Dubai Heights Academy
British, IB curriculum, Al Barsha Second, FS1–Year 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
- British, IB
- Year groups
- FS1–Year 12
- Languages of instruction
- English, Arabic
- Founded
- 2017
- External examinations
- GCSE, ASDAN Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Netball, Swimming and more, 21 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 645 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 39 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 29 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 22 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- British 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
- Alison Margaret Lamb Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 9 Jan 2019, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2021–22
- No change of principal
- Alison Margaret Lamb, 2021–22 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Barsha Second
- Phone and email
- +971 4 356 3333arabicsecretary@dubaiheightsacademy.com
- 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
Up from Good Earlier: Good in 3 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 1 report and Good in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Up from Good Earlier: Good 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 very good progress in English, mathematics, and science and across a broad curriculum in the arts, humanities, languages and PE. In Arabic and Islamic education, students mostly make good progress. In English, mathematics and science students' levels of attainment are at least good and frequently very good. In Arabic and Islamic education, their levels of attainment are at least acceptable.
Personal and social development
Students are highly self-disciplined, respectful, and possess a strong sense of community. They actively participate in leadership roles, embrace healthy lifestyles, and maintain high attendance and punctuality rates. There's a deep appreciation for Islamic values and Emirati culture, though younger students are less engaged in cultural events. Students celebrate diversity and engage in community service. They are environmentally conscious, contributing to sustainability efforts within and beyond the school
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teaching in Foundation Stage (FS) and Primary is exceptional, with very strong teaching also seen in Secondary. Effective planning and resource utilisation, particularly in mathematics and science, stand out. Lessons are very well planned and resourced; learning environments and interactions between staff and students are highly positive. Assessment practices align with benchmarks. Data-driven curriculum adaptations very effectively meet diverse needs.
Wellbeing
This is a school for _all_ students. The school's commitment to academic achievement, inclusion and personal development, driven by world class leadership, ensures that all students thrive. Staff feel highly valued due to extensive support and training. Relationships at the school are based on mutual respect and shared values, with regular surveys allowing the community to influence its direction. Students exhibit respect, discipline, and resilience, actively participating in activities that bolster their ambitions and career readiness.
Inclusion
The school, under highly effective governance and leadership, excels in inclusive education, catering to a wide range of student needs, from severe learning difficulties to the most able. Its inclusive approach is supported by detailed assessments and a multidisciplinary strategy, allowing for personalised educational plans. Strong partnerships with parents enhance support, particularly for those on specialist education paths. The school offers a varied curriculum, including an effective ASDAN program, ensuring students with diverse needs thrive.
Leadership and management
Under exceptional leadership, the school sets very high standards in education and well-being for its diverse community, with a shared vision and clear accountability delivering a strong sense of purpose. Governors, parents, staff and students are engaged to ensure that quality assurance focuses on student achievement and personal growth. This is supported by comprehensive and accurate data analysis. Excellent facilities and a professional development programme for all staff enhance the quality of leadership, management, teaching and student support in this learning community where everybody thrives.
- 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 | 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, Dubai Heights AcademyIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | 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 | ||
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | ||
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- The school's first results in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) in 2021 showed that with an overall score of 512 and a target of 547, the performance was acceptable.
- Students’ progression in standardised benchmark assessments saw English move to very good, mathematics remain at good, and science outstanding.
- The school implements a comprehensive National Agenda action plan, with a strong emphasis on enhancing reading standards, as assessed by the New Group Reading Test (NGRT) outcomes.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
Recognised by UAE universities?
UAE universities ask for the Ministry of Education’s equivalency of the Grade 12 certificate. For this school’s curricula, the student needs:
- British: five IGCSE or GCSE passes (grade E or 3) and one A level or two AS levels (grade E).
- IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.
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 · paid activities are provided by external providers
- Basketball · paid activities are provided by external providers
- Netball
Water sports
- Swimming
Racket sports
- Tennis · paid activities are provided by external providers
Individual sports
- Athletics · cross-country
- Gymnastics · paid activities are provided by external providers
- Martial arts · Karate · paid activities are provided by external providers
- Golf · golfing partnership with the prestigious Tommy Fleetwood Academy · paid activities are provided by external providers
- Yoga & fitness · Mindfulness & Yoga · school-led and free activities
Dance
- Ballet · paid activities are provided by external providers
- Dance (other) · Desert Dance competitions
Theatre
- Drama · Drama Club · school-led and free activities
Music
- Choir & singing · choir rehearsals · Choir
- Orchestra & bands · Tuned Percussion · Rock Band
- Instrument lessons · instrumental lessons
Art & design
- Art · Drawing for Fun · school-led and free activities
Science & technology
- Robotics · paid activities are provided by external providers
- Coding · AI curriculum · developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston
·
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · Debating Club · school-led and free activities
- Chess · paid activities are provided by external providers
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Sports hall
- Playing field
- Sports courts
- Art studio
- Music rooms
- 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 Arab and non-Arab children for two lessons per week in FS1 and FS2 and three lessons per week in Year 1.
Courses after 16
- Alternative pathways
External examinations
- GCSE
- ASDAN
Facilities
- Library
- Specialist areas
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The school establishes a highly effective approach to identifying and assessing students' specific, individual learning requirements. p. 21
- Through well-defined policies and an efficient referral system, those students who need additional support are identified and appropriate support is provided. p. 21
- 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 dubaiheightsacademy.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.
Where leavers go
- «Dedicated support for students pursuing athletic and academic scholarships at US universities.» dubaiheightsacademy.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Guidance and support for securing placements at leading UK universities alongside football development.» dubaiheightsacademy.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Class size
- «Our average class size is 22 students, with our capacity being 22 students per class in Foundation Stage 1 and Foundation Stage 2, and 24 students per class in Year 1 and above.» dubaiheightsacademy.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «Yes, we do enrol students with lower levels of English.» dubaiheightsacademy.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All students applying to study at Dubai Heights Academy undergo a formal assessment prior to joining the school, which helps us to understand their proficiency in English.» dubaiheightsacademy.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Launching next August for Academic Year 2027/2028, the Dubai Heights Football Academy is an elite U19 student athlete programme designed to bridge the gap between school football and the professional game.» dubaiheightsacademy.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «The Dubai Heights Football Academy is open to students in Years 12 and 13.» dubaiheightsacademy.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Yes, we offer school bus services through STS, an external provider.» dubaiheightsacademy.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Enquiries regarding bus pick-up and drop-off zones and pricing can be directed to transport@dubaiheightsacademy.com.» dubaiheightsacademy.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All drivers of STS are thoroughly trained and hold RTA-issued school bus driving licences, each bus is installed with GPS and CCTV, and there is a female attendant on all STS buses which are RTA certified.» dubaiheightsacademy.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Our bus service caters to the FS school finish at 2:15PM as well as the primary and secondary finish at 3:30PM.» dubaiheightsacademy.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 48,688 to AED 96,880Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
FS1 to Year 12, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Dubai Heights Academy, 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 48,688 | AED 48,688 |
| FS2 | AED 55,536 | AED 55,536 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 55,536 | AED 55,536 |
| Year 2 | AED 56,393 | AED 56,393 |
| Year 3 | AED 56,393 | AED 56,393 |
| Year 4 | AED 58,533 | AED 58,533 |
| Year 5 | AED 60,994 | AED 60,994 |
| Year 6 | AED 64,312 | AED 64,312 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 70,411 | AED 70,411 |
| Year 8 | AED 73,728 | AED 73,728 |
| Year 9 | AED 79,185 | AED 79,185 |
| Year 10 | AED 90,741 | AED 90,741 |
| Year 11 | AED 90,741 | AED 90,741 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 96,880 | AED 96,880 |
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
9 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 4 development points, 2 recurring across the last 3 reports.
Attainment and progress
Note 11 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Strong academic achievement with examples of very strong teaching seen in all phases of the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 3 reportsNote 2
Translate the rapidly improving rates of progress into stronger attainment in relevant key subjects and phases.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 14
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Students' strong personal development
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Development required
Embed the school's engagement with the local community, ensuring that students are increasingly proactive in driving these.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength
Strength
The accuracy of the school’s self-evaluation and the capacity of leaders and governors to drive improvement
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Staffing, facilities and resources
1 strength
Strength
The united and dedicated staff who ensure that this is a safe, welcoming and happy school.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Inclusion of students of determination
1 strength
Strength
Excellent inclusive education practices and very strong care, guidance, and support, leading to outstanding levels of wellbeing
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 3 reports
Identify and disseminate best practice to promote students’ independence and self-reliance more consistently in lessons.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Other
1 development point
Development required
Expand the school's contributions to national and international initiatives.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Findings from 1 of 3 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 3 reports, 2021–22 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
3 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2021–22 to 2023–24.
History of Dubai Heights AcademyOverall 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
- 2023–24Up from GoodNote 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)
- 2020–21First reportReport not online
- 2017–18 to 2019–20No inspection.
- Opened in 2017–18. No reports before this year.
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, Dubai Heights Academy
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 645 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 321 | 39 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 298 | 32 | 19% |
| 2021–22 | 232 | 27 | 4% |
| 2020–21 | 168 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 246 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 122 | Not available | Not available |
| 2017–18 | 50 | 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)
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)