Grammar School
Executive Summary
The overall quality of education provided by Grammar School is Acceptable. The principal and the new leadership group are establishing a learning community that provides a caring environment which values inclusivity and wellbeing. Governors have responded to the previous inspection report and improved their capacity to offer constructive critical advice.
Students' achievement has improved across the school in Islamic Education and Arabic as an additional language, with an increase in mathematics performance in the secondary phase. Improvements are noticeable in students' learning skills in Post-16, where they take more responsibility for their own learning and collaborate well. The curriculum is reasonably broad and balanced, supporting innovation, creativity, and enterprise.
The school has effective procedures for safeguarding students, including child protection, and appropriate measures are taken to protect students from bullying. Students benefit from a supportive environment, demonstrating self-discipline, positive attitudes, and an appreciation of Islamic values, actively participating in school and community activities.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Grammar School Overall Rating
Acceptable for 3+ 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.
Leaders promote inclusivity with a highly qualified inclusion leader, leading to improvements aligned with the development plan. Students of determination have individual education plans (IEPs) and gifted students have accelerated learning programmes (ALPs). Parental engagement is encouraged through regular communication and progress updates. Students of DeterminationIEPsALPs
Wellbeing is a priority, underpinning the school's ethos and culture. Student-led initiatives, like the daily radio podcast and wellbeing committee, foster a positive climate. Leaders and teachers model appropriate practices, supported by a skilled team of counsellors, and data is gathered through surveys to monitor wellbeing. student-led wellbeing committeewellbeing climatecounsellors
The school exceeded its PIRLS target by 40 points, showing a 61-point improvement since 2016. Benchmark results in English, mathematics, and science remain low, but progress is in line with expectations, with science performance improving. Leaders are adapting the curriculum to international assessment requirements, though full embedding is ongoing, and action plans are in place for reading support. PIRLSNational Agenda Parameterreading literacy
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Trusted Leadership
The principal and senior leaders are highly trusted by students, staff, and parents, fostering a positive school environment.
Improved Attainment
Students show improved attainment in Islamic Education and Arabic as an additional language, reflecting focused efforts.
Personal Development
Strong personal development, understanding of Islamic values, and social responsibility are evident among students.
Care and Support
The school provides excellent care and support for all students, contributing to their wellbeing and safety.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students' achievement has improved in Islamic Education and Arabic as an additional language, with an increase in mathematics performance in the secondary phase. Improvements are noticeable in students' learning skills in Post-16.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The principal and the new leadership team are actively establishing a learning community that values inclusivity and wellbeing, encouraging best practices through middle leaders. They systematically approach self-evaluation and improvement planning, focusing on the impact of teaching on student learning, and have secured improvements in key areas.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students' achievement has improved in Islamic Education and Arabic as an additional language, with an increase in mathematics performance in the secondary phase. Post-16 students show improved learning skills, taking more responsibility. However, critical thinking and problem-solving remain areas for development.
Personal Development
Students benefit from a supportive environment, demonstrating self-discipline and positive attitudes. They show appreciation for Islamic values, acceptance, kindness, and tolerance, and willingly participate in school and community activities. Attendance has significantly improved, reflecting increased dedication to studies.
Teaching Quality
Most teachers possess appropriate subject knowledge, and lesson planning generally meets student needs. Internal assessments are now aligned with the curriculum, and leaders have analyzed external examination expectations. However, classroom management can be weak, and teachers' feedback does not always identify clear strengths and areas for improvement.
Protection & Care
The school has effective procedures for safeguarding, including child protection, and takes appropriate measures against bullying. Systems for managing behavior are generally effective, and relationships between staff and students are largely based on mutual respect. Thorough systems are in place for identifying students of determination and those with gifts and talents, though differentiation in lessons needs improvement.
Areas for Development
- •Scrutinise external benchmark test reports, implement their findings and raise students’ achievement.
- •Improve the quality of teaching in all phases and ensure that classroom management is effective in all lessons.
- •Develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills in all phases.
- •Provide greater differentiation for students of determination and for students with gifts and talents.
- •Increase opportunities for students to engage in enterprise and entrepreneurial activities.