GEMS Our Own Indian School
Indian CBSE curriculum, Al Qouz First, KG1–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
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
- Indian CBSE
- Year groups
- KG1–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 1991
- External examinations
- CBSE Grade 10 and 12 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- CBSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Cricket, Athletics and more, 17 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 3,687 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 171 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 349 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
- 1 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Lalitha Suresh Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 4 Jan 2012, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 1 change of principal
- Mr. Nand Kumar Sharma, 2011–12 → Mrs. Lalitha Suresh, 2012–13 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Qouz First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 339 1188lalitha.s_ois@gemsedu.com
- 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: Very good in 1 report, Good in 9 reports and Acceptable in 2 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
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: 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 | 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 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
Progress in Islamic education has strengthened in phase 3 to match that of phase 4. In Arabic, attainment in phase 2 has also improved, and progress in phase 3 and 4 is also stronger. Progress in phase 3 English now matches that of phase 4. In mathematics, attainment in phase3 has improved to be very good, matching all other phases. Excellent progress in mathematics is observed in both phases 1 and 4.
Personal and social development
Students of all phases exhibit excellent personal and social development. Across all phases, including KG, students have a very strong understanding, knowledge and appreciation of UAE culture and heritage, and Islamic values. They are very active, generous and innovative in their contributions to the school community and increasingly, to local and international communities.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Most teachers have a very secure understanding of how students learn. Almost all teachers plan activities to meet the learning needs of students of different abilities. This is now stronger in primary. In the best lessons, students are encouraged to explore their learning in greater depth by teachers who ask open-ended questions and encourage critical thinking.
Wellbeing
Well-being is integral to the school's ethos, evident in all aspects of school life. The adept well-being team effectively supports students, staff, and parents. Surveys and record analyses identify improvement areas, yet priorities lack specificity or a clear link to the inspection framework. Parents appreciate communication channels for well-being concerns. Students use various avenues to address worries. Staff morale is high, fostering strong retention and a commitment to enhancing the school community's well-being. Diverse initiatives, such as student 'teamcare,' promote well-being, fostering a safe, positive environment.
Inclusion
The school, committed to inclusivity, welcomes students of determination. Oversight by the inclusion governor ensures direct monitoring and support for the school's vision. Entry assessments identify diverse needs, with effective support in the Kindergarten and senior school, though consistency across phases is a challenge. Parents appreciate care, regular progress updates, and observed improvements in confidence. The school maintains a supportive environment, ensuring meaningful engagement and challenges for students of determination. While tracking systems identify learning gaps, feedback specificity for these students remains an area for improvement.
Leadership and management
Very strong principal leadership, supported by her leaders and governors have been very effective in identifying key areas for improvement, since the previous inspection. They have focused on raising of achievement across the school, as well as wellbeing, inclusion and reading. They exhibit a commendable knowledge of the school and have identified its strengths and aspects for development. They successfully evaluate the school and respond to inspection recommendations.
- 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 Our Own Indian SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 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 | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | Not applicable | |
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter are | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Not Applicable.
- The school's results in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) improved markedly in 2021 when compared with the results obtained in 2016.
- The school comfortably exceeded its target and scored above the OECD global average, which reinforces this highly commendable performance.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve its UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2018–19: Impact of Leadership — meets expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2015–16: no verdict read
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:
- 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.
Ball sports
- Football · boys only
- Basketball · Girls and Boys
- Cricket · Girls and Boys
Individual sports
- Athletics · Girls and Boys
- Yoga & fitness · daily yoga sessions
Dance
- Cultural dance · Indian Classical Dance (Bharatnatyam)
- Dance (other) · dances
Theatre
- Drama · large scale productions
- Musicals
Music
- Choir & singing · vocal · choirs
- Orchestra & bands · ensembles
- Instrument lessons · instrumental · Musical Instruments (Key Board, Drums, Flute)
Art & design
- Art · craft · painting
Science & technology
- Robotics
- Science & engineering club · Mathematics Olympiad · Mathematics
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · debating · elocution
- Model United Nations · United Nations Simulation Conference
Facilities
- Playing field
- Art studio
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Scouts & guides
Also mentioned: Environment Club, cultural performances, Project@2020 programme
- 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 KG2 learn Arabic for 40 minutes a week. The modified curriculum aims to develop basic communication skills, mainly in listening and speaking.
External examinations
- CBSE Grade 10 and 12
Facilities
- STEAM and science laboratories
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Across all phases, students of determination and those who are gifted and talented receive meaningful help to support their learning. p. 4
- Efficient and comprehensive systems ensure the early and accurate identification of students of determination. p. 18
- 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 gemsoo-alquoz.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
- «The school admits pupils irrespective of their gender, race, disability, or special educational needs, provided that there are good prospects of meeting their needs without unduly prejudicing the education and welfare of other pupils.» gemsoo-alquoz.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Open for Enrolments - Academic Year 2026-2027» gemsoo-alquoz.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Duly filled Transport Registration Form (along with Terms & Conditions and Student Bus Behavior Code) to be submitted at the STS counter.» gemsoo-alquoz.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «The STS Service Delivery Executive at school will check and confirm availability of transport to the location of residence.» gemsoo-alquoz.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Once confirmed you will be provided the relevant details regarding Timing, Contact and Pick up / Drop off points.» gemsoo-alquoz.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Payments can be completed either at the STS counter at school or through the Online portal at www.stss.ae» gemsoo-alquoz.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 14 year groupsNote 1
AED 7,209 to AED 14,696Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
KG1 to Grade 12, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, GEMS Our Own Indian 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 | ||
| KG1 | AED 7,209 | AED 7,209 |
| KG2 | AED 7,209 | AED 7,209 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 8,250 | AED 8,250 |
| Grade 2 | AED 8,250 | AED 8,250 |
| Grade 3 | AED 8,250 | AED 8,250 |
| Grade 4 | AED 8,250 | AED 8,250 |
| Grade 5 | AED 8,250 | AED 8,250 |
| Grade 6 | AED 9,347 | AED 9,347 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 9,347 | AED 9,347 |
| Grade 8 | AED 9,347 | AED 9,347 |
| Grade 9 | AED 11,741 | AED 11,741 |
| Grade 10 | AED 11,741 | AED 11,741 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 14,696 | AED 14,696 |
| Grade 12 | AED 14,696 | AED 14,696 |
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 14 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 14 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
Strength
The very strong leadership and governance and the vision of nurturing active learners in an inclusive environment
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
The excellent personal and social development of students and their understanding of Islam and awareness of Emirati and world cultures
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The high standard of protection, care, guidance and support of students across the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Attainment and progress
1 strength
Strength
The many improvements in students’ achievement across all phases of the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Early years
1 strength
StrengthKG
The very strong start that children in KG receive through a rich, inspiring curriculum
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Teaching
3 development points
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Ensure that teaching in Arabic is student-cantered, and appropriately modified to meet the needs of all students and their years of learning the language.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reportsPrimary and Middle
Improve the use of assessment information to influence teaching, the curriculum, and students’ progress in Primary and Middle.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reportsPrimary
Ensure that primary teachers plan and engage students in learning activities that meet their individual learning needs and, in a timely manner.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Findings from 1 of 11 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
13 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2009–10 to 2023–24.
History of GEMS Our Own Indian 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
- 2023–24Same as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- 2022–23Up from GoodFull 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)
- 2016–17Same as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- 2015–16Up from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
- 2014–15Down from GoodFull 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)
- 2011–12Same as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- 2010–11Up from AcceptableFull 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 Our Own Indian School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 3,687 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 3,666 | 171 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 3,696 | 169 | 5% |
| 2021–22 | 3,729 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 3,823 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 3,641 | 171 | 9% |
| 2018–19 | 3,679 | 168 | 16% |
| 2017–18 | 3,657 | 167 | 13% |
| 2016–17 | 3,637 | 166 | 19% |
| 2015–16 | 3,624 | 164 | 19% |
| 2014–15 | 3,643 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 3,679 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 3,588 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 3,604 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 3,576 | 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)
- 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)
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 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)KHDA school directory 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)