Our Own English High School logo

Our Own English High School

Curriculum
British
ADEK Rating
Good
Location
Al Ain
Annual Fees
AED 9K - 17K

Our Own English High School

The Executive Summary

Our Own English High School Abu Dhabi - operating in Al Ain's Al Muwaij'i district under the GEMS Education umbrella since 1992 - occupies a genuinely distinctive position in the UAE private school landscape. It is one of the very few schools in the region to offer a dual curriculum: the Indian CBSE pathway running from KG through Grade 12, and the British Cambridge International (CAIE) pathway available from Grade 5 onwards, culminating in IGCSE, AS and A Level qualifications. This structural flexibility is not merely a marketing proposition - it reflects a deliberate philosophy that the school is, as its own literature states, "uniquely placed to serve the needs of a multicultural society." With an ADEK rating Good confirmed in the 2024 Irtiqa inspection, and annual school fees ranging from AED 8,550 to AED 17,310 - among the most affordable in Al Muwaij'i schools and the wider Al Ain private sector - OOL delivers credible academic outcomes at a price point that makes it genuinely accessible. The 2024 ADEK inspection confirmed outstanding performance in Phase 4 English and mathematics progress, and PISA 2022 scores above international benchmarks in all three domains.
Dual CBSE & CAIE CurriculumADEK Good 2024Fees from AED 8,550PISA Above International BenchmarkGEMS Education Network

“The dual curriculum was the deciding factor for us. Our son started on CBSE and we switched him to Cambridge at Grade 5 without changing schools. That continuity of teachers and friendships made the transition so much easier.”

— Grade 8 Parent, CAIE Track(representative)

Academic Framework & Learning Style

The academic architecture at Our Own English High School is built around a deliberate bifurcation that is rare in the UAE. From KG1 through Grade 4, all students follow a unified, internationally oriented primary curriculum grounded in CBSE principles, with English communication and numeracy at its core. The school's own description captures the philosophy well: non-native learners of English acquire confidence through specialist teaching "in a manner both enjoyable and efficient," while the Communicative Approach shapes language acquisition and a problem-solving approach replaces rote learning across other subjects. Spiritual development is addressed through Islamiat and Quran for Muslim pupils, and Moral Science for those of other faiths - a structure that reflects the school's genuinely multicultural student body. At Grade 5, the curriculum formally splits into two distinct pathways: the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi) track and the CAIE (Cambridge International Examinations, London) track. Critically, the school does not encourage switching after Grade 5, which means parents must make an informed, forward-looking decision at that point. The CBSE track leads to the All India Secondary School Examination (AISSE) at Grade 10 and the All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) at Grade 12, with Science and Commerce streams available in Grades 11 and 12. The CAIE track leads to IGCSE at Grade 10/11 and AS/A Level at Grades 11 and 12. Academic results are a genuine strength. The 2024 ADEK Irtiqa inspection reported outstanding attainment in Phase 4 English and outstanding progress in Phase 4 mathematics. Standardised Ei-SSET benchmarks for AY2023/24 showed good attainment in mathematics and very good attainment in science across Phases 2, 3 and 4, with English attainment rated outstanding in Phase 3 and very good in Phase 4. CBSE Grade 12 results for AY2023/24 showed outstanding attainment in English and Grade 12 Biology, and very good results in mathematics, Grade 10 science and Grade 12 physics. Grade 12 MOE exams in Arabic and Islamic Education produced outstanding attainment. In PISA 2022, the school exceeded all its targets: a reading literacy score of 550.7, a mathematical literacy score of 511.7, and a scientific literacy score of 515.6 - all above international standards. Historically published CAIE results (2022-23) showed that of 57 IGCSE students, 39.6% of exam entries scored A*-A and 96.6% scored A*-E. At A Level, 21.3% of entries were awarded A*-A and 98.4% scored A*-E. CBSE Grade 12 results for the same cohort showed a school average of 81.02%, with 30% of pupils achieving above 90% aggregate. These are solid, not spectacular, results - consistent with a school serving a broad ability range rather than a selective intake. The school's library contains 7,949 physical books and access to approximately 17,000 e-books across multiple languages. Digital reading tools including RAZ KIDS, Read Works, Kutubee and Asafeer support differentiated reading development from KG to Grade 12. The school participates in TIMSS and PISA international assessments, and has introduced the UniFrog platform for university exploration and career pathway planning in upper secondary. Optional languages - Hindi, French and Malayalam - are available from Primary through Grade 8, broadening the curriculum offer meaningfully. Inclusion provision is in development: the school is working towards full inclusivity, with students requiring additional support added to an ALN (Additional Learning Needs) list and provided one-to-one intervention where necessary, though the ADEK inspection noted the absence of a full-time qualified SENCO as an area requiring urgent attention.
550.7
PISA 2022 Reading Literacy Score
Above international standards; school exceeded all PISA targets
39.6%
IGCSE Entries Scoring A*-A (2022-23)
96.6% of entries scored A*-E overall
81.02%
CBSE Grade 12 School Average (2022-23)
30% of pupils achieved above 90% aggregate
17,000+
E-Books Available in School Library
Plus 7,949 physical books across multiple languages

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

Extracurricular provision at Our Own English High School is framed by the GEMS Education philosophy that academic learning is only one dimension of a child's development. The school's student life programme encompasses competitive sports, performing arts, innovation challenges, sustainability initiatives and student leadership - a breadth that is commendable given the school's very moderate fee structure. On the sports front, the campus offers basketball courts, two football fields, a volleyball court, a cricket pitch and a tennis court - a solid if not extensive range of facilities for a school of this size. Intra- and inter-school competitions are a feature of the calendar, with the school website describing how OOL "continues to offer challenges to the students through various intra and inter school activities and competitions, thereby molding them to be world citizens." STEAM education is a notable curricular enrichment strand. The school's flagship initiative - "Designing the Future" - was launched in 2020 and engages students in problem-based learning, where they identify real-world problems, conduct research, build prototypes and present solutions. According to the school, 915 students across Grades 3 to 9 and 11 are actively developing 21st-century skills through this programme. Students meet in STEAM groups twice weekly and are trained in academic honesty, collaboration, presentation skills and digital tools. The school's well-being programme is structured around thematic weeks: Wellness Week, Innovation Week and Go Green Week, the last of which focuses on sustainability under the school's "One Root One Communi-tree" initiative. Mindfulness sessions are delivered at the start of the school day to reduce anxiety and improve focus. Field trips are a regular feature of the calendar, providing hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom. Student leadership is actively cultivated, with the school stating that student leaders play a significant role in the day-to-day organisation of school life. The school is also working towards the Optimus Well-Being Award, which recognises exceptional contributions to positive school environments. The library runs 26 planned activities annually - from reading picnics and collaborative poetry to vocabulary games - as part of its reading enrichment programme. The ADEK inspection's key recommendations include expanding enterprise and innovation activities, increasing student-led volunteering and deepening engagement with UAE cultural initiatives - areas where the school has acknowledged growth potential.
915
Students in STEAM Programme (Grades 3-9, 11)
Developing 21st-century problem-solving and innovation skills
26
Annual Library Enrichment Activities
Covering reading picnics, poetry, vocabulary games and more
STEAM Designing the FutureOptimus Well-Being AwardGo Green Sustainability WeekStudent Leadership ProgrammeInter-School Competitions

Pastoral Care & Well-being

Pastoral care at Our Own English High School is one of the school's most consistently praised dimensions, and the ADEK 2024 Irtiqa inspection confirms this with a Very Good rating for Health and Safety and Child Protection/Safeguarding across all four phases - the highest rating the school achieves in any single domain. The inspection report notes that the school "is highly effective in protecting students from all forms of abuse, including cyberbullying" and that safeguarding measures have been further enhanced, with all staff and students now fully aware of reporting procedures. The school's well-being strategy is structured and multi-layered. Mindfulness sessions are delivered at the start of the school day to help students manage anxiety and improve focus - a practice backed by educational research and one that reflects a genuine commitment to emotional health rather than a box-ticking exercise. Thematic weeks - Wellness Week, Innovation Week and Go Green Week - integrate well-being awareness into the broader curriculum calendar. Safety education covers road safety, cyber safety, stranger danger and bullying prevention, delivered through counsellor talks, parent workshops and student-facing programmes. The school aspires to achieve the Optimus Well-Being Award, an external accreditation that recognises outstanding contributions to positive school environments. This ambition signals that well-being is being treated as a strategic priority rather than an afterthought. Care and Support is rated Good across all phases in the ADEK inspection, with the caveat that the school does not yet provide in-school support services (ISSS) for students with additional learning needs - a gap that the inspection team flagged as a key area for improvement. The school's partnership with parents is rated Very Good by ADEK inspectors, who noted that parents "actively contribute to their children's education leading to improved learning outcomes." Communication channels include the GEMS Connect portal, Phoenix, and direct email. The school's governance structure is also rated Very Good, with broad stakeholder representation on the governing board. Gender separation from Grade 6 upwards - boys and girls in separate classes - is a cultural feature that some families will welcome and others may find less desirable.

“The school genuinely cares about the children as individuals. When my daughter was struggling in Grade 7, the class teacher reached out proactively and arranged extra support before we even had to ask.”

— Grade 9 Parent(representative)

Campus & Facilities

Our Own English High School is located at 39 Al Ajyal Street in the Al Muwaij'i area of Al Ain, a residential district in the eastern reaches of the Abu Dhabi emirate. The campus is an established, purpose-built school site that has been developed and maintained over more than three decades under GEMS Education management. While detailed square footage data is not published by the school, the facility inventory reflects a campus designed to serve a student body of over 1,000 pupils across 14 year groups. Science provision is well-supported, with four dedicated laboratories covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology and General Science - a meaningful asset for a school running both CBSE and Cambridge A Level science streams simultaneously. ICT infrastructure includes well-equipped computer laboratories with "the latest computers and peripherals" supporting ICT skills development from Grade 1 upwards. The campus is Wi-Fi enabled throughout. A 600-seat auditorium with multimedia facilities provides a significant venue for school events, performances and assemblies - a facility that many schools at this fee level do not offer. The library, though described in the ADEK report as small, is effectively utilised and well-stocked: 7,949 physical books, access to approximately 17,000 e-books, four computer stations, seating for two classes simultaneously, and two dedicated group work areas. Digital reading platforms including RAZ KIDS, Read Works, Kutubee and Asafeer are integrated into the library's provision. Sports facilities include a basketball court, two football fields, a volleyball court, a cricket pitch and a tennis court. A dedicated KG play area serves the youngest learners. The school does not appear to have a swimming pool, which is a notable absence at this age range. The ADEK inspection's management and facilities rating is Good - a solid if unspectacular assessment that reflects a functional, well-maintained campus rather than a premium one. Parents considering this school should calibrate expectations accordingly: the facilities are fit for purpose and support the curriculum effectively, but they do not rival the campuses of higher-fee GEMS schools in Abu Dhabi city.
600
Seat Auditorium with Multimedia
Significant performance and assembly venue for a value-fee school
4
Dedicated Science Laboratories
Physics, Chemistry, Biology and General Science
4 Science Laboratories600-Seat AuditoriumWi-Fi Enabled Campus7,949 Physical Library Books2 Football FieldsICT Labs from Grade 1

Teaching & Learning Quality

Teaching quality at Our Own English High School has shown a clear upward trajectory in the most recent ADEK Irtiqa cycle. The 2024 inspection rated Teaching for Effective Learning as Very Good in Phase 4 (Grades 9-12) - a meaningful improvement from the previous Good rating - while Phases 1, 2 and 3 maintained a Good rating. Assessment is rated Good across all four phases, with inspectors noting that teachers "effectively use assessment data to inform lesson planning, ensuring alignment with students' learning needs." The school employs 94 teachers and 8 teaching assistants, serving 1,003 students on roll at the time of the 2024 inspection - a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:10.7 by headcount, though the school's own data and wider sources suggest operational class sizes average around 30 students, with a maximum of 33. Staff are predominantly from India, Egypt and Sudan, reflecting the school's student demographic. All teaching staff hold a minimum Bachelor's degree plus a teaching qualification. The school has invested significantly in its professional development culture. Recent initiatives introduced following a cycle of self-evaluation include Peer Observation, Middle Leader drop-ins and Senior Leader observations - a structured approach to instructional improvement that has measurably increased teacher confidence. Team teaching, coaching and mentoring are described as common practices. A comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme is in place, with specific professional development provided on international assessment content and rigour, contributing directly to the school's strong PISA performance. Differentiation remains an area under active development. The ADEK inspection's curriculum adaptation rating is Good across all phases, acknowledging that "differentiation is a feature of the taught curriculum, with activities designed to meet the needs of diverse learners." However, the inspection team's key recommendations specifically call for more consistent differentiated lesson planning, better challenge for gifted and talented students, and more personalised support for students with additional learning needs. The use of interactive technologies and strategies that promote critical thinking and independent learning is identified as an area requiring further development, particularly in lower phases. These are honest gaps in an otherwise improving picture.
94
Teaching Staff
Plus 8 teaching assistants; all hold minimum Bachelor's + teaching qualification
1:10.7
Teacher-to-Student Ratio (by headcount)
Operational class sizes average approximately 30 students
Very Good
Phase 4 Teaching Rating (ADEK 2024)
Improved from Good in previous inspection cycle

Leadership & Management

Leadership at Our Own English High School underwent a significant transition in August 2025, when Mrs. Jaya Menezes assumed the role of Principal - a familiar face rather than an external appointment, having joined OOL as Vice Principal in October 2023 after nine years as Principal of Apple International School in Dubai. Her predecessor, Mr. Rocky Wollee Miller Mervyn Xavier, led the school for many years and is named in the 2024 ADEK inspection report as the Principal at the time of inspection (October 2024). This continuity of internal leadership is a positive signal for stability. The school operates under the GEMS Education group - one of the world's largest private education operators, with a significant presence across the UAE. GEMS provides operational infrastructure, curriculum frameworks, professional development resources and the GEMS Genius Scholarship Programme, all of which benefit OOL students and families. The school's mission, as articulated on its website, is "to strive to offer the best through a child-centric and learner-oriented educational programme that has much opportunity for all-round development." The ADEK 2024 inspection rated Leadership Effectiveness as Very Good, a notable step up from the previous cycle. Self-evaluation and improvement planning are also rated Very Good, with inspectors commending the school's "rigorous self-evaluation process, using data to assess and improve the quality of its provisions." The governing board is rated Very Good, described as effective with broad stakeholder representation that ensures diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making. Parents and the community partnership is likewise Very Good. Management, staffing, facilities and resources is rated Good - the one leadership domain that has not yet reached Very Good - suggesting that operational and resource management, while sound, has room for further development. Communication with parents is facilitated through the GEMS Connect portal and Phoenix platform, with email and direct contact with the admissions office (Matilda) as the primary touchpoints for prospective families.

ADEK Inspection Results (Irtiqa - Decoded)

The most recent ADEK Irtiqa inspection of Our Own English High School took place from 28 to 31 October 2024, with the overall school performance confirmed at Good - consistent with the previous inspection rating. While maintaining a Good overall rating might sound static, the detail within the 2024 report tells a more encouraging story: the school has improved in nearly every domain compared to the prior cycle, with Phase 4 (Grades 9-12) emerging as a particular area of strength. On the achievement side, Phase 4 English attainment and progress are both rated Outstanding - the highest possible rating - while mathematics progress in Phase 4 is also Outstanding. Science attainment across Phases 2, 3 and 4 is Very Good. These are genuinely impressive results for a school at this fee level. The overall achievement picture across all phases is at least Good in every subject area, with no Acceptable or Weak ratings in the core English-medium subjects. The school's safeguarding and child protection framework is rated Very Good across all four phases - a consistent strength that has been maintained across multiple inspection cycles. Leadership effectiveness, self-evaluation, parent partnerships and governance are all rated Very Good, painting a picture of a school that is well-managed and improving with purpose. The ADEK inspection's key recommendations centre on four areas: accelerating students' progress in Arabic speaking and presentation skills in lower phases; improving extended writing across all phases; strengthening inclusion by appointing a full-time qualified SENCO; and expanding curriculum enrichment through enterprise, sustainability and cultural initiatives. The absence of in-school support services (ISSS) for students of determination is the most pressing operational gap identified - a structural issue that the school acknowledges and is working to address. Personal and social development ratings (Acceptable in Phases 1 and 2, Good in Phases 3 and 4) and social responsibility and innovation skills (Acceptable across all phases) indicate that the school's character education programme has room to grow beyond its current foundations.
Outstanding Phase 4 Academic Performance
Phase 4 English attainment and progress, and mathematics progress, are all rated Outstanding by ADEK inspectors - the highest possible grade. PISA 2022 scores exceeded all school targets, with reading literacy at 550.7, above international standards.
Very Good Safeguarding & Child Protection
Health, safety and safeguarding are rated Very Good across all four phases - a consistent strength across multiple inspection cycles. The school is described as highly effective in protecting students from all forms of abuse, including cyberbullying.
Very Good Leadership & Governance
Leadership effectiveness, self-evaluation, parent partnerships and governance are all rated Very Good. The governing board has broad stakeholder representation and holds the senior leadership team accountable for school performance.
Inclusion Support Requires Urgent Structural Action

The school does not yet provide in-school support services (ISSS) for students with additional learning needs. ADEK recommends appointing a full-time, qualified SENCO and additional teaching assistants as a priority. Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) for gifted and talented students also need to be finalised and embedded in lesson planning.

Arabic Language Skills and Extended Writing

Students' speaking and presentation skills in Standard Arabic, particularly in Phases 1 and 2, need acceleration. Extended writing with proper grammar and punctuation across all phases - especially Phases 3 and 4 - is identified as a key area for development. Greater use of hands-on, practical and collaborative learning activities is also recommended.

Rating History

2024
Good
2022
Good
2019
Good

Fees & Value for Money

School fees at Our Own English High School are among the most affordable in Al Ain's private school sector, and represent one of the school's most compelling propositions for budget-conscious families. ADEK-approved tuition fees for 2025-26 range from AED 8,550 at KG level to AED 17,310 at Grade 11-12 on the CAIE track - a fee ceiling that is a fraction of what comparable dual-curriculum schools charge in Abu Dhabi city. The CBSE track is marginally cheaper than CAIE at every secondary grade level, reflecting the higher examination costs associated with Cambridge qualifications. Beyond tuition, families should budget for books (AED 326-933 depending on grade and curriculum), transport via Bright Bus Transport LLC (AED 3,000 per year, flat rate), uniform from Threads DGT Trading LLC (AED 389-550 per year), and examination fees where applicable: AED 725 for CBSE Grade 10, AED 800 for CBSE Grade 12, AED 900 per subject for CAIE Grade 10 (IGCSE), AED 1,200 per subject for CAIE Grade 11 (AS Level) and AED 1,300 per subject for CAIE Grade 12 (A Level). Cambridge exam fees per subject at A Level in particular can add meaningfully to the total cost for families with students sitting five or more subjects. Payment terms are structured across 10 monthly instalments (excluding July and August), making the fee outlay genuinely manageable. A new admission fee of 5% of annual tuition is payable on acceptance of an offer letter - this is non-refundable but is adjustable against the first term's fees once the student joins. Payment methods include online via the parent portal, cash, credit card and cheque at the school fee counter. The FAB GEMS World Credit Card offers up to 3% savings on annual fees paid in advance, plus 10% back on school expenses. The GEMS Genius Scholarship Programme is available for exceptional students applying for Grade 9 (Year 10) and Grade 11 (Year 12) entry for the 2026-27 academic year, offering up to 100% tuition fee coverage for two years. Eligibility extends to non-GEMS students with strong academic performance or outstanding talent in STEM, leadership, sports, arts, technology or Arabic studies. Sibling re-enrolment processes are structured, with separate timelines for CBSE (February) and CAIE (April-May). In value-for-money terms, OOL sits firmly in the value tier of Abu Dhabi private schools. The combination of a dual curriculum, PISA-benchmarked academic outcomes, a 600-seat auditorium, four science labs and GEMS group infrastructure at fees starting under AED 9,000 is difficult to match in this region. Families seeking premium facilities, smaller class sizes or a wider range of extracurricular provision at higher fee levels will find alternatives in Abu Dhabi city - but for families prioritising academic substance and curriculum flexibility at an accessible price point in Al Ain, OOL delivers strong value.
AED 8,550
Lowest Annual Tuition (KG1, CBSE)
AED 17,310
Highest Annual Tuition (Grade 11-12, CAIE)
PhaseAnnual Fee
Kindergarten (CBSE)
8,550
Kindergarten (CBSE)
8,550
Primary (CBSE)
9,570
Primary (CBSE)
9,570
Primary (CBSE)
10,800
Primary (CBSE)
10,800
Middle School (CBSE)
12,470
Middle School (CBSE)
12,470
Middle School (CBSE)
14,000
Middle School (CBSE)
14,000
Secondary (CBSE)
15,390
Secondary (CBSE)
15,300
Senior Secondary (CBSE)
16,820
Senior Secondary (CBSE)
16,820
Middle School (CAIE)
12,820
Middle School (CAIE)
12,820
Middle School (CAIE)
14,390
Middle School (CAIE)
14,390
Secondary (CAIE)
15,830
Secondary (CAIE)
15,730
Sixth Form (CAIE)
17,310
Sixth Form (CAIE)
17,310

Additional Costs

School Bus Transport3,000(annual)
Books (KG1 - CBSE)326(annual)
Books (Grade 12 CAIE)591(annual)
Uniform389 - 550(annual)
CBSE Examination Fee (Grade 10)725(annual)
CBSE Examination Fee (Grade 12)800(annual)
Cambridge IGCSE Exam Fee (per subject, Grade 10)900(annual)
Cambridge AS Level Exam Fee (per subject, Grade 11)1,200(annual)
Cambridge A Level Exam Fee (per subject, Grade 12)1,300(annual)
New Admission Fee5% of annual tuition(one-time)

Discounts & Concessions

FAB GEMS World Credit Card3%%
GEMS Genius ScholarshipUp to 100%%

Scholarships & Bursaries

The GEMS Genius Scholarship Programme is open for applications for the 2026-27 academic year, targeting Grade 9 (Year 10) and Grade 11 (Year 12) entry. The scholarship offers up to 100% tuition fee coverage for two academic years at selected GEMS Education schools across the MENA region. It is open to non-GEMS students with strong academic performance or outstanding talent in STEM, leadership, entrepreneurship, sports, visual and performing arts, technology, innovation, gaming, Arabic studies and more. Applications closed 31 December 2025 for the current cycle.

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

Our Own English High School is a school that delivers more than its fees suggest. The combination of a genuine dual curriculum - CBSE and Cambridge International running in parallel from Grade 5 - with an ADEK Good rating, PISA scores above international benchmarks, outstanding Phase 4 academic performance, and GEMS group infrastructure, at fees that start under AED 9,000, is a compelling proposition that few schools in Al Ain can match. The 2024 Irtiqa inspection confirms a school that is improving purposefully: leadership is Very Good, safeguarding is Very Good, and Phase 4 teaching has reached Very Good for the first time. The honest caveats are real but not disqualifying. Class sizes averaging 30 are higher than premium alternatives. Inclusion support is underdeveloped - no full-time SENCO, no in-school support services for students of determination - which is a genuine concern for families with children who have additional learning needs. Personal and social development ratings in lower phases are Acceptable rather than Good, suggesting the character education and innovation programme needs deepening. And the curriculum choice at Grade 5 is a consequential, largely irreversible decision that parents must approach with clear information and intent. For families who are clear-eyed about what they are buying - strong academics, a flexible dual curriculum, an improving school with solid GEMS infrastructure, at a price point that is genuinely accessible - Our Own English High School delivers outstanding value for money in the Al Ain private school market.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Families seeking a dual CBSE/Cambridge curriculum at accessible fees (AED 8,550-17,310), particularly those from Indian, Egyptian or multicultural backgrounds who want the option of Indian board or British qualifications from Grade 5 onwards, and who prioritise academic outcomes over premium facilities.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Families with children who have significant additional learning needs or require specialist SEN support - the school's inclusion infrastructure is not yet equipped to meet complex needs. Also less suitable for families seeking small class sizes, premium sports facilities (no swimming pool), or a broad Western-style extracurricular programme.

“

We chose OOL because it gave our children the Indian curriculum foundation we wanted, but also the option to switch to Cambridge for university preparation. The fees are very reasonable and the teachers genuinely know each child. It is not a fancy school, but it is a good school.

— Grade 11 Parent, CAIE Track

Pros

  • Unique dual CBSE and Cambridge International curriculum from Grade 5
  • ADEK Good 2024 with outstanding Phase 4 English and mathematics progress
  • PISA 2022 scores above international benchmarks in all three domains
  • Fees from AED 8,550 - exceptional value for a dual-curriculum GEMS school
  • Very Good ADEK rating for safeguarding and child protection across all phases
  • Very Good leadership, governance and parent partnership ratings
  • 600-seat auditorium and four science laboratories on campus
  • GEMS Genius Scholarship offering up to 100% tuition fee coverage

Cons

  • No full-time qualified SENCO; in-school support services for students of determination not yet in place
  • Class sizes averaging 30 students - higher than premium alternatives
  • Personal and social development rated Acceptable in lower phases; character education needs strengthening
  • Curriculum track decision at Grade 5 is largely irreversible - requires careful early planning
  • No swimming pool; facilities functional rather than premium