Victoria English School branch Sharjah - Al Azra
Executive Summary
Victoria English Private School has achieved an overall effectiveness rating of Good, marking a significant improvement from its previous Acceptable rating in 2022-2023. This positive trajectory reflects the school's commitment to continuous improvement and its strategic leadership.
Students' attainment and progress have notably improved to Good across most subjects and phases. English and Mathematics show strong performance, while Science is Good in Phases 1 and 3, and Arabic has improved to Good in Phases 3 and 4. Teaching quality has also risen to Good, with effective lesson planning and diverse learning approaches, though assessment practices remain Acceptable.
The school's curriculum is now rated Good, successfully adapted to meet diverse student needs. Furthermore, the protection, care, and guidance for all students are now Very Good, with significant improvements in attendance and the support for students of determination. Leadership, strengthened by an expanded senior team, is rated Good, driving school improvement through accurate self-evaluation and targeted teacher development.
Overall School Performance
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
Victoria English School branch Sharjah - Al Azra Overall Rating
Good
SPEA Performance Standards
The performance standards used by SPEA to evaluate school quality across Sharjah.
The school demonstrates very good provision for students of determination, showing significant improvement from the previous acceptable rating. Students with special educational needs receive effective support in most lessons, indicating a strong commitment to inclusive practices. students of determinationeffective support
The protection, care, and guidance for all students are rated very good, reflecting secure safeguarding and well-being practices for both students and staff. Student attendance has also improved to very good, contributing to a positive and supportive school environment. safeguardingwell-being practicesattendance
Students' understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures is acceptable. While students show pride in living in the UAE and engage with its traditions, their awareness of how Islamic values influence contemporary UAE society requires further development. Islamic valuesEmirati and world culturesUAE traditions
Key Highlights
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Secure Safeguarding & Wellbeing
The school maintains secure safeguarding and well-being practices, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff.
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Leaders demonstrate strategic planning for effective school improvement, with clear and specific priorities based on accurate self-evaluation.
Improved Teaching & Learning
Leaders' actions have led to improved best practices in teaching and learning, contributing to enhanced overall school achievement.
Overall Academic Improvement
Students' attainment and progress have improved to a good overall rating since the previous inspection, demonstrating enhanced academic outcomes.
Effective SEN Support
The identification and support for students with special educational needs are very good, ensuring effective assistance in most lessons.
Academic Performance Breakdown
Students' learning skills are Good overall, characterized by positive attitudes, engagement in practical activities, and application of learning to real-life situations across all phases. However, innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and effective use of technology in lessons are insufficiently developed.
Leadership & Management
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
Leadership Approach
The leadership team, led by the Headteacher, is strategic and capable, driving school improvement through accurate self-evaluation and targeted teacher development. They foster a nurturing environment with high expectations, emphasizing holistic student development and a strong sense of community.
Inspection Findings
Students' Outcomes
Students' attainment and progress have improved to Good overall. Achievement in English and Mathematics is strong across all phases, while Science is good in Phases 1 and 3, and Arabic has improved to good in Phases 3 and 4. Students demonstrate good learning skills, actively engaging in practical activities and applying learning to real-life contexts.
Personal Development
Students' personal and social development, along with their innovation skills, is Good overall. They exhibit positive, responsible attitudes, good behavior, and a strong sense of community. Attendance and punctuality are very good, and students show respect for others and an understanding of healthy lifestyles.
Teaching Quality
The quality of teaching is Good across the school, with teachers consistently applying subject knowledge and effective lesson planning. They use a range of resources and approaches to ensure sustained student engagement. Assessment practices, however, remain Acceptable, with a need for more robust alignment with external assessments and developmental comments in student work.
Protection & Care
The protection, care, guidance, and support for students are rated Very Good. The school has secure safeguarding and well-being practices, and attendance is very good. The identification and support for students with special educational needs (SEN) have significantly improved to very good, with effective support provided in most lessons.
Areas for Development
- •Improve data management and assessment practices and their use across the school to ensure robust alignment with external assessments and provide more effective feedback to students.
- •Enhance middle leaders’ capacity to develop and manage their subject departments and raise student’s achievement, particularly in areas requiring further progress.