GEMS Albarsha National School - Dubai Branch
British curriculum, Al Barsha Second, 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
- 2017
- Extra-curricular activities
- Art, Science & engineering club and more, 2 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 933 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 90 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 162 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 740 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Emirati Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 2 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Michelle Jane Thomas Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 2 Dec 2024, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2021–22
- 1 change of principal Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Karim Murcia, 2021–22 to 2022–23 → Michelle Jane Thomas, 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Barsha Second
- Phone and email
- +971 4 506 9222principal_gns@gemsedu.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: Acceptable in 3 reports.
CurriculumCurriculum
Not available2023–24
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Down from Good Earlier: Good 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 | Post-16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TeachingTeaching for effective learning | ||||
| Assessment | ||||
| 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’ attainment is mostly acceptable in all core subjects. Attainment is strongest in Islamic Education and Arabic in the primary phase and in Post-16 English. Students’ progress in Islamic Education is good across the three phases. Primary students are making very good progress in Arabic as an additional language, otherwise the progress of students in Arabic as a first language is mostly good.
Personal and social development
Throughout the school, relationships are friendly and positive between students and staff. Students are creative and innovative. They enjoy coming to school. Most have an excellent understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture, and how these influence lives in the UAE. Students generally behave well. Although this is not the case for a small minority of boys in the secondary phase.
Teaching, curriculum and care
In the Early Years Foundation Stage teachers have a thorough understanding of how children learn. Teachers build positive relationships with students, motivating them to engage in lessons. Teachers’ use of questioning to promote highquality dialogue and deeper thinking has been a school focus, but remains variable, especially in the secondary phase.
Wellbeing
The experienced and committed well-being team makes sure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard. The school’s progress in developing well-being is gaining momentum but has not yet fully embedded. Students have yet to play a leading role in relevant initiatives and projects. Wellbeing leaders are in place in the three upper phases. Students have a range of ways to access support including, an innovative use of artificial intelligence technology. Teachers also identify well-being needs particularly in younger students. Staff report being listened to and valued.
Inclusion
The new leadership is keen to develop effective support for students of determination and those students with gifts and talents. Rigorous systems to identify the needs of students of determination, accurately are not well established. Parent partnerships are positive. Parents appreciate the regular feedback, the open door policy and being involved with their child's individual learning plan. More detailed and focused provision for progress is now a parental priority.
Leadership and management
The local advisory board has acted purposefully and effectively to appoint new senior leaders since the previous inspection. The very recently appointed principal and vice principals are determined to make improvements to the school and have set a clear direction focusing on student performance levels. Leaders have established strong professional relationships across the school and there is a sense of shared responsibility which permeates throughout the school.
- 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
- 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 | |||
| 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, GEMS Albarsha National School - Dubai BranchIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2021–22 | 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 | ||
| Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| 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 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) results between 2016 to 2021 were acceptable.
- Whole school progression in standardised benchmark assessments saw English improve from weak to acceptable, mathematics from weak to very good and science from acceptable to good.
- Emirati students remained acceptable in science, improved from weak to acceptable in English and from weak to good in mathematics.
- The school implements a comprehensive National Agenda action plan and strategies to enhance reading standards as assessed by the New Group Reading Test (NGRT).
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progress toward achieving its National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
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.
Art & design
- Art
Science & technology
- Science & engineering club · STEM
Facilities
- Playing field
- Sports courts
- Swimming pool
- Sports hall
- Art studio
- Theatre or auditorium
Also mentioned: Holy Qur’an club, Eco Champions
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 24 September 2026
Checked 24 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 · Primary students are making very good progress in Arabic, as an additional language, otherwise the progress of students in Arabic, as a first language is mostly good.
Courses after 16
- A level · A Levels
External examinations
- IGCSE
- GCSE
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Courses have also been added to provide appropriate pathways for students of determination. p. 17
- Targeted provision including individualised learning plans (IEPs) lack focus and clarity to guide successful implementation. p. 19
- Specialised and in-class support is inconsistent and lacks impact. 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 gemsnationalschool-barsha.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
- «In 2025, we saw an impressive 17.5 percentage point improvement in the number of students achieving grades 4-9 across all subjects compared to last year.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Additionally, 42% of exam entries secured grades 9-5, marking a notable 9 percentage point increase year on year.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «A remarkable 100% of BTEC Level 3 students earned Distinction grades (D*-D), with an astounding 72% having achieved the highest possible grade of Distinction*.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «36% of our BTEC Business Extended Diploma students attained a triple Distinction (D*D*D*), equivalent to 3 A* grades, and 50% of BTEC Applied Science Extended Diploma earned double Distinction* grades (D*D*), equivalent to 2 A* grades.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Where leavers go
- «Our diverse student body, including a significant cohort from the United Arab Emirates, goes on to pursue higher education in the UK, UAE, and across the globe.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Our GNS graduates have been accepted to prestigious institutions such as: Birmingham University» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «Fill out the application form below and a member of our Admissions Team will reach out to you to proceed with your child’s enrolment.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Each child must take an age-related placement test to ensure that they are ready for the high quality education on offer at our school.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «GNS school admissions can be made at any time through the Registrar, although there are cut-off dates during the year, which are designated by the Ministry of Education.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Please note, our school also has space for children with additional learning needs and this will be discussed further, where appropriate, with parents during the admissions process.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «STS is the only ISO certified (ISO 9001:2008 and OHSAS 18001: 2007) school transport provider.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «After submitting the Transport Request Form, the STS area specialist will check the route and the pick-up / drop off point to ensure that they are able to offer the service in your area and that the pick-up / drop off point is safe.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «STS cannot guarantee all bus routes requested.» gemsnationalschool-barsha.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 45,428 to AED 67,060Source 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, GEMS Albarsha National School - Dubai Branch, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26
| Year group | 2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27 | 2025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | ||
| FS1 | AED 45,428 | AED 45,428 |
| FS2 | AED 56,244 | AED 56,244 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 56,244 | AED 56,244 |
| Year 2 | AED 56,244 | AED 56,244 |
| Year 3 | AED 56,244 | AED 56,244 |
| Year 4 | AED 56,244 | AED 56,244 |
| Year 5 | AED 56,244 | AED 56,244 |
| Year 6 | AED 56,244 | AED 56,244 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 61,652 | AED 61,652 |
| Year 8 | AED 61,652 | AED 61,652 |
| Year 9 | AED 61,652 | AED 61,652 |
| Year 10 | AED 67,060 | AED 67,060 |
| Year 11 | AED 67,060 | AED 67,060 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 67,060 | AED 67,060 |
| Year 13 | AED 67,060 | AED 67,060 |
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: 5 strengths, 5 development points, 4 recurring across the last 3 reports.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 strength, 2 development points
Strength
The focused leadership of the newly appointed principal and the vice principals which is spearheading the improvements at the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 3 reportsNote 2
Ensure that middle leaders have an accurate oversight of their subject areas and are held fully accountable for driving improvement.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 3 reports
Improve leaders’ monitoring and evaluation processes.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Islamic Education
1 strength
Strength
Students’ excellent understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati heritage and culture
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Early years
1 strength
StrengthFS
The rich and vibrant provision in FS
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Staffing, facilities and resources
1 strength
Strength
The daily management, staffing, facilities and resources for teaching and learning
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Arabic
1 strength
StrengthPrimary phase
The improved outcomes in Arabic in the primary phase
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Attainment and progress
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 3 reports
Improve students’ attainment and progress in all subjects and in all phases.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Assessment
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 3 reports
Ensure that teachers make full use of assessment information in lesson planning to match learning activities to the needs and abilities of students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Inclusion of students of determination
1 development point
Development requiredStudents of determination
Establish an accurate and rigorous identification process so that teaching strategies fully meet the needs of students of determination.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
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 GEMS Albarsha National School - Dubai BranchOverall 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)
- 2020–21First 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, GEMS Albarsha National School - Dubai Branch
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 933 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 992 | 90 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,136 | 101 | 28% |
| 2021–22 | 1,147 | 105 | 31% |
| 2020–21 | 936 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 381 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 275 | Not available | Not available |
| 2017–18 | 202 | 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)