AL Ahliah Charity Private School-Branch Samnan, Sharjah
Ministry of Education School in Samnan, Sharjah
Last updated
Curriculum
Ministry of Education
SPEA
Acceptable
Location
Sharjah, Samnan
Fees
AED 10K - 12K
The Executive Summary
AL Ahliah Charity Private School-Branch Samnan Sharjah is a secondary-only boys school operating under the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum Sharjah framework, serving Grades 9 through 12 in the Samnan area. Established in August 2022, it is one of the newer entries among Samnan schools, and its first-ever SPEA inspection - conducted in February 2025 - awarded an overall SPEA rating Acceptable. With school fees Sharjah parents will find genuinely affordable at AED 9,445 to AED 12,290 per year (books included), this is one of the most cost-accessible secondary options in the emirate. The school is operated by the Al Ahliah Charity Schools network, a not-for-profit entity with a clear social mandate to provide accessible Arabic-medium education to expatriate families across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman. For families where affordability is the primary driver and the MoE Arabic-medium curriculum aligns with their child's educational background, this school deserves serious consideration.
MoE Arabic-Medium CurriculumSPEA Acceptable 2025Fees from AED 9,445Grades 9-12 Boys OnlyNot-for-Profit Operator
“The fees are genuinely manageable and the teachers know the boys by name. It is not a prestigious address, but my son is progressing and that matters more to me.”
— Grade 10 Parent(representative)Academic Framework & Learning Style
The school follows the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum exclusively, with Arabic as the primary language of instruction across all subjects. This is a traditional, government-aligned framework covering Islamic Education, Arabic Language, Social Studies, English, Mathematics, and Sciences, with students tracked into general and advanced pathways from Grade 9 onward. The dual-track system - standard and advanced - is a meaningful structural strength: advanced-track students in mathematics, for example, demonstrate notably stronger algebraic and geometric competency than their general-track peers, and in English, students in both tracks at Grades 9 and 10 achieved results above the regional Middle East average on the International Benchmark Test (IBT), which is a creditable data point for a school in only its first inspection cycle.
Academic performance across the school is, however, uneven. Islamic Education and Arabic Language are clear relative strengths, with inspectors rating student progress in both subjects as Good - the strongest ratings in the school. Social Studies progress is similarly rated Good. In contrast, English, Mathematics, and Science attainment and progress are all rated Acceptable, meaning students are broadly meeting minimum curriculum expectations but not consistently exceeding them. A recurring concern in the SPEA inspection is the gap between the school's internal assessment data and observed classroom reality: internal records frequently claim Outstanding or Very Good performance in subjects where inspectors observed only curriculum-level attainment. This data reliability issue is a significant governance concern and one parents should probe directly during admissions visits. External benchmarking is conducted via the IBT and the Arabic Language Arts Test (Tala'), and the IBT results for Grades 9 and 10 in English and Mathematics are above regional averages - a genuine positive. Science practical skills, extended writing in Arabic and English, and independent problem-solving remain areas requiring targeted development. The school does not offer IGCSE, A-Level, IB, or any international qualifications - students complete the MoE national examination pathway, which shapes university destinations primarily toward UAE public universities and institutions accepting MoE credentials.
Above Regional Average
IBT Results - English & Math (Grades 9 & 10)
Middle East regional benchmark, external IBT 2024-2025
Good
Student Progress - Islamic Education & Arabic
SPEA inspection rating, February 2025
Acceptable
Attainment & Progress - English, Math & Science
SPEA inspection rating, February 2025
2
External Exam Frameworks Used
IBT and Arabic Language Arts Test (Tala')
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
Source data for extracurricular provision at this school is limited - the school's website pages covering student life returned 404 errors, and the SPEA inspection report focuses primarily on academic performance standards rather than cataloguing ECA offerings in detail. What can be confirmed from the school's homepage imagery and section headings is that the campus supports physical education and sports as a timetabled subject, and sports facilities appear to include outdoor play and exercise areas. The inspection report references morning assemblies and school routines, suggesting a structured daily programme.
Given that this is a secondary-only boys school (Grades 9-12) with 735 students and a lean staffing model of 47 teachers, the ECA offering is unlikely to match that of larger, more established private schools. The MoE curriculum framework does require schools to provide extracurricular enrichment, and the school's homepage references health care provision and a school uniform policy, indicating baseline operational structures are in place. Parents seeking a rich programme of competitive sports, performing arts, Model UN, or Duke of Edinburgh-style expeditions should treat this school with caution - the available evidence does not confirm such provision. The school's social responsibility mission, as articulated by Principal Al Mazmi, emphasises character formation and community values, which may translate into Islamic-oriented enrichment activities and community engagement rather than internationally recognised co-curricular programmes.
735
Total Students (Secondary Only)
Grades 9-12, all boys, SPEA data 2024-2025
Physical Education TimetabledMorning Assembly ProgrammeSports Facilities On-SiteCharacter Formation FocusMoE Enrichment Framework
Pastoral Care & Well-being
The SPEA inspection rated student personal and social development as Good - the strongest individual rating in the entire inspection, and a meaningful differentiator for a school that is otherwise performing at Acceptable level across most academic domains. Inspectors noted that students demonstrate clear understanding and awareness of Islamic values and UAE culture, which is consistent with the school's ethos and the MoE curriculum's emphasis on national identity and moral education. Students are described as conducting themselves appropriately, with a structured daily routine including morning assemblies contributing to a sense of order and community.
The school serves 4 students of determination (students with special educational needs), and the SPEA inspection flagged the identification and support of these students as an area requiring improvement - inspectors noted that provision for students of determination is not yet effective, and that gifted and talented students are not receiving sufficient challenge. There is no mention of a formal counselling service or dedicated mental health support in the available source data, which is a gap worth noting for parents of adolescent boys navigating the pressures of secondary school. The school's admissions policy requires parents to sign a written commitment to uphold school discipline standards, suggesting a clear behavioural framework is in place. The principal's message emphasises the school's role in building strong character alongside academic knowledge - a values-driven approach that will resonate with families seeking a structured, morally grounded environment for their sons.
“The school has a calm, disciplined atmosphere. The boys respect the teachers and there is a real sense of Islamic values being lived, not just taught.”
— Grade 11 Parent(representative)Campus & Facilities
AL Ahliah Charity Private School - Branch Samnan is located in the Samnan area of Sharjah, a residential district in the eastern part of the city. The school was established in August 2022, making it a relatively new campus - school number 435 in the SPEA registry. The campus is purpose-built for secondary education and the school's homepage imagery confirms the presence of science laboratory facilities, computer labs, standard classrooms, sports areas, and inclusion-support spaces. The school's own website sections reference health care provision, which suggests a medical room or nurse station is operational.
As a secondary-only school serving Grades 9-12, the campus does not need to accommodate the full range of facilities expected of a K-12 institution. The SPEA inspection noted that laboratory visits in science are infrequent - a finding that raises questions about how well the science lab infrastructure is being utilised in practice. The inspection also referenced that resources and facilities are managed adequately on a day-to-day basis, suggesting the physical environment is functional rather than exceptional. There is no publicly available data on campus size in square metres or acres, and no mention of a swimming pool, auditorium, theatre, or specialist arts studios in the available source material. Transport is available for students within Sharjah (AED 2,800 per year) and Ajman (AED 3,100 per year), which reflects the school's catchment across both emirates. The Samnan location is accessible from residential communities in eastern Sharjah and western Ajman, making it a practical choice for families in those areas.
2022
Year Campus Established
25 August 2022, SPEA registry school #435
AED 2,800
Annual Transport Fee (Sharjah)
AED 3,100 for Ajman routes
Science Labs On-SiteComputer Lab ConfirmedInclusion Support SpacesHealth Care ProvisionTransport: Sharjah & AjmanEstablished 2022
Teaching & Learning Quality
The SPEA inspection rated the quality of teaching and assessment as Acceptable overall, with inspectors identifying a clear ceiling on classroom effectiveness: teachers are delivering lessons that meet minimum expectations, but are not consistently using assessment information to plan lessons that challenge all learners or stretch higher-ability students. The teacher-to-student ratio is 1:16, which is a workable figure for secondary education, though with no teaching assistants recorded, teachers carry the full responsibility for differentiation and support within each classroom.
Teacher turnover stands at 15% - a figure that warrants attention. In a school with only 47 teachers, a 15% annual turnover means approximately 7 teachers leave each year, which can disrupt continuity of learning particularly in examination years (Grades 11 and 12). The inspection noted that while daily classroom management is generally adequate, the use of assessment data to inform lesson planning is limited, and opportunities for students to develop independent learning skills are not being fully exploited. The teaching methodology is traditional and teacher-led, aligned with the MoE curriculum's instructional approach, with limited evidence of inquiry-based or student-centred pedagogies. Professional development is referenced in the school's improvement planning, but the inspection suggests that translating professional development into improved classroom practice remains a work in progress. The school does not currently have teaching assistants, which is a notable gap given that even 4 identified students of determination require in-class support. Technology use - including computer labs - is referenced on the school's homepage, but the inspection does not highlight technology integration as a strength.
1:16
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
SPEA data 2024-2025; no teaching assistants recorded
15%
Annual Teacher Turnover Rate
Approximately 7 teachers per year from a staff of 47
47
Total Teaching Staff
0 teaching assistants; SPEA data 2024-2025
Leadership & Management
The school is led by Principal Mohammed Othman Ali Al Mazmi, whose message on the school's homepage articulates a values-driven vision centred on building strong, knowledgeable, and morally grounded young men. The school operates under the Al Ahliah Charity Schools network, a not-for-profit operator running multiple branches across Sharjah, Dubai, and Ajman under the UAE Ministry of Education framework. The board of trustees is chaired by Aref Al Sheikh, as confirmed in the SPEA inspection report.
The SPEA inspection's assessment of leadership and management is measured: daily school management is described as functioning well, with compliance with regulatory requirements maintained. However, inspectors identified strategic planning and accountability as insufficient for driving sustained improvement across all areas. Specifically, the accuracy and effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation process was flagged as a growth area - the school's internal data consistently overstates performance relative to what inspectors observed in classrooms, which suggests either an overly optimistic self-assessment culture or a gap in the tools used to measure actual learning outcomes. The inspection also noted that leadership accountability for student results needs strengthening. Parent communication channels are referenced on the school's website, with a contact form and direct engagement encouraged, but the depth of digital communication infrastructure (parent portals, learning management systems) is not detailed in available source material. As a branch school within a larger charity network, governance decisions are likely made at network level, which can limit the speed of campus-level strategic response.
SPEA Inspection Results (Decoded)
The February 2025 SPEA inspection - the first this school has ever undergone, having only opened in August 2022 - returned an overall effectiveness rating of Acceptable. This is the fourth level on a six-point scale (Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak, Very Weak), meaning the school meets minimum expectations but has clear room to grow. Given that this is a first inspection for a school less than three years old, the Acceptable rating is neither a disaster nor a cause for celebration - it is a baseline from which the school must now demonstrate upward momentum.
The inspection team of 5 reviewers observed 128 lessons, with 48 conducted jointly with school leaders. The strongest performing domain was personal and social development, rated Good, reflecting students' strong Islamic values, cultural awareness, and appropriate conduct. Academic progress in Islamic Education, Arabic Language, and Social Studies was also rated Good - a genuine strength rooted in the school's Arabic-medium, MoE-aligned identity. The weakest areas are in teaching quality - specifically the use of assessment data to plan differentiated lessons - and in the school's self-evaluation accuracy. The inspection identified three strategic priorities for improvement: raising attainment in English, Mathematics, and Science; embedding high-quality teaching practices including effective use of assessment; and strengthening the identification and support of students of determination and gifted learners. Leadership accountability and strategic planning rigour are also flagged as needing development. Parents should note that no previous inspection rating exists for comparison - this school has no track record of inspection improvement to reference, which is both a risk and an opportunity.
Strong Personal & Social Development
Student personal and social development was rated Good - the highest individual rating in the inspection. Students demonstrate clear understanding of Islamic values, UAE cultural identity, and appropriate social conduct across all year groups.
Good Progress in Core Arabic Subjects
Student progress in Islamic Education, Arabic Language (as a first language), and Social Studies was all rated Good. These subjects reflect the school's core identity and the MoE curriculum's strengths in Arabic-medium instruction.
Above-Average IBT Results in English & Math
External International Benchmark Test (IBT) results for Grade 9 and Grade 10 students in English and Mathematics placed the school above the regional Middle East average - a creditable outcome for a school in its first inspection cycle.
Attainment in English, Mathematics & Science
All three subjects are rated Acceptable for both attainment and progress. Inspectors noted limited practical science skills, gaps in extended writing, and insufficient real-world application of mathematics. These are the school's most significant academic improvement priorities.
Self-Evaluation Accuracy & Strategic Accountability
The school's internal assessment data consistently overstates performance compared to what inspectors observed in classrooms. Strategic planning lacks the rigour needed to drive sustained improvement, and leadership accountability for student outcomes needs strengthening.
Inspection History
2024-2025
Acceptable
Fees & Value for Money
AL Ahliah Charity Private School – Branch Samnan (Sharjah) offers competitive tuition fees for the 2025/2026 academic year, covering Grades 9 through 12 across both General and Advanced tracks. Total annual fees (tuition + books) range from AED 9,445 for Grade 9 General to AED 12,290 for Grade 12 Advanced, positioning the school as an affordable option within Sharjah's private school landscape. The Advanced track carries a modest premium over the General track at each grade level, reflecting the additional academic resources provided.
AED 9,445
Annual Fees From
AED 12,290
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
Grade 9 (General)
AED 9,445Grade 9 (Advanced)
AED 9,510Grade 10 (General)
AED 10,485Grade 10 (Advanced)
AED 10,550Grade 11 (General)
AED 12,035Grade 11 (Advanced)
AED 12,100Grade 12 (General)
AED 12,230Grade 12 (Advanced)
AED 12,290The fee structure is transparent and inclusive of textbook costs, which are charged separately alongside tuition. Transportation is available for families within Sharjah (AED 2,800 annually) and Ajman (AED 3,100 annually), making the school accessible to students from neighbouring emirates. A registration fee of AED 500 applies for both new and returning students, which is deducted from tuition fees but is non-refundable in the event of withdrawal.
Fees are payable in three installments — 40% upfront before the academic year begins, followed by two payments of 30% each in December 2025 and March 2026. Books must be paid in full at the time of registration. The school's withdrawal policy stipulates that fees are charged on a monthly basis depending on the duration of attendance, ensuring clarity for families considering mid-year changes.
Additional Costs
Books & Materials – Grade 9 (General)627(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 9 (Advanced)664(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 10 (General)659(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 10 (Advanced)679(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 11 (General)744(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 11 (Advanced)800(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 12 (General)795(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 12 (Advanced)826(annual)
New Student Registration Fee500(one-time)
Re-Registration Fee500(annual)
Bus (Two-Way) – Within Sharjah2,800(annual)
Bus (Two-Way) – Ajman3,100(annual)
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
AL Ahliah Charity Private School - Branch Samnan is a school with a clear and honest identity: an affordable, Arabic-medium, MoE-curriculum secondary school for boys in Grades 9-12, run by a not-for-profit charity network with a social access mission. Its SPEA Acceptable rating from its first inspection is a starting point, not a destination, and the school's relative strengths in Islamic Education, Arabic, and student personal development are genuine. The IBT results placing Grade 9 and 10 students above the regional Middle East average in English and Mathematics are an encouraging early signal. But the weaknesses are real: teaching quality needs to improve, the school's self-assessment processes are not reliable, inclusion provision for students of determination is underdeveloped, and the ECA offering is limited compared to more established schools. At fees of AED 9,445 to AED 12,290 all-in, you are getting a functional, values-grounded secondary education - not a premium experience. For the right family, that is a perfectly rational trade-off.
This school is not for families seeking international qualifications, a rich extracurricular programme, or a school with a proven track record of inspection improvement. It is for families who need an accessible, Arabic-medium, MoE-pathway secondary education at a price that does not compromise their household budget, and who value an Islamic ethos and structured environment for their sons during the critical secondary years. The school's location in Samnan makes it practical for families in eastern Sharjah and western Ajman. Manage your expectations, ask hard questions at the admissions visit about teaching quality and student support, and this school can serve its intended community well.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families seeking an affordable, Arabic-medium MoE secondary education for boys in Grades 9-12, particularly those from Egyptian, Syrian, or other Arabic-speaking backgrounds who value an Islamic ethos, structured discipline, and a school within reach of Samnan, eastern Sharjah, or Ajman.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families seeking international qualifications (IGCSE, A-Level, IB), a rich ECA programme, proven inspection improvement history, or strong specialist support for students of determination or gifted learners - this school's current provision in all these areas is limited.
“
We chose this school because the fees are honest and the values are right. My son is in Grade 11 and he is doing well. I wish the English teaching was stronger, but overall we do not regret the decision.
— Grade 11 Parent
Strengths
- Among the lowest secondary school fees in Sharjah at AED 9,445-12,290 all-in
- Strong student personal and social development rated Good by SPEA
- Good progress in Islamic Education, Arabic Language, and Social Studies
- IBT results above regional Middle East average for Grades 9 and 10
- Not-for-profit operator with genuine social access mission
- Clear three-installment payment structure with manageable cash flow
- Structured, disciplined environment with strong Islamic ethos
- Dual general and advanced track pathways from Grade 9
Areas for Improvement
- Overall SPEA Acceptable rating with no prior inspection track record to benchmark improvement
- Teaching quality is limited by poor use of assessment data to differentiate instruction
- 15% annual teacher turnover risks continuity in critical exam years
- Inclusion provision for students of determination and gifted learners is underdeveloped
- School's internal self-assessment data is unreliable relative to inspection observations