Sabis International School - Ruwais, located in the Al Dhafra Region, has maintained its Good overall rating in the latest ADEK Irtiqa inspection for the 2024-2025 academic year. The school follows the SABIS curriculum and is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and student well-being.
The school demonstrates strong performance in international assessments like PISA and TIMSS, with students exceeding international averages. Notable strengths include very good teaching and learning skills in Phase 4 English, strong student innovation skills, and active participation in sustainability initiatives. The curriculum offers a wide selection of options in upper phases and a diverse range of extracurricular activities.
The school provides comprehensive career guidance and maintains high levels of supervision for student safety. While many aspects of achievement and provision are rated Good or Very Good, the inspection highlights areas for development, particularly in raising achievement levels across all core subjects and improving support for students with diverse learning needs.
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
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Sabis International School - Ruwais Overall Rating
Good for 2+ consecutive years
The six Irtiqa inspection standards used by ADEK to evaluate school performance across Abu Dhabi.
Students' achievement in Islamic Education and Arabic (first language) remains good across most phases. English, Mathematics, and Science show improved or very good attainment and progress in several phases, particularly in Cycles 2, 3, and Phase 4. Learning skills are consistently good, reaching very good in Phase 4. Islamic EducationArabicEnglishMathematicsScienceLearning Skills
Students' personal and social development, along with their understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures, is rated Good across all phases. Social responsibility and innovation skills are consistently Very Good, reflecting students' active engagement and creative thinking. Personal DevelopmentIslamic valuesEmirati and world culturesSocial responsibilityInnovation skills
Teaching for effective learning and assessment is Good in Cycles 1, 2, and 3, and Very Good in Phase 4. The school utilizes a well-structured system for collecting assessment data, which provides valuable insights to guide lesson delivery and pacing, though consistency in feedback and differentiation needs improvement. Teaching for effective learningAssessment dataLesson delivery
Curriculum design and implementation are Very Good across all phases, offering a cohesive and balanced program linked to the UAE's national vision. Curriculum adaptation is rated Good, with appropriate learning experiences integrated to foster understanding of UAE values. Opportunities for creativity and innovation are developing, and modification for diverse learning needs is inconsistent. Curriculum designCurriculum adaptationUAE’s valuesCreativityInnovation
The school prioritizes health and safety, including child protection, which remains Good. Care, guidance, and support for students have regressed to Good across all phases. Procedures for identifying and supporting students of determination are insecure, and support for gifted and talented students requires improvement. Health and safetyChild protectionCare, guidance and supportStudents of determinationGifted and talented
All aspects of leadership and management are rated Good, demonstrating a strong commitment from leaders, led by the principal, to improve academic outcomes. Self-evaluation processes are good but need to better reflect stakeholder views. Partnerships with parents, governance, and resource management are also rated Good. Effectiveness of leadershipSelf-evaluationParents and communityGovernanceManagement and resources
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Students participating in PISA 2022 and TIMSS 2023 international assessments consistently exceeded the international averages in reading, mathematics, and science.
Very good teaching and learning skills observed in Phase 4, particularly in English, demonstrate a high standard of teaching quality and student engagement.
Students’ innovation skills and active participation in sustainability initiatives, especially in Phases 3 and 4, highlight their creativity and commitment to environmental responsibility.
The school offers a wide selection of curricular options in upper phases, complemented by a diverse range of extracurricular activities and clubs across all phases, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
Comprehensive programs for careers education, guidance, and advice on higher education pathways effectively support older students in making informed decisions about their future.
High levels of supervision for students, both on the school site and on bus transport, ensure their safety and well-being at all times.
The school's internal assessment data generally indicates attainment and progress above curriculum standards, though external assessments like GL-PTE show areas for improvement. Progress for Emirati students and low-attaining students requires targeted interventions in several subjects and phases.
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Led by the principal, school leaders are deeply committed to enhancing academic outcomes for all students within the SABIS system. They maintain good self-evaluation processes and strong partnerships with parents, ensuring effective management and resource provision, though stakeholder input in planning needs further development.
Students generally attain levels above curriculum standards in Islamic Education and Arabic, with outstanding attainment in Grade 12 MoE exams. English, Mathematics, and Science show improved or very good achievement in most phases, though GL-PTE results were weak in some areas. PISA and TIMSS results exceeded international averages. However, progress for Emirati students in Phase 2 Islamic Education and Phases 3 and 4 Mathematics, and low-attaining students in several subjects, needs acceleration.
Students exhibit good personal and social development, with a strong understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures. Their social responsibility and innovation skills are very good across all phases, demonstrating active engagement and creative thinking.
Teaching for effective learning and assessment is good in Cycles 1, 2, and 3, and very good in Phase 4. The school has a cohesive system for collecting assessment data to guide lessons, but consistency in teacher feedback and opportunities for collaborative learning and thoughtful discussions need improvement.
Curriculum design and implementation are very good across all phases, providing a balanced and cohesive program aligned with the UAE's national vision. Curriculum adaptation is good, integrating appropriate learning experiences. However, opportunities for creativity and innovation are inconsistent, and the curriculum is not yet effectively modified for diverse learning needs.
Health and safety, including child protection, remain a high priority and are rated good. However, the overall care, guidance, and support for students have regressed to good. The school's procedures for identifying and supporting students with additional learning needs, including students of determination, are insecure, and support for gifted and talented students requires improvement.