Australian International School - Dubai
Australian curriculum, Al Barsha Second, Pre-KG–Grade 10
Latest documents: Full Inspection Report 2023–24Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24, Parent Report 2023–24Source B: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only, Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27Source C: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Overall rating
Wellbeing Dubai focus area
Inclusion Dubai focus area
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Parent Report 2023–24
Summary only
Checked 16 September 2026.
Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.
- Back to text, source C
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Overview
The school
- Curriculum
- Australian
- Year groups
- Pre-KG–Grade 10
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2021
- Accreditation
- Education Queensland Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Rugby, Tennis, Gymnastics and more, 11 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 418 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 46 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 43 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 14 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Australian Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 1 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Karen McCord Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 9 Jan 2021, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2023–24
- No change of principal Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Karen McCord, 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Barsha Second
- Phone and email
- +971 50 555 0818info@aisdubai.ae
- As KHDA's directory listed it on 2026-09-18. Source C: KHDA school directory 2026–27
Around the school
The map shows the streets and places around the school. The same places are counted in «Within 1 km» below.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2024–25
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source C
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Quality
KHDA ratings in the Full Inspection Report 2023–24. Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA visits schools again from 2026–27. A full inspection gives a new rating; a shorter monitoring visit does not.Source KHDA, 3 June 2026 (opens in a new tab)
OverallOverall performance
First rated in 2023–24
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
First rated in 2023–24
LeadershipLeadership and management
First rated in 2023–24
Checked 16 September 2026.
Ratings by phase, 2023–24KHDA rates these in each phase, with no single rating for the whole school. Phases are named as the report names them.
| Area | Phase 1 | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TeachingTeaching for effective learning | |||
| Assessment | |||
| CurriculumCurriculum design and implementation | |||
| Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptation | |||
| SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protection |
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
KHDA in brief
KHDA’s own one-page summary of its 2023–24 inspection, written for parents, word for word. The full inspection report remains the reference. Source A: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only
Students’ achievement
In Primary and Secondary, the students achieve consistently at a good level in the Australian curriculum subjects. Their achievements in Arabic and Islamic educations are acceptable. The attainment of children in early years is not as positive although their progress, when considered from their starting points, is good. In all phases students who are learning English make very effective progress. The learning skills of students is consistently good.
Personal and social development
Students feel safe and well-supported. They demonstrate self-discipline, and a cheerful outlook towards learning. Relationships between students and teachers are respectful and supportive. The students make healthy choices, engage in various physical activities, and are punctual. They display an understanding of Islamic values, participate in celebrations, and respect UAE heritage and culture. Older students take on leadership roles, contribute to school improvement projects, developing enterprise skills through fundraising.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers utilise their deep understanding of subjects in planning, leading to engaging and meaningful lessons that actively involve students. Discussions in class push students to think more deeply, and questioning techniques prompt reflective answers, though not every student is always engaged. The effectiveness of teaching in Phase 1 shows variability, with a need for more consistent opportunities for exploration and critical analysis. Accurate documentation of Phase 1 students’ initial levels is essential for subsequent assessments.
Wellbeing
The school promotes a compelling vision for well-being, developing a safe and happy environment for the community. Policies and practices underscore well-being, guiding a comprehensive improvement plan. Staff collect diverse well-being data, using regular surveys to inform decisions. Staff effectively support students using various strategies for well-being. Senior leaders regularly consult students and parents. Well-being is integrated into the curriculum, creating a nurturing environment. Students lead initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging among the school community through regular social events.
Inclusion
The school's senior and inclusion leaderships, foster a highly inclusive ethos, positively impacting provision and student outcomes through the implementation of an inclusion improvement plan. Effective identification practices support intervention planning, though further development is needed for English language learning support. Parent-school communication is strong, with informative updates and professional development opportunities. The school successfully caters to students of determination, ensuring active engagement and progress. Some adjustments in teaching approaches are needed for optimal success.
Leadership and management
The school's strategic direction is aligned with UAE national priorities and a commitment to inclusivity. Communication within the school is professional and respectful. The school's self-evaluation process identifies strengths and areas for improvement. Monitoring of teaching is effective. Parental engagement is successful, they receive regular reports on their child's progress. Governance, inclusive of stakeholder representation, ensures accountability and positively impacts the school's development. The high-quality facilities and resources are conducive to teaching and learning.
- Back to text, source A
Parent Report 2023–24
Summary only
Page 1
Checked 16 September 2026.
Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.
School year
31 Aug 2026 to 2 Jul 2027 · 185 school days
- First midterm break
- 12 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20265 days
- National Day
- 2 Dec 2026 to 3 Dec 20262 days
- Winter break includes New year’s day
- 14 Dec 2026 to 1 Jan 202719 days
- Eid al-Fitr
- 8 Mar 2027 to 11 Mar 20274 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
- Spring break
- 5 Apr 2027 to 9 Apr 20275 days
- Eid al-Adha
- 17 May 2027 to 18 May 20272 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
Public holidays are tentative and subject to official government announcements (KHDA).
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Academics
Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.
| Subject | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education | ||
| Arabic | ||
| English | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| Science |
Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Arabic at every school in Dubai: at least 4 lessons a week from Year 2 to Year 10 for a child of non-Arab nationality. Arab children have 4 to 6 lessons to Year 13; Muslim children also study Islamic Education.Source KHDA, Guidelines on National Mandatory Subjects, page 14 (opens in a new tab)
Subjects over the years
KHDA's words in every Full Inspection Report since 2015–16, each row and phase as the reports print them.
Subjects over the years, Australian International School - DubaiIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2023–24 |
|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | |
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | |
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |
| Islamic Education progressSecondary |
International and benchmark tests
The National Agenda section of each Full Inspection Report since 2015–16: the school's results in PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS and benchmark tests against KHDA's targets. The only results in the reports that are not an inspector's judgement.
KHDA's verdicts, 2023–24
| Aspect | Whole school | Emirati cohort |
|---|---|---|
| International and Benchmark Achievement | Not Applicable | Not applicable |
| Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | Not applicable | |
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
Recognised by UAE universities?
UAE universities ask for the Ministry of Education’s equivalency of the Grade 12 certificate. For this school’s curriculum, the student needs:
- Australian: the diploma issued by the state that accredits the school.
Arab students also need Arabic, and Muslim students Islamic Studies, in each of the last three years.
KHDA attests the certificate first. Ask the school which body accredits it.Source Ministry of Education, equivalency service, read 24 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
School life
Sports and activities
What the school lists on its own website and what KHDA’s inspectors mention in their reports. An activity missing here may still be offered.
Ball sports
- Football
- Rugby
Racket sports
- Tennis
Individual sports
- Gymnastics
- Martial arts · Judo
Dance
- Dance (other) · Dance
Music
- Instrument lessons · Piano · Guitar
Art & design
- Art
Science & technology
- Robotics
- Coding
Debate & strategy
- Chess
Facilities
- Playing field
- Theatre or auditorium
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 23 September 2026
Checked 23 September 2026.
What the school offers
As the 2023–24 inspection report mentions them. Inspectors name these in passing, so this is not the school's full list: something not named here may still be offered. A line's page opens the report's sentence.
Languages besides English
- Arabic · Children in Phase 1 learn Arabic for 240 minutes every week.
Facilities
- Specialist rooms
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The school's identification procedures successfully support the planning of interventions that promote inclusion and progress. p. 19
- Specialist staff support class teachers in meeting the goals outlined in student’s individual education plans (IEPs). p. 19
- Class teachers, inclusion staff, and learning support assistants promote students’ engagement in learning well. p. 19
- Student’s IEPs provide the information needed to track their progress over time. p. 19
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 4
Checked 16 September 2026.
On the school's website
What the school says about itself on aisdubai.ae, read on 22 September 2026. The school's own words, not checked by KHDA; a figure here is the school's own count. The site's name beside a line opens that page.
Where leavers go
- «AIS graduates have the opportunity to gain admission and attend universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, USA, Europe, Asia, and the UAE.» aisdubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Our new ATAR senior curriculum will enable students to gain admission to many of the top universities worldwide.» aisdubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Bond University» aisdubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Griffith University» aisdubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «For international transfers (Year 2 and above), certificates and report cards must be attested before leaving your current country.» aisdubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «ELC Interview includes a play & stay» aisdubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Primary & Secondary Interview takes approximately 30-45 minutes.» aisdubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «If you are accepted, a non-refundable Enrolment Deposit and completed Enrolment Agreement will be required within one week to secure the enrolment.» aisdubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «AIS is proud to partner with Shanawaz Bus Transportation.» aisdubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Our bus transport services are available to support parents with school drop off and pick up.» aisdubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We have regular routes to all areas surrounding the school.» aisdubai.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 22 September 2026
Checked 22 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 13 year groupsNote 1
AED 52,000 to AED 85,000Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Pre-KG to Grade 10, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Australian International School - Dubai, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26
| Year group | 2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27 | 2025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | ||
| Pre-KG | AED 52,000 | AED 52,000 |
| KG1 | AED 52,000 | AED 52,000 |
| KG2 | AED 52,000 | AED 52,000 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 56,000 | AED 56,000 |
| Grade 2 | AED 56,000 | AED 56,000 |
| Grade 3 | AED 60,000 | AED 60,000 |
| Grade 4 | AED 63,000 | AED 63,000 |
| Grade 5 | AED 63,000 | AED 63,000 |
| Grade 6 | AED 71,000 | AED 71,000 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 81,000 | AED 81,000 |
| Grade 8 | AED 81,000 | AED 81,000 |
| Grade 9 | AED 85,000 | AED 85,000 |
| Grade 10 | AED 85,000 | AED 85,000 |
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 1
The range names the lowest and highest tuition on one Fees Fact Sheet. Fees are never averaged across year groups.
- Back to text, source A
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Tuition for 13 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 13 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 2
Change compares the same year group in the two fact sheets. Fees are never averaged across year groups.
What a year costs, 2026–27
Choose a year group above to see KHDA's total for it, what the school requires you to buy, and the services you can add.
Findings
9 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 4 development points.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 strength
Strength
The commitment of the leadership team to the continuing improvement of the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Governance
1 strength
Strength
The support of the owner, governors, and parents in the development of the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Personal development and wellbeing
2 strengths
Strength
The strong vision of wellbeing which ensures a safe, happy place for students to learn
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Strength
The very positive attitudes and responsible behaviour shown by students in all phases
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Inclusion of students of determination
1 strength
Strength
The inclusive nature of the school and the commitment to meet the needs of all students
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Islamic Education
1 development point
Development required
Raise students’ achievement in Islamic Education and Arabic to match that in other subjects.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Teaching
2 development points
Development required
Improve teaching and learning so that they are at least good in all subjects and phases.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Development required
Strengthen the roles of the middle leaders and the monitoring of teaching and learning in the process of self-evaluation.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 14
Assessment
1 development point
Development required
Improve the use of assessment information, in modifying the curriculum to meet the needs of all groups of students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Findings from all 1 reports
- Back to text, note 1
Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.
History
History of Australian International School - DubaiOverall rating by academic year, newest first
- 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
- 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
- 2023–24First reportFull Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- 2021–22 and 2022–23No inspection.
- Opened in 2021–22. No reports before this year.
Checked 16 September 2026.
Snapshots by year
Students and staff by academic year, Australian International School - Dubai
| Year | Students | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 418 | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 421 | 46 |
| 2022–23 | 205 | Not available |
Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.
Sources
Every document behind this page. Official documents open on the KHDA site in a new tab.
Full Inspection Reports · PDF, English
Parent Reports · PDF, English
A shorter summary for parents. Findings and answers use the Full Inspection Report.
Fees Fact Sheets · web page, English
KHDA school directory · web page, English
KHDA school directory 2026–27 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2024–25 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2021–22 (opens in a new tab)