GEMS Modern Academy
Indian ICSE, IB curriculum, Nadd Al Shiba First, Pre-KG–Grade 12
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
- Indian ICSE, IB
- Year groups
- Pre-KG–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 1986
- External examinations
- ISCE, ISC, IBDP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- CISCE, IB, CIS Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Table tennis, Debate & public speaking, Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP and more, 3 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 3,941 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 239 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 219 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
- 3 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- NARGISH HOSHEDAR KHAMBATTA Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 4 Jan 2014, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 3 changes of principal
- Darryl Lancelot Bloud, 2011–12 to 2012–13 → MrDarryl Bloud, 2013–14 → NARGISH HOSHEDAR KHAMBATTA, 2014–15 to 2023–24 → Sydney Michael Atkins, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Nadd Al Shiba First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 326 3339principal_mhs@gemsedu.comPrincipal: Sydney Michael Atkins
- 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: Outstanding in 10 reports and Good in 2 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
Not available2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding 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 | KG | Primary | Middle | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 4
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
Across the school, there is an exceptional level of student achievement, with particularly strong outcomes in the Kindergarten, where children not only participate eagerly but also make swift progress. The students consistently exhibit outstanding learning skills, which, in turn, enable older students to excel in external curriculum and benchmark assessments. It's worth noting, however, that student achievement in Islamic education and Arabic as an additional language does not match the same high level of achievement observed in other areas.
Personal and social development
Students exhibit a highly positive attitude towards learning, and their behaviours, maturity, and overall approach to school actively contribute to their impressive academic achievements. Moreover, students' profound understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture reflects their appreciation of the society of which they are a part. Their extensive participation in extracurricular activities is remarkable, and their accomplishments in these areas are on par with their achievements in academic subjects
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teaching standards throughout the school are generally high, resulting in strong student achievement, particularly in the upper grades. However, there is a need for improvement in the quality of teaching in the primary phase, where challenges and support for all student groups are sometimes lacking. While assessment practices are robust, the utilisation of data to support all students isn't consistently effective, and the quality of feedback on student work varies.
Wellbeing
Leaders at every level actively promote and emphasise the significance of well-being, which has a notable positive impact. The well-being team is experienced and effectively engages students, encouraging them to contribute their ideas for enhancing well-being. Student input is actively sought, with communication channels open to school leaders and parents, providing staff with valuable information. Counsellors and school leaders collaborate to nurture and support students, fostering a sense of belonging. Special programmes further empower and boost the happiness of students.
Inclusion
The school prioritises professional support and monitoring for effective inclusive teaching. Various procedures identify students in need and involve external specialists for optimal support. Parental involvement is highly valued, evident through effective communication and a successful parent mentoring initiative. The school's approach minimises barriers to learning for students with complex needs. However, while systems for assessment and progress tracking are in place, some lessons may require more tailored modifications, needing further attention.
Leadership and management
The school boasts a strong senior leadership team, led by a proactive and innovative principal, and ably assisted by leaders at all levels. Governance, managed through both corporate and local advisory boards, not only supports but also significantly shapes the school's direction. Parents actively support the school and actively participate in their child's learning journey. The school maintains an extensive array of facilities and resources that underpin the exceptional levels of student achievement, both in academics and extracurricular activities.
- 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
6 Apr 2026 to 19 Mar 2027 · 182 school days
- Eid al-Adha
- 26 May 2026 to 29 May 20264 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
- Islamic New Year
- 16 Jun 2026expected, subject to moon sighting
- Summer break includes Prophet’s birthday
- 6 Jul 2026 to 28 Aug 202654 days
- Other school holidays
- 9 Nov 2026 to 10 Nov 20262 days
- National Day
- 2 Dec 2026 to 3 Dec 20262 days
- Winter break includes New year’s day
- 14 Dec 2026 to 2 Jan 202720 days
- Eid al-Fitr
- 8 Mar 2027 to 11 Mar 20274 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Modern AcademyIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | |||||
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | |||||
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | |||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | |||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary |
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 | |
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter are | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- The school was set a target of 610 in the 2022 PIRLS testing session. It managed to raise its score from 600 in 2016 to a score of 605 in 2022.
- The school maintained extremely high ASSET scores in English between 2022 and 2023, with every grade achieving outstanding levels in both years.
- In mathematics they improved ASSET scores, moving from five grades at outstanding, and two at very good in 2022, to six outstanding and only one very good in 2023.
- For science, the levels were maintained with six outstanding and one very good grade in each testing session.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2017–18: Attainment, as measured by the National Agenda Parameters (N.A.P) benchmark tests — is above expectations
- 2015–16: Progress towards National Agenda targets — was above expectations
Recognised by UAE universities?
UAE universities ask for the Ministry of Education’s equivalency of the Grade 12 certificate. For this school’s curricula, the student needs:
- IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.
- Indian: the Grade 12 and Grade 10 board certificates, with Grade 11 transcripts.
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.
Racket sports
- Table tennis
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · debates
Award programmes
- Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP · The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Facilities
- Makerspace
- Dance studio
- Running track
- Sports courts
- Swimming pool
· - Theatre or auditorium
- Music rooms
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Musicals
- Model United Nations
Also mentioned: Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) units, Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)
- 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 · Children in the Early Years learn Arabic in KG 2 for 20 minutes per week.
Facilities
- Extensive buildings and outdoor areas
Courses after 16
- ICSE/ISC · Indian ISCE
- IB Diploma · IB DP
- ASDAN units
External examinations
- ISCE
- ISC
- IBDP
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Students of determination are carefully identified, and support programmes written to support their needs. p. 4
- The school is fully inclusive and has very thorough systems to identify and provide for students who have an additional learning need, and those who are gifted and talented. p. 19
- Counsellors provide personalised care and support to students. p. 19
- The school uses a wide range of standardised procedures to identify students and plan interventions. p. 20
- The team collaborates closely with external specialists to deliver effective provision and to identify students’ learning needs accurately. p. 20
- Trained and qualified staff deliver relevant and supportive interventions in most cases. p. 20
- 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 gemsmodernacademy-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
- «Applications for the Academic year 2026-2027 are open.» gemsmodernacademy-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «The IBDP is a rigorous two-year pre-university international education programme that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19 years.» gemsmodernacademy-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Subject choices will be offered provided specific prerequisites are met.» gemsmodernacademy-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «This will also be subject to sufficient minimum number of candidates opting for them.» gemsmodernacademy-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Email: sde-gma@sts-group.com» gemsmodernacademy-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Telephone : +971 552207496» gemsmodernacademy-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Bus Fees 2026/2027» gemsmodernacademy-dubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Bus Fees Nursery 2026/2027» gemsmodernacademy-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 30,983 to AED 56,706Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Pre-KG to Grade 12, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, GEMS Modern Academy, 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 | ||
| Pre-KG | AED 30,983 | AED 30,983 |
| KG1 | AED 38,246 | AED 38,246 |
| KG2 | AED 38,246 | AED 38,246 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 43,311 | AED 43,311 |
| Grade 2 | AED 43,311 | AED 43,311 |
| Grade 3 | AED 45,670 | AED 45,670 |
| Grade 4 | AED 45,670 | AED 45,670 |
| Grade 5 | AED 48,173 | AED 48,173 |
| Grade 6 | AED 48,173 | AED 48,173 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 48,173 | AED 48,173 |
| Grade 8 | AED 48,173 | AED 48,173 |
| Grade 9 | AED 51,345 | AED 51,345 |
| Grade 10 | AED 51,345 | AED 51,345 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 56,706 | AED 56,706 |
| Grade 12 | AED 56,706 | AED 56,706 |
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
6 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 2 development points, 2 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Attainment and progress
Note 11 strength
Strength
Students’ achievements in a wide range of academic and non-academic areas, and their personal and social development
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Innovation and thinking skills
1 strength
Strength
Students’ well-developed learning skills which support their current learning and future pathways
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Curriculum and challenge
1 strength
Strength
School leader’s successful delivery of a dual curriculum pathway from Grade 6 onwards
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Staffing, facilities and resources
1 strength
Strength
The facilities and care and support that supports students’ engagement in learning
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Teaching
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2Primary, Students of determination and gifted and talented students
Address the occasional variations in the consistency of teaching, particularly in Primary by ensuring that all teachers: - make effective use of the available assessment data in planning lessons that identify and support the needs of all groups of students, - implement the identified support strategies for students of determination and those with gifts and talents through the use of appropriately targeted structured activities, and levels of challenge, and - make effective use of personalised feedback to support student learning.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Implement a revised strategy for the monitoring of classroom practice which focuses on the impact on the learning outcomes for all groups of students, from: - the use of assessment data in planning and modification of lessons, and - the strategies used to support the different groups of students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Findings from 1 of 9 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, 2015–16 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
11 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2009–10 to 2023–24.
History of GEMS Modern AcademyOverall 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 2018–19Report not online
- 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 2015–16Report not online
- 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)
- 2011–12Up from GoodFull Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- 2010–11Same as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- 2009–10First reportFull Inspection Report 2009–10 (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 Modern Academy
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 3,941 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 3,840 | 239 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 3,608 | 230 | 6% |
| 2021–22 | 3,509 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 3,627 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 3,803 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 3,804 | 234 | 10% |
| 2017–18 | 3,926 | 234 | 5% |
| 2016–17 | 3,886 | Not available | Not available |
| 2015–16 | 3,702 | 228 | 11% |
| 2014–15 | 3,780 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 3,571 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 2,778 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 2,322 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 2,254 | 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 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (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)
Not online: the reports of 2019–20, 2016–17. The timeline takes those years’ 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)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)