Safa Community School
British, IB curriculum, Al Barsha South 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, IB
- Year groups
- FS1–Year 13
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2014
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Netball, Volleyball and more, 20 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 2,560 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 207 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 378 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 38 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
- 2 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Leanne Margaret Fridd Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 9 Sep 2021, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2016–17
- 1 change of principal
- Stephen Duckitt, 2016–17 to 2018–19 → Ms. Leanne Margaret Fridd, 2022–23 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Barsha South First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 385 1810sdaya@safacommunityschool.com
- 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
Up from Very good Earlier: Very good in 3 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: Outstanding in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 1 report.
Checked 16 September 2026.
Ratings by phase, 2023–24KHDA rates these in each phase, with no single rating for the whole school. Phases are named as the report names them.
| 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 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 in mathematics and science are outstanding across all phases. In English, attainment is very good, and progress is outstanding. Attainment and progress are good in Islamic education in Primary and Secondary. Attainment and progress are acceptable in Islamic education in the Post 16 phase. In Arabic, attainment is acceptable, and progress is good. Students are keen and enthusiastic learners.
Personal and social development
Students demonstrate exceptional behaviour and attitudes. They are kind, considerate, respectful and highly motivated. Students have an excellent appreciation of Islamic values, a comprehensive awareness of Emirati culture and a strong understanding of their own and other cultures. Students in all phases demonstrate high levels of commitment to environmental sustainability.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers at the school exhibit profound subject knowledge, engage in thorough planning, and deliver well-paced lessons. Throughout all educational phases, student independence is commendably fostered, with critical thinking, problemsolving, and innovation seamlessly integrated. The school boasts robust internal and external assessment processes, and the application of these assessments to cater to diverse student needs is noteworthy. The curriculum is extensive, well-balanced, ambitious, and age-appropriate. It undergoes frequent, rigorous reviews to ensure it remains rich, relevant, and meaningful. Careful curriculum planning supports seamless transitions between educational phases and prepares students for life beyond school. It is regularly reviewed and adapted to meet the needs of all students. A wide range of after-school programmes complements the curriculum, alongside an unwavering emphasis on UAE culture and society.
Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is central to the schools’ mission and vision. Well-being initiatives are deeply embedded across the school. It permeates every aspect of school life. Governors and leaders listen carefully and are very responsive to feedback. Students and staff feel very well cared for in a school which they say is like a family to them. As a result of the exceptional promotion of well-being, students flourish both academically and personally.
Inclusion
The school promotes a very well embedded and inclusive ethos. Detailed and systematic approaches identify student academic and well-being needs. As a result, students are supported at exceptional levels in all phases particularly those students who have the most challenging needs. Parents are delighted with the support received. In lessons, almost all students of determination achieve the very best personal and academic progress.
Leadership and management
Leaders are highly effective, inspirational, determined and committed. The school actively cultivates professional, supportive and compassionate relationships. Comprehensive self-evaluation generates reliable evidence to support school improvement. Parents are highly supportive of the school. The governing body has a strong commitment to the school and its stakeholders. Premises and facilities are of an exceptionally high quality.
- 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 | Not in this report | |||
| 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 Community SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 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 2016–17 to 2018–19 | ||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | |||||
| Islamic Education progressPost-16 | Islamic Education progress, Post-16: not rated from 2016–17 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 Emiratis’ Achievements | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- With a score of 610 in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), the school exceeded its target of 567 by a significant margin.
- In the National Agenda Parameter tests, the school achieved outstanding outcomes in English, mathematics and science, in both the primary and secondary phases.
- The results in mathematics in the primary phase showed considerable improvements.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression towards achieving the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2018–19: the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meets expectations
Recognised by UAE universities?
UAE universities ask for the Ministry of Education’s equivalency of the Grade 12 certificate. For this school’s curricula, the student needs:
- British: five IGCSE or GCSE passes (grade E or 3) and one A level or two AS levels (grade E).
- IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.
Arab students also need Arabic, and Muslim students Islamic Studies, in each of the last three years.
KHDA attests the certificate first. Ask the school which body accredits it.Source Ministry of Education, equivalency service, read 24 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- 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 · Secondary DASSA Basketball Leagues · DASSA Select Basketball Squads
- Netball
- Volleyball
- Cricket
- Rugby · Rugby Union · Rippa Rugby
Water sports
- Swimming · Swimming Galas
- Water polo
Racket sports
- Tennis
Individual sports
- Athletics · X-Country · cross country
- Gymnastics
- Martial arts · Jiu-Jitsu · Karate
- Golf
- Yoga & fitness · CROSSFIT OUTDOOR CONDITIONING ZONE · STRENGTH & CONDITIONS SUITES
Dance
- Dance (other) · dance · dancing
·
Theatre
- Drama · play · acting
· - Musicals · musical · musical performances
·
Music
- Orchestra & bands · playing in the band
Art & design
- Art
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · Speaking in Public examinations · Years 7-13
Facilities
- Playing field
- Sports hall
- Swimming pool
- Sports courts
- Dance studio
- Theatre or auditorium
- Makerspace
- Music rooms
- Art studio
Also mentioned: Sports leadership programme, Aquathlon, GAA, Skiing
- 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 · Children learn basic Arabic in the Foundation Stage (FS). In FS1 they are taught for 40 minutes each week and in FS2 for 80 minutes each week.
External examinations
- GSCE
Courses after 16
- A level
- AS level
- Engineering
Facilities
- Sport
- Technology
- Art
- Music
- Dance
- Drama
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The school has very sound systems in place for the identification of students of determination and those who are gifted and talented. p. 4
- The individual education plans (IEPs) incorporate advice from experts. 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 safacommunityschool.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
- «In the summer of 2025, the number of SCS learners entering the HPQ increased by 50%. Twenty-one students scored 67% A*-A grades.» safacommunityschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «The SCS cohort of 12 students achieved a 100% pass rate, with 100% of learners achieving A*—B.» safacommunityschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «In 2025, SCS performers scored an 80% Distinction * for their exceptional performances.» safacommunityschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «No. students in GCSE cohort 2026 131» safacommunityschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «Complete the Sixth Form application form and submit it to admissions.» safacommunityschool.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 Community School staff.» safacommunityschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Following the interview, Sixth Form conditional offers will be issued as places on specific courses become available.» safacommunityschool.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 SCS Registrar and confirm their subject options is 24th August.» safacommunityschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «School bus transport is available for Safa Community School students from FS1 through to Year 13.» safacommunityschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Booster pads and child seats will be charged at AED 300 per seat per student.» safacommunityschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «The transport fee is applicable and charged for the academic year.» safacommunityschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Full payment for each term must be made irrespective of the number of school days or usage and this applies to exam periods.» safacommunityschool.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 54,437 to AED 89,440Source 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 Community 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 54,437 | AED 54,437 |
| FS2 | AED 54,437 | AED 54,437 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 56,753 | AED 56,753 |
| Year 2 | AED 56,753 | AED 56,753 |
| Year 3 | AED 56,753 | AED 56,753 |
| Year 4 | AED 59,070 | AED 59,070 |
| Year 5 | AED 61,386 | AED 61,386 |
| Year 6 | AED 63,703 | AED 63,703 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 75,286 | AED 75,286 |
| Year 8 | AED 75,286 | AED 75,286 |
| Year 9 | AED 79,919 | AED 79,919 |
| Year 10 | AED 80,495 | AED 80,495 |
| Year 11 | AED 82,732 | AED 82,732 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 84,967 | AED 84,967 |
| Year 13 | AED 89,440 | AED 89,440 |
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
5 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 1 development point, 1 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 strength
Strength
Inspirational and highly committed leaders, including governors, who ensure that members of staff receive professional training to extend the high-quality teaching and assessments.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
Professional, supportive and compassionate relationships which enhance students’ welfare and wellbeing, and enrich their personal and social development.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Curriculum and challenge
1 strength
Strength
An inclusive curriculum which promotes academic success and encourages students to be kind, creative, independent and entrepreneurial.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
Strong partnerships with parents and extensive links with the community, safe and secure premises, wellmaintained facilities and high-quality resources.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Islamic Education
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Raise students’ attainment by enhancing their progress in Islamic Education and Arabic.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Findings from 1 of 5 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
5 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2016–17 to 2023–24.
History of Safa Community 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
- 2023–24Up from Very goodNote 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.
- 2018–19Same as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Up from GoodFull Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17First reportFull Inspection Report 2016–17 (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 Community School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 2,560 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 2,362 | 207 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 2,162 | 187 | 4% |
| 2021–22 | 2,038 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,877 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,852 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 1,555 | 137 | 11% |
| 2017–18 | 1,105 | 101 | 4% |
| 2016–17 | 725 | Not available | Not available |
| 2015–16 | 528 | Not available | Not available |
| 2014–15 | 101 | 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)KHDA school directory 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)