Al Basaier Private School - Branch Shargan, Sharjah
Ministry of Education School in Shargan, Sharjah
Last updated
Curriculum
Ministry of Education
SPEA
Good
Location
Sharjah, Shargan
Fees
AED 7K - 8K
The Executive Summary
Al Basaier Private School - Branch Shargan Sharjah is one of the longer-standing Arabic-medium institutions in the Shargan area, founded in 1991 and operating under the Ministry of Education curriculum Sharjah families know well - a fully Arabic-language programme spanning KG1 through Grade 9. The school carries a SPEA rating Good, confirmed in the most recent inspection cycle, and represents a meaningful upward trajectory from its previous rating of Acceptable in 2018. With school fees Sharjah parents will find among the most accessible in the private sector - ranging from AED 7,000 to AED 7,500 annually - Al Basaier occupies a clear value-tier position among Shargan schools. For Arab families seeking an affordable, culturally grounded MoE-curriculum school with a genuine improvement story, this is a credible option worth serious consideration.
SPEA Good RatingMoE CurriculumSince 1991Fees from AED 7,000
“The school has a warm, family feel. My children settled in quickly and the teachers genuinely know each student by name. For the fees we pay, we feel we are getting solid value.”
— Primary Stage Parent(representative)Academic Framework & Learning Style
Al Basaier follows the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum, delivered entirely in Arabic as the primary language of instruction. The school covers KG1 through Grade 9, encompassing kindergarten, primary (Cycle 1), intermediate (Cycle 2), and the early secondary phase (Cycle 3). Core subjects include Islamic Education, Arabic Language, Social Studies, English Language, Mathematics, Science, and a range of electives including Design and Technology, Physical Education, and Fine Arts. This is a traditional, structured curriculum model rather than an inquiry-led or project-based framework - lessons are teacher-directed with incremental skill-building, which suits families who value academic rigour within a familiar Arabic cultural context.
The SPEA inspection found student attainment and progress rated Good across all subjects and all cycles, a consistent and notable finding. In Islamic Education, students across all stages demonstrate sound understanding of Islamic values, Quranic recitation, and the Sunnah. Arabic language skills show strong listening and reading competencies, with students using formal Arabic (Fusha) during lessons. In Mathematics, students across cycles demonstrate good grasp of core numeracy, with Cycle 3 girls showing particular strength in geometry and trigonometry. Science outcomes are Good, with students developing understanding of forces, energy, cell biology, and environmental science, though practical experimentation and hypothesis-writing skills remain areas for development.
In English Language, attainment is Good across all stages, with students in Cycle 1 showing solid listening and speaking skills, and Cycle 3 students engaging analytically with texts - though reading fluency and intonation need further development. The school participates in the IBT (International Benchmark Test) as its primary external standardised assessment, alongside Tala'a and Mubakkir assessments. At the time of the SPEA inspection, IBT results had not yet been published, so external benchmarking data is limited. Internally, the school's own assessment data consistently shows higher ratings than those observed in lessons, which the inspection team flagged as a calibration concern - internal grades appear inflated relative to observed classroom performance.
In terms of inclusion provision, the school identifies and supports 25 students of determination. The SPEA inspection specifically highlighted the school's identification and support procedures for students with special educational needs as a key strength. Gifted and talented provision exists - a calligraphy workshop programme for talented students was documented - but the inspection noted that support for gifted and high-achieving students requires further development. There is no EAL provision noted, consistent with the Arabic-medium model. University pathway data is not applicable at this stage, as the school does not offer Grades 10-12.
Good
Attainment Rating - All Subjects, All Cycles
Confirmed by SPEA inspection 2023
Good
Progress Rating - All Subjects, All Cycles
Consistent across KG through Grade 9
25
Students of Determination
Supported with dedicated identification and inclusion procedures
IBT, Tala'a, Mubakkir
External Assessments Used
IBT results pending at time of last inspection
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
Al Basaier's extracurricular and enrichment programme, while not extensively documented on its website, is evidenced through an active social media presence that reveals a genuinely engaged school community. The school participates in a range of competitions and community activities that go well beyond the classroom. Students have competed in the Spelling Bee Championship, the "Poetry for All" (Al Shi'r Lil Jami') literary competition aimed at nurturing Arabic literary appreciation, and calligraphy workshops under a formal gifted-student care programme. A student from the school was recognised as one of the youngest authors at the Sharjah International Book Fair, demonstrating that creative talent is being actively cultivated.
In sports, the school's football team recorded a competitive friendly victory against another Sharjah private school, and female students participated in a diabetes awareness marathon organised by Al Kamal Schools. Students also participated in a Pink October awareness walk organised by the Abakirah Volunteer Team, reflecting a culture of community participation. Educational trips have included a visit to KidZania for Grade 3 students, a visit to a senior care home fostering social responsibility, and a Space Week programme exploring astronomy and STEM themes. Female students attended an Artificial Intelligence workshop organised by Ajman Youth Centre, covering AI tools relevant to education - a notable enrichment activity for a school at this fee level.
The school hosted an annual book fair in partnership with Manassa Distribution Company, encouraging a reading culture. Social responsibility activities include participation in World Food Day awareness events. While the school does not appear to offer formal programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh or Model UN - consistent with its MoE curriculum positioning - the breadth of community engagement, competitions, and enrichment activities is commendable for a school in the accessible fee bracket.
96.6%
Student Attendance Rate
Rated Outstanding by SPEA inspectors
Spelling Bee CompetitorArabic Poetry CompetitionsAI Workshop ParticipationCommunity Service ActiveAnnual Book FairSports Inter-school
Pastoral Care & Well-being
The SPEA inspection painted a notably positive picture of the pastoral environment at Al Basaier. Inspectors observed that students display strong self-discipline, respond appropriately to peers and adults, and show genuine respect toward teachers, school leaders, and visitors. New students are reported to integrate quickly, reflecting a welcoming and inclusive school culture. The spirit of camaraderie among students across all cycles was described as very strong - an observation that carries weight when made by external inspectors rather than the school itself.
Student well-being sessions are delivered by the school counsellor, covering healthy and safe lifestyles. Students demonstrated appropriate awareness of health and safety choices as a result of these sessions. The school uses a "Star of the Week" motivational award to reinforce positive attitudes toward learning, and students are encouraged to develop self-reliance and to accept constructive feedback - both markers of a psychologically safe learning environment. Student attendance of 96.6% - rated Outstanding by inspectors - is perhaps the most powerful indicator of student satisfaction: children who feel safe and valued attend school consistently.
The school does not appear to operate a formal house system, and detailed information on a structured anti-bullying policy or formal student leadership council is not publicly available. However, the inspection evidence of positive student behaviour, mutual respect, and rapid integration of new students suggests that the pastoral foundations are solid. For families where cultural alignment and a nurturing Arabic-speaking community matter as much as formal pastoral structures, Al Basaier delivers meaningfully on this front.
“The atmosphere is very welcoming. My daughter was new to the school and within weeks she felt completely at home. The teachers and the counsellor were very attentive to how she was settling in.”
— Intermediate Cycle Parent(representative)Campus & Facilities
Al Basaier Private School is located in the Shargan area of Sharjah, in the Al Haira district - a largely residential zone situated to the east of central Sharjah. The school has been on this campus since its founding in 1991, giving it over three decades of operational presence in the community. The campus location makes it particularly convenient for families residing in Shargan, Al Haira, and surrounding neighbourhoods, with the school serving as a genuine community anchor institution.
The SPEA inspection confirmed that the school's buildings and facilities meet the needs of all currently enrolled students - a functional endorsement rather than an effusive one. The school operates dedicated sections for kindergarten, primary, and intermediate/early secondary stages, each with appropriate classroom environments. Science laboratories, art facilities, and physical education spaces are in operation, as evidenced by the curriculum delivery observed during the inspection across subjects including PE, Fine Arts, Design and Technology, and Science practicals.
The school's Instagram presence shows well-maintained, functional indoor learning spaces and outdoor areas used for morning assemblies, sports activities, and community events. A book fair was hosted on campus in partnership with an external distributor, suggesting adequate space for whole-school events. The school uses the Paradigm online system for student registration and management, indicating some level of digital infrastructure. However, the SPEA inspection specifically noted that technology use in classrooms is limited and does not yet effectively support learning - a gap that parents of tech-savvy students should factor into their decision. There is no publicly available information about a swimming pool, dedicated auditorium, or maker space, which is consistent with the school's accessible fee positioning.
1991
Year Established on Current Campus
Over 30 years serving the Shargan community
816
Current Student Enrolment
Per SPEA quick facts data
Shargan Community LocationKG to Grade 9 CampusScience Labs ActivePE & Sports FacilitiesOnline Registration System30+ Years on Site
Teaching & Learning Quality
The SPEA inspection assessed teaching quality at Al Basaier as Good, representing an improvement from the Acceptable rating recorded in 2018. Inspectors observed that teachers - predominantly Egyptian nationals - apply varied instructional strategies consistently to meet student needs, and this consistency is credited with driving the school's overall improvement. The school employs 44 teachers and 4 teaching assistants serving 719 students at the time of inspection, giving a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:16 - a reasonable ratio for a school at this fee level.
A standout data point is the school's teacher turnover rate of just 0.4% - exceptionally low by any standard. This near-zero attrition means students benefit from continuity of relationship with their teachers year on year, and institutional knowledge is preserved within the teaching body. For a school serving a community-oriented parent base, staff stability is a significant quality indicator.
The inspection noted that middle leadership has had a positive impact on school improvement - a specific strength highlighted in the inspection summary. Subject coordinators and heads of department are clearly playing an active role in driving pedagogical consistency. However, the inspection identified weaknesses in the use of assessment data to inform teaching decisions, and noted that critical thinking and problem-solving opportunities within lessons remain underdeveloped. Technology integration in teaching is currently limited, with classroom use of digital tools not yet meaningfully supporting learning outcomes. Professional development is ongoing, but the gap between internal assessment data and observed lesson quality suggests that teacher calibration and moderation practices need strengthening.
1:16
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
44 teachers serving 816 students
0.4%
Teacher Turnover Rate
Exceptionally low - strong staff retention
Good
Teaching Quality Rating
Improved from Acceptable in 2018 SPEA inspection
Leadership & Management
Al Basaier Private School is led by Ms. Reem Mahmoud, who is identified in the SPEA inspection report as the school's principal. The school's Board of Trustees is chaired by Ms. Batoul Issa Moussa Al Marri. The school's homepage carries a principal's message that reflects over 30 years of institutional commitment, framing the school's mission around building character, fostering cooperation, instilling values of tolerance, and preparing a generation capable of engaging with society and the economy - goals firmly aligned with UAE national education priorities.
The SPEA inspection rated school leadership as Good, and specifically credited the principal and leadership team with driving the school's improvement from Acceptable to Good since 2018. The inspection highlighted the positive impact of middle leadership - subject coordinators and phase heads - as a key strength, suggesting a distributed leadership model that is functioning effectively. The school uses a self-evaluation model and maintains a school development plan, both of which were reviewed by inspectors.
Parent communication is facilitated through the school's online registration and management system (Paradigm), and the school maintains an active Instagram presence at @albassaer.school, sharing regular updates on student activities, competitions, and community events. This social media engagement serves as a practical parent communication channel. The school also offers an online contact and visit request system. Formal governance is provided through the Board of Trustees structure, consistent with SPEA requirements for private schools in Sharjah. The school's governance and management were rated Good by inspectors, with the overall improvement trajectory attributed directly to leadership effectiveness.
SPEA Inspection Results (Decoded)
The most recent SPEA inspection of Al Basaier Private School took place over four days from 27 February to 2 March 2023, conducted by a team of five reviewers who carried out 140 classroom observations, of which 51 were conducted jointly with school leadership. The overall effectiveness rating is Good - the third level on SPEA's six-point scale - representing a clear and verified improvement from the school's previous Acceptable rating in 2018. This upward trajectory is the single most important data point for parents: it demonstrates a school that is actively improving, not stagnating.
Across all six performance standards, the school performed consistently at the Good level. Student attainment and progress are Good in every subject - Islamic Education, Arabic, Social Studies, English, Mathematics, Science, and other subjects - across all cycles from KG through Cycle 3. Personal and social development is Good, with an Outstanding student attendance rate of 96.6%. Teaching quality improved from Acceptable to Good. Curriculum design and alignment improved to Good. Student protection, care, and support are Good, with the identification and support of students of determination cited as a specific strength. Leadership and management are Good, with middle leadership impact highlighted as a key driver of improvement.
The inspection did identify areas requiring further development. Assessment data is not yet being used effectively to drive teaching decisions - a gap between internal assessment results and observed lesson quality was noted across multiple subjects. Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and cross-curricular connections remain underdeveloped. Support for gifted and talented students needs strengthening. Technology use in classrooms is limited and not yet effectively supporting learning. These are honest and specific improvement areas that the school's leadership will need to address to move toward a Very Good rating in the next cycle.
Consistent Good Attainment Across All Subjects
Student attainment and progress are rated Good in every core subject - Islamic Education, Arabic, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies - across all cycles from KG to Grade 9. This consistency is a genuine strength.
Outstanding Student Attendance
A student attendance rate of 96.6% was rated Outstanding by SPEA inspectors - a powerful indicator of student engagement, parental confidence, and the quality of the school's pastoral environment.
Effective SEN Identification and Support
The school's procedures for identifying and supporting students of determination were specifically highlighted as a key strength by inspectors, with 25 students of determination currently enrolled and supported.
Assessment Data Not Driving Teaching
Inspectors found a significant gap between internal assessment data - which shows outstanding levels - and the quality observed in lessons. Assessment information is not yet being used effectively to adapt teaching strategies and improve outcomes.
Critical Thinking and Gifted Student Support
Opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, and cross-curricular connections within lessons are limited. Support for gifted and high-achieving students also requires structured development beyond the existing calligraphy workshop model.
Inspection History
2018
Acceptable
2022-2023
Good
Fees & Value for Money
Al Basaier Private School sits firmly at the accessible end of Sharjah's private school fee spectrum. The SPEA inspection report records annual school fees of AED 7,000 to AED 7,500, making this one of the most affordable private school options in the emirate. For families seeking a regulated, SPEA-inspected private school with a Good rating and a full MoE curriculum from KG1 to Grade 9, this fee level represents genuine value. The fee range applies across the school's year groups, with the differentiation between the lower and upper figures reflecting the different cycles (KG through to Grade 9).
Detailed fee breakdowns by individual grade, additional costs such as transport, uniforms, books, and exam fees, as well as specific payment terms and discount structures, are not publicly available on the school's website - the relevant pages returned 404 errors at the time of this review. The SPEA fee schedule downloadable from the SPEA portal provides the AED 7,000-7,500 range as the official regulated fee band. Parents are advised to contact the school directly at (06) 522 6777 or info@albassaersch.com to obtain a full breakdown of all costs before enrolling.
In terms of value for money, the editorial verdict is clear: at this price point, Al Basaier delivers a Good-rated, inspected, MoE-curriculum education with exceptional staff retention, solid pastoral care, and a demonstrable improvement trajectory. It is not competing with premium private schools offering IB or British curricula at AED 40,000-80,000 per year. It is competing with other accessible Arabic-medium schools in Sharjah, and within that peer group it performs creditably. The primary caveat is the limited digital infrastructure and the underdeveloped critical thinking provision - but these are systemic challenges across the sector at this fee level, not unique to Al Basaier.
AED 7,000 - 7,500
Annual Fee Range
Good
SPEA Rating at This Fee Level
Year GroupsAnnual Fee
KG1
7,000KG2
7,000Grade 1
7,000Grade 2
7,000Grade 3
7,000Grade 4
7,000Grade 5
7,000Grade 6
7,500Grade 7
7,500Grade 8
7,500Grade 9
7,500Additional Costs
UniformVariable(annual)
TransportVariable(annual)
Books and StationeryVariable(annual)
Registration FeeVariable(one-time)
Discounts & Concessions
Sibling Discount
Scholarships & Bursaries
No publicly available information on scholarship or bursary programmes. Parents should enquire directly with the admissions office.
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
Al Basaier Private School - Branch Shargan is a solid, improving, community-rooted school that delivers exactly what it promises: a Good-rated, Arabic-medium MoE education at an accessible price point, in a culturally familiar and nurturing environment. The school's improvement from Acceptable to Good since 2018 is genuine and verified, its staff retention is exceptional, and its pastoral environment is warm and effective. These are not trivial achievements. For the right family, this school represents real value.
The honest limitations are equally clear. This is not a school for families seeking a bilingual or English-medium education, advanced digital learning environments, international accreditation, or a pathway toward IB or A-Level qualifications. Critical thinking pedagogy and technology integration in classrooms are acknowledged areas for development. The school stops at Grade 9, meaning families will need to plan a transition to a secondary school offering Grades 10-12 when the time comes. And the gap between internal assessment results and observed classroom performance is a calibration issue that leadership needs to address transparently.
For families based in Shargan and surrounding areas who value an Arabic-language education grounded in Islamic values, UAE national identity, and a stable, caring school community - and who are working within a budget of AED 7,000-7,500 per year - Al Basaier is a well-considered choice. The school earns its Good rating and is on a credible upward path.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Arab families in the Shargan and Al Haira area seeking an affordable, Arabic-medium MoE-curriculum school with a warm community feel, solid pastoral care, and a verified Good SPEA rating - particularly for students from KG1 through Grade 9.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families seeking an English-medium, bilingual, or internationally accredited school; students who need advanced digital learning or strong critical thinking pedagogy; or families requiring a school that continues beyond Grade 9.
“
We chose Al Basaier because we wanted our children to learn in Arabic in a school that shares our values. The fees are very reasonable and the school has improved a lot. We are happy with the choice.
— Primary Stage Father
Strengths
- Verified improvement from Acceptable to Good since 2018 SPEA inspection
- Exceptionally low teacher turnover rate of just 0.4%
- Outstanding student attendance rate of 96.6%
- Among the most affordable SPEA-rated private schools in Sharjah at AED 7,000-7,500
- Strong SEN identification and support for students of determination
- Warm, inclusive pastoral environment with rapid integration of new students
- Active enrichment programme including AI workshops, poetry, and book fairs
- Consistent Good attainment across all subjects and all cycles
Areas for Improvement
- School does not continue beyond Grade 9 - families must plan a secondary transition
- Technology integration in classrooms is limited and not yet supporting learning effectively
- Critical thinking and problem-solving pedagogy remain underdeveloped across cycles
- Internal assessment data appears inflated relative to observed classroom performance
- Fee and admissions information not fully accessible on school website
Campus
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