Nord Anglia International School

British, IB curriculum, Al Barsha Second, 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

2023–24

Earlier reports

  1. 4 earlier reports, see all years

Wellbeing Dubai focus area

Outstanding

2023–24

Inclusion Dubai focus area

Outstanding

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
British, IB
Year groups
FS1–Year 13
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English
Founded
2014
External examinations
IGCSE, AS Level, A Level, IB Diploma Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Accreditation
NEASC, BSME, BSO 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
2,944 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
Students of determination
320 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Largest nationality group
British Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.

Leadership

Principal at the 2023–⁠24 inspection
Matthew Benjamin Farthing Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Appointed 1 Sep 2016, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
Principals since 2016–⁠17
1 change of principal
Matthew Benjamin Farthing, 2016–17 to 2023–24 → KENNETH DUNCAN, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18

Contact

Address
Al Barsha Second
Phone and email
+971 4 219 9999Matthew.Farthing@nasdubai.aePrincipal: KENNETH DUNCAN
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

    Outstanding

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

  2. WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing

    Outstanding

    First rated in 2023–24

  3. InclusionProvision for students of determination

    Outstanding

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 2 reports.

  4. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Outstanding

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding 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.

AreaFoundation StagePrimarySecondaryPost-16
TeachingTeaching for effective learningOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding
AssessmentOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding
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 in English, mathematics and science is outstanding in all phases. In Islamic Education and Arabic as both a first and additional language, students' progress is mostly good but their attainment is mostly only acceptable Students also achieve particularly well in the performing arts and sport. Learning skills are exceptionally well-developed across the school.

Personal and social development

The school nurtures students' personal growth extremely well. Their social skills are of an exceptional standard across the school. They show highly positive attitudes towards one another and to learning. Their understanding of Emirati heritage, Islamic values and world cultures is noteworthy. They demonstrate concern for the environment and sustainability. Students' innovation entrepreneurial skills are demonstrated in numerous student-led activities.

Teaching, curriculum and care

Teaching quality across all phases is exceptional, with teachers effectively fostering independent learning among students. Ongoing, in-lesson assessments impact positively on teaching for effective learning, supported by systematic data collection and analysis to enhance educational outcomes. The curriculum stands out for its creativity and thoughtful design, regularly updated to cater to student needs and promote innovative thinking through diverse projects. It ensures learning progression, with excellent integration of cross-curricular elements and UAE cultural aspects. However, a deeper exploration of Emirati heritage in core subjects would enhance this understanding. Health promotion and safety measures at the school are rigorously enforced, with robust safeguarding and childprotection protocols in place. This systematic approach extends to exemplary care and support, particularly for students of determination or those possessing exceptional talents, ensuring an inclusive and nurturing environment for all.

Wellbeing

The school's vision keenly supports well-being, with leadership considering stakeholders' perspectives. Staff, in collaboration with parents, champion well-being, ensuring students feel exceptionally safe and cared for, enhancing their sense of community. A variety of excursions and extracurricular activities further promote well-being. Student ambassadors advocate for safety and healthy choices, contributing to an environment where students of varying abilities thrive across all educational stages.

Inclusion

The school is highly inclusive and parent partnerships are very strong. Staff identify barriers to students' learning early and plan interventions. They monitor students' progress carefully and make regular reports to parents. Advice for teachers in individual learning plans is clear. Support in lessons is very effective and most students make rapid progress in relation to their personal learning targets.

Leadership and management

All staff with leadership roles are strongly committed to the school vision and UAE priorities. School self-evaluation, includes input from governors, parents, staff and students, and is very effective. It results in leaders having an accurate view of the school's strengths and development needs. Partnerships with parents are strong as are links with national and international bodies. The school runs very efficiently and is exceptionally well resourced and staffed. The buildings are of high quality.

  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

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, Nord Anglia International School

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

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondaryPost-16
Islamic EducationNot in this reportAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
ArabicNot in this reportAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
EnglishOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding
MathematicsOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding
ScienceOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding

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, Nord Anglia International School

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2016–172017–182018–192019–202022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentPrimaryAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education attainmentSecondaryAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education attainmentPost-16Islamic Education attainment, Post-16: not rated from 2016–17 to 2018–19AcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education progressPrimaryAcceptableGoodGoodAcceptableGoodGood
Islamic Education progressSecondaryAcceptableGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressPost-16Islamic Education progress, Post-16: not rated from 2016–17 to 2018–19AcceptableGoodGood

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 AchievementOutstandingGood
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementOutstandingNot in this report
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyOutstandingGood
Overall school standards in the National Agenda ParameterOutstandingNot in this report

Registration requirements: Met Fully

  • With an average score of 616 (High International Benchmark), the school exceeded its target in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) by 14 points.

Earlier reports

  • 2022–23: Progress in international assessment — is above expectations
  • 2019–20: 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 — is above expectations
  • 2017–18: Student attainment as indicated by the N.A.P — is above expectations
  • 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meets expectation

Recognised by UAE universities?

UAE universities ask for the Ministry of Education’s equivalency of the Grade 12 certificate. For this school’s curricula, the student needs:

  • British: five IGCSE or GCSE passes (grade E or 3) and one A level or two AS levels (grade E).
  • IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.

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
  • Basketball · after-school training
  • Netball
  • Cricket
  • Rugby

Racket sports

  • Tennis

Individual sports

  • Gymnastics · after-school training

Dance

  • Dance (other) · elaborate theatre, dance and music productions

Theatre

  • Drama
  • Musicals · elaborate theatre, dance and music productions

Music

  • Choir & singing · singing experiences
  • Orchestra & bands · ensemble playing · newly formed ensembles
  • Instrument lessons · NAS Music Academy · individual instrumental and voice lessons

Art & design

  • Art
  • Photography & film · animation
  • Design & fashion · digital design

Science & technology

  • Robotics
  • Coding · programming

Debate & strategy

  • Debate & public speaking · public speaking
  • Model United Nations · Model UN · Model UN event

Facilities

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

Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports

  • Swimming

Also mentioned: rounders, retro-game making

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 · In Arabic as a first language, students’ progress is good and attainment acceptable in Primary and Post-16.

External examinations

  • IGCSE

Facilities

  • Facilities for physical education and sport
  • FS department

Courses after 16

  • A level
  • AS level
  • IB Diploma

Support for students of determination and the gifted

  • High-quality support ensures that students of determination flourish in the school. p. 4
  • The school has very secure systems to identify students of determination. p. 18
  • Personal plans are created to establish support systems and to modify the curriculum to promote maximum academic and personal progress. p. 18
  • Thorough assessment processes enable staff to identify and enhance provision for students with gifts and talents. p. 18
  • Identification processes are rigorous. p. 19
  • Students’ individual education plans (IEPs) include specific goals and agreed strategies. p. 19

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 nordangliaeducation.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.

Exam results

Class size

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 69,625 to AED 105,288Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

FS1 to Year 13, 2026–27

Year group

Fees for Nord Anglia International School
Compare with

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

Annual tuition by year group, Nord Anglia International 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
FS1AED 69,625AED 69,625
FS2AED 69,625AED 69,625
Primary
Year 1AED 81,228AED 81,228
Year 2AED 81,228AED 81,228
Year 3AED 87,030AED 87,030
Year 4AED 87,030AED 87,030
Year 5AED 87,030AED 87,030
Year 6AED 87,030AED 87,030
Secondary
Year 7AED 92,832AED 92,832
Year 8AED 92,832AED 92,832
Year 9AED 92,832AED 92,832
Year 10AED 99,794AED 99,794
Year 11AED 99,794AED 99,794
Post-16
Year 12AED 105,288AED 105,288
Year 13AED 105,288AED 105,288

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.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Leadership and self-evaluation

Note 1

1 strength

  • Strength

    The clarity of vision and expert leadership which ensure that excellent support for students’ wellbeing and strong partnerships with parents, are at the heart of this inclusive school.

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

Teaching

1 strength

  • Strength

    The high quality of teaching that inspires and engages students in their learning.

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

Early years

1 strength

  • StrengthFS

    The welcoming and vibrant environment provided for children in FS that promotes rapid progress in all areas of learning.

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

Curriculum and challenge

1 strength, 2 development points

  • Strength

    The creatively designed curriculum and extensive range of extra-curricular activities that underpin students’ impressive academic achievement and high-quality performances in the arts and sport.

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

  • Development requiredEmirati students

    Explore opportunities for extending students’ knowledge and understanding of Emirati culture, heritage and traditions through the core subjects.

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

  • Development required

    Broaden the range of alternative curriculum pathways to cater for a wider range of students’ interests and needs.

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

Governance

1 strength

  • Strength

    The strong support provided by the corporate board and the advisory council, and the excellent facilities and resources to support learning.

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

Findings from 1 of 7 reports

  1. Back to text, note 1

    Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.

History

6 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2016–17 to 2023–24.

History of Nord Anglia International 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. 2023–24OutstandingSame as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2022–23OutstandingNot comparable: four-level scaleFull Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  5. 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
  6. 2019–20Not ratedNot rated in this reportFull Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  7. 2018–19Very goodSame as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  8. 2017–18Very goodUp from GoodFull Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  9. 2016–17GoodFirst reportFull Inspection Report 2016–17 (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, Nord Anglia International School

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–252,944Not availableNot available
2023–242,440250Not available
2022–232,2932174%
2021–221,774Not availableNot available
2020–211,834Not availableNot available
2019–201,83817215%
2018–191,71416110%
2017–181,507140Not available
2016–171,3261309%
2015–161,085Not availableNot available
2014–15550Not availableNot available

Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.