Mamoura British Academy, Abu Dhabi
ADEK Inspection Report & Ratings
Last updated
Executive Summary
Mamoura British Academy has maintained its overall ADEK rating of Very Good since its previous inspection in 2022. The school is recognized for its strong commitment to the British curriculum and its efforts in benchmarking students' attainment against international standards.
Significant improvements have been noted in Phase 1, where achievement in all English-medium subjects is now Very Good. Students' personal and social development, along with innovation skills, are also rated Very Good across all phases. The school demonstrates a strong focus on professional development for teachers, leading to sustained impact and growth in teaching practices.
Leadership and management are largely rated Very Good, with the management of staffing, facilities, and resources achieving an Outstanding judgment due to senior leaders' commitment to high-quality provisions. The school effectively uses assessment data, including international benchmarking, to inform planning and tailor learning activities.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Mamoura British Academy Overall Rating
Very Good for 2+ consecutive years
ADEK Performance Standards
The six Irtiqa inspection standards used by ADEK to evaluate school performance across Abu Dhabi.
Students' achievement is generally Very Good across phases and subjects, with notable improvements in English-medium subjects in Phase 1 and Arabic as a first language in Phases 2 and 3. While some subjects show consistent Very Good attainment, others have seen fluctuations or regressions, particularly in international assessments. Learning skills are consistently Very Good across all phases. English-medium subjectsArabic as a first languageLearning skills
Students' personal and social development, including their innovation skills, are rated Very Good across all phases. This reflects students' positive attitudes towards learning, courteous behavior, and excellent attendance, alongside a clear understanding and appreciation of UAE heritage and culture. innovation skillspositive attitudesUAE heritage and culture
Teaching for effective learning and assessment practices are Very Good across all phases, showing improvement in Phase 1. Teachers skillfully use assessment information, including international benchmarking data, to plan engaging activities, though more consistent challenge for higher-ability students is needed. effective learningassessment informationinternational benchmarking data
Curriculum design and adaptation are Very Good across all phases. The school offers a well-planned curriculum in Phases 1 and 2, with leaders actively developing an inclusive curriculum for Phase 3. The curriculum is adapted to meet students' needs and interests. Curriculum designCurriculum adaptationinclusive curriculum
Health and safety arrangements, including child protection and safeguarding, remain a strong feature of the school, rated Very Good. Comprehensive protocols ensure student safety and a high level of care and support, with effective provision for students of determination. Health and safetychild protectionsafeguardingstudents of determination
Leadership and management are largely Very Good, with the effectiveness of leadership, self-evaluation, partnerships, and governance maintaining this rating. The management of staffing, facilities, and resources is Outstanding, reflecting senior leaders' significant commitment to high-quality provisions and teacher development. Effectiveness of leadershipManagement, staffing, facilities and resourcesOutstanding
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Improved Teaching Quality
The quality of teaching in Phase 1 has improved significantly, contributing to better student outcomes.
UAE Culture Appreciation
Students demonstrate a clear understanding and appreciation of UAE heritage and culture, embodying values of respect and responsibility.
Effective Assessment Use
Teachers skillfully use assessment information, including international benchmarking data, to plan engaging and tailored learning activities.
Inclusive Learning Environment
Senior leaders foster an inclusive school environment with a positive and purposeful learning culture.
High-Quality Resources
The school is exceptionally well-equipped with necessary, relevant, and high-quality resources that effectively support teaching and learning.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Overall, students' achievement in Arabic as a first language has shown improvement, particularly in Phase 2, advancing to Very Good, however, attainment and progress have remained Good in Phase 1. There has been significant improvement in Phase 1 where achievement in all English-medium subjects is now Very Good. In Phases 2 and 3, achievement in English has improved, where attainment raised from Acceptable to Good and progress increased from Good to Very Good. Mathematics attainment regressed in Phase 3, while science attainment and progress remained Very Good in Phases 2 and 3.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team at Mamoura British Academy is highly effective, fostering an inclusive and purposeful learning culture. They demonstrate a strong commitment to teacher development through bespoke professional development programs and systematic monitoring. Their outstanding management of staffing, facilities, and resources ensures a well-supported educational environment.
Inspection Findings
Students' Achievement
Students generally attain levels above curriculum standards in most subjects across phases, with notable improvements in Arabic as a first language and English. Progress is mostly better than expected, though inconsistencies exist for high-attaining and gifted and talented students who are not always sufficiently challenged. International assessment results show mixed performance, with some areas above international averages and others below targets.
Personal & Social Development
Students exhibit Very Good personal development, understanding of Islamic values, awareness of Emirati and world cultures, and social responsibility. They demonstrate positive attitudes, courteous behavior, and excellent attendance, actively participating in collaborative group work and showing a genuine interest in learning.
Teaching & Assessment
Teaching for effective learning and assessment practices are Very Good across all phases, supported by a bespoke professional development program. Teachers effectively use assessment outcomes to inform planning and differentiation. While higher-order questioning is encouraged, there is a need to ensure consistent challenge for higher-ability students.
Curriculum Design & Adaptation
Curriculum design and adaptation are Very Good across all phases. The school provides a well-planned curriculum in Phases 1 and 2, with ongoing development of an inclusive curriculum in Phase 3. The curriculum is adapted to meet students' diverse needs and interests, though further expansion of post-16 options is recommended.
Protection, Care & Support
The school maintains Very Good protection, care, guidance, and support for students. Health and safety arrangements, including comprehensive child protection and safeguarding protocols, are strong. Students with additional learning needs receive high levels of support, though their independent progress in some subjects needs strengthening.
Areas for Development
- •Raise students’ achievement across the school to a consistently Very Good or Outstanding level by improving expressive reading skills and the application of grammatical rules in Arabic, promoting consistent use of standard Arabic, and providing more opportunities for purposeful sustained writing.
- •Provide appropriate levels of support for low-attaining students and students with additional needs, including students of determination, and ensure more challenge in lessons for higher-attaining students and those who are gifted and talented.
- •Strengthen learning pathways and social responsibility by expanding post-16 curriculum options to accommodate diverse abilities and aspirations, ensuring curriculum continuity across different phases, and promoting active participation in volunteering, conservation, and social initiatives.
- •Enhance the impact of leadership and governance on school performance by increasing the rigor with which teaching is monitored, evaluated, and followed up, and expanding the extent to which the student voice contributes to the school development planning processes.
- •Raise student achievement in International Assessments by aligning curriculum and instruction with international assessment frameworks, tracking progress based on skills aligned with international assessments, and enhancing questioning techniques to promote critical thinking and problem-solving.