KHDA is the educational quality assurance and regulatory authority of the Government of Dubai, which monitors the quality and development of private schools in Dubai. To ensure the quality of these schools, KHDA conducts inspections every year and the ratings would later be published in the KHDA website. This gives the parents an insight of the quality of their kids’ schools. It also helps those parents who are searching for a school to put their kids in.

The Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) is part of KHDA, which conducts inspections and assesses the private schools in Dubai. The inspectors at DSIB evaluate the schools and rate them on the basis of a four-point scale.  The four levels in the scale include:

• Outstanding– This rating is given to those schools that perform exceptionally well, fulfilling all the criteria put forward by KHDA
• Good – Every school in Dubai is expected to perform at this range
• Acceptable – This is the minimum level of acceptability at which the private schools in Dubai are expected to perform. The performance of schools shouldn’t be lower than this level.
• Unsatisfactory – Schools of which the performance is ranked unsatisfactory lack quality and hence are expected to take necessary steps to improve the quality in terms of performance or practice.

KHDA has recently published the ranking of private schools for the year 2013-2014 in their website. Only 12 out of the 140+ schools inspected have been ranked outstanding for their performance. Those schools include:

Kings School Dubai

Curriculum: UK

Located in Umm Suqeim, Kings’ Dubai is a private school that provides education to both boys and girls aged between 3 and 13 years.

At the time of the inspection, there were 870 students in the school, representing 46 countries altogether. Majority of the students were from the United Kingdom. There were 29 Emirati students, comprising 3% of the total students in the school. Also, there were 27 students in the school with special educational needs. The staff consisted of 90 teachers and 36 learning assistants, where all teachers had prior teaching experience.

Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• Marvelous staff-student coordination leading to a good work environment and high levels of engagement
• Outstanding performance by students in English, mathematics and science in the Foundation Stage and primary
• Easy-to-follow curriculum which develops students’ talents
• Independent learning through critical thinking and enquiry across all phases
• Good infrastructure facilities that give a better learning experience to students
• Excellent leadership and supervision to bring the best out of both staff and students

Dubai College

Curriculum: UK

Situated in Al Sufouh, Dubai College is a private, not-for-profit school that follows a selective intake policy. Every year, only one-fourth of the applicants are enrolled into the school.

At the time of inspection, there were 826 students overall, aged between 11 and 18 years. Out of these 826 students, just over a half were from the United Kingdom while Emirati students consisted of only 1% of the total number of students.

Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• Teaching approaches in Islamic Education have been improved tremendously
• Outstanding performance by students in English, mathematics and science as a result of good teaching methods
• Students’ mature attitude towards social and global issues combined with strong work ethics
• Attention given to students to the fullest in terms of  healthy lifestyles, safety and support in their academic and personal development
• The strong vision and leadership values exhibited by senior staff and governors, thus setting up a good learning environment to take the school forward

Dubai English Speaking College 

Curriculum: UK

Situated in Al Ruwwayah, Dubai English Speaking College was opened in 2005.

At the time of inspection, there were 950 students, aged between 11 and 18 years, out of which 10 students were Emiratis.

Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• The highly motivated leadership team, including the governance, committed to improve all aspects of the school at all levels
• Self-evaluation approaches help to improve performance
• Students perform exceptionally well in all subjects
• Students’ commitment towards solving personal, social and environmental issues
• High quality infrastructure facilities to meet the needs of all students

GEMS Dubai American Academy 

Curriculum: US/IB

Situated in Al Barsha, GEMS Dubai American Academy was opened in 1998.

At the time of the inspection, there were 2,285 students, aged between 3 and 18 years, who represented 99 nationalities. There are 124 students in the school having a special education need.

Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• Guided by teachers who implement outstanding teaching techniques, students have made tremendous progress in subjects such as English, mathematics and science, their performance meeting international expectations
• Pleasant school atmosphere as a result of impeccable behavior and positive attitude of students
• Performance evaluation to assess students’ progress and challenges set persuaded students to fare well in all subjects
• Parents’ confidence regarding their children and the school in providing quality education to students added to the strength of the school
• School leaders and governors work hand in hand to churn out the best results from the students and staff

GEMS Jumeirah Primary School 

Curriculum: UK

GEMS Jumeirah Primary School provides education to students belonging to the age group of 3-11 years.

At the time ofinspection, there were 1,415 students in the school, representing 70 nationalities, out of which 100 students had special needs.

 Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• The speedy progress made by students by scoring well in English, mathematics and science
• Students’  personal development including their good and mature behavior and their desire to learn
• High quality teaching that inspired students to learn more and to be independent and flexible
• Interesting and engaging curriculum that played an important role in the academic and personal development of students
• The school addresses all concerns regarding the safety and well-being of students and provides support to students, especially those with special education needs

GEMS Modern Academy 

Curriculum: Indian (CISCE)

GEMS Modern Academy had 3,289 students enrolled at the time of the inspection, the majority of whom were Indians. There were under 10% of the students having special educational needs.

Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• Excellent performance by students in academics
• Students who are well disciplined, modest and always stick to their principles when it comes to studies
• Efficient teaching that persuades the students to perform well in studies
• Importance given to the safety and welfare of students, especially those having special educational needs
• Commitment and passion mixed with leadership qualities of the staff in creating an engaging learning environment for the students

GEMS Wellington International School 

Curriculum: UK/IB

GEMS Wellington International School is located in the Al Sufouh district. At the time of inspection, there were 2376 students enrolled in the school, majority of whom belonged to the British background while other students belonged to India, Pakistan and the USA.

Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• The school continues to maintain its record in outstanding performance by students in academics
• The personal and social development of the students are at such a level that they have clear understanding of Islamic values and local, cultural and global awareness
• Performance evaluation combined with teaching technique that is praiseworthy boosts confidence in students
• Flawless curriculum design
• School provides immense support to students in terms of their security and academic performances
• Unmatchable leadership and management remain the ingredients to the school’s continued success

Horizons English School

Curriculum: UK

Situated in Al Wasl, Horizon English School provides education for boys and girls aged between 3 and 11 years. At the time of inspection there were 498 students enrolled in the school of which 41% came from the United Kingdom and 12% from Australia. Also, there were four Emirati students.

Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• Excellent performance by students in academics and other activities
• Cordial staff-student relationship and attitude of the students to stick by their morals and to exhibit good behavior
• Well-designed curriculum suitable for all students, inspiring them to work hard and produce great results
• Efforts by staff and students equally to improve the school

Jumeirah College 

Curriculum: UK

Located in Al Safa, Jumeirah College had 1,100 students on roll at the time of the inspection, aged between 12 and 18 years, majority of them belonging to UK. Out of the 1,100, three students were Emiratis.

Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• Students scored well in external examinations
• Students’ positive attitude towards learning and other activities
• The students’ maturity in terms of behavior and relationships
• The school provides great opportunities in terms of academics and extra-curricular activities
• Students and staff are equally committed towards betterment of the school

Jumeirah English Speaking School 

Curriculum: UK

Located in Al Safa, Jumeirah English Speaking School provides education for students aged between 3 and 11 years of age. Majority of the students are of UK background while the other students come from around 40 different countries.

Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• Excellent leadership qualities exhibited by students and staff at all levels
• Students, teachers, non-teaching staff and parents join hands to create a lively environment, thus providing a better learning experience
• Remarkable progress by students in their academics and other activities, including the development of their personal, social and learning skills
• Well designed curriculum apt for all the students, which includes exceptional use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and development of enquiry and critical thinking skills
• The belief of the school that every child is special, thereby providing splendid care and support to students in terms of academics and well-being
• The outstanding infrastructure facilities that inspire students to reach the highest standards of achievement

Jumeirah English Speaking School (Br) 

Curriculum: UK /IB

Jumeirah English Speaking School is the sister concern of Jumeirah English Speaking School in Al Safa. More than half of the students from the school are from UK, while other students come from more than 20 countries across the world.

Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• Leadership skills shown by students and staff at all levels
• Curriculum that is updated every year and is suitable for all students
• Outstanding performance by students in academics and other activities
• Infrastructure provided by school to maintain a safe and vibrant environment for the students
• Good environment that provides a better learning experience to students

The Indian High School 

Curriculum: Indian (CBSE)

The Indian High School is situated in Oud Metha. At the time of inspection, this school had 5,866 students enrolled, out of which 23 students are having special needs.

Why did they get the “outstanding” rating from KHDA?

• Students display outstanding progress in mathematics and science
• Students’ commitment and personal, social development
• The efforts taken by governors, leaders and teachers to support the students and to help them out in academics and other activities

Congratulations to all those schools that earned an ‘outstanding’ rating! It’s time for other schools to consider the schools listed above as examples and to come up with new ideas to improve their KHDA rating.

If you are looking at technology to lend a helping hand, Edsys’ Real Time Institution Management System (RIMS) has inbuilt modules that help you to stay updated with the latest KHDA regulations. Also, when your school is not keeping up with the regulations, you will get notified. Thus helping you to secure an “outstanding” rating.