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Oasis International SchoolCBSE School in Al Jimi، Al Ain

Curriculum
CBSE / Indian
ADEK
Good
Location
Al Ain, Al Jimi
Fees
AED 8K - 11K

Oasis International School

The Executive Summary

Oasis International School Al Ain occupies a distinctive niche in the Al Jimi school landscape: a genuinely affordable, all-through CBSE (Indian) curriculum institution that has served Al Ain families since 1988 and now educates nearly 1,847 students from KG1 through Grade 12. Holding an ADEK rating of Good - confirmed in the 2024 Irtiqa inspection - the school has demonstrated a meaningful upward trajectory from its Weak and Acceptable ratings of prior years, and its recognition as an ADEK Awards Winner 2024 signals genuine institutional momentum. With school fees Al Ain families will find among the most competitive in the emirate, ranging from AED 8,200 to AED 10,970 annually, Oasis delivers a structured, values-driven education within the Ahalia Group umbrella. The school's multicultural intake - students from 32 nationalities - gives it a genuinely international character unusual for a school at this price point, and its three senior secondary streams (Science, Commerce, and Humanities) offer meaningful post-16 breadth that most CBSE schools in the UAE do not provide. For families seeking an established, affordable CBSE pathway with a strong community ethos in one of Al Ain's residential hubs, Oasis is a credible and improving choice among Al Jimi schools.
ADEK Good 2024Founded 198832 NationalitiesADEK Awards Winner 2024Three Senior Streams

“The activity-based learning environment in the classroom helps my child be more enthusiastic to expand her world of knowledge beyond the curriculum. We are very happy to be a part of Oasis International School.”

— KG2 Parent

Academic Framework & Learning Style

Oasis International School is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, one of India's most rigorous and widely recognised school boards. This means students follow a structured, content-rich curriculum in English, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Science, and Computer Education, supplemented by the UAE Ministry of Education's mandatory requirements for Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, and Moral Education across all phases. The curriculum is delivered across three broad stages: a Kindergarten phase focused on activity-based and oral language development; a Primary and Secondary phase (Grades 1-10) building foundational academic skills; and a Senior Secondary phase (Grades 11-12) that offers three distinct streams - Science, Commerce, and Humanities - with English as a compulsory subject throughout. This three-stream offering at senior level is notably uncommon among UAE CBSE schools, most of which restrict students to Science and Commerce only, and it meaningfully broadens university entry options for Oasis graduates. The 2024 ADEK Irtiqa inspection provides the most detailed picture of academic performance. Mathematics attainment and progress are rated Good across all four phases - KG, Cycle 1, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3 - making it the school's most consistently strong academic subject. Arabic as a second language is also rated Good for both attainment and progress across all phases, a notable achievement. Arabic as a first language shows Very Good progress in KG, reflecting strong foundational work. However, English attainment has declined to Acceptable in Cycles 1 and 2, and progress has slipped to Acceptable in Cycles 2 and 3, which is a significant concern for a school whose medium of instruction is English. Science attainment is Acceptable in KG, Cycle 1, and Cycle 3, with inspectors citing the need to develop scientific thinking, investigative skills, and experimentation - particularly in chemistry at upper phases. External benchmarking via the ACER IBT assessment (used for Grades 3-9) shows Outstanding attainment in science and mathematics but only Acceptable attainment in English, underscoring the English language gap. The school participated in PISA 2022, with reading literacy (365.2), mathematical literacy (363.1), and scientific literacy (372.5) all below international averages, indicating that while internal results are strong, international benchmarking reveals areas requiring attention. The school does not publicly publish its Grade 10 and Grade 12 board examination results, which limits independent verification of senior secondary outcomes. Academic support for students with additional learning needs is noted as a concern by ADEK inspectors, who found that the school does not offer formal in-school support services (ISSS) for students of determination. Gifted and talented provision and differentiation in lessons are identified as areas requiring further development. Teaching methodology is described as primarily teacher-directed, with inspectors recommending a stronger shift toward inquiry-based, play-based (particularly in KG), and student-centred learning approaches.
Good
Mathematics - All Phases
ADEK Irtiqa 2024: consistent attainment and progress across KG, Cycles 1, 2, and 3
Outstanding
ACER IBT Science & Maths
External benchmark results 2023/24 for Grades 3-9
Acceptable
ACER IBT English Attainment
Below internal assessment levels; gap identified by ADEK 2024
365.2 / 363.1 / 372.5
PISA 2022 Scores (Reading / Maths / Science)
All below international averages; school targets not met
Curriculum Details

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

Oasis International School positions its co-scholastic programme as a genuine pillar of the student experience, and the school's own communications highlight a busy calendar of intra-school and inter-school cultural competitions, sports events, and enrichment activities. The school's auditorium - with a capacity of 1,000 seats - serves as the primary venue for performing arts productions, cultural showcases, and whole-school events, suggesting a meaningful investment in the arts and public performance. The school actively participates in national reading initiatives including the UAE National Reading Day, group reading competitions, and student newspaper-writing programmes, with student book reviews bound and kept in the library as a lasting record of engagement. The ADEK 2024 inspection notes that students demonstrate good social responsibility and innovation skills across all phases, and that student involvement in lessons and school activities is substantial. The school's photo galleries for 2024-25 showcase a wide variety of activities spanning cultural celebrations, science exhibitions, sports days, and inter-school competitions, reflecting a lively extracurricular culture. The school also incorporates a meditation room as part of its facilities, pointing to an awareness of student well-being beyond academics. While the school's website does not publish a comprehensive numbered list of ECAs, the available evidence points to a programme that covers sports, performing arts, cultural activities, reading and literacy enrichment, and community-oriented events. Families seeking highly structured, competitive ECAs with documented achievement records - such as Model UN, Duke of Edinburgh, or formal robotics leagues - should enquire directly with the school, as published detail in these areas is limited. The school does reference a particular focus on STEM including Robotics within its curriculum enrichment, which suggests technology-based co-curricular activity beyond the standard timetable.
1,000
Auditorium Capacity (seats)
Main venue for performing arts and school events
1,000-Seat AuditoriumNational Reading Day ParticipantSTEM & Robotics FocusInter-School CompetitionsCultural Diversity Events

Pastoral Care & Well-being

Pastoral care at Oasis International School is built around a clear commitment to student safety, psychological well-being, and positive community values. The school employs a dedicated school counsellor and social worker committed to the psychological well-being of each student - a meaningful provision at this fee level that not all comparable schools offer. The ADEK 2024 Irtiqa inspection rated Health and Safety as Very Good across all phases, confirming that child protection protocols are effective and that students feel safe and secure on campus. Students are aware of child protection and anti-bullying policies, and the school environment is described by inspectors as conducive to learning, with respectful relationships between students, their peers, and teachers. Students' personal development is rated Very Good across KG, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3 in the 2024 inspection, with inspectors highlighting positive and responsible attitudes, good punctuality, and strong interpersonal skills - particularly in the upper phases. The school's multicultural community, drawing from 32 nationalities, creates a naturally inclusive social environment that develops cross-cultural empathy and communication skills. However, inspectors noted that students' understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures is rated only Acceptable in the lower phases (KG and Cycle 1), suggesting room to deepen cultural education in the earlier years. The school's Care and Support rating is Acceptable across all phases, primarily because the school does not currently offer formal in-school support services (ISSS) for students of determination and those with additional learning needs - a gap that parents of children with specific learning requirements should factor carefully into their decision. The school's communication with parents is rated Very Good by ADEK, with reports described as informative and parents described as well-engaged in their children's education.

“Our child always gets ample opportunities to explore and progress in all aspects. My child's communication and social skills have enhanced a lot due to a range of class teacher support and activities.”

— KG1 Parent

Campus & Facilities

Oasis International School is housed in a purpose-built campus on At Talliy Street in Al Jimi, Al Ain - one of the city's established residential areas, well-served by road links and within easy reach of the surrounding communities. The school's own description of its building as a magnificent modern campus is borne out by the range of facilities it lists: digital classrooms across all phases, well-equipped science laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology conforming to CBSE board requirements, a well-stocked library serving the lower phases and a separate library for the upper phases, together housing over 10,000 books - approximately 2,050 Arabic fiction titles and 2,040 English fiction titles. A qualified librarian supports both collections, and students have weekly timetabled library lessons as well as free access during breaks and after school. The dual-library model is a genuine asset for a school at this price point and reflects a serious commitment to reading culture. The campus also features a 1,000-seat auditorium, spacious indoor playgrounds, a cafeteria, a clinic, conference rooms, multi-purpose halls, and outdoor playground areas. A dedicated meditation room is an unusual and thoughtful addition, supporting student well-being. The school operates a digital campus portal (ETH Digital Campus) for parent and student communication, and digital classrooms are equipped with technology to support interactive learning. The ADEK 2024 inspection rates Management, Staffing, Facilities and Resources as Very Good, confirming that the physical environment is well-maintained and appropriately resourced. Al Jimi is a green, pleasant residential neighbourhood - consistent with the school's own description of Al Ain as the UAE's green city - making the campus location appealing for families living in the area. Transport is available at AED 350 per month, making the school accessible from across the city.
10,000+
Library Books (Both Libraries)
2,050 Arabic fiction + 2,040 English fiction; weekly timetabled library lessons
Very Good
Facilities & Resources Rating
ADEK Irtiqa 2024 - Management, Staffing, Facilities and Resources
10,000+ Library BooksDual Library System1,000-Seat AuditoriumDigital ClassroomsCBSE Science LabsMeditation Room
Campus Details

Teaching & Learning Quality

The ADEK 2024 Irtiqa inspection rates Teaching for Effective Learning as Good across all four phases - KG, Cycle 1, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3 - a consistent finding that reflects a stable and generally competent teaching workforce. The school employs 135 teachers drawn primarily from India, Egypt, and Pakistan, with 8 teaching assistants supporting classroom delivery. The teacher-to-student ratio, based on 1,847 students and 135 teachers, works out to approximately 1:14, which is reasonable for a CBSE school at this fee level and broadly in line with peer institutions in Al Ain. However, inspectors identified meaningful inconsistencies in teaching quality, particularly around differentiation. Assessment data is now analysed more thoroughly than in previous inspection cycles, but it is not yet fully integrated into lesson planning to differentiate effectively for all learner groups - especially higher achievers and students with additional learning needs. The quality of assessment has declined to Acceptable in Cycles 2 and 3, while remaining Good in KG and Cycle 1. Inspectors specifically called for improvements in questioning techniques to elicit extended student responses, better time management within lessons to allow students to complete planned activities and reflect on their learning, and more consistent feedback that provides students with clear next steps. The school has invested in professional development focused on PISA-style and IBT-style questioning, which has had some positive impact in mathematics and science. Teachers are predominantly experienced in the CBSE framework, and the school's longevity since 1988 suggests a degree of institutional knowledge and curriculum familiarity. The use of the ETH Digital Campus platform supports parent communication and administrative efficiency, though the extent of technology integration in daily classroom instruction - beyond digital classrooms and smartboards - is not fully detailed in available sources.
135
Teaching Staff
Plus 8 teaching assistants; nationalities: India, Egypt, Pakistan
~1:14
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
Based on 1,847 students and 135 teachers (2024 figures)
Good
Teaching for Effective Learning
ADEK Irtiqa 2024 - rated Good across all four phases

Leadership & Management

Oasis International School is led by Principal Chethikulath Kadir Abdul Manaf (widely referred to as C. K. A. Manaf), who has steered the school through a period of significant growth - student enrolment has more than doubled from approximately 912 students to 1,847 between the 2021 and 2024 inspections. The school's homepage also references Mr. Ashok Kumar Tiwari as Principal in its most recent welcome message (2025), suggesting a leadership transition may be underway or have recently occurred; parents should confirm the current principal directly with the school. The school is owned and operated by the Ahalia Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in healthcare, heritage, and education, including Ahalia Public School. The Group's backing provides institutional stability and resource support that an independent school of this size might otherwise lack. The ADEK 2024 inspection rates The Effectiveness of Leadership as Good, with the principal's vision and direction described as shared by most school leaders, promoting unified approaches to improvement. Governance is rated Good, and Parents and the Community is rated Very Good - the highest-rated leadership domain - reflecting strong parent communication, informative progress reports, and genuine community engagement. The school uses the ETH Digital Campus portal for parent communication and online registration. However, School Self-Evaluation and Improvement Planning has declined to Acceptable, with inspectors noting that while the school's self-evaluation aligns with internal data, leaders' understanding of assessment grading scales and international benchmarking standards requires development. The school's strategic priorities should include more robust use of external assessment data to benchmark performance accurately and inform detailed subject-level improvement planning.
Leadership Details

ADEK Inspection Results (Irtiqa - Decoded)

The most recent ADEK Irtiqa inspection of Oasis International School took place between 28 and 31 October 2024, covering the 2024/25 academic year. The school retained its overall Good rating, consistent with the previous inspection cycle. This is the school's third consecutive Good rating following a notable journey from Weak (2015-16) through Acceptable (2017, 2019) to Good (2021-22 onwards) - a trajectory that speaks to genuine and sustained improvement over nearly a decade. The 2024 report reveals a mixed picture of consolidation and regression. On the positive side, Arabic as a second language is Good across all phases for both attainment and progress - a standout result. Mathematics remains consistently Good across all phases. Personal development is rated Very Good in KG, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3, and Health and Safety is Very Good across all phases. The partnership with parents is rated Very Good, and management, staffing, facilities and resources is also Very Good. The school has also more than doubled in size, demonstrating strong community confidence. However, the inspection also identifies clear regressions. English attainment has declined to Acceptable in Cycles 1 and 2, and English progress is Acceptable in Cycles 2 and 3. Science attainment is Acceptable in KG, Cycle 1, and Cycle 3. Assessment quality has declined to Acceptable in Cycles 2 and 3. Curriculum design and adaptation are rated Acceptable across all phases. Care and support - including inclusion provision - is Acceptable across all phases, and the school lacks formal in-school support services for students of determination. Self-evaluation and improvement planning has regressed from Good to Acceptable. The PISA 2022 results, below international averages across all three domains, indicate that while the school performs well internally, its students face challenges when benchmarked against global peers.
Strong Parent Partnership
ADEK rates the school's relationship with parents as Very Good, with high-quality communication and detailed progress reports keeping families well-informed and genuinely engaged in their children's education.
Consistent Mathematics Achievement
Mathematics attainment and progress are rated Good across all four phases (KG, Cycles 1, 2, and 3), making it the school's most reliably strong academic subject and a genuine area of curriculum strength.
Outstanding Student Personal Development
Students' personal development is rated Very Good in three of four phases, with inspectors highlighting positive attitudes, responsible behaviour, punctuality, and strong collaborative and interpersonal skills.
English Language Attainment Decline

English attainment has regressed to Acceptable in Cycles 1 and 2, with progress also Acceptable in Cycles 2 and 3. Inspectors recommend more extended reading and writing opportunities, richer text exposure, and more realistic speaking contexts across all phases.

Inclusion Provision and Differentiation Gap

The school does not offer formal in-school support services (ISSS) for students of determination. Care and support is rated Acceptable across all phases. Differentiation for higher achievers, low attainers, and students with additional learning needs requires consistent improvement in lesson planning and delivery.

Full Inspection Report

Inspection History

2015-16
Weak
2017
Acceptable
2019
Acceptable
2021-22
Good
2024
Good

Fees & Value for Money

Oasis International School offers a competitive Indian curriculum fee structure for the 2026-2027 academic year, with annual tuition fees ranging from AED 8,200 for KG-1 and KG-2 up to AED 10,970 for Grades 11 and 12. Fees are structured across three terms — Term I (April to June), Term II (September to December), and Term III (January to March) — giving families flexibility in how they manage payments throughout the year. A monthly payment option is also available for those who prefer spreading costs further.

AED 8,200
Annual Fees From
AED 10,970
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
KG-1
AED 8,200
KG-2
AED 8,200
Grade 1
AED 8,650
Grade 2
AED 8,850
Grade 3
AED 9,050
Grade 4
AED 9,250
Grade 5
AED 9,450
Grade 6
AED 9,800
Grade 7
AED 10,000
Grade 8
AED 10,250
Grade 9
AED 10,500
Grade 10
AED 10,900
Grade 11
AED 10,970
Grade 12
AED 10,970

In addition to tuition, families should budget for transport fees of AED 350 per month (approximately AED 3,500 annually based on 10 months), as well as books and uniform costs as outlined in the ADEK school profile. Notably, no separate registration fee is charged, which provides a cost saving compared to many other private schools. For new admissions, three months' tuition is required in advance, and two months' tuition is required during re-registration to secure a seat.

Compared to other Indian curriculum schools in Al Ain, Oasis International School's fee levels are moderate and accessible, making it a strong value proposition for families seeking quality education under the CBSE/Indian framework. The school's transparent fee structure, absence of a registration fee, and clearly defined payment schedule reflect a family-friendly approach to school finances.

Additional Costs

Transport Fee350(monthly)
Books & Materials – KG-1230(annual)
Books & Materials – KG-2240(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 1340(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 2340(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 3345(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 4355(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 5360(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 6360(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 7360(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 8370(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 9370(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 10380(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 11400(annual)
Books & Materials – Grade 12400(annual)
Uniform340(annual)
Full Fee Structure

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

Oasis International School is, at its core, a reliable, improving, and genuinely affordable CBSE institution with a 35-year track record in Al Ain. Its Good ADEK rating - maintained across multiple inspection cycles after a difficult period - reflects real institutional progress. The school's strengths are clear: consistent mathematics performance, strong Arabic language outcomes, a very good parent partnership, and a multicultural community of 32 nationalities that enriches the student experience in ways money cannot easily buy. The facilities - dual libraries, a 1,000-seat auditorium, science labs, digital classrooms - are genuinely impressive for a school in this fee bracket. The three-stream senior secondary offering (Science, Commerce, Humanities) is a meaningful differentiator that opens broader university pathways than most UAE CBSE schools provide. The honest caveats are equally important. English language performance is declining and must be addressed - for a school whose medium of instruction is English, Acceptable ratings in this subject across multiple phases is a concern that parents should weigh seriously. The absence of formal in-school support services for students of determination is a real limitation for families with children who have specific learning needs. Science attainment in the upper phases requires attention. And the school's PISA 2022 scores, below international averages, suggest that students may face challenges transitioning to internationally benchmarked universities. These are not reasons to dismiss the school, but they are reasons to ask hard questions at any open day or admissions meeting.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Families seeking an established, affordable CBSE pathway in Al Ain - particularly those from South Asian backgrounds planning to continue within the Indian education system or targeting Indian university admissions - will find Oasis a strong and improving choice with a warm multicultural community and competitive fees.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Families whose children have diagnosed learning needs requiring specialist in-school support, or those prioritising strong English language outcomes and internationally benchmarked academic results for entry to UK, US, or European universities, should explore other options in Al Ain before committing.

“

The school is excelling in all fields academically and extra-curricular. Our child really loves her school and feels honoured to be here.

— KG2 Parent

Strengths

  • Among the most affordable CBSE schools in Al Ain, fees AED 8,200-10,970
  • Good ADEK Irtiqa rating maintained across multiple inspection cycles
  • Three senior secondary streams: Science, Commerce, and Humanities
  • Students from 32 nationalities create a genuinely multicultural environment
  • Mathematics rated Good across all four phases by ADEK 2024
  • Dual library system with over 10,000 books and weekly timetabled lessons
  • Very Good parent communication and community partnership (ADEK 2024)
  • ADEK Awards Winner 2024 - recognised institutional achievement

Areas for Improvement

  • English attainment declined to Acceptable in Cycles 1 and 2 - significant for an English-medium school
  • No formal in-school support services (ISSS) for students of determination
  • PISA 2022 scores below international averages across reading, maths, and science
  • Curriculum design and adaptation rated Acceptable across all phases
  • Board exam results (Grade 10 and 12) not publicly published