Cambridge High School L.L.C.
Executive Summary
The Cambridge High School has sustained its overall performance rating of Very Good since its previous inspection in 2022, demonstrating a consistent commitment to high expectations and continuous improvement. The school provides a structured British curriculum, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for its diverse student body.
Academic achievement in English-medium subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Science, shows strong performance, with significant improvement to Outstanding in the Senior Secondary phase. Students demonstrate confidence, self-direction, and strong collaboration skills, particularly in the Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary phases. The school actively uses international assessments like PISA, TIMSS, and PIRLS to inform strategic planning and drive academic improvement, with PISA 2022 results exceeding international averages in all domains.
The inspection highlights the school's well-established safeguarding procedures, strong parental partnerships, and active student involvement in civic responsibility initiatives. Leadership and management are effective, with continuous improvement in self-evaluation, staffing, and governance. While Arabic-medium subjects show varied performance, the school is committed to raising achievement levels across all subjects and phases.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
The Cambridge High School Overall Rating
Very Good for 2+ consecutive years
ADEK Performance Standards
The six Irtiqa inspection standards used by ADEK to evaluate school performance across Abu Dhabi.
Students demonstrate consistently strong attainment and progress in English, Islamic Education, Mathematics, and Science, particularly in the Secondary and Senior Secondary phases, with some subjects achieving Outstanding. While Arabic-medium subjects show varied performance, students in these subjects generally attain above curriculum standards, though some phases experienced declines. EnglishMathematicsScienceOutstanding
Students display positive attitudes, self-discipline, and a growing sense of responsibility, contributing to a safe and inclusive environment. They show a good understanding of Islamic values and appreciate UAE culture, actively participating in school and community initiatives, including sustainability campaigns and civic projects. positive attitudessocial responsibilityUAE culture
Teachers possess secure subject knowledge and apply it consistently, particularly in the Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary phases, where lessons are well-planned and engaging. Assessment systems are robust, utilizing internal and external data to inform planning, track progress, and personalize instruction, with regular feedback supporting academic growth. secure subject knowledgerobust assessment systemspersonalized learning
The curriculum is comprehensive and balanced, with cohesive planning across phases ensuring smooth transitions. It is regularly reviewed and adapted to meet the evolving needs of most learners, with targeted modifications for students of determination. Emirati culture and national identity are well integrated, particularly in Arabic lessons. comprehensive and balancedcurriculum adaptationEmirati culture
Health and safety, including child protection, remains a high priority with well-established policies and trained staff. The school provides Very Good care and support, effectively managing behavior and monitoring attendance. Students of determination and gifted learners are accurately identified and supported through structured plans and specialist staff. child protectionsafeguardingstudents of determination
Leadership is effective, setting a clear vision aligned with UAE priorities and fostering a collaborative culture. Self-evaluation and improvement planning are well-informed, and parental partnerships are strong. Governance is increasingly effective in holding leaders accountable and ensuring compliance, contributing to a well-functioning, student-centered environment. effective leadershipparental partnershipsschool development
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Strong Academic Performance
Students demonstrate consistently strong attainment and progress in English, Islamic Education, Mathematics, and Science, particularly in the Secondary and Senior Secondary phases.
Active Civic Responsibility
Students are actively involved in planning, leading, and participating in volunteering initiatives and social contribution projects, promoting civic responsibility.
Committed Leadership & Staff
Senior leaders, staff, and the Local Advisory Board share a strong commitment to enhancing students’ academic performance, personal development, and cultural awareness.
Robust Safeguarding
The school has well-established safeguarding procedures, including a comprehensive child protection policy, understood and followed by all stakeholders.
Strong Parental Engagement
Parents actively engage with the school, contributing meaningfully to their children’s learning and school improvement initiatives.
International Assessment Success
The school met or exceeded targets in PISA 2022 across all domains, performing above international averages.
Academic Performance Breakdown
The school demonstrates a clear commitment to raising student achievement through participation in international benchmark assessments (PIRLS, PISA, TIMSS), with PISA 2022 results exceeding international averages in all domains.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
School leaders set a clear vision aligned with UAE priorities, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture with high staff morale. Accountability is well-structured, and improvement planning is informed by effective self-evaluation. Parental partnerships are strong, with high engagement in school life and decision-making.
Inspection Findings
Students' Achievement
Students demonstrate strong attainment and progress in English, Mathematics, Science, and Islamic Education, particularly in the higher phases. While Arabic-medium subjects show varied performance, most students attain above curriculum standards, with notable gains in learning skills across several phases.
Personal & Social Development
Students exhibit positive attitudes, self-discipline, and a growing sense of responsibility, contributing to a respectful and inclusive environment. They show a good understanding of Islamic values, appreciate UAE culture, and are actively involved in social responsibility and innovation initiatives.
Teaching & Assessment
Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and employ effective teaching practices, especially in Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary phases, where lessons are engaging and responsive to student needs. Assessment systems are robust, utilizing data to personalize learning, track progress, and provide regular feedback.
Curriculum Design & Adaptation
The curriculum is comprehensive and balanced, with cohesive planning across phases ensuring smooth transitions and adaptation to meet diverse learner needs. Emirati culture and national identity are well integrated, and students benefit from a wide range of enrichment activities, though consistent challenge for gifted students in Arabic-medium subjects is an area for development.
Protection, Care & Support
The school prioritizes health and safety, with well-established child protection policies and vigilant staff. It provides Very Good care and support, effectively managing student behavior and attendance. Students of determination and gifted learners are accurately identified and supported through structured plans and specialist staff.
Areas for Development
- •Raise students’ achievement levels in Arabic-medium subjects to consistently Very Good levels across all subjects and phases by promoting analytical reading, developing extended written responses, enabling fluent and precise speaking, improving Quran recitation, deepening understanding of Islamic history, and enhancing interpretation of UAE historical and geographical concepts.
- •Improve the consistency of teaching for effective learning in Phase 2 by enhancing teachers’ ability to implement differentiated activities, allocating more time for meaningful feedback and student reflection, and using lesson time more effectively for teacher flexibility.
- •Raise students’ knowledge and awareness of the UAE heritage and culture by ensuring explicit links in all curriculum plans, effective implementation by all teachers, consistent monitoring by middle leaders, and providing students with opportunities to initiate purposeful links.
- •Improve students’ performance in international assessments (TIMSS, PISA, PIRLS) by embedding inquiry-based tasks, aligning teaching with benchmark test structures, using assessment data for targeted support, and training teachers in international assessment strategies.