GEMS Metropole School - Dubai Branch

British curriculum, Motor City, 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

2023–24

Earlier reports

  1. 5 earlier reports, see all years

Wellbeing Dubai focus area

Very good

2023–24

Inclusion Dubai focus area

Very good

2023–24

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. 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.

  3. Back to text, source C

    Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Overview

The school

Curriculum
British
Year groups
FS1–Year 13
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English
Founded
2014
External examinations
GCSE, IGCSE, AS, A Level, BTEC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

Students and staff

From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.

Students, 2024–⁠25
4,066 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
Students of determination
480 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.

Leadership

Principal at the 2023–⁠24 inspection
Naveed Iqbal Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Appointed 1 May 2020, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
Principals since 2016–⁠17
3 changes of principal
Anthony Cashin, 2016–17 to 2017–18 → John Hughes, 2018–19 → Naveed Iqbal, 2019–20 to 2023–24 → Edward William Staton, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18

Contact

Address
Motor City
Phone and email
+971 4 550 7200principal_mts@gemsedu.comPrincipal: Edward William Staton
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

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2024–25

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B
  3. 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)

  1. OverallOverall performance

    Good

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 1 report and Acceptable in 4 reports.

  2. WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing

    Very good

    First rated in 2023–24

  3. InclusionProvision for students of determination

    Very good

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 2 reports.

  4. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Good

    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.

AreaFoundation StagePrimarySecondaryPost-16
TeachingTeaching for effective learningGoodVery goodGoodGood
AssessmentGoodGoodGoodGood
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationVery goodGoodGoodGood
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationGoodGoodGoodGood
SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protectionOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

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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

Since the previous inspection report, students' attainment in the primary phase increased across all core subject areas and their rates of progress improved in English, mathematics and science. Students' progress in Arabic and Islamic education in improved in the Secondary phase. The progress of students in Post-16 also improved in Islamic education. Children in the Foundation Stage (FS) have improved their knowledge and understanding of the world (science).

Personal and social development

Students have very good attitudes to school and learning. They demonstrate high levels of self-discipline. Relationships, within the school community, are very positive.They have a secure understanding of maintaining active lifestyles. Students have a clear understanding of Islamic values and heritage and culture of their host country. Children's environmental awareness is improving in FS. Older students contribute actively to the life of the school and wider communities.

Teaching, curriculum and care

Primary students exhibit strong learning skills, developed through engaging teaching strategies and consistent planning that recognizes individual capabilities. Teachers effectively assess progress and foster critical thinking.

Wellbeing

School leaders place a strong focus on ensuring the well-being of, and support for all students. Relationships are respectful and they contribute to what is a genuine sense of community pride and shared values. Students of determination, gifted and talented and English language learners are accurately identified. Regular well-being reviews and surveys are used to address any concerns and shape future initiatives. Counseling services and careers advice is a strong feature of the school.

Inclusion

The school promotes the inclusion of all students. Specialist staff use a range of assessments to identify specific needs. Parents feel welcomed, cared for, and supported. The inclusion department works with parents to draw up individual education plans. Teachers' plan to meet their needs. Progress is closely monitored and shared with parents. There is a purpose-built unit with small specialist rooms. Most students reach and exceed their personalised targets.

Leadership and management

Appropriately qualified and experienced leaders have clear roles and responsibilities for school improvement. Further training is given to improve their leadership skills. Leaders know the school well and monitor their improvement plans effectively. They successfully involve parents in the education process. Governance is a well-informed critical friend and contributes towards the successes of the improvement plans. As a consequence the school is continuing its improvement journey at a pace.

  1. 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).

Source Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27

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    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Academics

Academic outcomes, GEMS Metropole School - Dubai Branch

Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondaryPost-16
Islamic EducationNot in this reportGoodAcceptableAcceptable
ArabicNot in this reportGoodAcceptableAcceptable
EnglishGoodVery goodGoodGood
MathematicsGoodVery goodGoodGood
ScienceGoodVery goodGoodGood

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 Metropole School - Dubai Branch

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2016–172017–182018–192019–202022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentPrimaryAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGood
Islamic Education attainmentSecondaryAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education attainmentPost-16Islamic Education attainment, Post-16: not rated from 2016–17 to 2017–18AcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education progressPrimaryAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGoodGood
Islamic Education progressSecondaryAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGood
Islamic Education progressPost-16Islamic Education progress, Post-16: not rated from 2016–17 to 2017–18AcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable

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

AspectWhole schoolEmirati cohort
International and Benchmark AchievementOutstandingGood
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyGoodGood
Overall school standards in the National Agenda ParameterVery goodNot in this report

Registration requirements: Met Fully

  • The school exceeded its target and scored significantly higher in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).
  • The school is performing at the high international benchmark.
  • Improvements, in two cycles of PIRLS, indicate that students are making very good progress.
  • The overall progression in the National Agenda Parameter (NAP) assessments is very good for the whole cohort and good for Emirati students.

Earlier reports

  • 2022–23: Progress in international assessments — meets expectations
  • 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
  • 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve its UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
  • 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving the National Agenda targets — meets expectations
  • 2016–17: The school does not meet expectations in the National Agenda Parameter tests in English, mathematics and science — does not meet 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)

  1. Back to text, source A

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.

Water sports

  • Swimming · School swimming lessons

Individual sports

  • Athletics
  • Gymnastics
  • Yoga & fitness · Strength & Conditioning · One Strength & Conditioning session per week, per sport

Dance

  • Dance (other) · Dance

Music

  • Choir & singing · the primary choir · over the festive season

Debate & strategy

  • Model United Nations · the Model United Nations simulation
    ·

Award programmes

  • Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP · Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Challenges · Duke of Edinburgh
    ·

Facilities

  • Swimming pool
    ·
  • Playing field
    ·
  • Running track
  • Sports courts
  • Dance studio
  • Sports hall
    ·
  • Art studio

Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports

  • Drama

Also mentioned: project work, Kite Beach Clean Up, Adventure and Service Learning trip to Tanzania, service projects like beach clean-ups, outdoor adventures such as the Hatta Hike and camp, Sports Day, The World Scholars Cup, Highfields, IPQ, school farm activities, Metropole Farm, work experience

Source Source A: School website, read 2026-09-23

  1. 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 · The school allocates two 40-minute lessons, twice a week for Arabic language to all children in FS2 and Year 1.

Courses after 16

  • A variety of learning pathways

Facilities

  • New inclusion spaces
  • Gymnasium
  • Relaxation spaces

External examinations

  • GCSE
  • IGCSE
  • AS
  • A Level
  • BTEC

Support for students of determination and the gifted

  • The identification of students of determination and those who are gifted and talented is accurate. p. 4
  • The wide range of activities, competitions and master classes provide additional challenge for gifted and talented students, beyond the classroom. p. 21
  • There are robust identification procedures based on a wide range of internal and external assessments, and referrals. p. 22
  • Specialist staff identify specific needs and ensure appropriate intervention planning. p. 22
  • Detailed individual education plans (IEPs) provide relevant strategies and specific goals to suit their student’s needs. p. 22
  • There are now new inclusion spaces, providing support and facilities for students of determination. p. 23

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

On the school's website

What the school says about itself on gemsmetropoleschool-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.

Admissions

School buses

Source Source A: School website, read 2026-09-22

  1. Back to text, source A

    School website, read 22 September 2026

    Checked 22 September 2026.

Fees

Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1

AED 38,393 to AED 51,190Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

FS1 to Year 13, 2026–27

Year group

Fees for GEMS Metropole School - Dubai Branch
Compare with

Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.

Annual tuition by year group, GEMS Metropole School - Dubai Branch, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26

Year group2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–272025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Foundation Stage
FS1AED 38,393AED 38,393
FS2AED 41,884AED 41,884
Primary
Year 1AED 45,374AED 45,374
Year 2AED 45,374AED 45,374
Year 3AED 45,374AED 45,374
Year 4AED 45,374AED 45,374
Year 5AED 45,374AED 45,374
Year 6AED 45,374AED 45,374
Secondary
Year 7AED 51,190AED 51,190
Year 8AED 51,190AED 51,190
Year 9AED 51,190AED 51,190
Year 10AED 51,190AED 51,190
Year 11AED 51,190AED 51,190
Post-16
Year 12AED 51,190AED 51,190
Year 13AED 51,190AED 51,190

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. 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.

  2. Back to text, source A

    Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

    Tuition for 15 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source B

    Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26

    Tuition for 15 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  4. 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

7 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 2 development points, 1 recurring across the last 5 reports.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Personal development and wellbeing

Note 1

1 strength

  • Strength

    The high standards of care and the attention to the welfare, wellbeing of students

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3

Parents and community

1 strength

  • Strength

    The strong partnerships with parents

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4

Governance

1 strength

  • Strength

    The well-informed governing board and the provision of high-quality staffing, facilities and resources

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5

Curriculum and challenge

1 strength

  • Strength

    The alternative curriculum pathways that widen opportunities for all students

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6

Leadership and self-evaluation

1 strength

  • Strength

    The continuing development of leadership skills, at all levels, and their impact on the school's performance

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7

Arabic

1 development point

  • Development required

    Increase students' achievements in Islamic Education and Arabic by: - improving the consistency of teaching, - raising teachers' expectations, and - enhancing students’ engagement in their learning.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9

Teaching

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reportsNote 2FS

    Improve FS teachers’ understanding of the Early Learning Goals and their ability to plan, deliver and measure children’s progress accordingly.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13

Findings from 1 of 6 reports

  1. Back to text, note 1

    Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.

  2. 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 Metropole School - Dubai Branch
Rating

Overall rating by academic year, newest first

  1. 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
  2. 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
  3. 2023–24GoodSame as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2022–23GoodUp from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  5. 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
  6. 2019–20AcceptableSame as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  7. 2018–19AcceptableSame as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  8. 2017–18AcceptableSame as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  9. 2016–17AcceptableFirst reportFull Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab) PDF

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. 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 Metropole School - Dubai Branch

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–254,066Not availableNot available
2023–243,928257Not available
2022–233,44622313%
2021–222,722Not availableNot available
2020–212,215Not availableNot available
2019–202,49917728%
2018–192,90018833%
2017–183,04619717%
2016–172,45617037%
2015–161,853Not availableNot available
2014–15934Not availableNot available

Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.