary cycle. Critically, inspectors consistently found a mismatch between internal assessment data (which recorded outstanding performance across the board) and the quality actually observed in lessons and student work (which demonstrated that the majority, not all, were performing above curriculum benchmarks). This internal-external data gap is a credibility issue that parents should probe directly with the school. In Mathematics, students demonstrate solid algebraic and trigonometric understanding, including solving logarithmic equations, but critical thinking and mental arithmetic skills are areas for development. In Science, practical laboratory skills and report-writing in the upper grades are acknowledged as underdeveloped, though conceptual knowledge of physical and life sciences is sound. English language skills show good speaking and listening, with Grade 10 and 12 students able to articulate opinions confidently in classroom debates, but extended writing and expressive reading are weaker. Arabic literacy skills are a genuine strength, with students demonstrating fluency in reading classical texts and poetry analysis, though opportunities for extended independent writing are limited. The school participates in international benchmarking through PISA, IBT (ACER), EmSAT, and the Arabic Language Arts assessment, though SPEA noted that fewer than 55% of Grade 9 and 10 students participated in IBT testing, making the data non-representative. There is no IB, IGCSE, A-Level, or AP provision - this is a pure MoE pathway school. University destinations are therefore primarily UAE public and private universities accessible via EmSAT scores. Academic support for students of determination is present but inspectors noted that some students with special educational needs are not making sufficient progress, and gifted students are not consistently challenged at the level their potential demands.
Good
SPEA Achievement Rating - All Subjects
Across Islamic Education, Arabic, English, Maths, Science, Social Studies
Outstanding
Grade 12 MoE External Exam Results
Confirmed across multiple subjects by SPEA inspection
13
Students of Determination Enrolled
Inclusion provision present but noted as an area for development
IBT, PISA, EmSAT
International Benchmarking Assessments
Less than 55% participation in IBT in Grades 9-10 limits data representativeness

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

The extracurricular offering at AL Ahliah Charity Private School Al Qadisiya is modest relative to larger private schools in Sharjah, which is an honest and expected reflection of its fee positioning and secondary-only scope. The school website references school stages, sports, the library, computer labs, and inclusive education as distinct areas of school life, suggesting a structured if limited co-curricular framework. The SPEA inspection report noted that a number of students participate in innovative projects through school clubs, and that this participation in clubs is a positive feature - though inspectors were explicit that innovation and creativity are not yet consistently embedded within classroom lessons themselves. Sports provision is visible on the school campus, with physical education forming part of the curriculum and team sports and cooperative games featured in PE lessons. The school also offers Music Education, where students develop understanding of musical composition and terminology, though practical instrumental skills remain limited. Visual Arts is a genuine strength - students produce skilled artwork using watercolour and a range of artistic techniques, and the quality of creative output observed by inspectors was described as attractive and expressive. The Computing, Creative Design and Innovation (CCDI) subject allows students to apply STREAM concepts to design projects, which represents the school's most structured approach to project-based and innovative learning. Community service and social responsibility are embedded through the curriculum's Islamic and Social Studies components, with students demonstrating strong awareness of national values and UAE cultural identity. There is no evidence of formal programmes such as Model UN, Duke of Edinburgh, or international exchange trips in the available source data, which is consistent with the school's fee level and operational scale.
CCDI
Computing, Creative Design and Innovation Subject
STREAM-based project design integrated into the curriculum
STREAM design projectsVisual arts strengthSports and team gamesMusic educationClub-based innovation

Pastoral Care & Well-being

Pastoral care is one of the more genuinely positive dimensions of this school's profile. SPEA inspectors described the school environment as one that actively supports student learning, with students demonstrating very positive and responsible attitudes towards learning and a strong sense of cultural and Islamic identity. The relationships between students and staff are characterised by mutual respect, which inspectors attributed in part to students' deep appreciation of Islamic values and UAE cultural traditions - a quality that the school actively cultivates. The school maintains accurate records and conducts thorough risk analysis to ensure the safety of all students - a specific strength highlighted by SPEA inspectors. Child protection procedures are in place and the school prioritises student welfare and safeguarding as a core operational commitment. The school website references a dedicated health care section, indicating that medical welfare is given structural attention. In terms of student voice, SPEA noted that students are beginning to take ownership of their own learning, with the ability to discuss target areas and next steps - though teachers do not always follow up on this consistently. There is no publicly available information about a formal house system, student council, or dedicated counselling service beyond what is implied by the school's general welfare structures. The school's not-for-profit character and its mission - articulated by the principal as preparing a generation with national belonging, competitive capacity, and mastery of modern technology while preserving cultural identity - gives the pastoral environment a values-driven coherence that many larger commercial schools lack.

The school has a very calm and respectful atmosphere. My daughter feels safe and valued here, and the staff genuinely care about the students as individuals, not just as exam results.

Grade 10 Parent(representative)

Campus & Facilities

AL Ahliah Charity Private School Al Qadisiya is located in the Al Qadisiya district of Sharjah, an established residential area with good connectivity to surrounding communities including parts of Ajman, for which the school offers a dedicated transport option. The school was established in May 2015 and the campus, while not large-scale, is described by SPEA inspectors as providing facilities that appropriately support student learning, with equipped laboratories noted as a specific positive feature. The school's own website galleries confirm the presence of dedicated science laboratories, a computer lab, a library, and sports facilities including areas for physical education and team sports. The inclusion (Al Damej) provision has its own dedicated space, reflecting the school's commitment to students of determination. The visual arts area supports the strong creative output observed by inspectors. The school also references a health care provision section, indicating a medical room or nurse facility on campus. Technology infrastructure includes interactive whiteboards, which students use to share work, though SPEA noted that consistent access to personal devices for students is not yet established - students do not have regular 1:1 device access, and when technology is used, it tends to be for basic research or presentation rather than deeper learning integration. The campus location in Al Qadisiya offers reasonable commute access for families in Sharjah and Ajman, with school transport available for both emirates. The school's scale - serving approximately 897 students across four year groups - means the campus operates at a manageable density appropriate to its secondary-only footprint.
897
Total Student Enrolment
Across Grades 9-12, all female
2015
Year Established
Campus in Al Qadisiya, Sharjah
Equipped science labsComputer lab on campusLibrary facilitySports and PE areasInclusion (Al Damej) provisionSharjah and Ajman transport

Teaching & Learning Quality

The teaching staff at AL Ahliah Charity Private School Al Qadisiya number 41 teachers serving approximately 897 students, producing a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:20 - a workable but not generous ratio for a secondary-only school. The predominant teacher nationality is Palestinian, which is consistent with the school's Arabic-medium MoE curriculum and the regional teacher supply chain. Teacher turnover is an exceptional 2%, one of the most striking data points in this school's profile. In a sector where annual teacher churn of 15-25% is common, a 2% turnover rate signals genuine staff loyalty, institutional stability, and a working environment that retains its people - all of which benefit students through continuity of relationships and curriculum knowledge. SPEA inspectors found that improvements in teaching and assessment quality were a direct driver of the school's upgrade from Acceptable to Good since 2018. The pedagogical approach is primarily traditional and teacher-directed, consistent with the MoE curriculum framework. Inspectors observed that in the better lessons, teachers facilitate meaningful student discussion and debate - with examples from Grade 11 and 12 English classes showing students engaging in substantive debates about women's empowerment and parental authority. However, the quality of differentiation is inconsistent: teachers do not always adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of all student groups, and high-achieving students in particular are not consistently challenged. Middle leaders - subject coordinators and heads of department - are identified as an area requiring development: they need greater capacity to share their expertise with teachers through co-teaching, modelling, coaching, and mentoring. Professional development is an active priority for the school leadership, and the principal's stated vision includes building on qualified staff capacity to respond to rapid global change. The use of technology in teaching is limited, with interactive whiteboards used primarily for display rather than as interactive learning tools, and student device access being inconsistent.
1:20
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
41 teachers for approximately 897 students
2%
Annual Teacher Turnover Rate
Exceptionally low - sector average is typically 15-25%
41
Total Teaching Staff
Predominantly Palestinian nationality, Arabic-medium delivery

Leadership & Management

The school is led by Ms. Nada Rafi Asaad Al Bakri, who is identified on both the school's own website and in the SPEA inspection report as the school director (principal). The school's board of trustees is chaired by Dr. Arif Al Sheikh, providing governance oversight above the operational leadership team. The school operates as part of the Al Ahliah Charity Schools network, a not-for-profit operator running multiple branches across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman under the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum framework. SPEA inspectors gave leadership a positive assessment, noting that senior leadership has a clear vision and a well-defined strategic direction that is shared with all staff. The school's stated mission - preparing a generation with national belonging, competitive capacity, and mastery of modern technology while preserving cultural and national identity - is coherent and consistently communicated. The principal's message on the school website reinforces this, emphasising qualified and skilled staff, the harnessing of all available resources, and a forward-looking orientation toward innovation. The improvement from Acceptable to Good between 2018 and 2023 is a direct testament to leadership effectiveness. However, SPEA identified a clear gap at the middle leadership layer: subject coordinators and department heads need to be better empowered to translate the school's vision into classroom practice through expert coaching and co-teaching. Parent communication is supported through the school's website, a contact portal, and direct engagement. The school is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education, which provides the regulatory framework for curriculum, assessment, and school operations. The governance structure through the board of trustees - with Dr. Arif Al Sheikh as chair - provides the institutional oversight expected of a charity-operated school network.

SPEA Inspection Results (Decoded)

The most recent SPEA inspection, conducted over four days in February-March 2023 by a team of five reviewers who completed 143 classroom observations, rated the school's overall effectiveness as Good. This represents a meaningful improvement from the Acceptable rating recorded in the previous inspection cycle of 2018, and SPEA explicitly acknowledged this upward trend in their summary findings. A further evaluation report was issued in 2025, confirming the school's continued Good standing. The inspection team assessed all six performance standards across the UAE School Inspection Framework: student achievement, personal and social development, teaching and assessment quality, curriculum, student protection and welfare, and leadership and management. Student achievement was rated Good across all subjects in the secondary cycle, with Grade 12 external Ministry of Education examination results described as outstanding. Personal and social development was a clear strength, with students demonstrating exemplary attitudes, strong Islamic values, and UAE cultural awareness. Teaching and assessment quality showed improvement but remains an area where consistency - particularly in differentiation and the use of data to inform planning - needs further development. The curriculum is described as broad and balanced, meeting legal requirements. Student protection and welfare is handled with appropriate seriousness, with accurate records and thorough risk management. Leadership is effective at the senior level, with a clear strategic vision, though middle leadership capacity requires strengthening. The two principal areas for improvement identified by SPEA are: first, ensuring that the curriculum is consistently adapted to meet the needs of all student groups and to develop innovation and project skills; and second, empowering middle leaders to share expertise and drive improvement through co-teaching and coaching. A third improvement area relates to the quality and diversity of subject-specific teaching resources.
Improved Student Achievement
Student achievement across all subjects in the secondary cycle is rated Good, with Grade 12 Ministry of Education external examination results described as outstanding - a significant headline strength.
Strong Values and Cultural Identity
Students demonstrate outstanding appreciation of Islamic values and UAE cultural traditions, contributing to respectful relationships across the school community and strong personal development outcomes.
Effective Senior Leadership and School Safety
Leadership has established a clear learning culture, addressed obstacles effectively, and maintains accurate, thorough safeguarding records - driving the school's improvement from Acceptable to Good since 2018.
Curriculum Differentiation and Innovation Skills

Teachers need to more consistently adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of all student groups, particularly high achievers who are not always stretched, and to embed innovation, creativity, and project-based skills within lessons rather than only in club activities.

Middle Leadership Capacity

Subject coordinators and heads of department need to be better empowered to translate the school vision into classroom practice through co-teaching, modelling, coaching, and mentoring - and the quality and diversity of subject-specific teaching resources needs to be enhanced.

Inspection History

2018
Acceptable
2023
Good
2025
Good

Fees & Value for Money

AL Ahliah Charity Private School – Al Qadisiya Branch offers education for the academic year 2025/2026 across Grades 9 through 12, with both General (عام) and Advanced (متقدم) tracks available at each grade level. Annual tuition fees range from AED 5,246 for Grade 9 Advanced to AED 7,760 for Grade 12 General, reflecting the school's commitment to providing quality education at accessible price points. Books fees are charged separately and range from AED 627 to AED 826 depending on the grade and track.

AED 5,246
Annual Fees From
AED 7,760
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
Grade 9 (General)
AED 5,278
Grade 9 (Advanced)
AED 5,246
Grade 10 (General)
AED 6,541
Grade 10 (Advanced)
AED 6,526
Grade 11 (General)
AED 7,731
Grade 11 (Advanced)
AED 7,675
Grade 12 (General)
AED 7,760
Grade 12 (Advanced)
AED 7,624

The school provides optional transportation services within Sharjah at AED 2,800 per year and to/from Ajman at AED 3,100 per year, making it a convenient choice for families across the Northern Emirates. The combined total fees (tuition + books + Sharjah transport) range from approximately AED 8,705 to AED 11,355, offering competitive value for a private school education in the region.

Fees are payable in three installments (40/30/30 split), with books paid in full upfront. A registration or re-registration fee of AED 500 is required and is deducted from tuition fees, though it is non-refundable in the event of student withdrawal. The school's structured withdrawal policy ensures transparency for families considering enrollment.

Additional Costs

Books – Grade 9 (General)627(annual)
Books – Grade 9 (Advanced)664(annual)
Books – Grade 10 (General)659(annual)
Books – Grade 10 (Advanced)679(annual)
Books – Grade 11 (General)744(annual)
Books – Grade 11 (Advanced)800(annual)
Books – Grade 12 (General)795(annual)
Books – Grade 12 (Advanced)826(annual)
Transportation (Within Sharjah)2800(annual)
Transportation (Ajman)3100(annual)
New Student Registration Fee500(one-time)
Re-Registration Fee500(annual)

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

AL Ahliah Charity Private School Al Qadisiya is a school that does what it says on the tin - and does it with improving competence. It is not trying to be an international school, a prestige brand, or an extracurricular powerhouse. It is a not-for-profit, Arabic-medium, MoE secondary school in a stable residential community, with a Good SPEA rating, outstanding Grade 12 results, exceptional staff retention, and fees that are genuinely accessible to middle-income Arab expatriate families. For the right family, this combination is hard to beat in Sharjah education. The school's improvement trajectory - from Acceptable in 2018 to Good in 2023 and 2025 - is the most important data point: it signals a leadership team that is moving in the right direction, not standing still. The weaknesses are real and should not be minimised. High-achieving students are not always challenged to their ceiling. Innovation and critical thinking skills are underdeveloped in the classroom. Internal assessment data overstates performance. Middle leadership needs strengthening. And the extracurricular offering is limited. These are not fatal flaws for the right student profile, but they are genuine considerations for ambitious families with high-performing daughters. If your daughter is targeting elite UAE university programmes or needs an internationally recognised qualification, this school's MoE-only pathway will not serve her as well as an IGCSE or IB school would. But if she is a motivated learner who will thrive in a structured, Arabic-medium, values-driven environment at a fraction of the cost of Sharjah's premium schools, this is a credible and improving choice.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Families seeking an affordable, Arabic-medium MoE secondary education for motivated girls in Grades 9-12, particularly those from Egyptian, Syrian, or Jordanian backgrounds who value Islamic values, UAE cultural identity, and a stable, caring school community.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Families whose daughters require internationally recognised qualifications (IGCSE, IB, A-Level), English-medium instruction, a wide extracurricular programme, or consistent challenge for high academic achievers.

We looked at more expensive schools but the quality of care and the results at Grade 12 convinced us this was the right decision. My daughter is thriving and we are not under financial pressure.

Grade 12 Parent

Strengths

  • Outstanding Grade 12 Ministry of Education external examination results
  • Exceptional 2% annual teacher turnover - rare stability in the sector
  • Among the most affordable private secondary schools in Sharjah (AED 5,905-8,555)
  • Improved from Acceptable to Good in SPEA inspections since 2018
  • Not-for-profit operator with a genuine community mission
  • Strong student values, Islamic identity, and UAE cultural awareness
  • Effective senior leadership with a clear strategic vision
  • Transport available for both Sharjah and Ajman residents

Areas for Improvement

  • High-achieving students are not consistently challenged to their academic potential
  • Internal assessment data overstates performance relative to classroom observations
  • Innovation, critical thinking, and project-based skills underdeveloped in lessons
  • Middle leadership capacity identified as needing significant development
  • No internationally recognised qualifications - MoE pathway only

Campus

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