Raffles International School L.L.C (Umm Suqeim South Br)

British curriculum, Umm Suqeim Third, 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. 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
British
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
2008
External examinations
GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, GL, IBT 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
1,308 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
Students of determination
147 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.

Leadership

Principal at the 2023–⁠24 inspection
Steven Llewellyn Giles Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Appointed 8 May 2023, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
Principals since 2011–⁠12
6 changes of principal
Donavon Carl Reinsmoen, 2011–12 → David Impey, 2012–13 to 2013–14 → Michael William Clack,, 2014–15 to 2016–17 → Zeba Khan, 2017–18 → Tim Richardson, 2018–19 → Steven Llewellyn Giles, 2022–23 to 2023–24 → Matthew John Barrett, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18

Contact

Address
Umm Suqeim Third
Phone and email
+971 4 427 1200rishead@rafflesis.comPrincipal: Matthew John Barrett
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 2 reports, Good in 9 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.

AreaFoundation StagePrimarySecondaryPost-16
TeachingTeaching for effective learningVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good
AssessmentVery goodVery goodOutstandingOutstanding
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationVery goodVery goodVery goodOutstanding
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

Attainment in Islamic education is acceptable in all phases and progress is good in Post-16. Arabic is a strong feature in the school where student progress is typically good, and attainment has this year improved in Primary and Secondary. In all phases, progress is very good in English, mathematics and science. Students learning skills have improved in Arabic and are highly developed in science and mathematics. Reading literacy skills could be stronger.

Personal and social development

Students are enthusiastic learners, self-disciplined and strive to reach their full potential. Behaviour and respect are exemplary in all phases. Students demonstrate excellent understanding of the culture and heritage of the UAE. They discuss the rapid urban growth and technological development in the country. Students across the school are caring and considerate of others. They take on leadership roles and are actively involved in community initiatives, fundraising, and humanitarian projects.

Teaching, curriculum and care

The strong subject knowledge of teachers enables mostly very good and confident teaching. Teachers typically have high expectations, plan engaging lessons, and provide motivating learning environments, especially in the Foundation Stage (FS). Leaders and teachers analyse assessment data accurately and use the finding to identify gaps in learning and make meaningful interventions to support progress.. Teachers consistently encourage students to engage in self-assessment and set out challenges for their own learning.

Wellbeing

Senior leaders aspire to place well-being for all at the heart of school life. Policies supporting well-being provision clearly state roles and responsibilities of staff and students, to support their own and each other’s well-being. Parents value the school's prompt, non-judgemental support of student well-being. Across the school students act knowledgably in support of others’ well-being in their adherence to school values. The very positive classroom climate contributes significantly to students’ well-being experiences.

Inclusion

Senior leaders and governors ensure that the school welcomes and provides for students with complex and diverse needs. The inclusion lead provides clear direction to work of the department. Rigorous and confidential identification procedures use a suitable range of assessments and referrals made to to external specialists where appropriate. The school engages parents fully as partners in their child’s education. Parents value the school's inclusive ethos, and leaders’ respect and courtesy. Students' progress is above expected levels and effectively recorded.

Leadership and management

Senior leaders, including the principal, are very diligent and hard-working. They are fully committed to inclusion and wellbeing. Highly effective self-evaluation processes have led to improved outcomes in Arabic. The principal ensures all communication with parents is transparent, timely and consistent. A fully representative Advisory Council takes into consideration the voice of parents. Resources and facilities are extensive and of very high quality, matched to student needs and interests.

  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, Raffles International School L.L.C (Umm Suqeim South Br)

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
EnglishVery goodGoodGoodVery good
MathematicsVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good
ScienceGoodVery 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, Raffles International School L.L.C (Umm Suqeim South Br)

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2015–162016–172017–182018–192022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentPrimaryAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education attainmentSecondaryAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education attainmentPost-16Islamic Education attainment, Post-16: not rated from 2015–16 to 2016–17AcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education progressPrimaryAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptable
Islamic Education progressSecondaryAcceptableGoodGoodGoodGoodAcceptable
Islamic Education progressPost-16Islamic Education progress, Post-16: not rated from 2015–16 to 2016–17AcceptableGoodGoodGood

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 AchievementVery goodAcceptable
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementVery goodNot in this report
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyGoodAcceptable
Overall school standards in the National Agenda ParameterVery goodNot in this report

Registration requirements: Met Fully

  • In the Progress in International Reading Literacy Standards (PIRLS) 2021, students improved their scores and exceeded the targets set for the school.
  • Scores for Emirati students however, declined between 2016 and 2021.
  • On the General Learning (GL), assessments students improved their scores in English and mathematics and maintained very good outcomes in science.
  • Emirati students' GL scores although lower than those of other students, improved over a year.
  • The New Group Reading Test (NGRT) data show that students' reading literacy levels are in line with expectations across the school.
  • Emirati students' reading levels are lower than those of other students in few year groups.
  • The NGRT data show that these and other interventions are having a positive impact on students' reading levels.

Earlier reports

  • 2022–23: Overall, the school’s 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: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — is above expectations
  • 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvements towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meet 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).

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
  • Volleyball
  • Rugby · touch rugby

Water sports

  • Swimming

Individual sports

  • Athletics · Cross Country

Theatre

  • Drama

Science & technology

  • Science & engineering club · First Lego League · for primary students

Debate & strategy

  • Debate & public speaking · debating

Facilities

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

Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports

  • Photography & film
  • Art
  • Golf

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 is a strong feature in the school where all progress is good, and attainment has improved in Primary and Secondary.

Courses after 16

  • A level
  • Vocational courses

Facilities

  • Fitness centre
  • Specialist classrooms for science, design technology, library, sport and outdoor learning

External examinations

  • GCSE
  • IGCSE
  • IBT

Support for students of determination and the gifted

  • The wellqualified inclusion lead directs the work of the department and this includes training to support staff who are supporting the work for students of determination. p. 19
  • Highly effective identification procedures use a suitable range of diagnostic assessments and support referrals to external specialists where appropriate. p. 19
  • All teaching adapts learning effectively, using advice in students’ individual education plans (IEPs). p. 19
  • Individual and small group tuition supports learners well. p. 19
  • Learning support Assistants (LSAs) support students very effectively to develop increasing independence and resilience. p. 19
  • Senior phase alternative education pathways are now providing suitable choice and progression for students. 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 rafflesis.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

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 15 year groupsNote 1

AED 34,055 to AED 87,879Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

FS1 to Year 13, 2026–27

Year group

Fees for Raffles International School L.L.C (Umm Suqeim South Br)
Compare with

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

Annual tuition by year group, Raffles International School L.L.C (Umm Suqeim South Br), 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 34,055AED 34,055
FS2AED 34,055AED 34,055
Primary
Year 1AED 40,865AED 40,865
Year 2AED 52,853AED 52,853
Year 3AED 52,853AED 52,853
Year 4AED 52,853AED 52,853
Year 5AED 63,748AED 63,748
Year 6AED 63,748AED 63,748
Secondary
Year 7AED 63,748AED 63,748
Year 8AED 71,923AED 71,923
Year 9AED 71,923AED 71,923
Year 10AED 71,923AED 71,923
Year 11AED 78,460AED 78,460
Post-16
Year 12AED 87,879AED 87,879
Year 13AED 87,879AED 87,879

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

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

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Arabic

Note 1

1 strength, 1 development point

  • StrengthPrimary and Secondary

    Improved student achievement in Arabic, as a first and additional language in Primary and Secondary

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

  • Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsNote 2Primary and Secondary and Post-16

    Improve attainment in Arabic, as an additional language, in Primary and Arabic, as a first language in Secondary and Post-16.

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

Personal development and wellbeing

1 strength, 1 development point

  • Strength

    Students’ excellent work ethic, behaviour and their understanding of the significance of protecting the environment

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

  • Development required

    Provide even more opportunities for students’ leadership of wellbeing activities as part of wider student wellbeing provision.

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

Assessment

1 strength

  • StrengthSecondary and Post-16

    The outstanding assessment processes in Secondary and at Post-16

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

Health, safety and safeguarding

1 strength

  • Strength

    The safe and secure environment which supports the wellbeing of students, staff and parents

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

Parents and community

1 strength

  • Strength

    The involvement and commitment of parents in governance and the role they play in supporting school improvement

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

Attainment and progress

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports

    Improve students’ outcomes in Islamic Education by raising the expectations of what students know, understand and can do.

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

Leadership and self-evaluation

1 development point

  • Development required

    Ensure leaders take students’ progress into consideration when monitoring teaching and learning.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11

Reading and literacy

1 development point

  • Development requiredEmirati students

    Ensure that all students, especially Emirati students, are provided with even more opportunities to develop their reading literacy skills.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 8, paragraph 16

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 Raffles International School L.L.C (Umm Suqeim South Br)
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 goodUp from GoodFull Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  7. 2017–18GoodSame as 2016–17Full 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. 2010–11GoodUp from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  16. 2009–10AcceptableDown from GoodFull Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  17. 2008–09GoodFirst 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, Raffles International School L.L.C (Umm Suqeim South Br)

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–251,308Not availableNot available
2023–241,362119Not available
2022–231,12812124%
2021–221,045Not availableNot available
2020–21980Not availableNot available
2019–201,111Not availableNot available
2018–191,29812716%
2017–181,415133Not available
2016–171,47314414%
2015–161,61614313%
2014–151,26713517%
2013–141,521Not availableNot available
2012–131,106Not availableNot available
2011–12786Not availableNot available
2010–11498Not 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.