Al Wahda Private School, Sharjah
SPEA Inspection Report & Ratings
Last updated
Executive Summary
Al Wahda Private School's overall effectiveness is rated as Good, marking an improvement from its previous 'Weak' inspection in 2018. The school has seen significant positive changes under new leadership, with the principal and most of the senior leadership team being in their first year in post, setting a clear path for improvement.
This progress is evident in the improved quality of teaching and assessment, now deemed Acceptable, which has positively impacted students' attainment and progress. Students' personal and social development remains Good, and the curriculum's implementation and modification are also rated Good.
While the school demonstrates strong procedures for student protection and care, and an all-inclusive educational provision in Kindergarten, areas such as students' innovation and higher-order learning skills, and the impact of middle and subject leaders, require further development.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Al Wahda Private School Overall Rating
Good
SPEA Performance Standards
The performance standards used by SPEA to evaluate school quality across Sharjah.
The school demonstrates good procedures for identifying and supporting students with special educational needs (SEN). Care and support provisions are effective, ensuring that students receive appropriate assistance to meet their individual learning requirements. Students of DeterminationSEN support
The school provides good protection, care, guidance, and support for its students. Health and safety arrangements, including child protection and safeguarding, are effective, contributing to a secure and nurturing environment for all learners. Health and safetyChild protectionSafeguarding
Students show a good understanding of Islamic values and a strong awareness of Emirati culture and heritage. The curriculum effectively promotes these values and cultural aspects, preparing students to be responsible citizens within the UAE society. Islamic valuesEmirati cultureUAE heritage
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Leadership Impact
The principal and senior leaders have had a significant positive impact on raising standards and aspirations across the school.
Student Behavior
Students exhibit positive and respectful behavior, fostering good relationships with adults and peers in lessons and around the school.
Cultural Understanding
Students adhere to Islamic values and ethics in their daily lives, demonstrating a strong understanding of UAE heritage and culture.
SEN Support
The school has effective procedures for the identification of and support for students with special educational needs (SEN).
KG Provision
The Kindergarten phase offers an all-inclusive educational provision, ensuring a strong start for the youngest learners.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students' achievement overall is <strong>Acceptable</strong>. While internal data often shows higher attainment and progress, external assessments and classroom observations indicate that most students perform in line with curriculum standards. Learning skills are generally acceptable, with KG showing good development. High-attaining students across all phases often lack sufficient challenge to make the progress they are capable of.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership at Al Wahda Private School, under the guidance of a new principal and senior leadership team, has been instrumental in driving significant improvements across the school. Their clear vision and effective management have led to a positive impact on raising standards and aspirations, moving the school's overall leadership and management to a 'Good' rating.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students' achievement across the school is rated as Acceptable. While there has been an improvement since the previous inspection, particularly in KG, consistent attainment and progress at higher levels require further development, especially for high-attaining students.
Personal Development
Students' personal and social development, along with their innovation skills, is rated as Good overall. Students demonstrate positive behavior, respectful relationships, and a strong understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture. However, active participation in healthy lifestyles and community involvement needs enhancement.
Teaching Quality
The overall quality of teaching and assessment is Acceptable, with teaching in KG being Good. Teachers possess secure subject knowledge and plan lessons aligned with curriculum standards. However, the consistent use of assessment data to challenge all student groups and the promotion of critical thinking and innovation skills in lessons need further improvement.
Protection & Care
The protection, care, guidance, and support of students are rated as Good. The school maintains effective health and safety procedures, including child protection and safeguarding. Students' relationships with staff and peers are respectful, and the school effectively supports students with special educational needs.
Areas for Development
- •Further raise attainment levels across the school to meet and exceed curriculum standards consistently.
- •Improve the quality of teaching to consistently match the existing best practices observed within the school, particularly in promoting critical thinking and innovation.
- •Enhance the impact and effectiveness of middle and subject leaders in driving academic and personal development.
- •Address students’ punctuality to school, especially those arriving by school transport, to maximize learning time.