Al Sadiq Islamic English School
Curriculum
British
KHDA
Acceptable
Location
Dubai, Al Qusais 1
Fees
AED 5K - 9K
Al Sadiq Islamic English School
The Executive Summary
Al Sadiq Islamic English School Dubai occupies a very specific and defensible niche in the Al Qusais 1 schools landscape: it is one of the emirate's oldest British curriculum institutions, founded in 1989, offering the National Curriculum for England from FS2 to Year 11, rooted in Islamic values, and priced at a level - AED 4,687 to AED 9,499 annually - that is genuinely accessible to middle-income Muslim families. With a KHDA rating of Acceptable (2023-2024), confirmed across 13 of 14 inspection cycles, the school is transparent about where it stands in Dubai's educational hierarchy. Its strengths are real: secondary academic outcomes rated Good, exemplary student conduct and personal development, a very strong parent-school partnership rated Very Good by DSIB inspectors, and a tightly integrated Islamic ethos that permeates every aspect of school life. Its weaknesses are equally real: teaching quality in Foundation Stage and Primary remains Acceptable rather than Good, teacher turnover is elevated at approximately 39%, the school stops at Year 11 with no Sixth Form pathway, and IGCSE results data is not publicly disclosed. For families prioritising school fees Dubai affordability alongside a values-anchored British curriculum education, this school delivers genuine value. For families expecting elite academic outcomes or a seamless FS2-to-A-Level journey, it is not the right fit.
Est. 1989 - Trusted LegacyKHDA Acceptable 2023-24Fees from AED 4,687Islamic Values IntegratedSecondary Good Rating
“I would like to take this opportunity as a parent to express my gratitude to the school for their ongoing care, support, and, most importantly, their commitment to my child's education. The teachers genuinely know each child.”
— Year 9 ParentAcademic Framework & Learning Style
The school follows the National Curriculum for England (NCfE) from FS2 through to Year 11, culminating in Cambridge IGCSE examinations. The curriculum is fully aligned with NCfE standards and is reviewed regularly to ensure relevance, with meaningful links embedded to UAE culture, history, and the Ministry of Education's Moral, Social and Cultural Studies framework. Arabic is introduced from FS2, and Islamic Education runs throughout all phases, taught to both Arab and non-Arab students with the KHDA rating attainment in Islamic Education as Good in both Primary and Secondary - a notable strength of the school. At Key Stage 4, students choose between a Science stream (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science, Environmental Management) and a Commerce stream (Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Art and Design). Mandatory IGCSE subjects include English, Mathematics, and ICT, alongside the MoE curriculum subjects. No Arts-only stream is offered, which is consistent with the school's positioning for families seeking vocational and academic progression pathways. Secondary academic outcomes are the school's clearest academic strength: English, Mathematics, and Science are all rated Good for both attainment and progress at secondary level by DSIB inspectors, with students demonstrating growing analytical and problem-solving capability. In Primary and Foundation Stage, attainment and progress remain Acceptable across core subjects, held back by inconsistent teaching quality rather than curriculum design - the curriculum itself is rated Good across all phases. IGCSE results are not publicly disclosed by the school, which limits independent verification of Year 11 outcomes. The school states that 100% of students continue to higher study - either at Sixth Form schools in Dubai or in their home countries - supported by career guidance seminars, university awareness programmes, and parent-student-teacher evenings. The school's EAL provision is managed through the inclusion team at no additional cost, and students with English as an Additional Language are supported through targeted intervention. SEN and Students of Determination are supported by a dedicated inclusion team comprising a Head of Inclusion, four Learning Support Assistants, one Support Teacher, one SEN Specialist Teacher, and one Wellbeing Counsellor. Approximately 80 students of determination are enrolled. Assessment tools include CAT4 scores and GL assessments. The school uses a mix of continuous assessment, mid-term and end-of-term examinations, with six-weekly Arabic assessments. Teaching methodology in Secondary is characterised by effective questioning, active learning, and student-led inquiry; in Primary and FS, the DSIB notes that lessons are less effective when teacher talk dominates and learning is overly directed.
Good
Secondary Attainment - English, Maths, Science
KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023-2024
Good
Islamic Education - Primary and Secondary
Notably strong across both phases
80
Students of Determination Enrolled
Supported at no additional cost
100%
Students Progressing to Further Study
As stated by the school - A-Level schools or home country institutions
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
Al Sadiq Islamic English School offers a range of extracurricular activities across all phases, providing students with opportunities beyond the academic curriculum. In Foundation Stage, clubs include Arts and Craft, Phonics, Literacy, Maths, Science, and Fitness - a practical set of enrichment options aligned with early learning priorities. In Secondary, the ECA offering broadens considerably and includes Book Club, Model United Nations (MUN), Elocution, Media Club, TED Talk Club, Islamic Club, Fitness Club, Traveller's Club, Art Club, Photography Club, Maths Club, Arabic Club, and Environmental Science Club. The MUN programme is a standout offering for secondary students, developing public speaking, research, and global awareness skills. The school's sustainability and environmental initiatives are a genuine differentiator: students and teachers have developed an eco-growing system that cultivates fruit and vegetables shared with the local community, and students have engaged in recycling projects addressing global environmental issues. These activities align with the DSIB's positive assessment of students' social responsibility and innovation skills, rated Good across all phases. Physical education and sport are supported by a multipurpose hall, sports field, cricket training pitch with net practice facility, and a basketball court. The school promotes consistent physical exercise routines and monitors healthy eating choices in its canteen. Community and cultural events - including national and Islamic occasion assemblies - are organised with meaningful student involvement, particularly from older secondary students. The school's Winter Fiesta and graduation celebrations are documented events that reflect a lively school calendar. While the ECA programme is solid for a school at this fee point, the range is more limited than premium-fee British curriculum schools in Dubai, and there is no evidence of Duke of Edinburgh, external performing arts examinations, or inter-school competitive sports leagues. Parents seeking an elite co-curricular portfolio should calibrate expectations accordingly.
13+
Secondary ECA Clubs Offered
Including MUN, Media, Photography, Environmental Science
Model United NationsEco-Growing FarmTED Talk ClubPhotography and MediaSustainability Champions
Pastoral Care & Well-being
The DSIB inspectors rated wellbeing provision and outcomes as Good in the 2023-2024 inspection, and this is an area where Al Sadiq Islamic English School genuinely delivers. The school is led in its wellbeing work by a dedicated team, with clear policies and an action plan that provides a structured vision for implementation. Detailed analysis of survey data gives leaders insight into stakeholder views, though inspectors noted that informal feedback channels could be expanded to complement the formal survey approach. Student-led wellbeing teams are explicitly highlighted as a strength by DSIB, with students taking active roles in promoting inclusion, digital safety, and mental health awareness across the school community. Students demonstrate emotional self-control from Foundation Stage, and by Secondary, show a mature and empathetic approach to the wellbeing of others. The school's approach to safeguarding and child protection is rated Good across all phases, with effective health and safety procedures, detailed and securely stored health records, and clear lockdown procedures. The school has a full-time doctor and nursing staff in its clinic - a meaningful provision at this fee level. Behaviour and conduct are consistently strong: bullying is described by DSIB as 'exceptionally rare,' and the school environment is characterised by mutual respect between students and staff. The school actively monitors healthy eating choices and promotes physical activity. Two guidance counsellors support the student body of over 2,196 students - a ratio that is stretched but in line with expectations at this price point. The school's Islamic values framework underpins its pastoral approach, with tolerance, coexistence, and respect actively modelled and celebrated. Parent communication is managed through newsletters, regular updates, and structured induction programmes for new families. The DSIB rates the school's partnership with parents as Very Good - the highest-rated element of the entire inspection.
“All the teachers here at Al Sadiq Islamic English School are so kind to each child, truly encouraging each to their strengths. My kids, both of them, feel safe and valued every single day.”
— Parent of Students in Key Stages 3 and 4Campus & Facilities
Al Sadiq Islamic English School is located in Al Qusais, one of Dubai's established residential districts, situated behind Al Tawar Center on 5th Street. The campus is an urban school environment that has been operational since 1989, and its age is both its identity and its limitation. The school occupies a functional, multi-storey building that houses 66 classrooms, all equipped with projectors. Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 classrooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards, while multiple Wi-Fi networks provide coverage across all learning spaces. The school's specialist facilities include science laboratories with laboratory assistance, separate computer labs for Primary and Secondary students, a library for both phases, a canteen, a sensory room, a clinic staffed by a full-time doctor and nurses, and a dedicated teacher training room. Outdoor provision includes a dedicated outdoor play area for FS2 children, an ASIES Farm and Greenhouse - a genuinely distinctive facility that supports the school's sustainability curriculum - and separate playgrounds for girls and boys. Sports facilities comprise a multipurpose hall, a sports field, a cricket training pitch with net practice facility, and a basketball court. The DSIB inspection noted that school leaders recognise improvement to the learning environment is required and have commissioned renovation of sports and recreational facilities - an honest acknowledgement that the campus, while functional and well-maintained, does not match the physical environment of higher-fee Dubai schools. The school's location in Al Qusais is well served by public transport and is accessible from surrounding residential communities including Al Qusais, Al Nahda, and Muhaisnah. The area is a densely populated, predominantly South Asian residential district, making the school geographically and culturally convenient for its core student demographic. For families commuting from newer residential areas such as Arabian Ranches or Dubai Hills, the location adds meaningful travel time.
66
Total Classrooms
All equipped with projectors
1989
Year Campus Established
One of Dubai's longest-standing UK curriculum campuses
66 ClassroomsInteractive Whiteboards FS-KS1On-site Doctor and ClinicASIES Farm and GreenhouseCricket Net Practice FacilitySensory Room Available
Teaching & Learning Quality
Teaching quality at Al Sadiq Islamic English School is the most significant differentiator between its phases - and the most important factor for parents to understand. Secondary teaching is rated Good by DSIB, with inspectors noting effective classroom management, clear learning objectives, active student engagement, and strong use of questioning to promote deeper thinking. In the best Secondary lessons, students lead their learning, use examination assessment guidelines to structure their work, and demonstrate genuine critical thinking. Foundation Stage and Primary teaching is rated Acceptable - a consistent finding across multiple inspection cycles. The core problem identified by inspectors is that less effective lessons are characterised by excessive teacher talk and overly directed learning, with insufficient collaborative and student-led activity. Classroom routines are inconsistent, and the improved teaching strategies visible in Secondary have not been effectively transferred to the lower phases. The school employs 117 teachers and 17 teaching assistants, with the largest nationality group being Indian, followed by Pakistani, British, Filipino, and other nationalities. All teachers are required to have a minimum of three years' relevant experience. Teacher turnover is a notable concern: recorded at approximately 39%, this is significantly above the Dubai private school average of 20-22% and has been an ongoing issue. High turnover disrupts continuity of learning, particularly in Primary, and is a structural challenge that the school needs to address. FS2 and Year 1 classes benefit from a teacher plus teaching assistant model, with a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:15 in these year groups. The overall school ratio is approximately 1:19, which is in line with expectations at this fee level. The school's assessment systems are rated Good in Secondary and Acceptable in FS and Primary. Effective data collection is in place, but the use of assessment data to inform lesson planning is more developed in Secondary than in the lower phases. Professional development is available, though teacher feedback suggests more structured CPD opportunities would be welcomed. The school uses technology - including learning platforms and digital tools - to support student learning, with Secondary students in particular using technology to access resources and extend their understanding.
117
Qualified Teachers
Minimum 3 years experience required
~39%
Teacher Turnover Rate
Significantly above Dubai average of 20-22%
1:19
Overall Teacher-to-Student Ratio
1:15 in FS2 and Year 1 with teaching assistant support
Leadership & Management
Principal Sadia Wajid was appointed on 10 January 2022, having had an earlier tenure at the school. The DSIB inspectors rate leadership as Good, citing a clear vision that is effectively communicated to all stakeholders, strong governance, and well-managed daily operations. Governors hold school leaders accountable for performance, and the overall governance structure is rated Good. The school's self-evaluation and improvement planning is rated Acceptable - inspectors noted that improvement plans are detailed but do not focus clearly enough on the measurable impact of teaching on student progress, a gap that limits the school's ability to make the step from Acceptable to Good overall. Al Sadiq Islamic English School is part of the Athena Education Group, which operates multiple schools in the UAE and India. UAE group schools include Grammar School, Oaktree Primary School, American International School, Al Resalah International School of Science, and others. The Athena group's core values - innovative thinking, emotional intelligence, and community focus with an international outlook - are embedded in the school's philosophy and practice. The school's leadership structure is clearly defined, with dedicated contacts for the Principal, Vice Principal Secondary, Vice Principal FS2 and Primary, Head of Primary, Head of Secondary, Girls Section Supervisor, Boys Section Supervisor, SEN Coordinator, Inclusion Head, and Parent Relationship Officer. This layered structure supports communication and accountability across a large school of over 2,196 students. Parent communication is rated Very Good by DSIB - the highest-rated element of the school's inspection. The school uses newsletters, regular updates, and structured parent-teacher engagement to maintain strong home-school relationships. Induction programmes for new families and new teachers are well-organised. The school's website and online enquiry systems are managed through the Athena Education portal. One structural limitation of the leadership context is that the school's Acceptable KHDA rating prevents it from opening a Sixth Form, meaning Year 11 students must transition to other institutions for post-16 education - a factor that limits the school's long-term competitive positioning.
KHDA Inspection Results (Decoded)
Al Sadiq Islamic English School has been rated Acceptable by the KHDA's DSIB inspection team in 2023-2024 - its rating for 13 of the 14 inspections conducted since 2008-2009, with the single exception being a Weak rating in 2014-2015. This consistency at the Acceptable level is a double-edged finding: it demonstrates that the school has maintained standards as regulatory expectations have risen, but it also confirms that no significant breakthrough to Good has yet been achieved. The overall school performance is rated Acceptable, with meaningful variation by phase and domain. Secondary is the clear bright spot: English, Mathematics, Science, and Islamic Education are all Good for attainment and progress. Personal and social development reaches Very Good in Secondary, reflecting genuinely outstanding student conduct, cultural awareness, and leadership. The school's partnership with parents is rated Very Good - the strongest single element of the inspection. In contrast, Foundation Stage and Primary attainment and teaching remain Acceptable across core subjects, with inconsistent classroom practice and slow progress in mathematics and English writing identified as persistent concerns. The National Agenda Parameter is rated Good overall, with Very Good progress in international benchmark assessments - PIRLS 2021 scores increased by 138 points to 575, exceeding the school's target by 43 points. Reading literacy development for Emirati students remains a specific area for improvement. The school's wellbeing provision is rated Good, with student-led wellbeing teams and a strong commitment to mental health and emotional safety. The three KHDA recommendations for improvement are: improving teaching quality and consistency across all phases; making fuller use of assessment data to close gaps in student learning; and implementing reading development strategies consistently across all subjects.
Very Good Parent-School Partnership
DSIB inspectors rated the school's engagement with parents and the community as Very Good - the highest rating in the inspection. Parents receive regular newsletters, structured communication, and meaningful involvement in school life.
Strong Personal and Social Development
Students across all phases demonstrate good to very good personal development. Secondary students in particular show exceptional self-reliance, respect, and Islamic values awareness. Bullying is described as exceptionally rare.
Secondary Academic Outcomes Rated Good
English, Mathematics, Science, and Islamic Education are all rated Good for attainment and progress in Secondary. PIRLS 2021 scores rose by 138 points, exceeding the school's national agenda target by 43 points.
Teaching Consistency in FS and Primary
DSIB inspectors identified uneven teaching quality in Foundation Stage and Primary as the primary barrier to improvement. Lessons are less effective when dominated by teacher talk, with insufficient collaborative and student-led learning. Improved secondary strategies have not been effectively transferred downward.
Assessment Data Use and Reading Literacy
The school collects assessment data effectively but does not use it consistently enough to inform lesson planning in FS and Primary. Reading development strategies are not implemented uniformly across subjects, and Emirati students' reading outcomes specifically require targeted improvement.
Inspection History
2023-2024
Acceptable
2022-2023
Acceptable
2019-2020
Acceptable
2018-2019
Acceptable
2017-2018
Acceptable
2016-2017
Acceptable
2015-2016
Acceptable
2014-2015
Weak
2013-2014
Acceptable
Fees & Value for Money
Al Sadiq Islamic English School offers a UK curriculum (British) education from FS2 through Year 11, with tuition fees ranging from AED 4,687 (FS2) to AED 9,499 (Year 11) per year. The school's fee structure is among the more affordable in Dubai for a British curriculum school, reflecting its Acceptable KHDA rating. Fees are structured with a mandatory core (tuition, activity, miscellaneous, and computer fees) plus a range of optional add-ons such as e-learning resources, library access, laboratory use, and health and wellbeing support. The KHDA-listed annual tuition fees (which represent the regulated tuition component) range from AED 4,687 for FS2 to AED 9,499 for Year 11.
AED 4,687
Annual Fees From
AED 9,499
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
FS2
AED 4,687Year 1
AED 5,243Year 2
AED 5,243Year 3
AED 5,243Year 4
AED 5,243Year 5
AED 5,384Year 6
AED 5,384Year 7
AED 6,764Year 8
AED 6,764Year 9
AED 6,764Year 10
AED 7,931Year 11
AED 9,499New students are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of AED 525 at the point of offer acceptance, plus a one-time admission fee of AED 1,000. Several optional fees — including e-learning and digital licences (AED 996–AED 1,200), library and e-books (AED 1,300–AED 1,600), and laboratory fees (AED 500–AED 600 for applicable year groups) — can add meaningfully to the base tuition cost. A 5% VAT applies to certain taxable fee components. Year 10 and Year 11 students are offered both Science and Commerce stream options, each carrying the same tuition fee.
Fees are payable across three terms, with 10% of tuition due at enrolment, 40% of the balance at Term 1, and 30% each at Terms 2 and 3. A sibling discount is available: 3% for the second child and 5% for the third child and beyond, applied to tuition fees. Transport is available across a wide range of Dubai and Sharjah routes, with annual two-way fees ranging from AED 3,600 to AED 7,500 depending on the route.
Additional Costs
Registration fee
AED 525 (non-refundable, non-deductible from school fees)
Admission fee (new students)
AED 1,000
Activity fee
AED 334 per year
Miscellaneous fee
AED 213 per year
Computer fee
AED 557 per year
•E-learning resources & digital licence fee (optional): AED 996–AED 1,200 per year
Health & wellbeing support (optional)
AED 150 per year
Laboratory fee (optional, Year 3–Year 11 Science)
AED 500–AED 600 per year
Library, reading assessment & e-books (optional)
AED 1,300–AED 1,600 per year
Art & design (optional, FS2–Year 9)
AED 300 per year
External examinations
AED 52–AED 411 depending on year group
Uniform fee
as per uniform provider (TBC)
Books fee
as per school bookstore prices
Late pick-up fee
AED 100 plus VAT per hour per child
Transport fee
AED 3,600–AED 7,500 per year (two-way) depending on route
Clubs & field trips
charged on a termly basis as required
Discounts & Concessions
Sibling discount
0% for 1st child, 3% for 2nd child, 5% for 3rd child and beyond — applied to tuition fees
•All discounts are cancelled if a cheque bounces or any child is withdrawn from the school
Payment Terms
•10% of tuition fee due at time of enrolment
•40% of balance due at Term 1 (25 August 2022)
•30% of balance due at Term 2 (25 December 2022)
•30% of balance due at Term 3 (25 March 2023)
•Existing students pay AED 500 at time of registration
•Payment accepted by cash, cheque, or card at the school accounts office
•Cheques to be made payable to 'Al Sadiq Islamic English School'
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
Al Sadiq Islamic English School is a school that does exactly what it says on the label - and that clarity of purpose is its greatest strength. It is an affordable, values-anchored British curriculum school that has served Dubai's Muslim community, particularly families of South Asian heritage, for over 35 years. Its secondary outcomes are genuinely Good, its parent community is warmly engaged, its Islamic ethos is authentic rather than performative, and its fees are among the lowest available for a British curriculum education in Dubai. These are not small achievements. The honest limitations are equally clear: FS and Primary teaching quality needs to improve, teacher turnover is high, IGCSE results are not publicly shared, and the absence of a Sixth Form means families must plan and budget for a school transition at age 16. For the right family, none of these limitations are disqualifying - they are simply parameters to plan around. For the wrong family, they matter enormously. This is not a school for families who measure success by league table position, published exam results, or elite university destinations. It is a school for families who value a safe, respectful, Islamic environment, a recognised British curriculum, and genuinely accessible school fees in Dubai.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families of South Asian or Muslim heritage seeking an affordable British curriculum education with strong Islamic values integration, a safe and respectful school community, and good secondary academic outcomes in Al Qusais or surrounding areas.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families seeking elite academic outcomes, published IGCSE results transparency, a seamless FS-to-A-Level pathway, premium facilities, or low teacher turnover - or those commuting from newer residential districts far from Al Qusais.
“
I'm continually impressed by the sincere efforts the teachers and school management have taken. The school genuinely cares about each child's progress and the Islamic environment gives us real peace of mind as parents.
— Parent of Secondary Students
Strengths
- Among the most affordable British curriculum schools in Dubai (AED 4,687-9,499)
- Authentic Islamic values integration recognised by DSIB inspectors
- Secondary academic outcomes rated Good across English, Maths, Science
- Parent-school partnership rated Very Good - highest inspection element
- Inclusive admissions: welcomes Students of Determination and EAL learners at no extra cost
- 35+ year track record serving Dubai's Muslim community
- Student conduct and personal development rated Good to Very Good
- On-site doctor and clinic - strong welfare provision at this fee level
Areas for Improvement
- KHDA Acceptable rating held for 13 of 14 inspections - no Sixth Form permitted
- FS and Primary teaching quality rated Acceptable - inconsistent classroom practice
- Teacher turnover approximately 39% - well above Dubai average of 20-22%
- IGCSE results not publicly disclosed - limits transparency for parents
- No post-16 pathway: students must transfer to another school after Year 11