GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail
British curriculum, Al Khail, 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
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
- British
- Year groups
- FS1–Year 13
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2013
- External examinations
- GCSE; IGCSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Swimming, Robotics and more, 2 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 2,472 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 191 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 282 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 86 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.
- Guidance counsellors
- 2 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Campbell William Douglas Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 1 Aug 2020, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2015–16
- 4 changes of principal
- Keith Miller, 2015–16 → Colin Callaghan, 2016–17 → Neil Matthews, 2018–19 to 2019–20 → Campbell William Douglas, 2022–23 to 2023–24 → ELIZABETH ANN HAYDON, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Al Khail
- Phone and email
- +971 4 512 9100Principal_wek@gemsedu.comPrincipal: ELIZABETH ANN HAYDON
- 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 2 reports and Good in 4 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 2 reports.
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 | Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary | Post-16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Children sustain outstanding progress in English, mathematics and science in the Foundation Stage (FS). Additionally, there are improvements in aspects of Islamic Education, Arabic as a first language, English, mathematics and science. Students are keen to learn. Children in FS are particularly enthusiastic to engage in a wide range of learning activities. Their ability to extend their independent learning skills outdoors is more limited
Personal and social development
Students enjoy coming to school and feel safe and supported by their teachers when facing challenges. They have positive attitudes and excellent leadership skills. They show great appreciation for the UAE heritage and culture, actively participating in national celebrations. Older students enhance their innovation, technology, and design skills through workshops involving robotics, drones, and 3D printers.
Teaching, curriculum and care
The school fosters highly positive relationships between teachers and students, particularly notable in the Foundation Stage (FS), where skilled teaching assistants significantly contribute to learners' success. Teachers prepare students very well for external assessments, with a rigorous analysis of data to identify strengths and weaknesses among student groups. This thorough approach underpins a culture of targeted support and academic readiness.
Wellbeing
The school places a strong emphasis on well-being, guided by committed leaders and deeply integrated into its ethos. Well-being assessments are carried out through computer programmes and feedback, leading to personalised support methods. Students and staff feel exceptionally supported, with access to specialist counsellors and a focus on resilience. A collaborative atmosphere prioritises well-being, involving all stakeholders in its provision. The school offers a broad range of well-being experiences and extracurricular activities.
Inclusion
The school has wholeheartedly adopted an inclusive ethos, steered by shared core values that significantly enrich the experiences of the majority of students. The department at the helm of this initiative is led by an exceptionally dedicated and proficient team. The curriculum is frequently refreshed to reliably meet students' needs, providing an expanding array of courses. Students benefit from access to an abundance of top-tier resources, encompassing assistance from therapeutic experts and specialised facilities. The school's physical infrastructure is exemplary
Leadership and management
Very capable senior leaders have created a learning community with a clear purpose. It's a caring place that values including everyone and focuses on well-being and achievement. School leaders have made things better in important subjects. The way the school is managed every day is very well organised, which helps students do really well because of good routines. The school has a good reputation in the community because leaders make sure the school keeps getting better.
- 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).
- 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 | Post-16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Wellington Academy Al KhailIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentPost-16 | Islamic Education attainment, Post-16: not rated from 2015–16 to 2017–18 | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressPost-16 | Islamic Education progress, Post-16: not rated from 2015–16 to 2017–18 | ||||||
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 | ||
| Leadership: International and Emirati Very Good Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- With a score of 587, the school exceeded its whole-school target in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021 by 5 points.
- On average, across English, mathematics and science for the whole school, students sustained an outstanding judgement in benchmark assessments from 2022 to 2023.
- The school's most recent reading literacy skills assessment reveals that the reading literacy scores of the majority of students are at, or above, age-related expectations.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the schools’ 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 — meets expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — meets 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:
- British: five IGCSE or GCSE passes (grade E or 3) and one A level or two AS levels (grade E).
- Vocational only. A BTEC Level 3 Diploma counts as a technical certificate, not the general secondary certificate.
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.
Water sports
- Swimming · swimming academy
Science & technology
- Robotics
Facilities
- Theatre or auditorium
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Coding
Also mentioned: drone workshops
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 4
Checked 16 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 · Arabic is taught in FS1, FS2 and into Year 1. Children in FS2 attend two sessions of combined Arabic per week. They have one extra lesson of Arabic as a first language. Each lesson lasts for 25 minutes. In Year 1, students attend four sessions of Arabic as a first language for 190 minutes per week.
Facilities
- Specialised laboratory
External examinations
- GCSE
- IGCSE
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Capable teaching assistants make a significant contribution to learners’ success throughout the school. p. 4
- Alongside the highly-skilled teaching teams, careers and therapeutic specialists provide exceptional guidance and support for all students, including those with gifts and talents. p. 4
- Students’ needs are swiftly identified using a range of assessment tools and through consultation with parents. p. 22
- The process ensures that appropriate adjustments are made to individual education plans (IEPs). p. 22
- Considerable high-quality resources are available to students, together with specialist therapeutic professionals and specialist spaces. p. 22
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 62,338 to AED 109,800Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
FS1 to Year 13, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail, 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 | ||
| FS1 | AED 62,338 | AED 62,338 |
| FS2 | AED 77,923 | AED 77,923 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 77,923 | AED 77,923 |
| Year 2 | AED 77,923 | AED 77,923 |
| Year 3 | AED 77,923 | AED 77,923 |
| Year 4 | AED 77,923 | AED 77,923 |
| Year 5 | AED 77,923 | AED 77,923 |
| Year 6 | AED 77,923 | AED 77,923 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 101,900 | AED 101,900 |
| Year 8 | AED 101,900 | AED 101,900 |
| Year 9 | AED 101,900 | AED 101,900 |
| Year 10 | AED 109,800 | AED 109,800 |
| Year 11 | AED 109,800 | AED 109,800 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 109,800 | AED 109,800 |
| Year 13 | AED 109,800 | AED 109,800 |
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
8 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 3 development points, 2 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 strength
Strength
Senior leaders’ vision to achieve high performance within an inclusive learning community.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
English
1 strength
Strength
Outstanding progress in English, mathematics and science.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Students’ excellent personal development, understanding of Islamic values and social responsibility.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Development required
Review the provision for wellbeing and monitor its implementation and impact.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Governance
1 strength
Strength
The Local Advisory Board’s commitment to the continuous improvement of the school, together with the engagement of parents as partners in supporting their children’s learning.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Staffing, facilities and resources
1 strength
Strength
The very effective daily management of the school campus.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Improve teaching, students’ learning skills and assessment practices.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Inclusion of students of determination
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsStudents of determination
Ensure consistency in the quality of classroom support for students of determination.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Findings from 1 of 7 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
7 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2015–16 to 2023–24.
History of GEMS Wellington Academy Al KhailOverall 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.
- 2019–20Up from GoodFull 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)
- 2015–16First reportFull Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
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 Wellington Academy Al Khail
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 2,472 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 2,532 | 191 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 2,144 | 157 | 12% |
| 2021–22 | 1,138 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 968 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 988 | 98 | 8% |
| 2018–19 | 944 | 97 | 15% |
| 2017–18 | 1,110 | 102 | 7% |
| 2016–17 | 1,101 | Not available | Not available |
| 2015–16 | 1,035 | 87 | 30% |
| 2014–15 | 820 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 529 | 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)
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)