GEMS Wellington International School - Dubai BranchBritish School in Al Safouh 1، Dubai

WIS follows the National Curriculum for England from Foundation Stage through to Year 11, incorporating the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in FS1 and FS2. Students progress through Lower School (Years 1-6), Middle School (Years 7-9), and Upper School (Years 10-11) where they sit GCSE and IGCSE examinations. At Sixth Form, WIS offers three distinct post-16 pathways: the full IB Diploma Programme, the IB Career-related Programme (linking IB subjects with BTEC Level 3 qualifications), and IB Courses - making it one of the most flexible Sixth Form offerings among Al Safouh 1 schools. This breadth is designed to serve genuinely diverse learners rather than funnel all students toward a single academic pathway. The school's academic philosophy is articulated through its High Performance Learning (HPL) framework, a research-based, pedagogy-led approach that prioritises the development of advanced cognitive performance characteristics alongside positive values and attitudes. The KHDA DSIB report confirms this translates into practice: teaching in all phases is rated Outstanding, with inspectors noting that teachers plan purposeful, engaging lessons, promote independent inquiry and critical thinking, and use technology and resources effectively. Assessment is also rated Outstanding across all phases, with the school using a four-point internal scale from FS to Year 9, GCSE grading in Years 9-11, and the IB 1-7 scale at Post-16. In terms of academic results, the evidence is compelling. At IB Diploma level in 2024, the school's cohort achieved an average of 35 points with a 99% pass rate. One student achieved the maximum 45 points. 85% of entries scored 30 points or above, 50% achieved 35 or above, and 22% were awarded 40 or above - placing WIS among the top-performing IB schools in the UAE. The school's own homepage highlights a 36-point average in its most recent cohort data, against a world average of 30.58, with 60% of students achieving 35 points or higher and 95% achieving 30 or higher. At I/GCSE in 2024, 170 students sat 1,665 examinations. 22% were awarded Grade 9, 38% Grades 9-8 (A*), 61% Grades 9-7 (A*-A), 89% Grades 9-6 (A*-B), and 96% achieved a pass grade of 9-4 (A*-C). These results are achieved in a fully non-selective environment, which makes them particularly significant. The Careers Education and Guidance (CEG) programme begins formally in Year 9 with one-to-one interviews with the Careers Guidance Counsellor and continues through Life Skills lessons. The school also supports students through dedicated university counsellors who guide Sixth Form students toward appropriate university pathways. University destinations include some of the world's most prestigious institutions. In terms of inclusion, WIS supports 177 Students of Determination, with KHDA rating the provision and outcomes for these students as Outstanding. The school uses curriculum adaptation, personalised learning plans, and dedicated inclusion staff to ensure all students are supported. EAL provision is embedded throughout the school given the highly international student body spanning over 90 nationalities. A formal Arabic language programme operates across all year groups, with Arabic as a First Language and Arabic as an Additional Language streams both rated Good by KHDA. The KHDA report notes improving outcomes in both Islamic Education and Arabic, attributed to modified curriculum and stronger teaching in these subjects.