GEMS World Academy

IB curriculum, Al Barsha 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

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
IB
Year groups
Pre-KG–Grade 12
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English
Founded
2008

Students and staff

From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.

Students, 2024–⁠25
2,066 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
Students of determination
197 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Largest nationality group
Russian Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.

Leadership

Principal at the 2023–⁠24 inspection
Saima Rana Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Appointed 1 Aug 2020, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
Principals since 2011–⁠12
4 changes of principal
Dan E. Young, 2011–12 to 2012–13 → Jason McBride (pending MoE approval), 2013–14 → Mr. Stuart Walker, 2015–16 to 2018–19 → Dr. Saima Rana, 2022–23 to 2023–24 → HEATH JON MONK, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18

Contact

Address
Al Barsha First
Phone and email
+971 4 373 6373principal_gwa@gemsedu.comPrincipal: HEATH JON MONK
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 3 reports, Good in 8 reports and Acceptable in 1 report.

  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.

  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.

AreaKGPYPMYPDP
TeachingTeaching for effective learningOutstandingVery goodVery goodVery good
AssessmentOutstandingVery goodVery goodVery good
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding
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

Students achievement is best in English and science across the school, with outstanding progress in the Kindergarten. Arabic achievement is good in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) but only acceptable in Islamic education in the same phase. Mathematics achievement is very good in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and good in the PYP and Diploma Programme (DP). Arabic as an additional language shows weak attainment in the MYP, while children's learning skills are outstanding in the KG and very good in other phases.

Personal and social development

The school maintains an exemplary positive behaviour and attitude culture across all phases, fostering a respectful and inclusive community. Students excel in understanding Islamic values, Emirati heritage, and various cultures, promoting integration. They actively engage in leadership roles, charity drives, and sustainability initiatives, displaying strong work ethic, creativity, and global issue awareness, particularly related to the United Nations and climate change. The Eco council organise many highly successful school-wide recycling initiatives.

Teaching, curriculum and care

The quality of teaching is notably high in kindergarten, though it shows less consistency in other phases, affecting student engagement and critical thinking skills. Lesson planning is generally clear and focused, but its execution varies, especially in Islamic education, Arabic, and mathematics. The school's assessment processes are well-aligned with curriculum standards, offering key insights into student development, particularly in kindergarten. .

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is at the core of the school's culture, guided by the 'CARE' principles. Leaders and champions promote these principles, but alignment with the inspection framework is incomplete. Students readily share concerns, with a strong support network and feel comfortable approaching trusted adults with worries. Staff receive excellent induction and ongoing support, contributing to high morale. The school emphasises self-support and safety awareness in students, both in behaviour and online.

Inclusion

The school values inclusivity and effectively welcomes students of determination. They have well-designed facilities and resources. The inclusion lead oversees thorough assessments, and interventions are mostly effective but inconsistent. Parents praise communication and support. Most classes create supportive environments for these students, but teaching is yet to be consistent in meeting their individual needs. Monitoring and responsive learning pathways are in place to address gaps in their development and qualifications.

Leadership and management

The school's leaders prioritise inclusive learning and well-being, offering coaching for new leaders and clear performance targets. However, challenges with new students require innovative solutions so all groups of students achieve well. Data is used for self-evaluation, but better alignment between next steps and judgments is needed. The governing board is committed but needs to act as a critical friend. The school efficiently manages daily operations and provides well-equipped facilities for diverse student needs, maintaining up-to-date resources and materials.

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    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).

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 World Academy

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

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondaryPost-16
Islamic EducationNot in this reportAcceptableGoodGood
ArabicNot in this reportGoodWeakAcceptable
EnglishVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good
MathematicsVery goodGoodVery goodGood
ScienceOutstandingVery goodVery goodVery 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 World Academy

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2015–162016–172017–182018–192022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentDPAcceptableGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentMYPAcceptableAcceptableGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentPYPGoodGoodGoodGoodAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education progressDPGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressMYPGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressPYPGoodGoodGoodGoodAcceptableAcceptable

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 AchievementGoodWeak
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementGoodNot in this report
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyAcceptableAcceptable
Overall school standards in the National Agenda ParameterGoodNot in this report

Registration requirements: Met Fully

  • With an average score of 576, the school exceeded its set target in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021 by 26 points.
  • However, in benchmark assessment students did not make improvement in all subjects over the two years.
  • They remain weak in English, mathematics and science.
  • Emirati students did not participate in the latest PIRLS assessment.
  • Their progression in the benchmark assessments is also weak.
  • The school's most recent reading literacy skills assessment reveals that a majority of students’ reading literacy scores are at, or above, age-related expectations.

Earlier reports

  • 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
  • 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progress towards achieving its UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
  • 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — is above expectations
  • 2016–17: Overall, the schools’ improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meets expectations
  • 2015–16: Progress towards meeting the National Agenda targets — was as expected

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:

  • IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.
  • Vocational only. The IB Career-related Programme 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)

  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.

Individual sports

  • Athletics · cross-country running
  • Climbing · rock climbing
  • Yoga & fitness · yoga

Debate & strategy

  • Model United Nations

Facilities

  • Sports hall
  • Swimming pool
  • Theatre or auditorium
    ·
  • Music rooms
    ·
  • Makerspace
  • Art studio
    ·
  • Sports courts
  • Running track
  • Playing field

Also mentioned: entrepreneurship workshops, Formula One team, eco-school club

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 · Arabic as a First Language

External examinations

  • IBDP

Facilities

  • Premises

Courses after 16

  • IB Diploma · IBDP
  • IB Career-related · IBCP courses
  • US High School Diploma · a High School Diploma

Support for students of determination and the gifted

  • There are highly effective systems to ensure the accurate identification of students of determination. p. 19
  • The inclusion team oversee a comprehensive system of assessment procedures which helps to identify a wide range of need. p. 20
  • Carefully planned interventions and programmes, supported by external specialists, are successfully implemented in the large majority of classrooms. p. 20
  • The school provides very supportive classroom environments for students of determination in most lessons. p. 20
  • Effective systems to monitor the personal and academic progress of students of determination are in place. p. 20
  • The school has developed some additional learning pathways for students of determination and is continuing to review and improve the range of certifications, awards, and qualifications. p. 20

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 gemsworldacademy-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.

Where leavers go

Admissions

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 15 year groupsNote 1

AED 71,113 to AED 123,442Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

Pre-KG to Grade 12, 2026–27

Year group

Fees for GEMS World Academy
Compare with

Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.

Annual tuition by year group, GEMS World Academy, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26

Year group2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–272025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Foundation Stage
Pre-KGAED 71,113AED 71,113
KG1AED 71,113AED 71,113
KG2AED 88,960AED 88,960
Primary
Grade 1AED 88,960AED 88,960
Grade 2AED 88,960AED 88,960
Grade 3AED 88,960AED 88,960
Grade 4AED 88,960AED 88,960
Grade 5AED 102,378AED 102,378
Grade 6AED 102,378AED 102,378
Secondary
Grade 7AED 102,378AED 102,378
Grade 8AED 102,378AED 102,378
Grade 9AED 112,709AED 112,709
Grade 10AED 112,709AED 112,709
Post-16
Grade 11AED 123,442AED 123,442
Grade 12AED 123,442AED 123,442

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 15 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source B

    Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26

    Tuition for 15 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

7 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 2 development points, 2 recurring across the last 5 reports.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Early years

Note 1

1 strength

  • StrengthKG

    Children’s high achievement in KG as a result of outstanding teaching for effective learning

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3

Personal development and wellbeing

1 strength

  • Strength

    Students’ personal and social development, and their innovation skills

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4

Health, safety and safeguarding

1 strength

  • Strength

    The protection, care, guidance and pastoral support of students

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5

Parents and community

1 strength

  • Strength

    The involvement and support of parents in contributing to the raising of standards

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6

Staffing, facilities and resources

1 strength

  • Strength

    The efficient day-to-day management, staffing, and high-quality resources

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7

Assessment

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2Students learning English as an additional language and new students

    Utilise internal and external assessment information more effectively to deliver lessons that cater to the diverse needs of all learners, including EAL students and newcomers, so that all achieve well.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9

Teaching

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports

    Ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality teaching, adhering to best practices, so that all students, particularly in Islamic Education, Arabic, and mathematics, can reach their full potential.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10

Findings from 1 of 10 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, 2016–17 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.

History

13 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.

History of GEMS World Academy
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 goodSame as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  5. 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
  6. 2018–19Very goodSame as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  7. 2017–18Very goodUp from GoodFull Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  8. 2016–17GoodSame as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  9. 2015–16GoodSame as 2014–15Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  10. Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
  11. 2014–15GoodSame as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  12. 2013–14GoodSame as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  13. 2012–13GoodSame as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  14. 2011–12GoodSame as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  15. 2010–11GoodSame as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  16. 2009–10GoodUp from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  17. 2008–09AcceptableFirst reportFull Inspection Report 2008–09 (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 World Academy

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–252,066Not availableNot available
2023–242,026188Not available
2022–231,70417415%
2021–221,335Not availableNot available
2020–211,291Not availableNot available
2019–201,471Not availableNot available
2018–191,49316414%
2017–181,711184Not available
2016–171,80918618%
2015–162,00718435%
2014–151,94817226%
2013–141,709Not availableNot available
2012–131,344Not availableNot available
2011–12911Not availableNot available
2010–11786Not 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 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)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