Citizens School
British curriculum, Al Satwa, FS1–Year 9
Latest documents: Full Inspection Report 2024–25Source A: Full Inspection Report 2024–25, Parent Report 2024–25Source B: Parent Report 2024–25, 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 2024–25
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Parent Report 2024–25
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
- British
- Year groups
- FS1–Year 9
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2022
- External examinations
- Not Applicable Source B: Full Inspection Report 2024–25
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Rugby, Swimming and more, 3 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2024–25 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 586 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 56 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2024–25
- Students of determination
- 67 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2024–25
- Emirati students
- 24 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2024–25
- Largest nationality group
- Russian Source B: Full Inspection Report 2024–25
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 1 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2024–25
Leadership
- Principal at the 2024–25 inspection
- David Lees Source B: Full Inspection Report 2024–25
- Appointed 15 Apr 2024, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2024–25
- No change of principal Source B: Full Inspection Report 2024–25
- David Lees, 2024–25
Contact
- Address
- Al Satwa
- Phone and email
- aya.alkafory@citizens.me
- 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 2024–25
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 2024–25. Source A: Full Inspection Report 2024–25
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 2024–25
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2024–25
InclusionProvision for students of determination
First rated in 2024–25
LeadershipLeadership and management
First rated in 2024–25
Checked 16 September 2026.
Ratings by phase, 2024–25KHDA rates these in each phase, with no single rating for the whole school. Phases are named as the report names them.
| Area | Foundation Stage | 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 2024–25
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
KHDA in brief
KHDA’s own one-page summary of its 2024–25 inspection, written for parents, word for word. The full inspection report remains the reference. Source A: Parent Report 2024–25, summary only
Students’ achievement
Attainment across all phases and subjects is acceptable, with students’ literacy challenges playing a key role. In the primary phase, students make good progress in Islamic education, Arabic as an Additional Language, science, and mathematics—a positive outcome for this large phase of the school. Project-based learning (PBL) contributes to this progress. Children in the Foundation Stage also make good progress in science and mathematics.
Personal and social development
Across the school, students consistently demonstrate maturity, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility. They have a strong understanding of the values of Islam and a true appreciation and respect for the UAE's heritage and culture. Students are developing their entrepreneurship supported by the school's progressive curriculum that purposefully and progressively nurtures their skills in enterprise, creativity, and strategic thinking. Through project-based learning, students are enabled to focus on sustainability and explore ecological and environmental issues.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and a clear understanding of how students learn. Lessons are carefully planned using assessment data, with learning objectives and success criteria routinely shared. A reliable digital tracking system generates detailed information, enabling timely interventions—especially for students needing literacy support.
Wellbeing
Student and staff well-being is a clear priority, reflected in strong policies and a positive, inclusive learning environment. Most students are confident, happy, and engaged in their learning. Counselling, peer mentoring, and targeted interventions support students’ social-emotional and mental health needs. However, student voice, particularly for students who are new to the school and those with English as an Additional Language requires greater attention to ensure all learners feel genuinely heard and included.
Inclusion
The principal and governing board actively promote an inclusive ethos, supported by a qualified inclusion lead held accountable for high-quality provision. The inclusion team collaborates closely with mainstream staff to embed inclusive practices across the school. Personalised entry assessments identify barriers to learning early, ensuring timely support. An open-door policy encourages parent engagement, while initiatives such as inclusion coffee mornings provide opportunities for families to share experiences and access valuable support throughout their child’s educational journey.
Leadership and management
The owner, governors, leaders, and staff embrace diversity and promote inclusion. Self-evaluation is rigorous and inclusive, with a strong focus on outcomes for all student groups. Planning is transparent, data-driven, and engages parents effectively. Future plans remain inclusive and responsive to student needs. The school’s bold vision, supported by a forward-thinking curriculum and excellent resources, is reflected in mission statements that reassure families in a rapidly changing world.
- Back to text, source A
Parent Report 2024–25
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, 2024–25KHDA words for each subject in each phase.
| Subject | Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education | Not in this report | ||
| Arabic | Not in this report | ||
| English | |||
| Mathematics | |||
| Science |
Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2024–25
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, Citizens SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2024–25 |
|---|---|
| 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, 2024–25
| Aspect | Whole school | Emirati cohort |
|---|---|---|
| B. International and Benchmark Achievement | ||
| C. Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| D. Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | ||
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
A. Registration Requirements Met Fully
- The results from external benchmark assessments (GL PTM, PTE, and PTS) show evidence of progress across two assessment cycles in mathematics and science, but not in English.
- Overall, progress in English remains weak and is only acceptable for Emirati students.
- In mathematics, overall progression is good, though it is less strong among Emirati students.
- In science, progression is good for both the whole cohort and Emirati students.
- Students have completed two sessions of the New Group Reading Test (NGRT) tests in 2024 -2025.
- The results show improving outcomes.
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2024–25
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
Water sports
- Swimming · swimming and water confidence lessons · weekly
Facilities
- Sports hall
- Swimming pool
- Playing field
- Sports courts
- Makerspace
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 23 September 2026
Checked 23 September 2026.
What the school offers
As the 2024–25 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 · Arabic in FS is delivered by two teachers for three 45-minute sessions per week.
Courses after 16
- IGCSE subject options
External examinations
- IGCSE
Facilities
- School library
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The school is inclusive, with comprehensive systems and procedures for the identification of students of determination. p. 4
- The school modifies the curriculum to meet the different learning needs of most students, for example, through the provision of additional classes to support literacy acquisition. p. 4
- The school provides counselling, peer mentoring, and tailored interventions, to address students’ social, emotional and mental health needs. p. 9
- Personalised entry assessment procedures ensure that indicators of barriers to learning are identified. p. 21
- The inclusion team use a wide range of formative and summative assessment to support this process. p. 21
- The needs of learners are supported through a variety of methods which include modification, differentiation, intervention, and additional adult support. p. 21
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2024–25
Page 4
Checked 16 September 2026.
On the school's website
What the school says about itself on citizens.me, 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.
Admissions
- «We welcome learners from Nursery through to Year 10, with places available across all year groups subject to availability.» citizens.me on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We welcome visits throughout the year including over the summer.» citizens.me on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Yes. We welcome applications throughout the academic year.» citizens.me on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Nursery For children aged 3 months to 3 years.» citizens.me on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Upon enrollment, families receive contact information for our reliable bus service, offering morning and afternoon pick-up and drop-off during term time.» citizens.me 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 11 year groupsNote 1
AED 45,000 to AED 80,000Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
FS1 to Year 9, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Citizens School, 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 | ||
| FS1 | AED 45,000 | AED 45,000 |
| FS2 | AED 55,000 | AED 55,000 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 65,000 | AED 65,000 |
| Year 2 | AED 65,000 | AED 65,000 |
| Year 3 | AED 65,000 | AED 65,000 |
| Year 4 | AED 65,000 | AED 65,000 |
| Year 5 | AED 65,000 | AED 65,000 |
| Year 6 | AED 65,000 | AED 65,000 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 75,000 | AED 75,000 |
| Year 8 | AED 75,000 | AED 75,000 |
| Year 9 | AED 80,000 | AED 80,000 |
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 11 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 11 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
10 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 5 development points.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 11 strength
Strength
The caring, nurturing and welcoming learning environment.
Full Inspection Report 2024–25, page 5, paragraph 3
Curriculum and challenge
1 strength
Strength
The innovative curriculum which aims to meet the future needs of ongoing learners.
Full Inspection Report 2024–25, page 5, paragraph 4
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The excellent behaviour and safeguarding of students.
Full Inspection Report 2024–25, page 5, paragraph 5
Parents and community
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
The commitment of parents and their strong support for the school.
Full Inspection Report 2024–25, page 5, paragraph 6
Development required
Ensure that reports to parents include all aspects of their children’s academic and personal development.
Full Inspection Report 2024–25, page 5, paragraph 13
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
The respect, support, guidance and inclusion of all by governors, leaders and staff.
Full Inspection Report 2024–25, page 5, paragraph 7
Development required
Improve the capacity of middle leaders to drive improvement in their areas of responsibility.
Full Inspection Report 2024–25, page 5, paragraph 12
Reading and literacy
1 development point
Development required
Raise students’ standards of literacy in all subjects and phases.
Full Inspection Report 2024–25, page 5, paragraph 9
Teaching
2 development points
Development required
Ensure that teachers have access to all relevant data, to inform their lesson planning, and target interventions to improve student outcomes.
Full Inspection Report 2024–25, page 5, paragraph 10
Development required
Implement integrated technology and differentiation strategies to address the learning needs of all learners.
Full Inspection Report 2024–25, page 5, paragraph 11
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 Citizens SchoolOverall rating by academic year, newest first
- 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
- 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2024–25 rating is still the latest. About the pause
- 2024–25First reportFull Inspection Report 2024–25 (opens in a new tab)
- 2022–23 and 2023–24No inspection.
- Opened in 2022–23. No reports before this year.
Checked 16 September 2026.
Snapshots by year
Students and staff by academic year, Citizens School
| Year | Students | Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 586 | 56 |
| 2023–24 | 536 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 66 | 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)