Newlands School, Dubai
KHDA Inspection Report & Ratings
Last updated
Executive Summary
The overall quality of education at Newlands School is rated as Good for the 2023-2024 academic year. Students demonstrate positive attitudes and responsible behavior, with primary students showing good progress in Islamic Education and Arabic as a first language, and secondary students achieving very good levels in science and English attainment.
Teachers possess secure subject knowledge and employ effective strategies to engage students, with improved use of questioning for critical thinking. The well-organised curriculum facilitates smooth student progression, supported by thorough child protection and safeguarding procedures that ensure student wellbeing.
Leadership, including the principal and senior leaders, provides effective management, setting a clear strategic direction. Strong partnerships with parents are evident, who appreciate the accessibility of school staff and leaders.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Newlands School Overall Rating
Good for 2+ 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.
The school demonstrates a good commitment to inclusion, with effective monitoring and review informing improvement planning. Most teachers implement inclusive practices, and parents are valued as active participants in their children's education, though IEP personalization and support for complex needs require further development. Students of DeterminationIndividual Education Plans (IEPs)
Wellbeing is central to the school's mission, with leaders and governors having a clear vision. Good relationships foster student independence and confidence, and many activities support wellbeing. However, the school lacks a qualified counsellor for emotional and psychological support for all students. Wellbeing teamPositive working environmentSense of belonging
The school achieved a Good rating for National Agenda Parameter, with students sustaining good in mathematics and improving to very good in science and English in international benchmark assessments. There is a strong reading culture, and most teachers effectively use assessment information to support learners. International assessmentsReading literacyEmirati cohort
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Positive Student Conduct
Students consistently demonstrate positive attitudes and responsible behavior, contributing to a respectful learning environment.
Primary Academic Progress
Primary students are making good progress in Islamic Education and Arabic as a first language, indicating effective teaching in these core subjects.
Strong Parent Partnerships
The school maintains strong partnerships with parents, who appreciate the open communication and accessibility of school leaders and staff.
Positive Relationships
There are strong and positive relationships between students and teachers, fostering a supportive and engaging educational atmosphere.
Leadership Commitment
Leaders demonstrate a clear and strong commitment to continuous improvement, driving the school's strategic direction and development.
Academic Performance Breakdown
The overall quality of students' achievement is Good. Primary students show good progress in Islamic Education and Arabic, while secondary students achieve very good levels in science and English attainment. Students in all phases are keen to engage in learning and apply themselves conscientiously.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The principal, alongside senior and middle leaders, provides effective management and leadership, establishing a positive learning culture and a clear strategic direction. They effectively use internal and external data for self-evaluation and have made significant progress on previous recommendations, fostering strong relationships and effective communication with stakeholders.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Primary students demonstrate good progress in Islamic Education and Arabic, while secondary students show very good attainment in English and science. Students across all phases are highly engaged in learning, consistently making connections to real-world experiences and other subjects.
Personal Development
Students exhibit positive attitudes, responsible behavior, and self-discipline, showing respect for teachers and peers. They understand Islamic values and appreciate Emirati culture, actively participating in school and community initiatives, including leadership roles and social responsibilities.
Teaching Quality
Teachers possess secure subject knowledge and employ engaging strategies, with improved questioning to promote critical thinking. Assessment processes align with the National Curriculum for England, and data analysis effectively informs teachers of student strengths and weaknesses, though differentiation in lessons can be inconsistent.
Protection & Care
The school maintains thorough child protection and safeguarding procedures, ensuring a safe learning environment. Health and safety policies are appropriate, and a strong focus on student wellbeing is evident, with positive behaviors celebrated and effective support for students of determination, though risk assessment rigor and counselling support require enhancement.
Areas for Development
- •Ensure that information on attainment is used in lessons to support learning for all groups of students.
- •Review and consolidate procedures for identifying and mitigating any health and safety risks.
- •Raise standards of teaching.
- •Encourage students to take greater responsibility for their own learning.
- •Develop the counselling role across the school to ensure that all students have access to support for their psychological and emotional needs.
- •Improve the expertise and resources in supporting students with more complex learning needs.