GEMS First Point School
British curriculum, Dubai Land, 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
- 2014
- External examinations
- GCSE, A Level Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Golf, Drama, Musicals, Coding and more, 5 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,954 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 139 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 145 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 79 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Arab 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
- David Wade Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 9 Jan 2022, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2016–17
- 3 changes of principal
- Mr. Stephen Sharples, 2016–17 to 2018–19 → Matthew Tompkins, 2019–20 → David Wade, 2022–23 to 2023–24 → Rebecca Melanie Crean, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Dubai Land
- Phone and email
- +971 4 278 9700Principal_fps@gemsedu.comPrincipal: Rebecca Melanie Crean
- 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 5 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 2 reports.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very 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
There is continued very good achievement in Foundation Stage (FS), including children’s outstanding progress in English. Across the school student achievement is very strong in English, mathematics and science. Students' learning skills such as independence, critical thinking, problem solving and the use of technology continue to be of a very high standard in all phases of the school.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers excel in questioning, leveraging strong subject knowledge and understanding of student learning to plan lessons and use resources effectively, ensuring successful learning outcomes for all student groups. The school's comprehensive assessment processes provide a detailed understanding of each student's academic performance and progress.
Wellbeing
A wide range of curricular and extra-curricular programmes support students’ well-being. Using a variety of effective strategies most students manage and develop their well-being with increasing independence. Students understand and follow online safety protocols and demonstrate responsible online behaviour. Teachers successfully create a positive classroom culture enabling students to thrive academically, personally and socially. Across all phases most students have a strong sense of belonging to the school community and express high levels of positivity.
Inclusion
The principal and governing board ensure a highly inclusive ethos which is embedded and demonstrated across the school. Support and commitment are evident in high levels of sustained investment. New and proficient leadership head a capable and expanding inclusion
Leadership and management
Effective and inspiring senior leaders have established a purposeful learning community that provides a caring environment which values inclusivity and wellbeing. Recent leadership restructuring has ensured that leaders are even more successful in supporting positive student outcomes through high expectations of themselves, teachers, and students. School leaders have improved outcomes in the key subjects of Islamic education, Arabic as an additional language and science.
- 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 First Point SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 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 | ||
| 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
- In the recent test in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), the school exceeded its targets significantly by 36.
- In the National Agenda Parameter benchmark tests, outcomes improved in both mathematics and science, with English remaining unchanged.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve its UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve its UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving the National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2016–17: Attainment based on National Agenda parameter benchmarks — is below 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).
- Vocational only. A BTEC Level 3 Diploma counts as a technical certificate, not the general secondary certificate.
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.
Individual sports
- Golf · Golf Centre of Excellence · golf academy
·
Theatre
- Drama
- Musicals · musical productions
Science & technology
- Coding
- Science & engineering club · STEAM clubs
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Sports hall
- Playing field
- Sports courts
- Makerspace
- Art studio
- Theatre or auditorium
· - Music rooms
- Dance studio
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Model United Nations
- 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.
External examinations
- IGCSE English language and literature
Courses after 16
- A level · A Levels
- Vocational qualifications
Facilities
- Desert School
- Laboratories
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Students experiencing the most significant needs are well supported through the implementation of individual education plans (IEPs). p. 19
- Personalised assessments on entry ensure that barriers to learning are swiftly identified. p. 19
- Thorough systems identify students of determination and those with gifts and talents. p. 18
- 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 gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.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
- «83 % of students achieved A*-B grades, placing the school above the England national average.» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «50% achieved the highest possible grade of Distinction*.» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Two-thirds were awarded Distinction or above.» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «100% achieved a pass rate.» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Where leavers go
- «The UK is the most popular destination, followed by the UAE, USA and various European countries.» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Many graduates earn places at prestigious Russell Group universities, including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Queen’s University Belfast and King’s College London.» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «Students must achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications at grades 9-4, including English and Mathematics.» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «AS Level Mathematics (2 years): Grade 5 on the higher-tier GCSE paper.» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Mathematics: Grade 7.» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Mathematics and Further Mathematics: Grade 8.» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Email: sde-fps@sts-group.com» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Telephone: + 971 558720900» gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.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 44,288 to AED 75,756Source 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 First Point 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 44,288 | AED 44,288 |
| FS2 | AED 44,288 | AED 44,288 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 52,447 | AED 52,447 |
| Year 2 | AED 52,447 | AED 52,447 |
| Year 3 | AED 52,447 | AED 52,447 |
| Year 4 | AED 58,274 | AED 58,274 |
| Year 5 | AED 58,274 | AED 58,274 |
| Year 6 | AED 58,274 | AED 58,274 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 64,102 | AED 64,102 |
| Year 8 | AED 64,102 | AED 64,102 |
| Year 9 | AED 64,102 | AED 64,102 |
| Year 10 | AED 69,929 | AED 69,929 |
| Year 11 | AED 69,929 | AED 69,929 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 75,756 | AED 75,756 |
| Year 13 | AED 75,756 | AED 75,756 |
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
8 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 3 development points, 3 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Senior leaders’ vision to achieve high performance within an inclusive learning community.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Develop the capacities of all leaders through well-considered appraisal and high-quality professional training.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Attainment and progress
1 strength, 1 development point
StrengthFS
The continued very good achievement in FS.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsStudents of determination
Ensure that all monitoring processes prioritise the progress of students of determination.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
Students’ excellent personal development, attitudes to learning and work ethic.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Governance
1 strength
Strength
The commitment of the well-informed and knowledgeable local advisory board.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Staffing, facilities and resources
1 strength
Strength
The very effective daily management of the school campus.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Arabic
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Improve teaching and learning in Arabic as a first language.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Findings from 1 of 6 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
6 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2016–17 to 2023–24.
History of GEMS First Point 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
- 2023–24Up from GoodNote 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)
- 2016–17First reportFull Inspection Report 2016–17 (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, GEMS First Point School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,954 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,884 | 139 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,704 | 126 | 33% |
| 2021–22 | 1,500 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,404 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,409 | 126 | 20% |
| 2018–19 | 1,510 | 130 | 0% |
| 2017–18 | 1,601 | 131 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 1,315 | 112 | 5% |
| 2015–16 | 811 | Not available | Not available |
| 2014–15 | 308 | 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)
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)