Star International School
Curriculum
British
KHDA
Good
Location
Dubai, Al Twar 1
Fees
AED 22K - 46K
Star International School
The Executive Summary
Star International School Dubai, situated across two campuses in Al Twar 1 and Al Qusais, is a KHDA-rated Good British curriculum school that has held that rating consistently since 2019-20. Operated by International Schools Partnership (ISP) - a global group running over 109 schools across 25 countries - the school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for younger students, focusing on play-based learning and development, before transitioning students to the National Curriculum for England, which offers a broad and balanced education leading to internationally recognised qualifications such as IGCSE, A Level, and BTEC. With school fees Dubai families will find genuinely accessible - ranging from AED 21,520 to AED 46,140 (discounted) - this is one of the more affordable British curriculum options among Al Twar 1 schools. The school's strongest assets are its warm community culture, a purpose-built secondary campus with outstanding facilities, and very good academic progress in English, mathematics, and science at the secondary level. The DSIB 2023-24 report specifically highlighted very good progress in the Foundation Stage and Secondary phase, strong personal and social development across all year groups, and high-quality pastoral care. For families seeking a genuinely inclusive, community-centred British education without the premium price tag of Dubai's top-tier operators, Star Al Twar presents a compelling case.
The honest caveats are equally important. Teaching quality is inconsistent across phases - rated Good in FS, Primary and Post-16, but Very Good only in Secondary - and the KHDA report flags that assessment practices in Primary need strengthening. Arabic and Islamic Education attainment remains at Acceptable across all phases, a persistent gap that the school has not yet closed. Teacher turnover has historically been a concern, running at approximately 33% in recent years, which can disrupt continuity particularly in the primary years. The school is not a fit for families expecting the ultra-selective, hyper-competitive environment of Dubai's premium British schools; class sizes of 22-24 and a genuinely diverse, multicultural community (students from over 60 countries) mean the culture here prioritises belonging and breadth over exclusivity and narrow academic pressure. For the right family - one that values inclusion, affordability, a full FS1 to Year 13 pathway, and ISP's global resources - this is a solid, improving school delivering real value.
KHDA Good - 2023-24BSO AccreditedISP Global NetworkFS1 to Year 1360+ Nationalities
“The caring and family nature of the school is evident and valued by the school community.”
— BSO Inspection, 2023Academic Framework & Learning Style
Star International School delivers a British curriculum that spans from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to A Level and BTEC Level 3 at Post-16, making it one of the few genuinely all-through British schools in East Dubai. In the Foundation Stage, the school follows the EYFS framework with a strong emphasis on play-based, child-centred learning. DSIB inspectors rated curriculum design and adaptation as Very Good in FS, reflecting well-sequenced provision that builds early literacy and numeracy through exploration and structured play. Primary students follow the National Curriculum for England, enhanced by a STEAM approach introduced in 2021 that weaves science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics across subjects. The DSIB 2023-24 report rated curriculum design as Good in Primary, with cross-curricular links and connections to Emirati culture noted as inconsistent - an area the school acknowledges is still developing.
At Secondary level, students at the Al Qusais campus prepare for IGCSE examinations over a three-year programme spanning Years 9 to 11 - an extended preparation model that gives students additional time to consolidate knowledge ahead of external assessment. Core subjects include English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Combined or Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), and Arabic. Optional subjects include Art and Design, Business Studies, Geography, History, ICT, and French. The DSIB report rated secondary attainment in English as Very Good and progress in English, mathematics, and science as Very Good - the school's strongest academic performance area. In GCSE chemistry specifically, students perform better than in biology and physics. At Post-16, students choose between academic A Levels (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business, ICT, English, Geography, History, Design and Technology, Art) or vocational BTEC Level 3 qualifications in Business, Media, IT, Travel and Tourism, and Physical Education.
Historically, IGCSE results have been strong. In 2022, 44% of grades were awarded at A*-A and 95% at A*-C, with 98% of students achieving at least five passes including English and mathematics. The 2021 cohort achieved 31% A* grades and a 100% pass rate at five or more subjects. These are creditable outcomes for a mid-range fee school. The DSIB report notes that students' learning skills are Very Good in FS, Secondary, and Post-16, reflecting genuine intellectual engagement. However, attainment in Islamic Education and Arabic as a First Language remains Acceptable across all phases, and progress in Arabic as a First Language is also Acceptable - the school's most persistent academic gap. Academic support includes a school counsellor, intervention classes before and after school (particularly benefiting Emirati students in mathematics), and an inclusion team supporting 101 students of determination. Gifted and talented provision is described by DSIB inspectors as variable, with support not always consistent across year groups.
44%
IGCSE Grades at A*-A (2022 cohort)
95% at A*-C; 98% achieved 5+ passes including English and Maths
100%
IGCSE Pass Rate (2021 cohort)
5+ subjects including English and Mathematics; 31% A* grades
Very Good
Secondary English Attainment (DSIB 2023-24)
Also Very Good progress in English, Maths, and Science at Secondary
101
Students of Determination Supported
Dedicated inclusion team across both campuses
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
Star International School offers a broad extracurricular programme that extends well beyond the classroom, spanning sports, performing arts, technology, creative design, community service, and international enrichment. The school's website highlights a strong emphasis on co-curricular activities as an integral part of student development, and the DSIB 2023-24 report confirms that students in Secondary and Post-16 engage in a variety of voluntary activities both inside and outside school, demonstrating a strong work ethic and willingness to take ownership of initiatives.
In sports, the school competes through DASSA (Dubai Association of Sports for Schools and Academies), with a range of competitive teams including football, swimming, basketball, netball, badminton, athletics, and paddle tennis. The Al Qusais secondary campus provides a full-sized football pitch, a 25-metre swimming pool, a 100-metre running track, a large indoor sports hall, and a multigym - facilities that comfortably support competitive sport at a serious level. Mr. Ejaz, the school's Key Stage 3 Leader and Head of PE, has described the facilities and management support as exceptional for developing a competitive sports programme.
Performing arts provision includes drama, music, and media projects, with students able to participate in productions and creative arts clubs. The 150-seat auditorium at the Al Qusais campus provides a professional performance space. STEAM and technology clubs are a particular strength, with dedicated STEAM labs, ICT and Mac suites, and design and technology workshops supporting student-led innovation projects. The school also offers language and cultural enrichment activities including French and Arabic clubs, alongside wellbeing and pastoral programmes driven by student-led initiatives. Community service is embedded in school culture - students engage in charity fundraising, sustainability projects, environmental initiatives, and liaison with events such as COP28. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is offered, providing a recognised framework for adventure, skill development, volunteering, and physical activity. DSIB inspectors noted that younger students in FS and Primary have fewer opportunities to initiate their own projects, which remains an area for development. Overall, the extracurricular offer is genuinely broad for a school of this size and fee level.
60+
Student Nationalities in School Community
Reflects the diverse range of cultural clubs and enrichment activities
Duke of Edinburgh AwardDASSA Competitive Sports25m Swimming PoolSTEAM Innovation Clubs150-Seat Auditorium
Pastoral Care & Well-being
Pastoral care is one of Star International School's most consistently praised attributes, and the DSIB 2023-24 inspection rated Health and Safety and Care and Support as Very Good across all phases - FS, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16. This is not a routine finding; Very Good across all four phases in both pastoral categories represents a genuine institutional strength. Child protection and safeguarding are given high priority, with well-documented policies communicated effectively to staff and the wider community. The premises across both campuses are well maintained to ensure physical safety, and regular evacuation drills are conducted. Staff promote healthy lifestyles within a caring and supportive environment.
The school operates a school counsellor who provides individual sessions for students requiring additional emotional or pastoral support. DSIB inspectors noted that students behave very well in lessons and around the school, showing exceptional self-discipline and respect for peers and teachers. Attendance is described as very good across all phases, with students punctual and aware of the importance of regular attendance. A behaviour management system using charts linked to reward points and award ceremonies helps to celebrate achievement and reinforce positive conduct. Students have been proactive in shaping the school's wellbeing culture - writing a wellbeing vision and running student-led initiatives - though DSIB inspectors noted that a more structured approach to ensuring wellbeing messages are consistently taught and evaluated is still being developed. The school's overall KHDA Wellbeing Rating is Good, with inspectors acknowledging that leaders are actively developing provision and recognise it as a work in progress. Wellbeing spaces have been created across both sites, including a student-designed Post-16 common room and quiet areas in Primary classrooms. The BSO 2023 inspection specifically commended the school's caring and family nature as a defining community characteristic.
“The caring and family nature of the school is evident and valued by the school community.”
— BSO Inspection Report, 2023Campus & Facilities
Star International School operates across two purpose-designed campuses in East Dubai, a split that reflects the school's growth and its commitment to age-appropriate learning environments. The Al Twar campus serves Foundation Stage and Primary students (ages 3-11), built around spacious central playing fields that place outdoor play and active learning at the heart of early childhood education. The site includes specialist classrooms for early learning and core primary subjects, a dedicated STEAM room, music room, library, multipurpose hall, and a dedicated Inclusion room. The campus is located on Street 37, next to Abaya Mall in Al Twar 1, a well-connected residential area in East Dubai.
The Al Qusais Secondary campus, which opened in 2021, was purpose-built for Secondary and Sixth Form students and represents a significant step up in facility quality. DSIB inspectors specifically highlighted outstanding facilities in Secondary as a school highlight in the 2023-24 report - a rare superlative in an otherwise Good-rated inspection. The campus features advanced science and technology laboratories, ICT and Mac suites, specialist STEAM workshops, Art, Media, and Design labs, a 150-seat auditorium, a well-resourced library, a dedicated Post-16 study centre, and an Inclusion suite. Outdoor facilities at the secondary campus include a full-sized football pitch, a 25-metre swimming pool, a 100-metre running track, a large indoor sports hall, multigym, paddle tennis, basketball, badminton, and netball courts. Sustainable gardens and an amphitheatre designed for collaborative projects and social learning complete the outdoor provision.
Technology infrastructure across both campuses includes interactive whiteboards, ICT suites, Apple Mac suites, and industry-standard software within the STEAM labs. The school's investment in digital learning environments is evident, with technology integrated into teaching across year groups. Both campuses are served by Busco Passenger Transport for school bus services. The area benefits from proximity to the Green Line of the Dubai Metro (Al Nahda and Al Qusais stations), major road networks including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311), and Dubai International Airport, making both sites accessible from across Dubai.
2
Purpose-Built Campuses
Al Twar (FS and Primary) and Al Qusais (Secondary and Post-16)
2021
Year Al Qusais Secondary Campus Opened
Purpose-built for Secondary and Sixth Form; rated Outstanding for facilities by DSIB
Outstanding Secondary Facilities (DSIB)25m Swimming Pool100m Running Track150-Seat AuditoriumApple Mac SuitesSTEAM Innovation Labs
Teaching & Learning Quality
Teaching quality at Star International School is phase-dependent, and parents should understand this clearly before enrolling. The DSIB 2023-24 report rates Teaching for Effective Learning as Good in FS, Primary, and Post-16, but Very Good in Secondary - a meaningful distinction that reflects where the school's pedagogical strengths are most concentrated. In Secondary, teachers are particularly effective at using higher-order questioning, fostering independent learning, and using assessment data to inform lesson planning. Secondary students have more opportunities to learn independently, and the quality of marking and feedback is stronger at this phase.
In FS, Primary, and Post-16, most teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and appropriate teaching approaches, but the DSIB report notes that assessment is not used consistently enough to inform lesson planning across these phases. Teachers' marking of students' work, although regular, does not always provide clear guidance on how to improve. Child-centred, play-based approaches in FS are effective and well-implemented, successfully engaging young learners. In Primary, lessons have increasingly emphasised practical work in science, which is helping to develop investigative skills, though scientific research skills remain generally insecure across the school. The use of digital technology to support learning is described as inconsistent across phases.
The school employs 57 teachers and 15 teaching assistants across both campuses, with the largest nationality group being British - ensuring strong alignment with UK curriculum standards and examination expectations. The teacher-to-student ratio is approximately 1:11, based on 646 students across 57 teachers, which is a favourable ratio for a mid-range fee school. Class sizes range from 22 to 24 students. Teacher turnover is a concern that parents raise, running at approximately 33% in recent years - a figure that is high by Dubai standards and can disrupt continuity, particularly in Primary. The school benefits from ISP's global professional development network, and staff testimonials indicate that professional development opportunities are valued by the teaching team. Middle leadership development has been identified by DSIB inspectors as an area needing improvement, with not all middle leaders yet having the monitoring skills needed to drive improvement in their areas of responsibility.
1:11
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
646 students, 57 teachers - favourable for a mid-range school
33%
Teacher Turnover Rate
A concern for continuity, particularly in Primary phase
British
Largest Teacher Nationality Group
Ensures strong UK curriculum and exam alignment
Leadership & Management
Star International School is led by Principal Lisa Passante, who took up her role in March 2024. Ms. Passante brings substantial international leadership experience, having held senior positions in China, Hong Kong, and the UAE - including roles at Al Shohub School Abu Dhabi, Kings Education's Windsor project, and as Vice Principal at Kings' Al Barsha School. She oversees both the Al Twar Primary campus and the Al Qusais Secondary campus, providing unified strategic leadership across the full FS1 to Year 13 pathway. She succeeded Durriya Gorawal, who provided over 15 years of leadership continuity from 2007 to 2024 - an unusual degree of stability that shaped much of the school's current culture and community identity. The KHDA inspection report lists the principal as Durriya Gorawal based on the 2023-24 inspection period; the school's own website confirms Lisa Passante as the current principal, and per our data priority rules, the school website takes precedence for current leadership information.
The school is owned and operated by International Schools Partnership (ISP), which acquired a majority stake in 2022. ISP now operates over 109 private international schools in more than 25 countries, educating over 92,500 students globally. This ownership brings structural stability, access to global professional development resources, and cross-school learning networks that smaller independent operators cannot match. The DSIB 2023-24 report rates Leadership effectiveness as Good and Parents and Community relations as Very Good - the latter being a genuine standout. School self-evaluation procedures are rated Good, with inspectors noting that they identify appropriate improvement priorities but do not focus enough on the impact of teaching on learning. Governance is rated Good, though inspectors note that governors are supportive but lack formal defined roles. Management, staffing, facilities, and resources are rated Very Good, reflecting the school's investment in its physical infrastructure and operational systems. Parent communication is supported through direct engagement with the admissions team, school portals, and regular parent partnerships that DSIB inspectors consistently highlight as a strength.
KHDA Inspection Results (Decoded)
The DSIB 2023-24 inspection awarded Star International School an overall rating of Good - a rating the school has now held consistently since 2019-20, having recovered from a temporary dip to Acceptable in 2017-18. This consistency matters: it signals a stable, functioning school rather than one bouncing between ratings. The KHDA also rates the school's Wellbeing provision as Good and its Inclusion provision as Good, providing a rounded picture of institutional health.
The inspection's most impressive finding is the Very Good rating for Management, Staffing, Facilities, and Resources - unusual for a Good-rated school and directly linked to the quality of the Al Qusais secondary campus, which inspectors specifically flagged as having outstanding facilities. Parents and Community relations are rated Very Good, reflecting the school's genuine strength in family engagement and communication. In academic terms, the standout results are in Secondary English (Very Good attainment and progress), and Very Good progress in English, mathematics, and science in both FS and Secondary - demonstrating that the school adds real value beyond what students bring in. Personal and social development is rated Very Good across all four phases - FS, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16 - a consistent strength that speaks to the school's culture of care and belonging.
The areas requiring improvement are clear and honest. Teaching quality needs to become more consistently strong across FS, Primary, and Post-16 - currently only Secondary achieves Very Good. Assessment practices in Primary and Post-16 need to more systematically inform lesson planning. Arabic and Islamic Education attainment remains at Acceptable across all phases, a gap that has persisted across multiple inspection cycles. Middle leadership development is flagged as needing attention, and gifted and talented provision is described as variable. The school's KHDA rating history shows a school that has made real progress from its Weak rating in 2008-09 to a sustained Good since 2019-20, demonstrating genuine institutional improvement over the long term.
Outstanding Secondary Facilities
DSIB inspectors specifically highlighted the Al Qusais secondary campus facilities as outstanding - a rare superlative in a Good-rated school, covering science labs, STEAM workshops, auditorium, pool, and sports infrastructure.
Very Good Personal and Social Development
Students across all four phases - FS, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16 - are rated Very Good for personal development and understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture, reflecting a strong school culture of respect, responsibility, and community.
Very Good Parent and Community Partnerships
The school's relationship with parents and the wider community is rated Very Good, with inspectors consistently praising strong communication, parental involvement, and a family-centred school culture that builds genuine trust.
Arabic and Islamic Education Attainment
Attainment in both Arabic as a First Language and Islamic Education remains at Acceptable across all phases - Primary, Secondary, and Post-16. Progress in Arabic as a First Language is also only Acceptable, making this the most persistent academic gap across multiple inspection cycles. The school must raise achievement in these subjects to at least match performance in English, mathematics, and science.
Teaching Consistency and Middle Leadership
Teaching quality is Very Good only in Secondary; FS, Primary, and Post-16 remain at Good. Assessment is not used consistently enough to inform lesson planning in these phases, and teachers' feedback to students does not always provide clear guidance on how to improve. Middle leaders need stronger monitoring skills to drive improvement in their areas of responsibility.
Inspection History
2023-2024
Good
2022-2023
Good
2019-2020
Good
2018-2019
Acceptable
2017-2018
Acceptable
2016-2017
Good
2015-2016
Good
2014-2015
Good
2013-2014
Good
2012-2013
Acceptable
2011-2012
Acceptable
2010-2011
Acceptable
2009-2010
Acceptable
2008-2009
Weak
Fees & Value for Money
Star International School Al Twar offers a British International Curriculum from Foundation Stage through to Post 16 (Year 13), with tuition fees for the 2025–26 academic year ranging from AED 21,520 (FS1, discounted) to AED 46,140 (Year 13, discounted). The school publishes both KHDA-approved fees and discounted tuition fees, with the discounted rates being the fees families actually pay. Payment is structured across three terms, with Term 1 due 1 August 2025, Term 2 due 1 December 2025, and Term 3 due 1 March 2026.
AED 21,520
Annual Fees From
AED 46,140
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
FS 1
AED 21,520FS 2
AED 25,320Year 1
AED 25,320Year 2
AED 29,120Year 3
AED 29,120Year 4
AED 32,915Year 5
AED 32,915Year 6
AED 32,915Year 7
AED 35,280Year 8
AED 41,510Year 9
AED 41,510Year 10
AED 39,220Year 11
AED 46,140Year 12
AED 39,220Year 13
AED 46,140In addition to tuition, families should budget for other fees covering exercise books, STEAM resources, and stationery. These additional costs range from AED 1,550 per year for Foundation Stage students up to AED 4,050 per year for Year 12 and Year 13 students. The school holds a Good overall DSIB rating (2023–24), and its fee levels are broadly competitive for a British curriculum school in Dubai, particularly given the significant discounts applied against KHDA-approved rates — especially notable at the Post 16 level where discounts exceed AED 24,000.
The school offers a range of discounts to support families, including sibling discounts of 10% for a second child, 20% for a third child, and 25% for a fourth or more child (applied to the youngest child on discounted fees). Corporate discounts are also available through partners including Platinum Card (25%), Fazaa, Esaad, Al Ghurair, Al Futtaim, and Majid Al Futtaim (each 10%). A refer-a-friend scheme offers AED 1,000 to the referring family and one free uniform for the referred family during eligible campaigns.
Additional Costs
Exercise books
AED 300 (all year groups)
STEAM fee
AED 550 (FS1–FS2), AED 1,050 (Year 1–2), AED 1,200 (Year 3), AED 1,250 (Year 4), AED 1,350 (Year 5–6), AED 1,900 (Year 7–9), AED 2,800 (Year 10), AED 2,850 (Year 11), AED 3,050 (Year 12–13)
Stationery
AED 700 (all year groups)
Total other fees
AED 1,550 (FS1–FS2), AED 2,050 (Year 1–2), AED 2,200 (Year 3), AED 2,250 (Year 4), AED 2,350 (Year 5–6), AED 2,900 (Year 7–9), AED 3,800 (Year 10), AED 3,850 (Year 11), AED 4,050 (Year 12–13)
•Uniform (available separately — see uniform guidelines)
•School bus (optional)
•Canteen lunch service (optional)
•Co-curricular activities (optional)
Discounts & Concessions
Sibling discount
10% for 2nd child
Sibling discount
20% for 3rd child
Sibling discount
25% for 4th+ child (applied to youngest child on discounted fees; cannot be combined with corporate discount)
Corporate discount — Platinum Card
25%
Corporate discount — Fazaa
10%
Corporate discount — Esaad
10%
Corporate discount — Al Ghurair
10%
Corporate discount — Al Futtaim
10%
Corporate discount — Majid Al Futtaim
10%
Refer-a-friend
AED 1,000 to referring family + one free uniform for referred family (available during special campaigns only)
Payment Terms
•3 termly payments per academic year
Term 1 due
1 August 2025
Term 2 due
1 December 2025
Term 3 due
1 March 2026
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
Star International School Al Twar occupies a clear and defensible position in Dubai's private school market: a KHDA Good-rated, BSO-accredited British curriculum school that delivers genuine quality at a mid-range price point, backed by the resources and stability of ISP's global network. The school's strongest arguments are its outstanding secondary campus facilities (a DSIB-recognised highlight), very good academic progress in English, mathematics, and science at secondary level, an impressively warm and inclusive community culture, and a full FS1 to Year 13 pathway that eliminates the disruption of changing schools. For families relocating to East Dubai - particularly those in Al Twar, Al Qusais, Al Nahda, or surrounding residential communities - the location and transport links make it a practical as well as academically sound choice.
The school is not without its challenges. A 33% teacher turnover rate, inconsistent teaching quality across phases, and persistent Acceptable ratings in Arabic and Islamic Education are real concerns that parents should weigh honestly. The school is also not a fit for families whose primary driver is selective academic prestige or who are seeking a school with a long track record of published A Level results. But for the family that values community, inclusion, a nurturing environment, and solid British curriculum delivery at fees that do not require a second mortgage - and who understands that a Good KHDA rating, consistently maintained, represents a genuinely functional and improving school - Star International School Al Twar merits serious consideration.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families seeking an affordable, community-centred British curriculum school in East Dubai with a full FS1-Year 13 pathway, strong pastoral care, outstanding secondary facilities, and the backing of a global school operator (ISP). Particularly well-suited to multicultural families who value inclusion and a warm school culture over selective academic prestige.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families whose primary priority is a highly selective academic environment with consistently published top-tier exam results, or those requiring Very Good teaching quality across all phases including Primary. Also not ideal for families requiring strong Arabic language development, where attainment remains Acceptable across all phases.
“
My journey at Star has been incredible. With amazing management support, fantastic facilities, and constant opportunities for growth, it has been a dream.
— Key Stage 3 Leader and Head of PE, Star International School Al Twar
Strengths
- Outstanding secondary campus facilities rated as a DSIB highlight in 2023-24
- Full FS1 to Year 13 British curriculum pathway on two campuses
- Mid-range fees (AED 21,520-46,140) with generous sibling and corporate discounts
- Very Good academic progress in English, maths, and science at Secondary level
- Very Good pastoral care and safeguarding across all four phases
- BSO accredited and backed by ISP's global network of 109+ schools
- Diverse community of 60+ nationalities with strong inclusive ethos
- Scholarships available up to 75% off tuition fees
Areas for Improvement
- Teacher turnover at approximately 33% - a risk to continuity, especially in Primary
- Arabic and Islamic Education attainment remains Acceptable across all phases
- Teaching quality rated only Good (not Very Good) in FS, Primary, and Post-16
- Gifted and talented provision described as variable by DSIB inspectors
- No recently published post-ISP IGCSE or A Level results for independent verification