Ranches Primary School
British curriculum, Arabian Ranches, FS1–Year 6
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
- 2022–23, Very good, Full Inspection Report
- 2019–20 to 2021–22, no inspection
- 2018–19, Very good, Full Inspection Report
- 2017–18, Good, Full Inspection Report
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 6
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2015
- External examinations
- GL ABT IBT Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Netball, Cricket and more, 20 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,089 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 56 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 109 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 0 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.
- Guidance counsellors
- 1 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Emma Jane Overton Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 8 Jan 2023, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2017–18
- 3 changes of principal Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Samantha Steed, 2017–18 to 2018–19 → Julian Scott Pederick, 2022–23 → Emma Jane Overton, 2023–24 → Steven James Arnold, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Arabian Ranches
- Phone and email
- +971 4 442 9765Steve.Arnold@rpsdubai.comPrincipal: Steven James Arnold
- 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 and Good 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
In the Foundation Stage (FS) most children make rapid progress and attain standards above what is expected for their age. In the primary phase, achievement in English, mathematics and science is consistently very good. The rate of student progress in learning Arabic as a first language has increased since the last inspection and is now good. However, attainment in Islamic Education and Arabic remains acceptable.
Personal and social development
The behaviour of students is exemplary. They have very high levels of confidence and this helps them to successfully take on a number of leadership roles within the school. Students show respect for adults and for other students. They enjoy working together and have an outstanding work ethic. Students can explain clearly the Islamic values of charity, forgiveness and honesty. They understand the need to save energy and look after the planet on which they live.
Teaching, curriculum and care
All teachers develop positive relationships with their students. They use questioning very well to both challenge and check students' understanding. The large majority of teachers effectively engage students through very well-planned activities. In Foundation Stage, children are successfully taught how to be independent learners exploring and discovering knowledge for themselves. However, as children progress to Years 1 and 2, this independence is sometimes less evident.
Wellbeing
Well-being is a key priority in the school and is completely embedded in its vision and ethos. Students engage very confidently with a range of highly skilled and trusted adults to address their well-being concerns. They report that they feel safe and very well cared for. This ensures they have the confidence to become successful learners. Staff experience high job satisfaction in a supportive and collaborative environment, where their contributions are valued.
Inclusion
The school's inclusive education policy is comprehensive and students with a range of needs are welcome at the school. Most students of determination benefit from high quality support when working in their class, in smaller groups or one to one with external therapists. The support and pathways available for those with the most complex needs are not of the same high quality.
Leadership and management
The school thrives under the exemplary leadership of its dedicated leaders and governors, who are deeply committed to offering high standards of education. While leaders are clear on the necessary steps for ongoing improvement, there is room to enhance the monitoring of their impact on student learning. The sense of community within the school is greatly cherished by the partnership. Additionally, the school's facilities have seen significant enhancements recently.
- 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
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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, Ranches Primary SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | ||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary |
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
- Attainment in the 2021 test was outstanding with students achieving an overall score of 581.
- In the National Agenda Parameter tests, students attained outstanding results overall.
- The New Group Reading Test (NGRT) outcomes indicate that reading skills improved during 2022/23 from acceptable to good.
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: The attainment of students in the most recent N.A.P tests — meets expectations in English and science, but is below expectations in mathematics
- 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 · outside of the curriculum
- Netball · outside of the curriculum
- Cricket · outside of the curriculum
- Rugby · tag rugby · outside of the curriculum
Water sports
- Swimming
Individual sports
- Athletics · Cross Country
- Martial arts · Shaolin Kung Fu · PAID PARTNERSHIP: Infinite Sports
- Yoga & fitness · Yoga & Meditation
Theatre
- Drama · PAID PARTNERSHIP: Infinite Sports
- Musicals · Musical Theatre · PAID PARTNERSHIP: Infinite Sports
Music
- Choir & singing · Ranches Singers (Choir) · Singing Club
- Orchestra & bands · ensembles
- Instrument lessons · Ukulele Club · peripatetic music programme
Art & design
- Art · Cartoon Drawing · Arts & Crafts
Science & technology
- Robotics · PAID PARTNERSHIP: Infinite Sports
- Coding · PAID PARTNERSHIP: Infinite Sports · Computing
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · Debating
- Chess
Award programmes
- Scouts & guides · Scouts · PAID PARTNERSHIP: Infinite Sports
Facilities
- Music rooms
- Playing field
- Sports hall
- Sports courts
- Swimming pool
·
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Cultural dance
Also mentioned: Multi Sports, Skating, rounders
- 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 · The Arabic curriculum is introduced to children in FS, encompassing listening, speaking, writing, vocabulary and phonics. It comprises two lessons of 40 minutes per week for FS1 and FS2, delivered by a team of two teachers. There are an additional 40 minutes each week for first language learners.
External examinations
- GL ABT IBT
- PIRLS
- NGRT
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Cafeteria
- Medical centre
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The school has clear processes for identifying students of determination and those who have gifts and talents. p. 4
- The school places a strong emphasis on identifying students of determination and those recognised as gifted and talented. p. 18
- While the school has robust identification assessments, the application of these assessments to tailor educational provision requires further improvement. 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 rpsdubai.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.
Admissions
- «As part of the global Cognita family, Ranches Primary School is proud to offer our students priority access to some of the region’s most respected British curriculum schools — including RGS Guildford Dubai, Repton Dubai, Repton Al Barsha, Horizon International School, Repton Abu Dhabi, and the upcoming Horizon English School Town Square, opening in September 2027.» rpsdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We consider each application individually, taking into account academic ability, behaviour and additional learning needs as well as age, gender and nationality as we endeavor to achieve balance, equality and an inclusive learning environment.» rpsdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «As per KHDA guidelines applicable since August 2021, a child's year group on entry is determined by their age on 31 August of their year of entry.» rpsdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Nursery | Pre-KG | 18 months by August 31» rpsdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «We have partnered with Guardian One Transport LLC, an experienced and established bus transportation company which is used by a number of schools in Dubai to provide students with a safe, reliable and professional transport service.» rpsdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All vehicles used by Guardian One Transport LLC, follow the strict Road and Transport Authority (RTA) safety standards and guidelines.» rpsdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All bus drivers are experienced, authorised and trained by the RTA.» rpsdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «A bus helper will travel with each vehicle.» rpsdubai.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 8 year groupsNote 1
AED 50,436 to AED 61,643Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
FS1 to Year 6, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Ranches Primary 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 | ||
| FS1 | AED 50,436 | AED 50,436 |
| FS2 | AED 50,436 | AED 50,436 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 61,643 | AED 61,643 |
| Year 2 | AED 61,643 | AED 61,643 |
| Year 3 | AED 61,643 | AED 61,643 |
| Year 4 | AED 61,643 | AED 61,643 |
| Year 5 | AED 61,643 | AED 61,643 |
| Year 6 | AED 61,643 | AED 61,643 |
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 8 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 8 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
8 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 3 development points, 2 recurring across the last 4 reports.
English
Note 11 strength
Strength
Students’ very good achievement in English, mathematics and science
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
Students’ excellent work ethic and their exemplary behaviour
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
Outstanding procedures for the health and safety of students and staff
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
Outstanding partnership with parents
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Leaders’ in-depth knowledge of the school’s curriculum.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 4 reportsNote 2
Increase the rigour and consistency of assessment and self-evaluation processes.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 14
Arabic
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 4 reports
Improve students' attainment in Islamic Education and Arabic through more effective teaching strategies, including active learning and accelerated levels of progress.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Attainment and progress
1 development point
Development requiredFS and Primary
Improve the impact on students’ achievement of transition arrangements from FS to lower Primary by: - ensuring greater curricular coherence between FS and Year 1, - improving primary teachers’ knowledge, and use of data related to the Early Learning Goals, - ensuring that learning consistently builds on what students already know, understand, and can do, and raising teachers’ expectations of students’ ability to be independent learners.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Findings from 1 of 4 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 4 reports, 2017–18 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
4 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2017–18 to 2023–24.
History of Ranches Primary 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
- 2023–24Same 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)
- 2017–18First reportFull Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17No inspection.
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, Ranches Primary School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,089 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 935 | 56 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 730 | 49 | 15% |
| 2021–22 | 596 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 472 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 467 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 452 | 38 | 8% |
| 2017–18 | 370 | 37 | 0% |
| 2016–17 | 248 | Not available | Not available |
| 2015–16 | 71 | 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
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)