Swiss International Scientific School
IB curriculum, Dubai Healthcare City, Pre-KG–Grade 12
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, Good, Full Inspection Report
- 2019–20 to 2021–22, no inspection
- 2018–19, Good, Full Inspection Report
- 2017–18, Acceptable, Full Inspection Report
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
- IB
- Year groups
- Pre-KG–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- The report’s wording “English, French, German” is not one KHDA uses for the language of instruction; needs checking.
- Founded
- 2015
- External examinations
- IBDP/IBCP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- IBO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming and more, 13 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 2,610 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 225 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 265 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 24 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- European Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 3 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Ruth Burke Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 8 Jan 2021, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2017–18
- 3 changes of principal
- Mr. Beat Sommer, 2017–18 → Norbert Foerster, 2018–19 → Ruth Burke, 2022–23 to 2023–24 → Pauline Elizabeth Clark Nord, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Dubai Healthcare City
- Phone and email
- +971 4 375 0600info@sisd.aePrincipal: Pauline Elizabeth Clark Nord
- 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 Good Earlier: Good in 2 reports and Acceptable in 1 report.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
Not available2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Up from Good Earlier: Good in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 1 report.
Checked 16 September 2026.
Wellbeing, 2022–23 report: High
«The quality of wellbeing provision and outcome is at a high level.» p. 9
In 2021-22 and 2022-23 KHDA judged wellbeing on its own scale — Very high, High, Moderate, Low — not the six inspection words, so it is shown in its own words and not compared with them.
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 | KG | PYP | MYP | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 show a solid understanding of Islamic studies, although Tajweed application needs enhancement. Arabic first language speakers excel in listening and writing, while second language readers struggle. German and French learners communicate better but lack in presentations. English proficiency has improved. Strong early mathematics foundations enable Diploma Programme students to very confidently explore calculus. The Primary Years Programme's investigative science approach leads to complex student-led investigations. Overall, students are enthusiastic and increasingly independent in their learning.
Personal and social development
Students exhibit responsible attitudes; willing to take risks and respond well to feedback. Relationships are mutually respectful. Attendance and punctuality are very good. Students link Islamic values to the learner profile. They appreciate UAE culture and the diversity of the school population. They feel their opinions are valued, and they influence developments. They take on leadership roles and engage in enterprise activities with social impact. They show insight of sustainability.
Teaching, curriculum and care
The KG curriculum promotes creativity. Lesson plans identify strategies. Co-teaching in KG and PYP enables learning in different languages. Assessments aligned with the curriculum, provide reliable data. External benchmarking leads to adapted curriculum. Diverse options prepare older students for next steps. Interdisciplinary units ensure connections with the world. Modifications to meet students’ needs are common. Aspirations and interests are fostered by an exceptional range of activities.
Wellbeing
The school fosters a positive well-being environment, championed by ambassadors who encourage self-regulation, engagement, and inclusivity. Leadership roles are embraced by students, while the indoor KG play area and sensory rooms offer secure havens for those with diverse needs. With 262 extracurricular activities engaging 68% of students, and a studentdriven well-being committee, the school prioritises holistic development. Student voices inspire assemblies and interventions, complemented by online safety workshops and motivational affirmations.
Inclusion
The inclusion team has established sensory rooms, and universal access is ensured for those with reduced mobility. Concise individual education plans detail students’ needs. Teachers are trained how to provide support during lessons. Fragile learners are offered short-term intervention or support. Tuesday coffee mornings encourage parental involvement, providing advice and guidance. Provision is modified to build confidence, resilience, and independence. Additional courses meet diverse needs in the upper phases.
Leadership and management
All leaders share a commitment to inclusion, well-being, sustainability and academic excellence. Improved self-evaluation has led to improved outcomes. Parents are engaged, with parenting workshops. Governors are informed of stakeholder satisfaction and trained to understand priorities. Student leaders play a significant leadership role. Staff development has had an impact on outcomes. Accommodation and resources ensure students’ excellence in academic and personal development.
- 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 | ||||
| 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, Swiss International Scientific SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentDP | Not in this report | |||
| Islamic Education attainmentMYP | ||||
| Islamic Education attainmentPYP | ||||
| Islamic Education progressDP | Not in this report | |||
| Islamic Education progressMYP | ||||
| Islamic Education progressPYP |
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
- Results for the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) scores were significantly improved in 2021.
- Students exceeded their target to place the school into the high international benchmark.
- In English, the school improved its General Learning (GL) benchmarking in some PYP grades, but did not do as well in some MYP grades.
- Both mathematics and science showed improvement in all phases, and moved up by one judgement on average per grade.
- The scores of Emirati students showed a drop in English attainment over the last two years.
- They maintened an acceptable level in mathematics.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessment — is above expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, 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 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:
- Vocational only. A BTEC Level 3 Diploma counts as a technical certificate, not the general secondary certificate.
- IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.
- Vocational only. The IB Career-related Programme counts as a technical certificate, not the general secondary certificate.
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
- Volleyball · beach volleyball clubs
·
Water sports
- Swimming · Speedo Swim Academy · swimming programme
· - Water polo · recreational water polo
Racket sports
- Tennis
Individual sports
- Athletics · Athletics Academy · for gifted athletes
- Golf · SISD Golf Academy
Art & design
- Photography & film · photography
Science & technology
- Robotics · design robots
- Coding · learn to code
Debate & strategy
- Model United Nations · Model United Nations group
Award programmes
- Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP · The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award · Available for students G8 - G12.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
· - Theatre or auditorium
- Running track
· - Playing field
- Sports courts
- Art studio
- Music rooms
- Sports hall
- Dance studio
- Makerspace
·
Also mentioned: origami, mindfulness, Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN)
- 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.
External examinations
- IBDP
- IBCP
Languages besides English
- French
- German
- Arabic · Arabic instruction in KG1 comprises two lessons per week, while children in KG2 have three weekly sessions, each lasting 20 minutes.
Facilities
- Indoor play area
- Sensory room
- Sensory rooms
Courses after 16
- IB Diploma · IBDP
- IB Career-related · IBCP
- Award Scheme Development Accreditation Network (ASDAN) pathway
- BTEC · Business Technology Education Council (BTEC)
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Students of determination and those who are gifted or talented are identified. p. 4
- Access is assured for those with reduced mobility. p. 4
- A primary sensory room for therapists to support children with specific needs has also recently been created. p. 9
- Teachers identify students of determination using revised internal referral processes. p. 19
- Students who are identified as having special gifts or talents undergo specific assessments. p. 19
- Students of determination receive support from the inclusion team. They are offered differentiated learning activities and therapy options. 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 nordangliaeducation.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
- «Average SISD point score: 35.6» nordangliaeducation.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «IBDP pass rate: 100%» nordangliaeducation.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Highest point score: 44» nordangliaeducation.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «IBCP pass rate: 100%» nordangliaeducation.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Where leavers go
- «Armed with world-leading IB results and an impressive array of IB Learner Profile traits, every SISD graduate receives an average of four offers from leading global universities.» nordangliaeducation.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «These include top 100 institutions in France, Switzerland, the UK, and Canada.» nordangliaeducation.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «Applications for the 2026–2027 Academic Year are open. Apply today and begin your child's journey at SISD.» nordangliaeducation.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «SISD is open to children from 3 to 18 years old.» nordangliaeducation.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We accept boarding students from the age of 11 (Grade 6) upwards.» nordangliaeducation.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «In fact, your child can join us at any point in the academic year, so long as we have spaces available.» nordangliaeducation.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Yes, we do. We offer a safe, smooth, and efficient bus service that covers destinations across Dubai.» nordangliaeducation.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 68,868 to AED 137,736Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Pre-KG to Grade 12, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Swiss International Scientific 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 | ||
| Pre-KG | AED 68,868 | AED 68,868 |
| KG1 | AED 76,903 | AED 76,903 |
| KG2 | AED 76,903 | AED 76,903 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 91,823 | AED 91,823 |
| Grade 2 | AED 91,823 | AED 91,823 |
| Grade 3 | AED 91,823 | AED 91,823 |
| Grade 4 | AED 91,823 | AED 91,823 |
| Grade 5 | AED 94,693 | AED 94,693 |
| Grade 6 | AED 109,042 | AED 109,042 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 109,042 | AED 109,042 |
| Grade 8 | AED 109,042 | AED 109,042 |
| Grade 9 | AED 126,259 | AED 126,259 |
| Grade 10 | AED 126,259 | AED 126,259 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 137,736 | AED 137,736 |
| Grade 12 | AED 137,736 | AED 137,736 |
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, 2 recurring across the last 4 reports.
Arabic
Note 11 strength
Strength
Improvement in Arabic learning and the progress of students in all phases
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Curriculum and challenge
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
The increased breadth of the curriculum for older students, the bilingual provision, and the extensive programme of extra-curricular activities
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Development required
Ensure that the school's wellbeing themes are integrated into curriculum and lesson planning.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 9
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
Highly effective provision for health and safety, and the care of students and members of staff
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Inclusion of students of determination
1 strength
Strength
Improved provision for inclusion
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength
Strength
Effective leadership, highly focused self-evaluation and improvement planning.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 4 reportsNote 2MYP
Embed the recent initiatives to increase the proportion of stronger teaching that fully engages students, especially in MYP.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Attainment and progress
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 4 reports
Explore best practice to improve students’ attainment further.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Emirati students
1 development point
Development requiredEmirati students
Improve Emirati students’ performance on international benchmarking, particularly in English and mathematics.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 8, paragraph 16
Reading and literacy
1 development point
Development required
Improve the performance in students’ reading assessmnets.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 8, paragraph 17
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 Swiss International Scientific 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 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.
- 2018–19Up from AcceptableFull 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, Swiss International Scientific School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 2,610 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 2,155 | 225 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,709 | 184 | 21% |
| 2021–22 | 1,401 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,136 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,146 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 1,132 | 125 | 26% |
| 2017–18 | 924 | 125 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 608 | Not available | Not available |
| 2015–16 | 252 | 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)