Gems Cambridge International Private School branch Sharjah - Muwailih
Executive Summary
The first full inspection for GEMS Cambridge International Private School Sharjah, which opened in 2019, has resulted in an overall performance rating of Very Good. This positive outcome is attributed to the principal and senior leaders' shared vision and clear strategic direction. The school fosters a positive learning environment, leading to students demonstrating positive attitudes and behaviours, including respect for each other and UAE traditions.
A strong culture of professional development and sharing best practice among staff has significantly contributed to the high quality of teaching, learning, and curriculum across all subjects. The school places a high priority on student well-being and safeguarding, which parents acknowledge as being at a very high and consistent level.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Gems Cambridge International Private School branch Sharjah - Muwailih Overall Rating
Very Good
SPEA Performance Standards
The performance standards used by SPEA to evaluate school quality across Sharjah.
The school demonstrates a Very Good provision for inclusive education, with rigorous systems for identifying Students of Determination using internationally recognized tests. Effective support is provided through the Head of Inclusion and dedicated staff, including shadow teachers. Curriculum modifications are successfully implemented to meet the needs of most students with SEND. Students of DeterminationSENDHead of Inclusionshadow teachers
Student wellbeing and safeguarding are considered Outstanding priorities, consistently maintained at a very high level. The school implements rigorous and highly effective safeguarding procedures, with all stakeholders fully aware of child protection protocols. Promotion of healthy living permeates all aspects of school life, supported by a positive school culture and strong student-staff relationships. wellbeingsafeguardinghealthy living
The school shows a Very Good understanding and appreciation of Islamic values and their influence in the UAE, promoted through lessons and religious events. Students develop a strong understanding of UAE culture and heritage, with cross-curricular references. The curriculum also embeds coherent learning experiences that foster environmental awareness through sustainability projects. Islamic valuesUAE culture and heritagesustainability projects
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Strong Academic Achievement
Since its opening in 2019, the school has achieved a Very Good rating in all subjects, including strong performance in external benchmarking examinations.
Positive School Culture
The school fosters a highly positive culture and atmosphere, where students and staff collaborate harmoniously, demonstrating respect for Islamic values and UAE traditions.
Rigorous Safeguarding
The implementation of rigorous safeguarding procedures has instilled great confidence among parents regarding student protection and safety.
Improved Teaching & Learning
There has been consistent improvement in teaching quality, assessment practices, and students’ learning skills, contributing to Very Good performance across all subjects.
Effective Strategic Leadership
Senior leaders, including the principal and vice principal, have established a clear strategic direction and bold vision for the school, in collaboration with key stakeholders.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students’ achievement overall is <strong>Very Good</strong> across all phases and subjects, with consistent improvement noted in teaching, assessment, and learning skills since the school's opening.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team, guided by the principal and senior leaders, demonstrates a Very Good effectiveness, characterized by a clear shared vision and strategic direction. They foster a positive learning environment and ensure strong partnerships with parents and the community, contributing significantly to the school's overall success.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students' achievement is consistently Very Good across all phases and subjects, including Islamic Education, Arabic, Social Studies, English, Mathematics, and Science. Students demonstrate strong attainment and make better-than-expected progress, supported by well-developed learning skills and a keen engagement with their studies.
Personal Development
Students' personal and social development, along with their innovation skills, are rated Very Good. They exhibit positive and responsible attitudes, very good behaviour, and self-discipline. A deep understanding of Islamic values, Emirati, and world cultures is evident, alongside a secure environmental awareness and a positive work ethic.
Teaching Quality
The quality of teaching and assessment is Very Good across all phases. Teachers effectively apply subject knowledge, plan engaging lessons, and use assessment data to meet student needs. Interactions are positive, promoting higher-level thinking, though opportunities for problem-solving and innovation in lessons are still developing.
Protection & Care
The protection, care, guidance, and support of students are rated Outstanding. The school maintains rigorous and highly effective safeguarding procedures, ensuring students feel very safe and parents are fully involved. Health and safety measures are diligently implemented, and comprehensive personal and academic support systems are in place for all students.
Areas for Development
- •Raise achievement to Outstanding in all subjects by ensuring students have a full range of opportunities to produce extended pieces of grammatically accurate writing in Arabic, and continue to develop their mathematical literacy and word problem-solving capacity in all phases.
- •Further improve the impact of school leadership, particularly enhancing the expertise of middle leaders to an Outstanding level, and reviewing lesson planning to ensure students consistently have opportunities to develop their innovation, entrepreneurial, and critical thinking skills in lessons across the school.
- •Focus on consistent use of scientific language and drawing appropriate conclusions in Phase 3 and 4, especially, while also ensuring that the robotics programme is developed in an age-appropriate way to a high level and connected to the mathematics and science curriculum.
- •Enhance the challenge in lessons for Gifted and Talented (G&T) students and extend innovation skills to lessons at all levels, ensuring their needs are met in the same way as those of all other groups.