ST. Mary Catholic High School - Dubai
British curriculum, Umm Hurair First, Year 1–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
- Year 1–Year 13
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 1968
- External examinations
- IGCSE/GCSE/A Levels Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Drama, Art, Debate & public speaking and more, 3 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,967 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 145 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 54 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 0 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Indian Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 4 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Paul Asir Joseph Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 3 Dec 2017, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 2 changes of principal
- Mr. Paul Joseph (Acting), 2011–12 → Brother Joseph Mudiyanil Joseph, 2012–13 to 2014–15 → Paul Asir Joseph, 2015–16 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Umm Hurair First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 337 0252maryscol@emirates.net.ae
- 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: Good in 11 reports and Acceptable in 2 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 2 reports.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: 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 | 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
Since the previous inspection, school leaders and teachers have maintained students’ performance across the core subjects. Notably, attainment in English has improved to a very good level in the primary and secondary and students' progress in Arabic as a first language has improved to good. In the primary phase, scrutiny of students’ work in their mathematics books shows that teachers’ expectations of the progress that students can make are not consistently high enough.
Personal and social development
This is an inclusive school that welcomes students from a range of backgrounds and with a range of different needs. Students know how to treat each other courteously. Positive relationships are evident throughout the school, supported by a clear set of values which are prominently displayed around the school, of which the students are proud. Students feel valued and listen to. They have developed sufficient independence and resilience to learn effectively on their own.
Teaching, curriculum and care
The majority of teachers maintain high expectations, leveraging their strong subject knowledge and enthusiasm to foster student enjoyment and achievement, particularly in English through diverse teaching strategies. However, in lower primary, there's room to raise expectations for student work quality and quantity. Curricular enhancements have notably improved students' phonic skills, reading, and writing fluency. Secondary offers a good range of subjects catering to academic and personal interests, though Post16 vocational options are limited, affecting some students' choices.
Wellbeing
The governors and senior leaders have cultivated a robust culture of wellbeing that infuses every aspect of school life. Active well-being student leaders and prefects are keenly aware of the significance of happiness and health within the community. The well-being staff comprise a formidable, approachable team, always ready to listen and support the school community. Teaching teams consistently foster and maintain positive classroom climates, ensuring well-being is a prominent feature of the learning environment.
Inclusion
Senior leaders and governors are keen to support students with different learning needs. The school ensures that each student has an individual education plans, so that lesson can be shaped to take account of their needs. Although, targets for improvement are not precise enough. There are supportive partnerships with parents, who report open channels of communication are established through individualised reports and opportunities to consult staff regularly.
Leadership and management
The principal is very well supported by a strong team of senior leaders, heads of subject and staff with pastoral or other responsibilities. There is a clear sense of common purpose, with high aspirations for all students. Leaders’ monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning has not resulted in ironing out the inconsistencies in the primary phase. Parents feel they are kept informed on a daily basis of the work of their children and school events and their views count.
- 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 | Primary | Secondary | Post-16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education | |||
| Arabic | |||
| 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, ST. Mary Catholic High School - DubaiIslamic 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 attainmentPost-16 | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressPost-16 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| B. International and Benchmark Achievement | Not applicable | |
| D. Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | Not applicable | |
| Overall, the school’s achievement of standards in the National Agenda Parameter is | Not in this report |
A. Registration Requirements Met Fully
- The school exceeded its target for PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) in 2021 by 47 points from an average score of 643.
- Students sustained outstanding attainment in the GL benchmark assessments over two years in English and science and very good attainment in mathematics.
- Progression in the International Benchmark Tests (IBT) is stronger in Arabic for first language learners than for those learning Arabic, as an additional language.
- The school introduced the NGRT (National Group Reading Tests) this year.
- Assessment data indicate that most students’ skills are in line with the NGRT expectations and a majority exceed them.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the schools’progress toward achieving the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2017–18: Students’ attainment, based upon the N.A.P. benchmark tests — meets expectations in English and mathematics and is above expectations in science
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meets 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.
Theatre
- Drama
·
Art & design
- Art · Art/Craft
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · Elocution/Debates · public speaking
·
Facilities
- Art studio
- Music rooms
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Musicals
- Yoga & fitness
Also mentioned: Paper Quilling, Quiz, farming, sports coaching for people of determination
- 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 · as a first language
Courses after 16
- Limited vocational provision
External examinations
- IGCSE
- GCSE
- A Levels
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Students whose needs are most significant are provided with individual education plans (IEPs). p. 22
- Well trained support staff and teachers ensure the delivery of effective programmes, including early reading interventions. p. 22
- 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 stmarysdubai.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.
Class size
- «7:1 student to teacher» stmarysdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «14 students per class» stmarysdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Smaller groups for language» stmarysdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «admission to A-Level is not automatic and is a completely new process.» stmarysdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «YEAR 11 students must not re-register for the next Academic year when re-registration comes up for other year groups.» stmarysdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Be prepared for an entrance exam in the subject opted for that has not been taken at O-Level» stmarysdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Admissions will be MERIT-BASED ACROSS ALL GCSE SUBJECTS (This year, this would take into account both First Term and Mock exams owing to the current conflict circumstances).» stmarysdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «STS REGISTRATION LINK `(NEW ADMISSIONS ONLY) : ACADEMIC YEAR 2026-2027 (Click Here)» stmarysdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «St. Mary’s Catholic High School does not own any buses. The school has a contract with STS (School Transport Services) to provide transport for the students.» stmarysdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Enquiries should be made directly to the Transport Company and complaints should also be directed to them.» stmarysdubai.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «All fees collected for transport are retained by the transport company. The school does not receive any percentage of these fees.» stmarysdubai.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 13 year groupsNote 1
AED 7,361 to AED 15,812Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Year 1 to Year 13, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, ST. Mary Catholic High School - Dubai, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26
| Year group | 2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27 | 2025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 7,361 | AED 7,361 |
| Year 2 | AED 7,361 | AED 7,361 |
| Year 3 | AED 8,195 | AED 8,195 |
| Year 4 | AED 8,195 | AED 8,195 |
| Year 5 | AED 9,030 | AED 9,030 |
| Year 6 | AED 9,030 | AED 9,030 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 9,815 | AED 9,815 |
| Year 8 | AED 9,815 | AED 9,815 |
| Year 9 | AED 11,042 | AED 11,042 |
| Year 10 | AED 12,679 | AED 12,679 |
| Year 11 | AED 12,679 | AED 12,679 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 15,812 | AED 15,812 |
| Year 13 | AED 15,812 | AED 15,812 |
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 13 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 13 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
14 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 9 development points, 8 recurring across the last 5 reports.
English
Note 11 strength
Strength
Students’ attainment in English across the school and the emphasis on developing strong reading skills in English and Arabic
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
The very positive attitudes, behaviour and relationships across the school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The very positive partnerships between the school, parents and the community
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Mathematics
1 strength
StrengthSecondary phase
Students’ achievements in mathematics in the Secondary phase
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The attention to detail given to health and safety procedures
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Arabic
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsNote 2All phases and Primary phase
Raise students’ achievements so that they are at least good in all phases, especially in Arabic and mathematics in the Primary phase.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports
Improve the IBT outcomes in Arabic, especially Arabic as an additional language, to close the gap with other subjects.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 6
Teaching
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that teachers use assessment information consistently to match learning tasks to the needs of all students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that all teachers foster environments where students enjoy the high levels of engagement, resilience and achievement.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 9
Attendance and punctuality
1 development point
Development required
Work with parents to improve students’ rate of attendance to good or better.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Leadership and self-evaluation
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that senior leaders provide the governing body with high quality information based on accurate self-evaluation to inform strategic planning and decision making.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 14
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that the National Agenda Action Plan has measurable targets for reading literacy and monitor students’ progress closely.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 7
Curriculum and challenge
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that the curriculum meets the National Curriculum for England (NCFE) requirements and does not limit provision for different groups of students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 15
Staffing, facilities and resources
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Improve staff surveys so that that the voices of all members inform further initiatives for their wellbeing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, 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 ST. Mary Catholic High School - DubaiOverall 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.
- 2019–20Same as 2018–19Full 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)
- 2011–12Down from GoodFull 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, ST. Mary Catholic High School - Dubai
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,967 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,074 | 145 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,979 | 141 | 2% |
| 2021–22 | 1,973 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,939 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,940 | 153 | 16% |
| 2018–19 | 1,877 | 144 | 6% |
| 2017–18 | 1,900 | 134 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 1,878 | 137 | 1% |
| 2015–16 | 1,898 | 129 | 7% |
| 2014–15 | 1,928 | 136 | 12% |
| 2013–14 | 1,882 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 1,817 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 1,911 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 1,943 | 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)