Safa British School
British curriculum, Al Safa First, 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
- 2005
- External examinations
- GCSE, IGCSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Dance (other), Choir & singing, Art and more, 3 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,669 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 140 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 264 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 90 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
- 1 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Zara Mary Martina Harrington Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 2 Sep 2019, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 4 changes of principal
- Jane Knight, 2011–12 to 2013–14 → Maureen Chapman, 2015–16 → Mr. Dan Sutton, 2017–18 → Zara Mary Martina Harrington, 2018–19 to 2023–24 → Brian Barrie Horwell, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Al Safa First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 388 4300principal@safabritishschool.comPrincipal: Brian Barrie Horwell
- 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 8 reports and Acceptable in 3 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 1 report and Very good in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Up from Very good 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Attainment and progress are strong across English, mathematics and science with students making outstanding progress across all phases in English and science. Students' attainment and progress in Islamic education and Arabic range from acceptable to good with better achievement noted in the primary phase. There is a strong learning culture across the school and students demonstrate high levels of skill as independent thinkers who appreciate the opinions of others.
Personal and social development
Students demonstrate exceptional behaviour and attitudes. They are considerate, polite, and enjoy respectful relationships with their peers and their teachers, They have a clear understanding of Islamic values and a strong awareness of Emirati culture. Students demonstrate high levels of commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation.
Teaching, curriculum and care
In lessons, productive use of time enhances students' skills and knowledge, bolstered by teachers' strong subject expertise. Teachers' professional development is a key focus, fostered through shared expertise and collaborative communities. However, assessment analysis needs better alignment with KHDA requirements to accurately track student progress.
Wellbeing
Governors and leaders demonstrate commitment and devotion to wellbeing. The school’s well-being trajectory shows outstanding improvement over time as a result of rigorous assessment providing continual developments in provision. Leaders and counselors are available to assist those needing academic, emotional and personal support. Older students mentor younger students so that they feel safe and valued.
Inclusion
Governors and leaders have a compelling vision for inclusion which is focussed on ensuring all students achieve their potential. Identification processes are rigorous. The school makes use of a range of assessment tools and ensures that interventions are meaningful, relevant and support students to achieve high quality outcomes. Parents say partnerships are highly positive and trusting. The classroom culture is highly supportive, engaging and enabling.
Leadership and management
Leaders are highly committed and inspirational. Staff morale is high. Welfare and well-being are exceptionally well supported. School leaders have an accurate sense of the school's strengths and weaknesses. Development plans offer too many actions which are not prioritised. Parents actively participate in the life of the school in a planned and purposeful manner. Governors provide support and challenge to school leaders.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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, Safa British 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 attainmentSecondary | Islamic Education attainment, Secondary: not rated from 2015–16 to 2018–19 | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | Islamic Education progress, Secondary: not rated from 2015–16 to 2018–19 | ||||||
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 |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- With an average score of 597, the school exceeded its 2021 target in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) by 69 points.
- In benchmark assessments over two years, students’ performance fell by one level in English, remained the same in science and increased by one level in mathematics.
- The school's most recent reading literacy skills assessment confirms that a majority of students’ reading literacy scores are above age-related expectations.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessments — is above expectations
- 2019–20: School’s progression in international assessments — 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 — meets expectations
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — is not secure
- 2015–16: Progress towards the National Agenda targets — was below expectations
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.
Dance
- Dance (other) · Dancing
Music
- Choir & singing · Singing
Art & design
- Art · Arts & Crafts
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Music rooms
- Sports hall
- Art studio
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Swimming
- Drama
- Water polo
Also mentioned: Puzzles & Board games, Indoor & Outdoor Play, Dress Up & Role Play, Construction, Reading & Homework, Story Time, Team games, Movie Days, Holy Qur’anic sessions, mechanical engineering, “Save the Rhino” programme, Islamic education and Arabic clubs
- 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 taught for 60 minutes per week in FS1 and FS2 and for 150 minutes per week in Year 1. Arabs and non-Arabs are grouped together for these lessons.
Courses after 16
- Vocational qualifications
External examinations
- GCSE
- IGCSE
- IGCSE examination of Global Citizenship
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The school has secure systems to identify and support students of determination. p. 4
- The school has secure systems to identify students of determination. p. 18
- Individual plans are created to modify the curriculum and establish support systems to generate maximum academic and personal progress. p. 18
- Rigorous assessment processes enable members of staff to identify and enhance provision for students with gifts and talents. p. 18
- Alternative education pathways for students with complex learning profiles are highly effective in providing relevant provision to match individual needs. p. 19
- Very skilled learning support allows students to build independence, persistence and collaboration. 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 safabritishschool.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
- «Overall pass rate 100%» safabritishschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «On average, our students achieved 1.9 grades higher across all subjects than their CAT-expected grades, demonstrating significant value added to their academic performance.» safabritishschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Class size
- «11:1 student teacher ratio» safabritishschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «24 students per class» safabritishschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «Complete the Sixth Form application form and submit it to admissions.» safabritishschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Qualifying candidates will be called for a short interview with the Head of Sixth Form or another senior member of the Safa British School staff.» safabritishschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «The deadline for students to officially submit their final GCSE Results grades to the SBS Registrar and confirm their subject options is 24th August.» safabritishschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All admissions are subject to the overriding provision that we can construct a reasonable timetable.» safabritishschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Safa British School transport is provided by School Transport Services (STS), established in 2008.» safabritishschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All STS buses are equipped with safety features such as: GPS Systems Electronic Attendance Sleeping Child Check Button Seatbelts Video Surveillance System Panic Button Child Safety Child Check Button» safabritishschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All buses have a Child Check Button located at the rear of the bus.» safabritishschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All buses are installed with internal and external video surveillance systems to monitor employee and student behaviour.» safabritishschool.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 45,428 to AED 73,550Source 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, Safa British 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 45,428 | AED 45,428 |
| FS2 | AED 49,754 | AED 49,754 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 49,754 | AED 49,754 |
| Year 2 | AED 54,081 | AED 54,081 |
| Year 3 | AED 54,081 | AED 54,081 |
| Year 4 | AED 58,407 | AED 58,407 |
| Year 5 | AED 58,407 | AED 58,407 |
| Year 6 | AED 60,571 | AED 60,571 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 62,733 | AED 62,733 |
| Year 8 | AED 64,897 | AED 64,897 |
| Year 9 | AED 67,060 | AED 67,060 |
| Year 10 | AED 70,305 | AED 70,305 |
| Year 11 | AED 70,305 | AED 70,305 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 73,550 | AED 73,550 |
| Year 13 | AED 73,550 | AED 73,550 |
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
8 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 3 development points, 3 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Inspirational leadership, highly committed governors and fully engaged parents.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Improve self-evaluation and improvement planning.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
Students’ outstanding attitudes, behaviour and relationships.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Curriculum and challenge
1 strength
Strength
The broad and ambitious curriculum which supports students’ strong academic success.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The high level of support provided to ensure students’ safety, welfare and wellbeing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Inclusion of students of determination
1 strength
Strength
The strong commitment to inclusion and wellbeing which is embedded across the school.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Islamic Education
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Raise attainment and progress in Islamic Education and Arabic.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Improve the consistency of teaching by identifying and sharing the best practice that already exists across the school.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
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
14 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of Safa British 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 2019–20Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
- 2019–20Up from GoodFull 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)
- 2012–13Up from AcceptableFull 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)
- 2009–10Down 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, Safa British School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,669 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,464 | 140 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,242 | 106 | 2% |
| 2021–22 | 973 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 701 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 702 | 61 | 21% |
| 2018–19 | 701 | 61 | 30% |
| 2017–18 | 745 | 52 | 28% |
| 2016–17 | 788 | 52 | 32% |
| 2015–16 | 822 | 51 | 38% |
| 2014–15 | 748 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 689 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 557 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 325 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 345 | 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)
- 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)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)