GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail, Dubai
KHDA Inspection Report & Ratings 2018
Last updated
Executive Summary
The overall quality of education provided by GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail is rated as Very Good. The school is recognized for its purposeful learning community and caring environment, driven by effective and inspiring senior leaders who strive for excellence.
Students demonstrate outstanding progress in English, mathematics, and science, particularly in the Foundation Stage. The curriculum is exceptionally well-adapted to meet diverse learning needs, offering a wide range of choices and enrichment activities for older students.
The school excels in its comprehensive policies for safeguarding, child protection, and cyber-bullying, ensuring students' safety and support. Highly positive relationships between teachers and students, coupled with the significant contributions of capable teaching assistants, underpin student success.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail Overall Rating
Very Good
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 fosters an inclusive culture with highly effective provision for students of determination, led by a skilled team. Student needs are swiftly identified through assessments and parent consultation, leading to appropriate adjustments in individual education plans (IEPs). The curriculum is regularly reviewed and enhanced with high-quality resources and specialist therapeutic professionals. students of determinationindividual education plans (IEPs)therapeutic specialists
Wellbeing is deeply integrated into the school's ethos, with committed leaders empowering positive wellbeing experiences. Students and staff feel exceptionally well cared for, benefiting from specialist counsellors and a supportive atmosphere. A wide range of extra-curricular activities and a comprehensive wellbeing curriculum support holistic development, with students diligently managing their digital wellbeing. wellbeingspecialist counsellorsextra-curricular activitiesdigital wellbeing
The school has successfully exceeded National Agenda targets for international assessments, with outstanding benchmark assessment results in English, mathematics, and science for the whole school. Emirati students' outcomes have shown significant improvement, and leaders effectively scrutinize external assessment data to adapt the curriculum. National Agenda Parameterinternational assessmentsPIRLS 2021Emirati studentsreading literacy
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Visionary Leadership
Senior leaders drive high performance within an inclusive learning environment, fostering a purposeful and caring community.
Academic Excellence
Students consistently achieve outstanding progress across English, mathematics, and science, demonstrating high academic standards.
Holistic Development
Students exhibit excellent personal development, a strong understanding of Islamic values, and a keen sense of social responsibility.
Community Engagement
The Local Advisory Board and engaged parents actively partner in supporting continuous school improvement and student learning.
Efficient Management
The school campus benefits from very effective daily management, ensuring smooth operations and a positive learning environment.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students consistently achieve outstanding progress in English, mathematics, and science across all phases. While Islamic Education and Arabic show varied attainment, there are noted improvements in specific aspects and phases, particularly in Post-16 Arabic and overall English writing skills. Learning skills are consistently Very good across all phases.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
Effective and inspiring senior leaders have established a purposeful learning community that values inclusivity and wellbeing, striving for excellence and improving students' outcomes in key subjects. They demonstrate a coherent understanding of subject skills and content, using detailed scrutiny of external assessments to adapt the curriculum effectively. Corporate governance supports continuous investment and improvement, contributing to the school's flourishing community reputation and very well-organised daily management.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students demonstrate outstanding progress in English, mathematics, and science, particularly in the Foundation Stage. They are keen to learn and show enthusiasm in various activities. While there are improvements in Islamic Education and Arabic, students' ability to extend independent learning outdoors is somewhat limited. External test results are consistently high, and students are well-prepared for assessments.
Personal Development
Students are happy, feel safe, and are well-supported, exhibiting very positive attitudes and excellent leadership skills. They show outstanding understanding of Islamic values, respect for UAE heritage, and engage actively in national celebrations. Behavior is excellent, and students demonstrate strong social responsibility, initiating activities for sustainability and developing innovation skills through technology.
Teaching Quality
Teaching for effective learning is outstanding in FS and very good across other phases, characterized by highly positive teacher-student relationships and high expectations. Capable teaching assistants significantly contribute to student success. Assessment practices are outstanding in FS but need consistency in other phases to provide reliable progress measures for all students, especially for higher-achieving learners.
Protection & Care
The school provides outstanding protection, care, guidance, and support for students across all phases. Comprehensive policies for safeguarding, child protection, and cyber-bullying are effectively implemented. Exemplary relationships ensure students feel happy and exceptionally well cared for, supported by meticulous facility maintenance, regular risk assessments, and a strong commitment to healthy lifestyles.
Areas for Development
- •Improve teaching, students’ learning skills and assessment practices.
- •Review the provision for wellbeing and monitor its implementation and impact.
- •Ensure consistency in the quality of classroom support for students of determination.
- •Respond to the two current priorities: Emirati students’ achievement and the promotion of students' reading literacy.
- •Further challenge the highest attaining students in mathematics.
- •Increase opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, enquiry and problem-solving skills in lessons.
- •Improve attendance rates to be better than good.