Queen International School, Dubai

Queen International School follows the National Curriculum for England as its core academic framework, running from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in FS1 and FS2 through to A Level in Year 13. The school's stated philosophy centres on delivering a broad and balanced curriculum that develops the whole child - academically, socially and emotionally - rather than narrowly optimising for examination performance alone. In practice, the curriculum is structured in three phases: Foundation Stage (EYFS), Primary (Years 1 to 6) and Secondary/Post-16 (Years 7 to 13). In the Foundation Stage, children learn through play in structured, supportive environments. DSIB inspectors noted improved teaching quality in FS in the 2023-24 cycle, with children making good progress in mathematics and improved progress in English. The phonics programme is described as laying the foundation for more rapid literacy development, though the reading literacy programme has not yet had significant measurable impact on lesson-level reading skills. In Primary, the school has adopted the Cambridge curriculum framework to strengthen its academic offer, alongside a thematic approach in Year 1 that enables cross-curricular application of learning. However, DSIB inspectors found Primary to be the weakest academic phase overall. Attainment in mathematics was rated Acceptable, and inspectors noted that students are not consistently challenged to work in depth. Writing opportunities are insufficient, and research and independent learning skills remain underdeveloped. Teaching in Primary was rated Acceptable, with excessive teacher talk identified as a barrier to student thinking. The Secondary phase is where Queen International School's academic credentials are most compelling. DSIB inspectors rated attainment and progress in English, mathematics and science as Very Good at Secondary level. Students achieved outstanding results in most IGCSEs in the year prior to the 2024 inspection, and good or better results at AS Level in Post-16. Secondary students demonstrate strong examination preparation, with teachers' subject knowledge supporting high external outcomes. Arabic as a first language and as an additional language are both rated Good across Secondary and Post-16. The school prepares students for IGCSE, AS Level and A Level (Cambridge pathway) in Years 10 to 13. Subject options include English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, ICT, art, design technology, physical education and additional electives. Arabic, Islamic Studies, Moral Education and UAE Social Studies are delivered in line with Ministry of Education requirements. Notably, the school does not publicly publish its IGCSE or A Level results, which limits independent verification - though the DSIB inspection findings provide meaningful corroboration of strong Secondary outcomes. In terms of inclusion and learning support, the school identified 21 students of determination at the time of the 2024 inspection. All now have individual education plans (IEPs) in place, which represents progress since the previous cycle. However, DSIB inspectors found identification processes inconsistent and implementation of support strategies variable in lessons. The single guidance counsellor serves the entire school of 689 students - a ratio that limits the depth of individual academic and pastoral support available. There is no published data on Gifted and Talented provision or EAL support structures.