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

2023–24

Wellbeing Dubai focus area

Good

2023–24

Inclusion Dubai focus area

Good

2023–24

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. 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.

  3. 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
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English
Founded
2021
Accreditation
Education Queensland Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

Students and staff

From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.

Largest nationality group
Australian Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.

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

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2024–25

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B
  3. 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)

  1. OverallOverall performance

    Good

    First rated in 2023–24

  2. WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing

    Good

    First rated in 2023–24

  3. InclusionProvision for students of determination

    Good

    First rated in 2023–24

  4. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Good

    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.

AreaPhase 1PrimarySecondary
TeachingTeaching for effective learningAcceptableGoodGood
AssessmentGoodGoodGood
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationGoodGoodGood
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationAcceptableGoodGood
SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protectionVery goodVery goodVery good

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

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.

  1. 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).

Source Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Academics

Academic outcomes, Australian International School - Dubai

Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.

SubjectPrimarySecondary
Islamic EducationAcceptableAcceptable
ArabicAcceptableAcceptable
EnglishGoodGood
MathematicsGoodGood
ScienceGoodGood

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 - Dubai

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2023–24
Islamic Education attainmentPrimaryAcceptable
Islamic Education attainmentSecondaryAcceptable
Islamic Education progressPrimaryAcceptable
Islamic Education progressSecondaryAcceptable

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

AspectWhole schoolEmirati cohort
International and Benchmark AchievementNot ApplicableNot applicable
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementGoodNot in this report
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyGoodNot applicable
Overall school standards in the National Agenda ParameterGoodNot 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)

  1. Back to text, source A

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

Source Source A: School website, read 2026-09-23

  1. 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

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

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

Admissions

School buses

Source Source A: School website, read 2026-09-22

  1. 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

Year group

Fees for Australian International School - Dubai
Compare with

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 group2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–272025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Foundation Stage
Pre-KGAED 52,000AED 52,000
KG1AED 52,000AED 52,000
KG2AED 52,000AED 52,000
Primary
Grade 1AED 56,000AED 56,000
Grade 2AED 56,000AED 56,000
Grade 3AED 60,000AED 60,000
Grade 4AED 63,000AED 63,000
Grade 5AED 63,000AED 63,000
Grade 6AED 71,000AED 71,000
Secondary
Grade 7AED 81,000AED 81,000
Grade 8AED 81,000AED 81,000
Grade 9AED 85,000AED 85,000
Grade 10AED 85,000AED 85,000

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. 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.

  2. Back to text, source A

    Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

    Tuition for 13 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source B

    Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26

    Tuition for 13 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  4. 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.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Leadership and self-evaluation

Note 1

1 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

  1. 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 - Dubai
Rating

Overall rating by academic year, newest first

  1. 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
  2. 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
  3. 2023–24GoodFirst reportFull Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2021–22 and 2022–23No inspection.
  5. 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

YearStudentsTeachers
2024–25418Not available
2023–2442146
2022–23205Not 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.