Star International School (Branch)
British curriculum, Mirdif, 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, Arabic
- Founded
- 2008
- External examinations
- IGCSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP, confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,250 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 83 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 46 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 80 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
- Neal Joseph Oates Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 9 Jan 2018, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 4 changes of principal
- Deborah A Lloyd, 2011–12 → Debbie Trivett, 2012–13 to 2014–15 → Michael Henry, 2015–16 → Ms. Gill Roberts, 2016–17 to 2019–20 → Neal Joseph Oates, 2022–23 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Mirdif
- Phone and email
- +971 4 288 4644principal@starmirdif.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
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 6 reports and Acceptable in 7 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 | 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
Students make very good progress in English, mathematics and science in Primary, in English and science in Foundation (FS) and in mathematics in Secondary. Attainment is not high enough in Arabic, as a first language or as an additional language. Teachers are working on a number of different initiatives to improvement initiatives. In some cases, these are adding unnecessary complication to the required direct focus on improving teaching and learning.
Personal and social development
Students’ attitudes are positive, and they show respect to others. Behaviour, throughout the school, is very good and bullying is rare. Students have a strong appreciation and understanding of Islamic culture and values. They are less knowledgeable about other world cultures. Recycling and environmental awareness are encouraged by the student parliament and the leadership shown by school prefects. Students use their talents and creativity to invent and design new products.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers display a strong command of their subjects and a clear understanding of how students learn. This expertise is evident in the effective planning and mapping of the curriculum, ensuring continuity and progression in students' learning journey.
Wellbeing
Supported by the principal and a dedicated team, the school shows a good commitment to well-being, with a clear vision and effective policies. It utilizes quality data systems for analysing pupil views, though stakeholder input needs stronger data collection methods. Plans for external partnerships and enhancing student and parent involvement in well-being initiatives are underway. New teachers receive comprehensive induction, and targeted interventions boost student well-being.
Inclusion
Governors and senior leaders demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusion as seen in the admissions and inclusion policies. The new inclusion leader and team are well qualified and highly experienced. Learning Support Assistants are well supported and trained to support highneeds children. Well-being is routinely monitored and supported by the strong pastoral team. There is some curriculum adaptation and differentiation in planning and delivery of lessons to accommodate differing learning needs.
Leadership and management
Leadership is dedicated to providing high quality education for all students. Leaders undertake self-evaluation, based on various sources of information, including internal and international assessments. Self-evaluation of teaching and learning is not rigorous enough to give an accurate picture of what is good and what needs to improve. The school development plan is too complex and lacks prioritisation with measurable targets, timescales and named accountable staff. Governance of the school needs reviewed.
- 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 | Not in this report | |||
| Science | Not in this report |
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, Star International School (Branch)Islamic 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 attainmentPost-16 | Islamic Education attainment, Post-16: not rated from 2015–16 to 2022–23 | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | Islamic Education progress, Secondary: not rated from 2015–16 to 2018–19 | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressPost-16 | Islamic Education progress, Post-16: not rated from 2015–16 to 2022–23 | ||||||
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
- The school exceeded its targets for the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021, by 68 points, from the average score of 604.
- Students' attainment in English, mathematics and science sustained a very good judgement in benchmark assessments over two years.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progress toward achieving the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progression towards achieving its UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2017–18: Attainment, as indicated by the National Agenda Parameter (N.A.P.) benchmark tests — is above expectations
- 2016–17: Attainment based on the National Agenda benchmarks — is below 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.
Award programmes
- Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP · Duke of Edinborough Awards
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Sports hall
- Playing field
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Choir & singing
- Rugby
- Tennis
- Ballet
- Martial arts
- Art
Also mentioned: competitions related to the Holy Qur’an and Noble Hadith, Holy Qur’an Club, Holy Qur’an and Noble Hadith competitions
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2022–23
Page 14
Checked 16 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 school deploys one teacher with an FS background to teach Arabic for 45 minutes each week in FS1, and for 90 minutes in FS2.
External examinations
- IGCSE
Facilities
- School library
- Outdoor learning spaces
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Learning support assistants are trained to help students who have high levels of need. p. 19
- Systems for identifying students of determination are generally appropriate. p. 19
- They value the opportunity, along with their children, to be actively involved in the compilation of their individual education plans (IEPs). p. 19
- Curriculum adaptations meet the needs of most groups of learners and support their access to learning. p. 19
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 34,179 to AED 73,508Source 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, Star International School (Branch), 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 34,179 | AED 34,179 |
| FS2 | AED 35,014 | AED 35,014 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 40,193 | AED 40,193 |
| Year 2 | AED 40,193 | AED 40,193 |
| Year 3 | AED 45,864 | AED 45,864 |
| Year 4 | AED 45,864 | AED 45,864 |
| Year 5 | AED 52,706 | AED 52,706 |
| Year 6 | AED 52,706 | AED 52,706 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 57,325 | AED 57,325 |
| Year 8 | AED 57,325 | AED 57,325 |
| Year 9 | AED 59,489 | AED 59,489 |
| Year 10 | AED 59,489 | AED 59,489 |
| Year 11 | AED 68,142 | AED 68,142 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 73,508 | AED 73,508 |
| Year 13 | AED 73,508 | AED 73,508 |
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, 5 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Attainment and progress
Note 11 strength, 1 development point
StrengthFS and Primary and Secondary
Very good progress in English and science in FS, in English, mathematics and science in Primary, and in mathematics in Secondary.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Raise attainment so that it is at least good in all phases in all subjects, especially Arabic.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Curriculum and challenge
1 strength
Strength
The well-planned curriculum and cross-curricular links.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
Students’ well-developed sense of personal responsibility and respect for Islamic values.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
Support for health and safety and emphasis on wellbeing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The strong relationships with parents.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Improve teaching and the use of assessment data to inform teaching, learning and curriculum adaptation.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Leadership and self-evaluation
3 development points
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Bring greater coherence to school policies.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that all development plans have measurable targets, with appropriate timescales.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Improve the accuracy of self-evaluation procedures.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
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 Star International School (Branch)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 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)
- 2017–18Up from AcceptableFull 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)
- 2011–12Down 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, Star International School (Branch)
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,250 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,044 | 83 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 858 | 76 | 0% |
| 2021–22 | 800 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 710 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 693 | 57 | 31% |
| 2018–19 | 479 | 49 | 0% |
| 2017–18 | 367 | 41 | 12% |
| 2016–17 | 375 | 40 | 65% |
| 2015–16 | 402 | 37 | 50% |
| 2014–15 | 469 | 31 | 88% |
| 2013–14 | 367 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 329 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 271 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 199 | 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)