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
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
- 2008
- External examinations
- GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, GL, IBT Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Rugby and more, 9 confirmed
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
- Teachers
- 119 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 147 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 114 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
- 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
- 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, Good in 9 reports and Acceptable in 1 report.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 1 report.
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 4
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
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.
- 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, Raffles International School L.L.C (Umm Suqeim South Br)Islamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 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 2016–17 | |||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressPost-16 | Islamic Education progress, Post-16: not rated from 2015–16 to 2016–17 | |||||
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 Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | ||
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not 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)
- 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.
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
- 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
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
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
- «A levels | 2025 | % entries graded A*- A | 26» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «This year, we are incredibly pleased to share that 48% of all grades were between 7-9, 66% were 6 and above, and 85% 4 and above.» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «On average over the last two years our Value Added data for GCSEs indicate our students performed at +1.26 VA for average grades in all subjects.» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Our recent Year 13 results led to 75% of students achieving BTEC qualifications at Distinction level.» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Class size
- «There is a maximum of 25 students per class.» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «To study A-Level Art and Design students should have at least a Grade B in Art and Design at IGCSE or equivalent.» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «To study Biology at A-Level students should have at least a Grade B in Biology at IGCSE or equivalent.» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «To study BTEC Business students should have at least a Grade B in Business at IGCSE or equivalent. Students will also be considered if they have Grade B or above English.» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «To study Business at A-Level students should have at least a Grade B in Business at IGCSE or equivalent. Students will also be considered if they have Grade B or above in Maths and English» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Our Transport Provider is Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC.» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All our school buses are fitted with seat belts and strict procedures are always followed with regards to collecting and delivering students safely at school and returning them home at the end of the school day.» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «For the convenience of working parents, the school transport partner provides an optional daily bus service to and from residential districts served by RIS.» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All buses are equipped with CCTV and are monitored by bus supervisors to ensure students are kept safe and collected by the nominated adult at their point of destination.» rafflesis.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- 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
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 group | 2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27 | 2025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | ||
| FS1 | AED 34,055 | AED 34,055 |
| FS2 | AED 34,055 | AED 34,055 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 40,865 | AED 40,865 |
| Year 2 | AED 52,853 | AED 52,853 |
| Year 3 | AED 52,853 | AED 52,853 |
| Year 4 | AED 52,853 | AED 52,853 |
| Year 5 | AED 63,748 | AED 63,748 |
| Year 6 | AED 63,748 | AED 63,748 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 63,748 | AED 63,748 |
| Year 8 | AED 71,923 | AED 71,923 |
| Year 9 | AED 71,923 | AED 71,923 |
| Year 10 | AED 71,923 | AED 71,923 |
| Year 11 | AED 78,460 | AED 78,460 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 87,879 | AED 87,879 |
| Year 13 | AED 87,879 | AED 87,879 |
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
10 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 5 development points, 2 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Arabic
Note 11 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
- 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, 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)Overall 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 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
- 2018–19Up from GoodFull 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)
- 2010–11Up from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- 2009–10Down from GoodFull Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- 2008–09First reportFull Inspection Report 2008–09 (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, Raffles International School L.L.C (Umm Suqeim South Br)
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,308 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,362 | 119 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,128 | 121 | 24% |
| 2021–22 | 1,045 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 980 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,111 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 1,298 | 127 | 16% |
| 2017–18 | 1,415 | 133 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 1,473 | 144 | 14% |
| 2015–16 | 1,616 | 143 | 13% |
| 2014–15 | 1,267 | 135 | 17% |
| 2013–14 | 1,521 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 1,106 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 786 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 498 | 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 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)
- Full Inspection Report 2008–09 (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)