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Al Salam Private School, Dubai

British School in Al Nahda 2, Dubai

Last updated

Curriculum
British
KHDA
Good
Location
Dubai, Al Nahda 2
Fees
AED 14K - 31K

The Executive Summary

Al Salam Private School Dubai is one of the most established British curriculum schools in Al Nahda 2, operating since 1989 and carrying a legacy that stretches back to the founding of Salam Nursery in 1986. The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for younger students, providing a play-based learning approach, and for older students adheres to the National Curriculum for England, which offers a structured academic pathway leading to internationally recognised qualifications. With a KHDA rating of Good - held consistently for over a decade - and annual school fees ranging from AED 18,252 to AED 31,390, Al Salam occupies a distinctive space among Al Nahda 2 schools: genuinely inclusive, community-rooted, and accessible in cost without sacrificing academic ambition. The school is currently mid-expansion, having launched IGCSEs in 2024-25 and planning A Levels from 2026-27, making this a school in active growth rather than settled maturity. For families who value warmth, diversity, and a school that genuinely knows their child, Al Salam delivers meaningfully. For those prioritising proven public examination results or elite university placement data right now, the timing is premature - those metrics are still being built.

The school's strongest differentiators are its outstanding cultural awareness provision (rated Outstanding by KHDA across all phases), its very high inclusion rate with 241 students of determination representing nearly 19% of enrolment, and its secondary mathematics and science performance rated Very Good by DSIB inspectors. Its principal weakness is inconsistency in Foundation Stage and lower Primary teaching quality, an area KHDA has flagged in successive reports. At fees well below the Dubai British curriculum average, Al Salam represents strong value for money for the right family - but parents with children in the early years should enter with clear eyes about the variability they may encounter in those phases.
KHDA Good - 10+ YearsOutstanding Cultural Awareness19% Students of DeterminationIGCSE Launch 2024-25Affordable British Curriculum

See how Al Salam Private School compares across all 105 British schools in our Best British Schools in Dubai 2026 guide.

“What drew us here was the sense that teachers actually know our children as individuals. My son has been here since FS2 and the continuity has been remarkable - the same warmth from Year 1 through to Year 7.”

— Year 7 Parent(representative)

Academic Framework & Learning Style

Al Salam Private School follows a dual-framework approach that mirrors the structure of UK schooling. In the Foundation Stage (FS1 and FS2, ages 3 to 5), the school applies the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, emphasising play-based learning, curiosity, and early development across literacy, numeracy, and personal growth. Arabic is introduced from FS1, with five specialist teachers delivering 180 minutes of Arabic instruction per week. The KHDA inspection noted that FS Arabic lessons are differentiated and adapted to individual needs, supporting a smooth transition into Year 1. From Year 1 through Year 9, the school follows the National Curriculum for England (NCfE), which KHDA confirmed is now fully established across all phases, helping to ensure continuity and progression in learning. Core subjects - English, Mathematics, and Science - are supplemented by UAE Ministry of Education requirements including Islamic Education, Arabic, Moral Education, and UAE Social Studies. The broader curriculum also includes French, Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education, Computing, Global Perspectives, and STEM-focused subjects such as Robotics and Entrepreneurship. Cross-curricular links are actively identified in lessons, and project-based learning is a strong feature, particularly in science and Moral, Social and Cultural Studies. From Year 10, students prepare for IGCSE qualifications through Cambridge and Edexcel boards, with pathways in Science, Commerce, IT, Travel and Tourism, and Art and Design. The first cohort began their IGCSE journey in 2024-25, with results expected in Summer 2026. A Level and AS Level programmes are planned for Year 12 and Year 13, with the school announcing expansion to Year 12 in 2026 and targeting a full sixth form by 2027-28. No external examination results are yet publicly available, but this is by timeline rather than by avoidance. In terms of benchmarked performance, the KHDA 2023-24 inspection reported that Secondary mathematics and science attainment is Very Good, with mathematics progress also rated Very Good in Secondary - the school's clearest academic strength. In Primary, English and mathematics attainment is rated Good, and in the Foundation Stage, attainment in English and mathematics is currently Acceptable, with Good progress noted. Arabic as a First Language attainment is Acceptable across Primary and Secondary, a persistent concern that leadership is working to address. The school participated in PIRLS 2021, where students exceeded their targets by 12 points, and in PISA and TIMSS 2015, where results ranked significantly above UAE national and private school averages. Academic support is structured across several tiers. Students of determination receive Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and access small-group and one-to-one withdrawal sessions with specialist learning support staff. The school also operates the ASDAN curriculum for students with significant needs, developing life and vocational skills. Gifted and talented students in upper Primary and Secondary have opportunities to work at accelerated pace, particularly in mathematics and English. The school's internship programme - highlighted by KHDA as a standout feature - enables students to innovate, make informed decisions, and demonstrate strong work ethics. Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is also available from Year 10 onwards. Teaching methodology blends structured direct instruction with inquiry-based and project-based learning, with the KHDA noting that critical thinking skills are embedded in upper Primary and Secondary, and developing elsewhere.
Very Good
Secondary Maths Attainment and Progress
KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023-24
Very Good
Secondary Science Attainment
KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023-24
+12 Points
Above PIRLS 2021 Target
International reading literacy benchmark
2026
First IGCSE Results Expected
Cambridge and Edexcel boards
Curriculum Details

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

Al Salam Private School offers a broad co-curricular programme designed to develop students beyond the classroom. While the school does not publish a precise count of after-school clubs on its website, the programme spans performing arts, sport, STEM enrichment, community service, and creative arts, with activities available across Foundation Stage through to Secondary. In the performing arts, the school runs drama and music programmes, supported by a large music room and regular performance opportunities. The school's annual Art Fair - documented through its social media channels - showcases student creative work and demonstrates a genuine culture of artistic expression. Drama is embedded in the Primary curriculum as a discrete subject and extends into co-curricular performance. Sport is a visible part of school life, with students described by KHDA inspectors as pro-active in taking part in a variety of sporting activities. The school's football pitch and multi-purpose gymnasium support team sports and competitive activity. Students are noted for making healthy choices and demonstrating awareness of healthy lifestyles - a feature KHDA specifically commended in its personal development ratings. In the area of enrichment and enterprise, the school's internship programme stands out as a genuine differentiator. KHDA highlighted this programme as enabling students to innovate, make informed decisions, and demonstrate a strong work ethic - a level of commendation that goes beyond standard co-curricular provision. Students also participate in project-based learning initiatives across science, technology, and Moral, Social and Cultural Studies, including environmental projects such as bottle planter gardens and recycling partnerships with local restaurants. Community service is embedded in the school's values. Students plan and participate in fund-raising for charities, take on leadership roles, and actively seek ways to enhance their environment. KHDA noted that students demonstrate a keen sense of social responsibility and innovation, though inspectors also recommended extending volunteering opportunities to reach more students. From Year 10, students have access to the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, which adds a structured enrichment pathway for older learners. The school has also participated in international forums, with students representing ASPS at events such as the Next Gen World Majlis, moving classroom conversations to a global stage. A Model UN-style engagement with global higher education was evidenced through a January 2026 event inviting Year 9 to 11 students and parents to explore international university pathways.
Year 10+
Duke of Edinburgh Award Available
International enrichment qualification
Duke of Edinburgh AwardAnnual Art FairInternship ProgrammeCommunity FundraisingGlobal Enrichment Events

Pastoral Care & Well-being

Pastoral care is one of Al Salam Private School's most consistently praised attributes, and the KHDA 2023-24 inspection rated the school's wellbeing provision and outcomes as Good overall - a rating supported by detailed evidence of genuine commitment across leadership, staff, students, and families. The school operates with a dedicated wellbeing team that has developed comprehensive policies and a structured wellbeing programme now linked to the curriculum. The programme addresses emotional, physical, and social wellbeing themes, and KHDA inspectors noted that students are generally confident and demonstrate awareness of their own needs. Assemblies and lesson planning actively address online safety, and the school fosters a positive classroom climate described by inspectors as creating a sense of community belonging - a place where every child is special. Safeguarding and child protection are rated Very Good across all phases. The school premises are described by KHDA as very secure and maintained to an excellent standard. School transportation is also well managed. The management of student behaviour is mostly effective and well understood by students, and the inspection noted that bullying in the school is rare - students are described as self-disciplined and sensitive to the needs of others. The school has one guidance counsellor supporting 1,253 students, a ratio that is relatively stretched and worth noting for parents with children who may need regular pastoral support. Dedicated intervention and counselling rooms on each floor provide accessible quiet spaces for students requiring additional guidance. Student voice is actively valued. Students are represented on the Governors' Advisory Board (GAB), and the school also operates a Parents as Learners (PALS) programme and a Parent Support Forum (PSF), creating structured channels for family engagement. KHDA inspectors confirmed that parents report high levels of satisfaction with all areas of support, and that stakeholders feel valued, safe, and engaged in school life. Mental health awareness is taken seriously, with student-led activities documented through the school's social media, including a Mental Health Awareness Day in October 2025 where students shared concerns through a Worry Monster activity and contributed to a Wall of Positive Power. The school's wellbeing team also hosts staff wellbeing days, reflecting an understanding that staff welfare directly supports student welfare. The one area KHDA identified for development is the need to analyse wellbeing survey data more carefully to drive continuous improvement and provide more focused support.

“The school genuinely cares. When my daughter was going through a difficult period, the class teacher and counsellor reached out proactively. That kind of attentiveness is rare and it is why we have stayed.”

— Year 5 Parent(representative)

Campus & Facilities

Al Salam Private School occupies a purpose-built campus in Al Nahda 2, Al Ghusais, Dubai, located behind NMC Hospital. The site covers approximately 17,000 square metres and is spread across three floors, a relatively compact footprint for a school of 1,253 students by Dubai standards. However, the campus has been extensively redeveloped in recent years to maximise every available space, and the result is a functional, well-organised environment that serves its community effectively. Sport and physical activity are well supported. The school features a multi-purpose gymnasium, a rooftop playground, and a newly developed football pitch, providing students with structured opportunities for team sports and physical competition. For younger learners, a specially designed outdoor learning area for Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 includes a mud kitchen, climbing equipment, water play features, chalk walls, and a music wall - spaces that encourage exploration and physical development from an early age. The arts are well catered for, with a double-sized art studio providing generous space for creative work and a large music room supporting performance and instrumental development. The school also maintains a modern library that is open during school holidays, supporting the school's strong culture of reading. A seated canteen and dedicated prayer rooms contribute to the community feel of the campus. For students of determination and those requiring additional support, dedicated intervention and counselling rooms on each floor provide accessible, quiet spaces for personalised guidance - a practical reflection of the school's inclusive philosophy. Digital infrastructure has been significantly upgraded. Classrooms are equipped with interactive smartboards, and the school has invested in robotics and technology resources to support its STEM agenda. The school operates a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, and its branding as a Google School reflects a commitment to digital literacy as a core competency. These investments are meaningful for a school at this fee level. The campus location in Al Nahda 2 is well connected for families living across Dubai and Sharjah, with the area's residential density making it accessible from Al Qusais, Mirdif, Al Nahda, and cross-border Sharjah communities. School transportation is managed externally and rated as well managed by KHDA. The urban setting means the campus is not expansive, but the school has developed its site with creativity and purpose.
17,000 m²
Campus Size
Al Nahda 2, Dubai - 3-floor purpose-built campus
3 Floors
Campus Layout
Counselling rooms on every floor
Rooftop PlaygroundDouble Art StudioFootball PitchGoogle SchoolBYOD TechnologyHoliday Library Access
Campus Details

Teaching & Learning Quality

The KHDA 2023-24 inspection rated teaching for effective learning as Good across all three phases - Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary - with assessment also rated Good across all phases. This consistent rating masks important internal variation that parents should understand before choosing a phase. In Secondary, teaching quality is notably stronger. KHDA inspectors specifically highlighted that teaching practices in Secondary are very effective in mathematics and science, with teachers making skilful use of questioning to ensure students apply, explain, and justify their answers. Teachers in Secondary are described as making effective use of assessment outcomes to inform their teaching, and the department's success in promoting investigative work in science is evident in Very Good attainment outcomes. In Primary, the picture is more mixed. Teaching is more effective in the older classes, but classroom routines in lower Primary are not well enough established, and expectations of both students and teachers are not always high enough. KHDA found inconsistency in the quality of teaching, learning, and the use of assessment in both Foundation Stage and Primary - a finding that has been present across more than one inspection cycle. The school has 76 teachers supported by 53 teaching assistants, giving a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 1:16. The largest nationality group of teachers is Indian. A majority of teachers are described by KHDA as having strong subject knowledge and knowing how students learn best, though teaching security is less consistent in FS. Teacher turnover is approximately 12%, significantly below the Dubai average of over 20%. This is a meaningful indicator of staff satisfaction and institutional stability - continuity of teaching relationships is a genuine asset for students, particularly those with additional learning needs. Professional development is active. Teachers receive regular training in inclusive strategies, and the school has focused recently on developing critical thinking skills, reading strategies, and the use of technology in teaching. KHDA noted that the school's focus on developing students' critical thinking skills is particularly evident in Secondary, where teachers have been specifically trained in this area. The school's internship programme also requires teachers to facilitate real-world, project-based learning - a form of professional stretch that benefits pedagogical practice. The school uses a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy and has embedded technology including robotics, coding resources, and interactive boards into its teaching infrastructure. The introduction of technology to support project-based learning - particularly in science, technology, and mathematics - was specifically highlighted as a strength by KHDA inspectors.
1:16
Student-to-Teacher Ratio
76 teachers for 1,253 students
12%
Teacher Turnover Rate
Significantly below Dubai average of 20%+
53
Teaching Assistants
Supporting 241 students of determination and wider cohort

Leadership & Management

Al Salam Private School was founded by Sue Johnston, who served as Headmistress for 30 years and remains the school's founder. The school's current principal, as confirmed by the KHDA inspection report and the school's own records, is Wendy Banks, appointed on 1 September 2021. The school is operated by Al Salam Education. KHDA inspectors rated the effectiveness of leadership as Very Good in the 2023-24 inspection - one of the school's highest-rated domains. The principal and school leaders are described as highly committed to the school and its students. Middle leadership shows improvement across the school, though KHDA noted that there is insufficient rigour in the monitoring and evaluation of the quality of provision and outcomes in Foundation Stage and Primary - an area requiring continued attention. School self-evaluation and improvement planning is rated Good. Action plans are described as working documents that are regularly reviewed, with priorities in the National Agenda action plan reflected in subject action plans and monitored for impact. KHDA recommended greater accountability for all aspects of the school's provision and outcomes, and greater rigour in identifying potential risks and taking action promptly. Governance is rated Very Good. The school operates a Governors' Advisory Board (GAB) on which students, parents, and staff are represented. Wellbeing is a stated priority of the board. The governance structure reflects the school's commitment to stakeholder involvement in strategic decision-making. Parents and the community is also rated Very Good - a genuine strength. KHDA confirmed that the school is successful in engaging parents as partners in their children's learning and in the life of the school. Communication with parents is described as very effective, and parents are very supportive of the school's leadership. The school uses multiple channels for parent engagement including the GAB, the Parents as Learners (PALS) programme, and the Parent Support Forum (PSF). Management, staffing, facilities and resources is rated Very Good. The school's strategic direction under current leadership has focused on expanding Secondary provision, launching IGCSEs, and planning for A Levels - a clear trajectory from a school that had previously contracted its secondary offering. The planned expansion to Year 12 in 2026 and Year 13 in 2027-28 represents the most significant strategic initiative in the school's recent history.
Leadership Details

KHDA Inspection Results (Decoded)

Al Salam Private School has received a KHDA rating of Good in the 2023-24 DSIB inspection - a rating it has held with remarkable consistency, having been rated Good in every inspection since 2011-12, with the exception of two Acceptable ratings in 2009-10 and 2010-11. This is a school that has stabilised at Good and is working to break through to Very Good, but has not yet done so. The 2023-24 inspection covered the full school from Foundation Stage through to Year 9. The headline finding is that students' achievement is mostly Good, with specific excellence in Secondary mathematics and science, where both attainment and progress reach Very Good. Science attainment is Good across all phases, with Very Good in Secondary. English attainment moves from Acceptable in FS to Good in Primary and Secondary, with consistently Good progress throughout. The weakest academic area is Arabic as a First Language, where attainment is Acceptable in both Primary and Secondary, a persistent challenge that leadership has acknowledged. Beyond academics, the inspection painted a strongly positive picture of students' personal and social development. Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures is rated Outstanding across all three phases - Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary - the school's single highest-rated domain and a genuine point of pride. Personal development and social responsibility are both rated Very Good across all phases. The Inclusion rating is Good and the Wellbeing rating is Good. For inclusion, inspectors acknowledged the school's strong commitment and effective specialist leadership but noted that classroom strategies do not always consistently deliver on every child's personalised goals. For wellbeing, inspectors praised the dedicated team and stakeholder involvement but recommended embedding initiatives more purposefully across the school. The four key recommendations from KHDA for improvement are: improving teaching, learning, and assessment quality particularly in lower Primary; increasing consistency in the use of assessment data to inform classroom organisation and inclusive provision; ensuring greater accountability across all aspects of provision; and applying greater rigour in identifying and addressing risks. These are substantive challenges, not cosmetic ones, and parents should weigh them accordingly.
Outstanding Cultural and Values Education
Students' understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures is rated Outstanding across all three phases - the school's highest-rated domain and a defining feature of its ethos.
Very Good Secondary Mathematics and Science
Both attainment and progress in Secondary mathematics are rated Very Good, and Secondary science attainment is Very Good - the school's strongest academic performance area, backed by effective investigative and project-based learning.
Very Good Leadership and Community Engagement
Leadership effectiveness, governance, parent and community partnerships, and management are all rated Very Good. KHDA specifically praised the school's success in engaging parents as genuine partners in school life.
Teaching Consistency in Foundation Stage and Lower Primary

KHDA found inconsistency in teaching quality, assessment use, and classroom routines in FS and lower Primary. Expectations of both students and teachers are not always high enough in these phases, and this is a recurring finding across inspection cycles.

Arabic Attainment and Emirati Student Outcomes

Arabic as a First Language attainment is Acceptable in both Primary and Secondary. Emirati student outcomes in English benchmark tests also require specific support. KHDA recommended more opportunities for independent speaking and writing in Arabic across all phases.

Full Inspection Report

Inspection History

2023-2024
Good
2022-2023
Good
2019-2020
Good
2018-2019
Good
2017-2018
Good
2016-2017
Good
2015-2016
Good
2011-2012
Good
2010-2011
Acceptable
2009-2010
Acceptable
2008-2009
Good

Fees & Value for Money

Al Salam Private School offers a UK curriculum (British, 13-year) education from FS2 through Year 11, with annual tuition fees for the 2025–2026 academic year ranging from AED 18,252 for FS2 up to AED 31,390 for Year 11. The school has consistently received a Good DSIB rating, reflecting strong value relative to its fee level. Fees are structured across three terms, with payments due on 1 August 2025, 1 December 2025, and 1 March 2026, following a roughly 40/30/30 split.

AED 18,252
Annual Fees From
AED 31,390
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
FS2
AED 18,252
Year 1
AED 18,779
Year 2
AED 19,228
Year 3
AED 19,455
Year 4
AED 19,787
Year 5
AED 20,365
Year 6
AED 21,130
Year 7
AED 23,860
Year 8
AED 24,759
Year 9
AED 25,761
Year 10
AED 28,536
Year 11
AED 31,390

The published fees cover core tuition only. Additional costs are charged separately and include items such as Chromebooks, uniforms, transportation, after-school activities, school trips, extra learning support, some textbooks, and late collection fees. Mandatory benchmark and assessment tests — including GL Progress Tests, CAT4, Checkpoint Exams, and other standardised assessments — are also invoiced separately. Parents should budget for these supplementary costs in addition to the headline tuition figures.

The school accepts a wide range of payment methods including cash, cheque, credit/debit card, online payment via the Zenda app, and bank wire transfer to Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB). The Zenda platform also offers a 'Pay Later' instalment option with no hidden charges. No sibling discounts or scholarships are explicitly mentioned in the published fee information, and all refunds in the event of withdrawal are calculated in accordance with KHDA guidelines.

Additional Costs

Chromebook(annual)
Uniform(annual)
Transportation(annual)
After-School Activities (ECA)(per-term)
School Trips(annual)
Extra Learning Support(annual)
Textbooks (some)(annual)
Late Collection Fee(per-instance)
Benchmark / Standardised Tests (GL Progress Tests, CAT4, Checkpoint)(per-exam)
Returned Cheque Fee250(per-instance)
Cheque Retrieval Fee50(per-instance)
Full Fee Structure

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

Al Salam Private School is a school with a clear and honest identity: community-centred, genuinely inclusive, academically improving, and priced to be accessible to a broad range of Dubai families. After more than three decades in Al Nahda 2, it has earned its reputation not through premium branding but through sustained commitment to the families it serves. The KHDA Good rating - held for over a decade - reflects a school that functions well, cares deeply, and is now in the most ambitious phase of its growth since it first opened its doors. The school is at its best for families who value belonging over prestige, who have children who thrive in a warm and diverse environment, and who appreciate a school where teachers and leadership invest genuinely in knowing each child. The secondary expansion - IGCSEs launched in 2024-25, A Levels planned from 2026-27 - means the school is building toward a complete British curriculum pathway for the first time, and the early signs from its secondary mathematics and science performance are encouraging. For families entering at secondary level, the value-for-money case is compelling. For families entering in Foundation Stage or lower Primary, the KHDA findings on teaching consistency are worth weighing carefully - this is not a school where the early years experience matches the secondary quality, and parents should factor that into their decision. The school is not the right choice for families prioritising proven A Level results, elite university placement data, or a highly selective academic environment. It is also not ideal for families who need a higher counsellor-to-student ratio than the current 1:1,253 provision offers. But for the family that wants an affordable, inclusive, values-driven British curriculum school in one of Dubai's most accessible locations, Al Salam Private School is a genuinely strong option - and one whose best years may well be ahead of it.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Families seeking an affordable, inclusive British curriculum school in Al Nahda 2 with a warm community ethos, strong secondary science and mathematics, and a genuine commitment to students of determination will find Al Salam a compelling choice.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Families prioritising proven public examination results, elite university placement records, or a highly selective academic environment should wait until the school's IGCSE and A Level track record is established - or consider alternatives with more mature secondary provision.

“

We chose Al Salam because we wanted our children to grow up in a school that reflects the real world - different nationalities, different abilities, all learning together. That is exactly what we got, and the academic results in secondary have genuinely surprised us.

— Secondary Parent, two children at the school

Strengths

  • Consistently KHDA Good-rated for over a decade with stable leadership
  • Outstanding cultural and Islamic values education across all phases
  • Very Good secondary mathematics and science attainment and progress
  • Genuinely inclusive with 19% students of determination - one of Dubai's highest
  • Low teacher turnover of 12% ensures continuity and stability
  • Affordable fees (AED 18,252-31,390) well below British curriculum average
  • Strong parent engagement through GAB, PALS, and PSF structures
  • IGCSE launched 2024-25 with A Levels planned from 2026-27

Areas for Improvement

  • Teaching quality and assessment use inconsistent in Foundation Stage and lower Primary
  • Arabic as a First Language attainment rated only Acceptable in Primary and Secondary
  • No public examination results available yet - IGCSE track record unproven
  • Single guidance counsellor for 1,253 students is a stretched pastoral ratio
  • Compact 17,000m² campus has limited space compared to newer Dubai schools
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