Deira Private School
British curriculum, Al Twar First, FS1–Year 9
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
- British
- Year groups
- FS1–Year 9
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2009
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Netball, Cricket and more, 20 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 875 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 68 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 170 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 87 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
- Dr Ritika Anand Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 7 Jan 2022, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 6 changes of principal
- Sharyn Ann Grieve, 2011–12 to 2013–14 → Ajmare Sundher, 2014–15 → Vacancy, 2015–16 to 2016–17 → Principal Ms. Catherine Hayton, 2017–18 to 2018–19 → Neil John Morris, 2019–20 → Dr Ritika Anand, 2021–22 to 2023–24 → Muhammad Afzal Maqsood Ahmad, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Al Twar First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 264 1595principal@deiraprivateschool.aePrincipal: Muhammad Afzal Maqsood Ahmad
- 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: Good in 1 report and Acceptable in 12 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Up from Acceptable Earlier: Good in 1 report and Acceptable in 2 reports.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable in 2 reports.
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 | 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 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
Students make good progress in English, maths and science. Across all phases, students are enthusiastic, and motivated learners. Students in Primary and Secondary collaborate well with their peers when opportunities are provided for in lessons. In Foundation Stage, children engage in outdoor play-based activities which lead to improved language and communication skills. Sometimes, students use digital devices and media to support their learning in lessons.
Personal and social development
Behaviour is positive throughout the school and students demonstrate high levels of self-discipline. Students develop respectful and strong relationships with their teachers and with each other. Students across the school show a secure understanding of how to stay safe and healthy. They are fully aware of the need to make healthy food choices. Across all phases, students participate in activities to promote and care for their school environment.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers possess a strong grasp of their subjects and understand student learning dynamics, fostering engaging learning environments. The school benchmarks student performance globally through effective systems, with internal assessments guiding curriculum adjustments to cater to all learners. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, with activities that build on students' prior knowledge and skills, ensuring coherent learning progression. Interdisciplinary connections enhance the learning experience, complemented by a diverse range of extracurricular activities that support personal, social, creative, and physical growth. The curriculum also integrates the values, culture, and history of the UAE, enriching students' understanding.
Wellbeing
Leaders exhibit a strong commitment to promoting well-being from the Foundation Stage, prioritising stakeholder input to foster a genuine community spirit. This ethos of positive interactions between staff and students underpins a safe, content, and healthy environment. The school cultivates an atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in self-reflection, offering numerous opportunities for personal growth and understanding.
Inclusion
The school is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, embracing students with diverse needs and ensuring they receive comprehensive academic and social support. The process of identifying student needs is robust, laying the foundation for well-crafted Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Special Educators bring additional expertise, advising teachers on enhancing resources and instructional methods. These IEPs specify weekly and termly objectives, outlining strategies to provide tailored learning experiences for each student.
Leadership and management
The principal, together with senior and middle leadership teams provide effective management and leadership of the school. The governing board includes representation from all stakeholders and board members visit the school on a regular basis. The communication channels which exist between parents and the school are very effective and parents feel that they have a real voice in their school. Most aspects of the day-to-day management of the school are well organised which contributes to a positive school atmosphere.
- 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
- 15 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20262 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
- Second midterm break
- 17 Feb 2027 to 19 Feb 20273 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 | 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, Deira Private SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | ||||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | Islamic Education attainment, Secondary: not rated from 2015–16 to 2019–20 | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | ||||||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | Islamic Education progress, Secondary: not rated from 2015–16 to 2019–20 | |||||||
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 | ||
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | ||
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- Performance in the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy (PIRLS) assessments was strong.
- The school met its target, and the results showed an increase from 2016.
- The school is performing above the PIRLS centre point and is at the high international benchmark.
- The GL assessments in 2023, when compared to 2022, show that students have improved in English, mathematics and science.
- The outcomes of GL assessments are very good overall.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
- 2018–19: The impact of leadership — meets expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — is below expectations
- 2016–17: Attainment based on the National Agenda Parameter benchmarks — is below expectations
- 2015–16: no verdict read
- 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
- Basketball
- Netball
- Cricket
Racket sports
- Badminton
- Table tennis
Individual sports
- Athletics
- Gymnastics
- Martial arts · Karate · Taekwondo
- Yoga & fitness · Zumba
Dance
- Ballet
- Modern & jazz dance · Hip Hop
Music
- Choir & singing · Vocal & Instrumental Music
- Instrument lessons · Vocal & Instrumental Music
Art & design
- Art · Art & Design · Art Mastery
Science & technology
- Robotics · Coding and Robotics
- Coding · Coding and Robotics
- Science & engineering club · Environment Science Experiment · Maths Influencers
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · Team Debate · DePS TEDTalk (Public Speaking and Personality Development)
- Chess
Facilities
- Art studio
· - Music rooms
· - Playing field
- Theatre or auditorium
- Sports hall
· - Dance studio
- Running track
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Photography & film
- Drama
Also mentioned: Cooking Without Fire, Grow Your Own Food’ programmes
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 22 September 2026
Checked 22 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 · Arabic is taught to all children in FS2 by one teacher for 40 minutes per week. Three assistants are present to support small group work. First and additional Arabic language learners are taught together.
Facilities
- School library
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The identification of students of determination is effective and informs the detailed individual education plans (IEP). p. 22
- Specialist teachers enhance provision through individual sessions with some students. p. 22
- not all teachers or learning support assistants (LSA) have the necessary skills to do this effectively. p. 22
- 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 deiraprivateschool.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.
Admissions
- «On a scheduled date, the students are interviewed or assessed on their English & Maths skills.» deiraprivateschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «To proceed with the assessment, AED 500 assessment fee must be paid.» deiraprivateschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «FS students are interviewed and observed by the EYFS Coordinator.» deiraprivateschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Please note that FS students are required to be fully toilet trained.» deiraprivateschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «70+ Locations Catered by Free Transportation*» deiraprivateschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Please be aware that bus applications are subject to availability.» deiraprivateschool.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 11 year groupsNote 1
AED 22,867 to AED 41,147Source 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, Deira Private 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 22,867 | AED 22,867 |
| FS2 | AED 22,867 | AED 22,867 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 25,213 | AED 25,213 |
| Year 2 | AED 25,213 | AED 25,213 |
| Year 3 | AED 25,213 | AED 25,213 |
| Year 4 | AED 31,077 | AED 31,077 |
| Year 5 | AED 31,077 | AED 31,077 |
| Year 6 | AED 35,739 | AED 35,739 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 41,147 | AED 41,147 |
| Year 8 | AED 41,147 | AED 41,147 |
| Year 9 | AED 41,147 | AED 41,147 |
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
9 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 4 development points, 3 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Inclusion of students of determination
Note 11 strength
Strength
The inclusive nature of the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
English
1 strength
Strength
Students’ good progress in English, mathematics and science
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
StrengthSecondary phase
Students’ strong awareness of Emirati culture and Islamic values, particularly in the secondary phase
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The effective channels of communication between parents and the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Assessment
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
The comprehensive assessment procedures which provide accurate information of students’ progress and attainment
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Implement modifications to the curriculum to address gaps in students’ learning identified through external assessment information,
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reportsStudents of determination
Improve the consistency of teaching and ensure learning activities match the needs and abilities of all students, particularly students of determination.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 development point
Development required
Ensure that full risk assessments are carried out for all practical science lessons.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Leaders should ensure that school self-evaluation is based on accurate information and focuses on the impact of teaching on students’ learning.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 14
Findings from 1 of 12 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, 2018–19 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
13 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2010–11 to 2023–24.
History of Deira Private 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 2021–22Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2021–22Same as 2020–21Full Inspection Report 2021–22 (opens in a new tab)
- 2020–21Same as 2019–20Report not online
- 2019–20Same as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)
- 2018–19Same as 2017–18Full 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)
- 2015–16Same as 2014–15Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
- 2014–15Same as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- 2013–14Same as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)
- 2012–13Down from GoodFull Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- 2011–12Up from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- 2010–11First reportFull Inspection Report 2010–11 (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, Deira Private School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 875 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 818 | 68 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 867 | 68 | 22% |
| 2021–22 | 417 | 54 | 85% |
| 2020–21 | 153 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 191 | 22 | 6% |
| 2018–19 | 283 | 28 | 17% |
| 2017–18 | 287 | 28 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 255 | 26 | 43% |
| 2015–16 | 257 | 28 | 0% |
| 2014–15 | 238 | 29 | 25% |
| 2013–14 | 172 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 152 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 111 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 66 | 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 2021–22 (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 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (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)
Not online: the 2020–21 report. The timeline takes that year’s rating from KHDA’s open data.
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)