Crescent English School
Indian CBSE curriculum, Al Qusais First, KG1–Grade 12
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
Earlier reports
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
- Indian CBSE
- Year groups
- KG1–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 1984
- External examinations
- CBSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- CBSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Dance (other), Art, Model United Nations and more, 3 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,601 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 88 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 110 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 0 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Indian 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
- Mr.Sharafudeen Thanikatt Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 4 Aug 2020, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 3 changes of principal
- T. A. Khalifullah, 2011–12 to 2012–13 → Susan Rubin Varghese, 2015–16 → (Acting) Mrs. Nigar Rashed, 2016–17 to 2018–19 → Mr. Sharafudeen Thanikatt, 2019–20 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Qusais First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 298 8866principal@crescentschooldubai.comPrincipal: Sharafudeen Thanikatt
- 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
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable in 6 reports and Weak in 3 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable in 2 reports.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable in 1 report.
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 | KG | Primary | Middle | 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 4
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
The achievements of children in Kindergarten (KG) are strong across the curriculum. In the primary and middle phases, attainment and progress are good in Islamic education and English and strong in primary mathematics. Their achievements in other areas are not as strong. Lesson observation and analysis of students work over time confirms assessment data. In the KG and primary phases especially, students possess good learning skills.
Personal and social development
Across the school, students are responsible and self-disciplined; they should courtesy and respect to others, and are self-reliant. Students' attendance is excellent and they have a strong understanding of their own, Emirati and other cultures. They are environmentally conscious and participate in various community activities. Students' social responsibility and innovation skills are good in the first three phases and very good in secondary.
Teaching, curriculum and care
The quality of teaching varies across phases. Kindergarten (KG) sees primarily good teaching, while primary, middle, and secondary phases are considered acceptable. In the primary phase, there's a need for more consistent teacher questioning and critical thinking provision. In upper phases, teaching can be overly teacher-led, with inconsistency in teachers' subject knowledge and understanding of child learning.
Wellbeing
This school places a strong emphasis on the promotion of well-being. Teachers and leaders set a good example and clear policies are in place. A dedicated counsellor helps students and adults with well-being concerns. Well-being information is regularly collected through surveys and teacher feedback, which is used to improve its promotion. Students can easily report their well-being concerns, using tools like worry boxes and through the student council.
Inclusion
School leaders maintain a strong commitment to inclusion, demonstrating ongoing support for students of determination, including investments in bespoke resources. They employ assessments for the identification of these students, enabling early intervention and adherence to KHDA expectations. The school actively engages parents through personalised communication and involvement in their child's support.Modifications to the curriculum and after-school clubs are instrumental in promoting independence and personal development. Some students are also engaged in programme planning to foster success and independence.
Leadership and management
The school's governors and leaders establish a clear direction, emphasising the raising of academic standards. Middle leaders are increasingly effective in supporting school improvements. There are strong partnerships between leaders and parents as well as the local community, although connections with the wider community could benefit from reinforcement. The governing body ensures leadership consistency and high performance. The school operates efficiently, and teacher professional development is on an upward trajectory, contributing to improved student outcomes.
- 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
6 Apr 2026 to 19 Mar 2027 · 182 school days
- Eid al-Adha
- 26 May 2026 to 29 May 20264 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
- Islamic New Year
- 16 Jun 2026expected, subject to moon sighting
- Summer break includes Prophet’s birthday
- 6 Jul 2026 to 28 Aug 202654 days
- Other school holidays
- 9 Nov 2026
- National Day
- 2 Dec 2026 to 3 Dec 20262 days
- Winter break includes New year’s day
- 14 Dec 2026 to 2 Jan 202720 days
- Other school holidays
- 26 Jan 2027
- Eid al-Fitr
- 8 Mar 2027 to 11 Mar 20274 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 | Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education | Not in this report | ||
| Arabic | Not in this report | ||
| 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, Crescent English SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | |||||||
| 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 | |
| Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | Not applicable | |
| Overall, the school’s standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Not applicable
- The school achieved the targets set in the PIRLS assessments.
- The school’s score of 946 in the New Group Reading Test (NGRT) placed it in the acceptable range.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school's progress toward achieving its UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the schools progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving its National Agenda targets — is below expectation
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — is not secure
- 2015–16: no verdict read
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:
- Indian: the Grade 12 and Grade 10 board certificates, with Grade 11 transcripts.
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.
Dance
- Dance (other) · dance
Art & design
- Art
Debate & strategy
- Model United Nations · Crescent Model United Nations (CMUN)
Facilities
- Playing field
· - Sports courts
- Makerspace
- Music rooms
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Robotics
- 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 · as an additional language for KG2 children with one lesson per week
External examinations
- CBSE
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- There are appropriate systems for the identification of students of determination and those who are gifted and talented. p. 19
- The inclusion leader and teaching staff are committed to early identification and to designing interventions which are appropriately challenging to assist most students’ progress. p. 19
- Leaders promote inclusivity and cater for the needs of students of determination, with policies and investments such as, interactive boards and Braille technology. p. 20
- The school employs a variety of assessment tools to identify students of determination. p. 20
- These procedures ensure the accurate identification and intervention. Barriers to learning are aligned with the Dubai standards, and the individualised plans are regularly checked to assess progress. p. 20
- Curriculum modifications provide some independence and interventions, including withdrawal sessions, and fostering confidence and resilience. p. 20
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
On the school's website
What the school says about itself on crescentschooldubai.com, 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
- «The applicant will be provided with a link to fill the detailed application form after the verifications.» crescentschooldubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «An Application fee of AED 500 will be charged to process the application of new students.» crescentschooldubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «The applicant student will be scheduled for the assessment/interview.» crescentschooldubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Parent has to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.» crescentschooldubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Transportation details must be confirmed by the parent from the concerned department.» crescentschooldubai.com 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 14 year groupsNote 1
AED 2,859 to AED 10,374Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
KG1 to Grade 12, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Crescent English 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 | ||
| KG1 | AED 2,859 | AED 2,859 |
| KG2 | AED 2,859 | AED 2,859 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 2,980 | AED 2,980 |
| Grade 2 | AED 2,980 | AED 2,980 |
| Grade 3 | AED 3,128 | AED 3,128 |
| Grade 4 | AED 3,128 | AED 3,128 |
| Grade 5 | AED 3,276 | AED 3,276 |
| Grade 6 | AED 3,276 | AED 3,276 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 3,500 | AED 3,500 |
| Grade 8 | AED 3,500 | AED 3,500 |
| Grade 9 | AED 3,722 | AED 3,722 |
| Grade 10 | AED 4,096 | AED 4,096 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 7,688 | AED 7,688 |
| Grade 12 | AED 10,374 | AED 10,374 |
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 14 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 14 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
8 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 4 development points, 4 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Early years
Note 11 strength
StrengthKG
Children’s secure learning and the curriculum provision in KG
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Personal development and wellbeing
2 strengths
Strength
Students positive and responsible attitudes to learning, their understanding of Emirati culture and respectful relationships with other students and adults
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Strength
The supportive arrangements for student wellbeing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The strong partnerships developed with parents and their support for the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Improve the effectiveness of middle leadership by: - raising students` attainment and progress in Arabic; - ensuring that in all lessons learning activities provide an appropriate level of challenge for all groups of students; - providing regular opportunity in lessons for activities that develop students higher order thinking skills, creativity and innovation, and - firmly embedding assessment procedures so that they are consistently applied by teachers in all subjects.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Assessment
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that benchmark assessment results are used consistently to identify gaps in learning and that improvement plans impact positively on students’ progress.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 3
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Review systematically, the impact of planned interventions intended to improve students’ reading literacy skills.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 4
Inclusion of students of determination
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsSecondary education, Students of determination
Enhance additional subject or alternative education programme choices for students of determination in secondary education to support their wellbeing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 9
Findings from 1 of 9 reports
- Back to text, note 1
Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.
- Back to text, note 2
Recurring counts the school’s last 5 reports, 2017–18 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
KHDA’s return visits
After an Unsatisfactory inspection, KHDA came back to check each recommendation. Its verdict at every visit, as the visit report prints it.
Asked in the 2012–13 inspection
Improve teaching and learning, particularly in the Kindergarten and the primary phase
- June 2013, page 3 of the 2012–13 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met
- February 2014, page 3 of the 2013–14 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met
Recommendation on page 5 of the 2012–13 report (opens in a new tab)
Improve assessment by using the outcomes of assessment of students’ work more effectively to improve their learning experiences in lessons across all subjects
- June 2013, page 3 of the 2012–13 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met
- February 2014, page 3 of the 2013–14 visit report (opens in a new tab) Met
Recommendation on page 5 of the 2012–13 report (opens in a new tab)
Improve the curriculum and its delivery by raising staff expectations and engaging students more actively in their learning
- June 2013, page 4 of the 2012–13 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met
- February 2014, page 4 of the 2013–14 visit report (opens in a new tab) Met
Recommendation on page 5 of the 2012–13 report (opens in a new tab)
Ensure that the school is compliant in the teaching of Arabic in Grade 9
- June 2013, page 4 of the 2012–13 visit report (opens in a new tab) Met
- February 2014, page 4 of the 2013–14 visit report (opens in a new tab) Met
Recommendation on page 5 of the 2012–13 report (opens in a new tab)
Identify more accurately students who have a special educational need, ensure teachers modify lessons appropriately to meet these needs, and track and monitor effectively the progress of students
- June 2013, page 4 of the 2012–13 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met
- February 2014, page 4 of the 2013–14 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met
Recommendation on page 5 of the 2012–13 report (opens in a new tab)
Create and implement a suitable child protection policy, including the relevant training of all staff
- June 2013, page 5 of the 2012–13 visit report (opens in a new tab) Met
- February 2014, page 5 of the 2013–14 visit report (opens in a new tab) Met
Recommendation on page 5 of the 2012–13 report (opens in a new tab)
Improve leadership capacity and governance and ensure that self-evaluation is rigorous and accurate.
- June 2013, page 5 of the 2012–13 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met
- February 2014, page 5 of the 2013–14 visit report (opens in a new tab) Not met
Recommendation on page 5 of the 2012–13 report (opens in a new tab)
“Met” and “Not met” are KHDA’s words: the school had, or had not, met the requirements of the recommendation to an acceptable level.
History
11 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2009–10 to 2023–24.
History of Crescent English SchoolOverall 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
- 2023–24Same as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- 2022–23Same as 2019–20Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
- 2019–20Same as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)
- 2018–19Up from WeakFull Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Same as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Same as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- 2015–16Not comparable: four-level scaleFull Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
- 2014–15“Unsatisfactory”Four-level scale, not placedReport not online
- 2013–14“Unsatisfactory”Four-level scale, not placedReport not online
- 2012–13“Unsatisfactory”Four-level scale, not placedFull Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- 2011–12Same as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- 2010–11Same as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- 2009–10First reportFull Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 1
Change compares each report with the school’s previous report. Years with no inspection are skipped, never counted as a change.
Snapshots by year
Students and staff by academic year, Crescent English School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,601 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,550 | 88 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,478 | 82 | 20% |
| 2021–22 | 1,327 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,242 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,350 | 90 | 21% |
| 2018–19 | 1,292 | 81 | 24% |
| 2017–18 | 1,338 | 82 | 31% |
| 2016–17 | 1,350 | 83 | 29% |
| 2015–16 | 1,469 | 65 | 62% |
| 2014–15 | 1,436 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 1,661 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 1,445 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 1,458 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 1,349 | Not available | 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
- Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
Not online: the reports of 2014–15, 2013–14. The timeline takes those years’ rating from KHDA’s open data.
Follow-through 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)KHDA school directory 2020–21 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)