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

2023–24

Earlier reports

  1. 12 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
Indian CBSE
Year groups
KG1–Grade 12
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English
Founded
1991
External examinations
CBSE Grade 10 and 12 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
3,687 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
Students of determination
349 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.

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

  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

    Very good

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 1 report, Good in 9 reports and Acceptable in 2 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 1 report and Good in 1 report.

  4. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Very good

    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.

AreaKGPrimaryMiddleSecondary
TeachingTeaching for effective learningVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good
AssessmentVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good
SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protectionOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

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.

  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

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).

Source Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Academics

Academic outcomes, GEMS Our Own Indian School

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

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondary
Islamic EducationNot in this reportGoodGood
ArabicNot in this reportGoodAcceptable
EnglishVery goodVery goodVery good
MathematicsVery goodVery goodVery good
ScienceVery goodOutstandingVery good

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 School

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2015–162016–172017–182018–192019–202022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentPrimaryGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentMiddleGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentSecondaryGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressPrimaryGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressMiddleGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodVery good
Islamic Education progressSecondaryGoodGoodVery goodVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good

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 AchievementOutstandingNot applicable
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementVery goodNot in this report
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyVery goodNot applicable
Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter areVery goodNot 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)

  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.

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

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 · 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

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 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

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 14 year groupsNote 1

AED 7,209 to AED 14,696Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

KG1 to Grade 12, 2026–27

Year group

Fees for GEMS Our Own Indian School
Compare with

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 group2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–272025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Foundation Stage
KG1AED 7,209AED 7,209
KG2AED 7,209AED 7,209
Primary
Grade 1AED 8,250AED 8,250
Grade 2AED 8,250AED 8,250
Grade 3AED 8,250AED 8,250
Grade 4AED 8,250AED 8,250
Grade 5AED 8,250AED 8,250
Grade 6AED 9,347AED 9,347
Secondary
Grade 7AED 9,347AED 9,347
Grade 8AED 9,347AED 9,347
Grade 9AED 11,741AED 11,741
Grade 10AED 11,741AED 11,741
Post-16
Grade 11AED 14,696AED 14,696
Grade 12AED 14,696AED 14,696

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 14 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source B

    Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26

    Tuition for 14 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

8 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 3 development points, 3 recurring across the last 5 reports.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Leadership and self-evaluation

Note 1

1 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

  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

13 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2009–10 to 2023–24.

History of GEMS Our Own Indian School
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. 2023–24Very goodSame as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2022–23Very goodUp from GoodFull Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  5. 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
  6. 2019–20GoodSame as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  7. 2018–19GoodSame as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  8. 2017–18GoodSame as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  9. 2016–17GoodSame as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  10. 2015–16GoodUp from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  11. Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
  12. 2014–15AcceptableDown from GoodFull Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  13. 2013–14GoodSame as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  14. 2012–13GoodSame as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  15. 2011–12GoodSame as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  16. 2010–11GoodUp from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  17. 2009–10AcceptableFirst reportFull Inspection Report 2009–10 (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 Our Own Indian School

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–253,687Not availableNot available
2023–243,666171Not available
2022–233,6961695%
2021–223,729Not availableNot available
2020–213,823Not availableNot available
2019–203,6411719%
2018–193,67916816%
2017–183,65716713%
2016–173,63716619%
2015–163,62416419%
2014–153,643Not availableNot available
2013–143,679Not availableNot available
2012–133,588Not availableNot available
2011–123,604Not availableNot available
2010–113,576Not availableNot 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

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)

School website · web page, English