GEMS Founders School Mizhar
British curriculum, Al Mizhar 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
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, Arabic
- Founded
- 2018
- External examinations
- GCSE, AS Level, A Level, BTEC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSME, BSO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Model United Nations, confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 4,739 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 232 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 361 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 524 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
- 3 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Mr. Akram Tarik Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 1 Sep 2020, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2021–22
- 1 change of principal
- Mr. Akram Tarik, 2021–22 to 2023–24 → Zara Mia Chorfi, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Al Mizhar First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 210 3555gre_gfm@gemsedu.comPrincipal: Zara Mia Chorfi
- 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 3 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
Not available2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 1 report and Good in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 2 reports.
Checked 16 September 2026.
Wellbeing, 2022–23 report: High
«The quality of wellbeing provision and outcome is at a high level.» p. 9
In 2021-22 and 2022-23 KHDA judged wellbeing on its own scale — Very high, High, Moderate, Low — not the six inspection words, so it is shown in its own words and not compared with them.
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
Students make at least good progress across most of the curriculum, making very good progress in post-16 science and primary mathematics. In Arabic, students' progress is not as strong in post-16 for first language learners and in secondary for those learning it as an additional language. Across all phases, attainment is good, and improving in English, mathematics, and science, but remains only acceptable in Islamic education and Arabic.
Personal and social development
Students are very well-behaved. They show responsibility and respect, underpinned by values of kindness and honesty. Post-16 students set an excellent example in their conduct and attitudes. Students actively engage in leadership, health, and safety initiatives, and contribute to community welfare and sustainability projects. Their mature approach is complemented by a deep appreciation of Islamic and Emirati values, and they celebrate cultural diversity through various school events, contributing to a respectful and inclusive environment.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers exhibit strong subject expertise, planning engaging lessons, though differentiation could improve in some areas. Teaching quality varies, and most ranges from good to outstanding across all phases. While internal assessments align with benchmarks, leveraging insights for interventions and consistent, detailed feedback remain areas for enhancement.
Wellbeing
The school very successfully prioritises well-being, led by a highly capable team that effectively integrates it into the ethos of the school. Stakeholder engagement and tailored support enhance the nurturing environment. Holistic strategies across the school improve students' social skills, emotional awareness, and resilience, fostering a very positive, welcoming and happy school climate. This approach significantly aids students' development, making them feel valued and encouraging positive contributions to the school community, thus reflecting the school's strong commitment to well-being.
Inclusion
The school's commitment to excellent inclusion, led by the link governor, principal, and staff, is evident in its strategic approach and robust inclusion policies, ensuring very high-quality provision. Rigorous entry assessments and targeted tools facilitate tailored support, ensuring individual needs are met. Transparent communication with parents and their involvement in creating IEPs are key, alongside nurturing classrooms that focus on individual needs. Regular monitoring of student progress informs continuous improvement, with many exceeding their expected progress
Leadership and management
Run by a visionary, highly capable principal with a strong leadership team. the school has seen substantial growth while maintaining good and improving academic standards and high levels of community well-being. They know the significant strengths and priorities for improvement very well and promote excellence in inclusivity. An invested and strategic governance drives innovation in facilities and resourcing, securing a nurturing and forward-thinking educational environment. This high-value, reputationally strong school is highly appreciated by families.
- 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 | |||
| 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 Founders School MizharIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | |||
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | |||
| Islamic Education attainmentPost-16 | Not in this report | ||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | |||
| Islamic Education progressPost-16 | Not in this report |
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
- As the school had only just opened it was unable to enter any students for the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) in 2016.
- However, an aspirational target for 2021 was set.
- The school almost achieved this high target although the Emirati cohort fell short of it.
- On average, across English, mathematics and science students sustained very good judgements in benchmark assessments over two years.
- Emirati students’ performance in the benchmark assessments was acceptable overall.
- The school's most recent reading literacy skills profile reveals that a majority of students’ reading scores are at or above, age-related expectations.
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 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.
Debate & strategy
- Model United Nations
Facilities
- Art studio
Also mentioned: food technology, innovation club
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2022–23
Page 14
Checked 16 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 · for first language learners
Facilities
- Library
External examinations
- GCSE
- IGCSE
Courses after 16
- AS level
- A level
- BTEC
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The school has robust systems to identify the needs of students of determination and swiftly create tailored individual education plans (IEPs). p. 18
- With the inclusion team's specialised interventions, most of these students achieve academic and personal progress appropriate to their individual goals. p. 18
- Access to personal support, counselling, and guidance is pivotal in aiding students. p. 18
- Rigorous entry assessment procedures successfully pinpoint students’ learning obstacles and inform tailored planning. p. 19
- 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 gemsfoundersschool-mizhar.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
- «100% of our BTEC students passed, with every student achieving success.» gemsfoundersschool-mizhar.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «74% of our students achieved A*–B / 9–5 grades, with almost half attaining A*–A / 9–7 grades.» gemsfoundersschool-mizhar.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «96% of students achieving a grade 6 or above.» gemsfoundersschool-mizhar.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «75% achieved A*–A / 9–7 in Arabic» gemsfoundersschool-mizhar.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Where leavers go
- «This report provides an overview of the university destinations achieved by GFM Sixth Form students over the last two graduating cohorts (2023–2024 and 2024–2025), together with the current university application outcomes for the 2025–2026 Year 13 cohort.» gemsfoundersschool-mizhar.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Students have progressed to prestigious institutions including Russell Group universities, globally ranked universities, specialist institutions and highly competitive programmes across more than 15 countries.» gemsfoundersschool-mizhar.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «GEMS Founders School follows the National Curriculum for England and endeavours to prepare your children for a UK education in the future.» gemsfoundersschool-mizhar.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «To register your child for the school bus service, please contact the school’s dedicated Service Delivery Executive (SDE): Email: sde-gfm@sts-group.com Telephone: + 971 547928140» gemsfoundersschool-mizhar.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 24,877 to AED 37,856Source 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 Founders School Mizhar, 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 24,877 | AED 24,877 |
| FS2 | AED 28,122 | AED 28,122 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 30,285 | AED 30,285 |
| Year 2 | AED 30,285 | AED 30,285 |
| Year 3 | AED 30,285 | AED 30,285 |
| Year 4 | AED 30,285 | AED 30,285 |
| Year 5 | AED 30,285 | AED 30,285 |
| Year 6 | AED 30,285 | AED 30,285 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 32,448 | AED 32,448 |
| Year 8 | AED 32,448 | AED 32,448 |
| Year 9 | AED 32,448 | AED 32,448 |
| Year 10 | AED 35,694 | AED 35,694 |
| Year 11 | AED 35,694 | AED 35,694 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 37,856 | AED 37,856 |
| Year 13 | AED 37,856 | AED 37,856 |
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, 1 recurring across the last 3 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 11 strength
Strength
Students' very strong personal and social development and their innovation skills
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The outstanding day-to-day school management providing a safe, and happy community
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Attainment and progress
1 strength
Strength
Consistently good and improving standards of achievement
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength
Strength
Comprehensive and highly accurate approaches to school self-evaluation and improvement planning
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Inclusion of students of determination
1 strength
Strength
Excellent inclusive education practices and very strong care, guidance, and support, leading to very high levels of wellbeing across the community
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Islamic Education
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 3 reportsNote 2
Embed recent improvements in Islamic Education and Arabic so that standards of teaching, learning and achievement are at least good across all phases.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Teaching
2 development points
Development requiredHigher-attaining students
Develop further differentiated planning of learning to personalise provision more effectively for individual students in lessons – most notably for higher attainers.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Development required
Improve further students’ learning skills to optimise their achievements by: - providing more opportunities for them to undertake independent research, - improving teachers’ questioning skills so that they can lead and manage more perceptive discussions and reflection in lessons, and - ensuring teachers always provide comprehensive and diagnostic feedback to students about their learning – both orally and when marking their work.
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 Founders School MizharOverall 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
- 2018–19 and 2019–20No inspection.
- Opened in 2018–19. 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 Founders School Mizhar
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 4,739 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 4,001 | 232 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 3,158 | 178 | 23% |
| 2021–22 | 2,443 | 172 | 24% |
| 2020–21 | 2,171 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 2,280 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 1,325 | 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)