Dubai National School
KHDA Inspection Report & Ratings 2019
Last updated
Executive Summary
The overall quality of education provided by the school is Good. Dubai National School demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusion and UAE priorities, with senior and middle leaders driving improvement. The school is well-resourced and staffed, operating effectively.
Students' personal and social development is of a Very Good standard across the school, showing positive attitudes and a notable understanding of Emirati heritage and Islamic values. Attainment is mainly Good in KG, Elementary, and Middle, becoming Very Good in mathematics and science in High school. The curriculum is Very Good, adapting well to students' needs and fostering innovation skills through project work.
Teaching quality is broadly uniform, with a large minority at a Very Good level, particularly in High school where it is less teacher-driven. Safeguarding and child protection procedures are strong, and care and support are systematic. Key recommendations include improving data analysis, enhancing teaching quality in KG, Elementary, and Middle schools, and increasing governor involvement in accountability.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Dubai National School Overall Rating
Good for 14+ consecutive years
Dubai Focus Areas
These three pillars represent the Dubai education authority's priorities: ensuring inclusive practices, prioritizing student wellbeing, and meeting UAE National Agenda targets.
The school effectively promotes an inclusive ethos, with students of determination benefiting from many opportunities. The inclusion team collaborates closely with external agencies, and parent partnership is very strong. Most students make good progress, though learning skills develop more slowly. inclusive ethosparent partnershipstudents of determination
The school’s vision strongly promotes wellbeing, with leaders showing a strong commitment and implementing innovative initiatives. Staff are highly engaged, and effective systems ensure students feel safe and cared for. Opportunities for project-based learning and extra-curricular activities successfully promote wellbeing. wellbeing visioninnovative initiativesproject-based learningextra-curricular activities
The school has successfully exceeded National Agenda targets for international assessments, with students improving scores in PIRLS and MAP tests. The National Agenda action plan focuses on data analysis and curriculum modification. However, reading literacy levels are below expectations in elementary and middle schools, including for Emirati students. National Agenda targetsinternational assessmentsPIRLSMAP testsreading literacy
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Personal & Social Growth
Students demonstrate outstanding personal and social development, including a deep understanding of Islamic values, Emirati culture, and environmental responsibility across all phases.
High School Academic Excellence
Students in the high school show very good progress and attainment, particularly in mathematics and science, alongside well-developed learning skills.
Robust Protection & Care
The school maintains very effective arrangements for health, safety, safeguarding, and child protection, ensuring a secure and supportive environment for all students.
Strong Community Links
Partnerships with parents and the wider community are a significant strength, fostering strong communication and involvement in school life.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students' attainment is mainly good in KG, Elementary and Middle, and very good in mathematics and science in the high school. Progress is inconsistent, mostly very good in Arabic (additional language), mathematics, and science in Middle and High, but good in English in Elementary and Middle. Learning skills are well developed in High and Elementary, but less so elsewhere.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The principal leads a forceful drive for improvement, with senior and middle leaders strongly committed to UAE priorities and inclusion. They have established a positive learning culture and maintained good or very good student progress and attainment. However, self-evaluation processes need more effective analysis, and governor involvement in accountability is limited.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students' attainment is mainly good in KG, Elementary, and Middle, and very good in mathematics and science in High school. Progress is inconsistent, with very good progress in Arabic (additional), mathematics, and science in Middle and High. Learning skills are well developed in High school but less so in other phases.
Personal Development
Students' personal and social development is of a very high standard across the school, showing positive attitudes, self-discipline, and strong understanding of Islamic values, Emirati heritage, and world cultures. They are highly proactive in school life, demonstrating social responsibility and innovation skills through project work.
Teaching Quality
The quality of teaching is broadly uniform across KG, Elementary, and High, with a large minority at a very good level, particularly in High school where it is less teacher-driven. Assessment is generally used very well, and the school has effective procedures to collect and analyze data, though accuracy varies. Inconsistencies exist in teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs in lower grades.
Protection & Care
The school implements very effective arrangements for health, safety, safeguarding, and child protection, with well-trained staff and clear procedures. A strong caring ethos and personalized pastoral care ensure students feel safe and supported. Medical facilities are very good, and high attendance rates are maintained effectively.
Areas for Development
- •Improve the accuracy of data analysis and the use of this information to inform teaching.
- •Improve the quality of teaching in KG, Elementary and Middle school.
- •Ensure that governors are more active in holding leaders to account for the performance of the school and support them to improve where necessary.
- •Ensure that teachers’ interventions have a more substantial impact on students' reading literacy skills, especially in the elementary and middle schools.
- •Ensure that the pace of lessons is appropriate for the lower achieving students so that they are able to make good or better progress, especially in the elementary school.
- •Ensure that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to implement effective interventions that reduce barriers to learning and optimize students’ progress.