Gulf Indian High School
Indian CBSE curriculum, Al Garhoud, 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
- 1979
- External examinations
- CBSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- CBSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Dance (other), Drama and more, 2 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 2,554 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 154 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 196 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
- Muhammad Ali Kottakkulam Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 4 Jan 2016, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 3 changes of principal
- Mr. Alexander Coates Reid, 2011–12 to 2012–13 → Mr. Bala Reddy Ambati, 2013–14 to 2015–16 → MUHAMMAD ALI KOTTAKKULAM, 2016–17 to 2023–24 → Reshma Tabassum Abdul Karim Syed, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Al Garhoud
- Phone and email
- +971 4 611 9400gihs@gihsdubai.comPrincipal: Reshma Tabassum Abdul Karim Syed
- 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
Up from Acceptable Earlier: Acceptable in 12 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Up from Acceptable Earlier: Acceptable in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: 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
Students demonstrate high levels of achievement in English across the primary, middle and secondary phases. In the secondary phase, students demonstrate higher levels of achievement in mathematics than in science. Performance of students in the Kindergarten (KG) and primary phase is the same across the subjects of English, mathematics, and science.
Personal and social development
Students, across all school phases, consistently display positive and responsible attitudes toward their education. They exhibit self-discipline, confidence, and maintain respectful interactions with both peers and adults. Their understanding of Islamic values and their significance within the UAE context is robust. Additionally, students showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and willingly embrace responsibilities and volunteer opportunities within the school and the wider community. Their care for one another and their swift progression towards responsible citizenship is evident.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teaching is notably strongest in the secondary phase. Teachers employ a diverse range of strategies to enhance the effectiveness of student learning. They maintain positive interactions with students, fostering a keen interest in learning. However, too many teachers struggle to provide adequate thinking time and opportunities for students to engage in meaningful discussions with their peers. While small group work is effectively implemented in many lessons, group sizes often hinder active participation from all students. The curriculum adheres entirely to statutory requirements, aiming to foster knowledge and skills development that align with student ages. The subject offerings provide a sufficiently broad range, enabling older students to explore their interests and aspirations. Thoughtfully planned cross-curricular links further enhance the transfer of learning between different subjects.
Wellbeing
Leaders maintain a strong commitment to well-being throughout the school, with various student-led initiatives. Students actively participate in assemblies, sharing well-being tips and thoughts. They benefit from programmes and activities like the Wednesday and Thursday sessions that promote their own well-being. This sense of care and support creates a family-like atmosphere where students, staff, and parents feel valued and a strong sense of belonging within the school community.
Inclusion
The school benefits from strong leadership in the inclusion department, which excels in monitoring and providing guidance for students of determination. The well-qualified inclusion team promptly identifies individual student needs and employs a structured, step-by-step approach. This approach involves collaboration between class teachers and the inclusion department to address the unique requirements of each student. In cases where necessary, students receive access to a separate curriculum if they are exempt from specific subjects.
Leadership and management
Leaders across all levels, led by the principal, clearly express their vision in alignment with UAE priorities, focusing on areas such as reading, the National Agenda, and student well-being. Communication throughout the school is consistently effective and maintains a professional standard. The senior and middle leadership teams excel in identifying potential obstacles to effective teaching and swiftly taking action to address them.The school's effective communication and reporting mechanisms keep parents well-informed about their children's progress.
- 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
- 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
- Other school holidays
- 26 Jan 2027
- 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, Gulf Indian High 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 | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- The school did not reach its target of 538 for the PIRLS reading assessment, but with a score of 530 the school improved its performance on the previous assessment.
- In the ASSET benchmark tests, the school achieved outstanding outcomes in all subjects.
- In mathematics and science, they improved from very good, while in English they maintained an outstanding outcome.
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 — meets expectations
- 2018–19: Impact of Leadership — is approaching expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — is below expectations
- 2016–17: Attainment as measured by the National Agenda Parameter tests in mathematics and science — is not secure
- 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.
Dance
- Dance (other) · Dance
Theatre
- Drama
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Science & engineering club
- Cricket
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Football
- Chess
- Yoga & fitness
- Debate & public speaking
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 9
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 KG2 by four teachers for 20 minutes per week.
External examinations
- CBSE
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The school has effective systems to identify students with additional learning needs, including those who may be gifted and talented. p. 18
- The inclusion team provide support for class teachers and parents. p. 18
- The school has early identification procedures for any student with additional learning needs. p. 19
- Students with the most significant needs receive personal support plans with targets set to support their development. p. 19
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 14 year groupsNote 1
AED 4,989 to AED 9,434Source 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, Gulf Indian High 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 4,989 | AED 4,989 |
| KG2 | AED 4,989 | AED 4,989 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 5,260 | AED 5,260 |
| Grade 2 | AED 5,260 | AED 5,260 |
| Grade 3 | AED 5,260 | AED 5,260 |
| Grade 4 | AED 5,805 | AED 5,805 |
| Grade 5 | AED 5,805 | AED 5,805 |
| Grade 6 | AED 6,351 | AED 6,351 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 6,351 | AED 6,351 |
| Grade 8 | AED 6,351 | AED 6,351 |
| Grade 9 | AED 7,347 | AED 7,347 |
| Grade 10 | AED 7,347 | AED 7,347 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 9,434 | AED 9,434 |
| Grade 12 | AED 9,434 | AED 9,434 |
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
7 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 3 development points, 3 recurring across the last 5 reports.
English
Note 11 strength
StrengthMiddle and Secondary
Students’ progress in English, which is very good in Middle and Secondary
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Personal development and wellbeing
2 strengths
Strength
Students’ personal and social development
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Strength
The caring and inclusive culture of the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The very good relationships with parents
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Teaching
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reportsNote 2Lower primary grades
Ensure that the best teaching approaches seen in the higher grades are shared across all subjects, particularly in Arabic, and the lower primary grades.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Improve students’ outcomes in Arabic by improving: - the quality of teaching and learning and, - the use of assessment information to plan lessons that meet the needs of individual students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Governance
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that governors support the drive for improvement by providing the required resources and staffing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
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 Gulf Indian High 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
- 2023–24Up from AcceptableNote 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.
- 2019–20Same 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)
- 2015–16Same as 2014–15Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
- 2014–15Same as 2013–14Full 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)
- 2010–11Same as 2009–10Full 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, Gulf Indian High School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 2,554 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 2,373 | 154 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 2,197 | 145 | 12% |
| 2021–22 | 1,879 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,909 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 2,070 | 142 | 18% |
| 2018–19 | 2,144 | 154 | 22% |
| 2017–18 | 2,265 | Not available | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 2,422 | 163 | 32% |
| 2015–16 | 2,379 | 154 | 30% |
| 2014–15 | 2,530 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 2,341 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 2,331 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 2,260 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 2,079 | 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 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)