The Sheffield Private School, Dubai
KHDA Inspection Report & Ratings 2018
Last updated
Executive Summary
The overall quality of education provided by The Sheffield Private School L.L.C is rated as Good for the 2023-2024 academic year. The school has demonstrated notable improvements, with attainment and progress in mathematics reaching Very Good in Secondary, and progress in Arabic as an additional language improving to Good in Secondary. However, there has been a decline in students’ attainment and progress in English in the secondary phase, and in progress in mathematics in Primary.
Students across the school display positive and responsible attitudes, fostering a supportive environment through wellbeing initiatives. They exhibit a strong understanding of Islamic values and a commendable work ethic, actively contributing to both the school and local community. Teaching quality is generally strong, with most teachers possessing secure subject knowledge and effectively integrating ongoing assessments to tailor activities for individual student needs.
The curriculum is well-structured and regularly reviewed to ensure personalization of learning, offering a diverse range of opportunities and supporting innovation through extra-curricular activities. The school premises are secure and well-maintained, providing a stimulating learning environment with high-quality medical care and robust safeguarding policies. Leadership is committed to school improvement, sharing a clear vision with the community, and parents are highly supportive of the caring and safe atmosphere provided for their children.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
The Sheffield Private School L.L.C Overall Rating
Good for 6+ consecutive years
Dubai Focus Areas
These three pillars represent the Dubai education authority's priorities: ensuring inclusive practices, prioritizing student wellbeing, and meeting UAE National Agenda targets.
The school demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusive education, with thorough identification systems and dedicated intervention spaces. Parents highly appreciate the support received, and most students of determination make better than expected progress due to effective planning and continuous tracking. Students of DeterminationIndividual Education PlansInclusive Ethos
Wellbeing provision is very good, driven by strong leadership and staff commitment. The school fosters a happy environment, integrates a wellbeing curriculum, and provides effective support for students, though emotional control for students in all phases needs consistent promotion. Wellbeing CurriculumMental HealthHappy School
The school's overall National Agenda Parameter standards are good, with very good international and benchmark achievement for the whole school, particularly in science. Leaders effectively use assessment data to identify learning gaps and plan differentiated activities, but the progression of Emirati students remains weak. International AssessmentsEmirati AchievementReading Literacy
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Positive Attitudes & Responsibility
Students consistently demonstrate positive attitudes and a strong sense of social responsibility, contributing to a highly supportive school atmosphere.
Commitment to Inclusivity
The school shows a strong commitment to inclusivity, ensuring rigorous systems for identifying and supporting students of determination.
Cultural Understanding
Students exhibit a secure understanding of Islamic values and a strong awareness of Emirati and world cultures.
Safety & Wellbeing Focus
The school maintains a strong focus on the safety and wellbeing of all students, staff, and visitors through robust policies and high-quality care.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Attainment and progress in mathematics have improved in Secondary, now rated Very Good. Progress in Arabic as an additional language has increased to Good in Secondary. However, there has been a decline in students’ attainment and progress in English in the secondary phase, and in progress in mathematics in Primary.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The principal and senior leaders are committed to school improvement, promoting a vision shared by the whole school community. They provide effective leadership that fosters a positive learning culture, supporting teaching, learning, and wellbeing, though the monitoring of teaching in lessons is inconsistent across subjects and phases.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students demonstrate positive attitudes, self-reliance, and strong social responsibility, with a secure understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture. Academic attainment and progress are generally good, with notable improvements in Secondary Mathematics and Arabic (Additional Language), though English in Secondary and Primary Mathematics progress have declined.
Personal Development
Students exhibit very good personal development, showing positive attitudes, respect, and strong social responsibility. They have a secure understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture, actively participating in school and community activities, and demonstrating a strong work ethic and awareness of environmental sustainability.
Teaching Quality
Most teachers possess secure subject knowledge, effectively engaging students and utilizing learning technologies. Ongoing assessments are well-integrated, and feedback policies are clear. However, consistency in assessment application and personalization of lesson plans to meet individual student needs across all phases need improvement.
Protection & Care
The school provides outstanding health and safety, with secure, well-maintained premises and high-quality medical care. Robust child protection and safeguarding policies are well understood. Care and support are very good, with rigorous systems for identifying and supporting students of determination, though consistency in support for these students needs to be ensured.
Areas for Development
- •Raise standards of teaching by providing time for leaders, at all levels, to focus on the monitoring of teaching and learning.
- •Improve attainment in Islamic Education and Arabic.
- •Embed curriculum changes in the Foundation Stage (FS) to consolidate the smooth transition to the primary phase.
- •Ensure better alignment between data analysis and the self-evaluation process.
- •Improve the outcomes for Emirati students.
- •Ensure that emotional control for students in all phases is a shared theme.
- •Ensure consistency in the quality of support for students of determination so that they make the best possible personal and academic progress.