Scholars International Academy, Sharjah
SPEA Inspection Report & Ratings
Last updated
Executive Summary
Scholars International Academy (SIA) maintains its overall effectiveness rating of Good, demonstrating steady progress since its last review despite recent leadership changes and staff turnover. The school's current leadership provides a clear vision for future development, with enhanced roles for middle leaders and effective self-evaluation processes.
Students consistently achieve Good outcomes across the curriculum, supported by Good teaching and learning, and strong commitment to the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework. While systems for identifying Students of Determination are robust, school-funded in-class support is limited beyond Year 2, and provision for Gifted and Talented students requires enhancement.
The school excels in fostering Very Good personal and social development among students, complemented by Very Good practices in safeguarding, care, and guidance. The curriculum is rated Good, and the school benefits from Very Good premises and resources, alongside a Very Good partnership with parents.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Scholars International Academy Overall Rating
Good for 2+ consecutive years
SPEA Performance Standards
The performance standards used by SPEA to evaluate school quality across Sharjah.
The provision for Students of Determination is rated Good, with robust systems in place for identification. However, school-funded in-class support is limited beyond Year 2, and there is a need to enhance provision and alternative pathways for both SEN and Gifted and Talented students to accelerate their progress. Students of DeterminationGifted and Talented
Students' personal development, along with the school's protection, care, guidance, and support, are consistently rated Very Good. This is reflected in students' positive and respectful attitudes, strong relationships with staff and peers, and a secure understanding of healthy lifestyles, reinforced by highly effective safeguarding procedures. healthy lifestylessafeguarding procedures
The school's performance against the National Agenda is rated Good overall, with students demonstrating Good attainment in international benchmark assessments like TIMSS and PISA, and the Arabic Benchmark Test (ABT). While mathematics and science GL Progress Tests show strong attainment, English GL Progress Tests indicate areas for improvement. TIMSSPISAArabic Benchmark Test (ABT)GL Progress Tests
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Strong Student Achievement
Students demonstrate consistently Good achievement across all subjects, significantly supported by the school's dedicated commitment to the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework.
Excellent Personal Development
Students exhibit Very Good personal and social development, characterized by positive attitudes, respectful interactions, and a strong sense of responsibility within the school community.
Effective Assessment Practices
The school maintains consistent assessment policies and procedures, providing valuable information to monitor student progress and inform teaching strategies.
Robust Safeguarding & Care
There is Very Good practice in place for the safeguarding, care, and guidance of students, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
Clear Leadership Vision
The current leadership team provides a very clear vision and direction for the school's future development, driving continuous improvement and raising standards.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students’ achievement is good overall. The majority of students across all phases make better than expected progress over time.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team, including the Principal and senior leaders, provides a very clear vision and direction for the school's future, demonstrating a significant impact on raising standards. Their approach is characterized by effective self-evaluation, strong partnerships with parents and the community, and good governance, although the timely appointment of a permanent principal is noted as an area for further improvement.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students' achievement is consistently Good across all phases and subjects, with a majority making better than expected progress. Learning skills are also Good, demonstrating enthusiasm and effective collaboration, though innovation and critical thinking require further development.
Personal Development
Students' personal and social development is rated Very Good, marked by positive and responsible attitudes, respectful behavior, and a strong understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture. They show good social responsibility, particularly in leadership roles.
Teaching Quality
The overall quality of teaching and assessment is Good, with teachers demonstrating secure subject knowledge and creating positive learning environments. While assessment processes are consistent, there is inconsistency in using data to personalize learning and develop higher-order thinking skills for all students.
Protection & Care
The school's provision for the protection, care, guidance, and support of students is rated Very Good. This includes highly effective safeguarding procedures, comprehensive health and safety arrangements, and strong pastoral care that promotes students' wellbeing and healthy lifestyles.
Areas for Development
- •Ensure that all leaders, particularly middle leaders, are held accountable for the progress of all groups of students, including those with SEN and G&T students.
- •Ensure that the curriculum is modified to provide more personalised learning for all groups of students, including those with SEN and G&T students.
- •Ensure that students’ innovation, independent enquiry and research skills are developed more consistently across all subjects.
- •Ensure that students’ creative and performing arts skills are enhanced across all phases.
- •Ensure that the school’s governing body identifies a permanent principal in a timely manner.