Dubai Scholars Private School
British curriculum, Al Qusais First, FS1–Year 13
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 13
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 1994
- External examinations
- IGCSE, A-Level Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- British Schools in the Middle East Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Drama, Choir & singing, Orchestra & bands, Robotics and more, 6 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 2,748 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 156 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 95 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
- Ms. Aparna Verma Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 9 Jan 2008, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2011–12
- No change of principal
- Aparna Yashpal Verma, Frank Scarcelli, 2011–12 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Qusais First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 706 9000principal@dubaischolars.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
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 11 reports and Acceptable in 2 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 2 reports.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good 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 | Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary | Post-16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Standards of achievement in Arabic are acceptable and in Islamic education, they are good. These are improving because of strengthening leadership and teaching in these subjects. In Secondary and Post-16, standards of achievement are very good in English, mathematics, science and in a range of other subjects. In the Foundation Stage, standards are less consistent, but still result in at least good achievement in English, mathematics, and science.
Personal and social development
Students actively engage in various community activities, such as charitable campaigns and environmental initiatives. They display an excellent work ethic, participate in innovative competitions, and uphold a deep understanding of Islamic values. Emirati heritage, culture, and national events are fully appreciated. Students' behaviour, attitudes and relationships are exemplary; they celebrate diverse cultures including their own, fostering a respectful and inclusive school environment through cultural learning projects and activities.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers display strong subject knowledge, planning purposeful and engaging lessons catering to meet the needs of different students. Time management is typically effective, but although lessons are usually differentiated, higher achieving students sometimes have to wait until late in the lesson to be sufficiently challenged. Internal assessments align with curriculum standards and teachers know their students well. Teaching standards are less consistently strong in Foundation Stage and lower Primary.
Wellbeing
The school is very successful in ensuring the well-being of the entire community. Students feel safe and valued in this inclusive school. Leaders implement effective policies that very positively impact the well-being of the community. The school's staff are skilled at building the confidence and self-esteem of students, creating a highly positive climate with clear behaviour expectations.
Inclusion
The school's commitment to inclusion is strong, but inconsistencies in implementation, especially in Primary, affects provision quality. Notable improvements in the identification process and Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) have occurred, but inconsistent adoption of these, by some teachers, limits their full impact. Parental involvement varies, affecting the quality of provision and outcomes. Inconsistent differentiated lesson planning impacts student progress, especially for those with tcomplex learning needs. However, most students make expected progress in learning
Leadership and management
A very strong, dedicated and resilient principal alongside her head of school and vice principal, implement a clear vision and have led significant recent improvements in standards of education for students in Secondary and Post-16, and all students in Arabic and Islamic education. New leaders, this academic year, in inclusion and early years have potential but need more time for their impact to be seen. The school encourages parental involvement and has a dedicated and impactful governing body.
- 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 | Post-16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education | Not in this report | |||
| Arabic | Not in this report | 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 Scholars Private 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 attainmentSecondary | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentPost-16 | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressPost-16 |
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 school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- In the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), the school exceeded its targets.
- The performance of students in the annual benchmark tests between the 2022 and 2023 cycles, indicates continued high standards in science and improved performances in English and mathematics.
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 above expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the schools progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 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:
- British: five IGCSE or GCSE passes (grade E or 3) and one A level or two AS levels (grade E).
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.
Theatre
- Drama · drama productions
Music
- Choir & singing · choirs
- Orchestra & bands · bands
Science & technology
- Robotics
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · debate club
- Model United Nations · Model United Nations (MUN)
Facilities
- Playing field
- Swimming pool
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Dance (other)
- Musicals
- Art
Also mentioned: creative writing, Bargain Bob, Star Bake’ sales
- 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
- French
External examinations
- IGCSE
- A-Level
Facilities
- Specialist areas
- Sports facilities
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- There have been notable improvements in the identification process and the quality of individual education plans (IEPs). p. 19
- Appropriate processes are in place to identify students of determination and are developing for those who are gifted or talented. p. 18
- 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 dubaischolars.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.
Exam results
- «90% of all students achieved an A, A* or B across all of the subjects tested.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Continuing our record for achievement at DS, our pass rate for this year is 100%.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Where leavers go
- «We are also very proud to announce 100% acceptance for our entire graduating class to internationally accredited universities such as University College London, University of Manchester, University College Dublin, University of Texas, and University of Indiana, among others.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Historically students from DS have attended US universities including Ivy League universities in the US and Oxford and Cambridge in the UK and top engineering schools in India.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Students from Dubai Scholars regularly receive offers from world-class institutions, thanks to their strong academic foundation and competitive results.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Carnegie Mellon University, Apple US» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «Entering the Sixth Form at Dubai Scholars students require at least a B grade in the compulsory and optional subjects studied at the culmination of Key Stage 4.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Now enrolling students for September 2026-2027, in Foundation Stage 1 to Year 13, ages 3 to 18.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Limited places are available for the 2026–2027 academic year.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Yes, we require each prospective student to take an assessment to ascertain whether the child will be able to effectively engage with the school programme offered at Dubai Scholars.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Contact our Transport Manager at transportation@dubaischolars.com to sign up for transportation services or for any enquiries at 050 558 9707.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We provide bus services to most areas of Dubai and select areas of Sharjah.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «The school bus runs across six zones in Dubai and Sharjah, including Al Qusais, Al Nahda, Mamzar, Al Twar, Karama, Bur Dubai, Rashidiya, Mirdiff, Dubai Silicon Oasis and International City in Dubai, and Al Nahda, Al Tawoon, Rolla, Abu Shagara and Al Qasimiya in Sharjah.» dubaischolars.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «The annual transport fee depends on the zone, from AED 6,300 for Zone 1 (Qusais, Al Nahda Dubai, Mamzar, Al Twar) to AED 7,900 for Zone 6 (Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City).» dubaischolars.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 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 15,833 to AED 32,568Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
FS1 to Year 13, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Dubai Scholars 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 15,833 | AED 15,833 |
| FS2 | AED 16,403 | AED 16,403 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 18,818 | AED 18,818 |
| Year 2 | AED 18,818 | AED 18,818 |
| Year 3 | AED 18,818 | AED 18,818 |
| Year 4 | AED 18,818 | AED 18,818 |
| Year 5 | AED 19,087 | AED 19,087 |
| Year 6 | AED 19,087 | AED 19,087 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 19,087 | AED 19,087 |
| Year 8 | AED 20,224 | AED 20,224 |
| Year 9 | AED 20,224 | AED 20,224 |
| Year 10 | AED 20,224 | AED 20,224 |
| Year 11 | AED 20,224 | AED 20,224 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 29,806 | AED 29,806 |
| Year 13 | AED 32,568 | AED 32,568 |
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 15 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 15 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: 4 strengths, 6 development points, 2 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 11 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Students' excellent personal and social development, their wellbeing and appreciation of their own and other cultures
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Development required
Focus on increasing student influence in policy decisions to align initiatives more closely with students' needs and their expectations.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 10
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Very strong senior leaders and governors who ensure excellent partnerships with parents
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Development required
Enhance strategies to promote wellbeing for all groups of students by leaders providing more specific and detailed guidance and support.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 9
Teaching
1 strength, 2 development points
StrengthSecondary and post-16 phases
Improving standards of teaching, learning and students’ progress in the secondary and post-16 phases
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsNote 2FS and lower Primary, Students of determination
Improve the consistency of teaching, particularly in FS and lower Primary by: - strengthening the capacities of leaders to enhance teachers' lesson planning and classroom management skills, - improving the identification and consistency of classroom support for students of determination, - ensuring that differentiated learning activities are informed by accurate assessment data, and implemented as early as possible in lessons, and - ensuring teachers consistently provide high-quality, diagnostic feedback to students when their work is assessed.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsStudents of determination
Improve the effectiveness of leaders’ monitoring of teaching by: - prioritising the evaluation of the impact of teaching on students' progress and the development of their learning skills, and - ensuring that a significant focus is placed on the provision for, and progress of, students of determination in relation the learning targets in their individual education plans (IEPs).
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
Very well organised day-to-day management of a community in which students feel safe and highly valued
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Reading and literacy
1 development point
Development required
Ensure that there is a consistent emphasis on the development of reading literacy in all subjects.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 8, paragraph 14
Early years
1 development point
Development requiredFS and Primary
Prioritise the development of higher order thinking skills, especially in FS and Primary.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 11
Findings from 1 of 11 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.
History
14 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of Dubai Scholars 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 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)
- 2018–19Same 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)
- 2012–13Same as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- 2011–12Same as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- 2010–11Up from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- 2009–10Same as 2008–09Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- 2008–09First reportFull Inspection Report 2008–09 (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, Dubai Scholars Private School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 2,748 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 2,327 | 156 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 2,332 | 150 | 17% |
| 2021–22 | 1,921 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,948 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,815 | 113 | 29% |
| 2018–19 | 1,749 | 114 | 22% |
| 2017–18 | 1,751 | 106 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 1,598 | 110 | 15% |
| 2015–16 | 1,603 | 106 | 20% |
| 2014–15 | 1,572 | 102 | 5% |
| 2013–14 | 1,590 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 1,551 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 1,586 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 1,511 | 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 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)
- Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab)
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)