GEMS New Millennium School

Students generally make very good progress in English, mathematics and science and the large majority reach standards above those expected for their age. Progress is strongest in English in the secondary phase of the school. Students’ progress in Islamic Education and Arabic as a second language is good. Students are highly effective independent learners.

Students enjoy school, and demonstrate this through excellent attendance. Their behaviour is almost always exemplary and bullying is very rare. Students have a highly developed sense of community and demonstrate this in the attentions they give to issues around environmental sustainability. Their understanding of Islamic Values and UAE culture is excellent. Very positive attitudes to learning contribute significantly to students’ success, both academically and personally.

Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, effectively sharing it with students and fostering supportive relationships. They generally plan lessons meticulously, building on existing student knowledge and skills. However, at times, adjustments are insufficient to ensure all student groups make swift progress. The curriculum design is both creative and ambitious, complemented by high-quality resources, including innovative technology use. Practical experiences ignite students' passion for learning and elevate their aspirations. After-school activities nurture individual interests and talents. The school places the utmost importance on ensuring student health, safety, and protection. It maintains a hygienic and well-kept environment, with a primary focus on student well-being and personal development.

Well-being is a priority that underpins the ethos and culture of the school. Leaders are active in modelling and promoting well-being and implemented policies are both comprehensive and effectively executed. Students play an active part in monitoring and identifying threats to the well-being of themselves and others. Students, as well as parents, feel they belong and they look on the school as an extension of their own family.

Governors and leaders promote inclusivity and cater very well to the needs of students of determination. Students’ individual needs and barriers to learning are carefully identified. Parents are helped to play a key role in supporting their children with regular updates and reviews. Personalised support both in class and in specialist led sessions builds students’ confidence and resilience and helps them to make very good progress towards their individual targets.

The principal and all leaders share a vision for educational excellence and ongoing improvement. They routinely assess school data, contributing to the self-evaluation process. Yet, this analysis may sometimes lack the necessary detail to promptly detect slowed student progress. The school maintains a highly effective partnership with parents. The governing board offers high-quality support, although there are occasional missed opportunities to hold the school accountable when student outcomes fall short of expectations.