The Aquila School
British curriculum, Dubai Land, 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
- 2018
- External examinations
- IGCSE and GCSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Netball, Volleyball and more, 28 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,281 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 84 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 102 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 16 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
- 2 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Wayne Howsen Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 1 Jan 2018, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2021–22
- No change of principal
- Wayne Howsen, 2021–22 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Dubai Land
- Phone and email
- +971 4 586 2700principal@theaquilaschool.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 3 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Up from Good Earlier: Good in 1 report and Acceptable in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 2 reports.
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
Following improvements, students' progress at FS in English, mathematics and science is now very positive. Students' progress in Arabic as an additional language has improved significantly. Progress and attainment at Secondary are well developed. Attainment in Arabic as a first language is now better. Overall, students' attainment in the core subjects is good. Learning skills are very well developed in FS and Primary, less so in Secondary.
Personal and social development
Across all phases, students show very well-developed attitudes towards their work and other people. Understanding of Islamic values, Emirati and world cultures has improved. Students continue to demonstrate care for the local environment and understanding of global environmental issues. Enterprise and innovation skills are very well developed.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teaching and assessment quality at the Foundation Stage (FS) has significantly improved, now achieving a high standard. Questioning is particularly effective, with teachers adeptly applying their comprehensive understanding of optimal child learning strategies. In Primary and Secondary , while teachers have strong subject knowledge and often tailor assessments to individual and group needs, some variability in this approach exists.
Wellbeing
The school improves well-being very effectively. Students have access to adults for guidance. Teachers provide students with support and care. The school’s approach includes curricular and extra-curricular activities. Parents like the school's responsiveness to any concerns. Staff well-being is a positive feature in the school. Targeted programmes support students to face challenges. Students demonstrate independence and digital responsibility and they report feeling valued.
Inclusion
Leaders have a strong commitment to inclusion. Effective support mechanisms help in ensuring an inclusive environment for all students. Staff successfully identify and address students' learning difficulties. The school is committed to addressing complex needs. The school has established strong partnerships with parents. Staff are flexible in using the curriculum to support students of determination. They monitor progress carefully. They usually achieve positive outcomes. There are some differences in this across subjects and phases.
Leadership and management
The principal successfully encourages staff to seek improvements in the school atmosphere and academic outcomes. Teamwork among leaders is a strength. Staff have a generally well-developed knowledge of the school's strengths and areas for development. Support from governors has been effective. Partnerships with parents is strong. Very good levels of staffing, facilities and resources create a positive environment in which students reach good levels of attainment.
- 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, The Aquila SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | |||
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | |||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| A. Registration Requirements | Met Fully | Not in this report |
| B. International and Benchmark Achievement | Not applicable | |
| C. Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| D. Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | ||
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- Performance in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessments in 2021 was strong.
- The school exceeded its target and is performing at the high international benchmark level.
- Comparison between students’ results in the 2023 NAP assessments and the 2022 results show that students sustained a very good level of performance in English and mathematics.
- Science results improved to outstanding.
- The implementation of the New Graded Reading Test (NGRT) has begun to enhance students’ reading comprehension skills.
- Results in those tests vary across year groups but are good overall.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above 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.
Ball sports
- Football
- Basketball
- Netball
- Volleyball
- Cricket
Water sports
- Swimming · morning swimming · 6.40am to 7.20am Monday to Thursday
Racket sports
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Table tennis
Individual sports
- Athletics
- Gymnastics
- Yoga & fitness · Zumba
Dance
- Modern & jazz dance · Secondary Dance · Jazz
- Dance (other) · Dance Club · explore a rich variety of dance styles
Theatre
- Drama · Primary School Production · Secondary School Production
- Musicals · musical theatre · from Early Years to Post-16 Pathways
Music
- Choir & singing · Singing Club · choirs
- Orchestra & bands · bands · band exhibitions
- Instrument lessons · traditional instruments including piano, drums and guitar · one-on-one or group sessions
Art & design
- Art · Arts & Crafts · Drawing & Colouring
- Photography & film · ISP Filmmakers
Science & technology
- Robotics · First Lego League · drone arena and robotic tables
- Coding · Computing Club
- Science & engineering club · ISP Scientists
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · Public Speaking · LAMDA Speaking in Public exams
- Model United Nations · ISP Model United Nations · MUN Organisers
- Chess · ISP Chess Masters
Award programmes
- Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP · Duke of Edinburgh
Facilities
- Art studio
· - Music rooms
- Swimming pool
· - Theatre or auditorium
- Dance studio
- Sports hall
- Sports courts
- Playing field
Also mentioned: Cheerleading, Rounders, urban farm, public speaking
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 24 September 2026
Checked 24 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 an additional language
Courses after 16
- IB programmes
External examinations
- IGCSE
- GCSE
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The school employs rigorous methods to identify students of determination including those who are gifted and talented. p. 18
- Timely creation of helpful individualised education plans (IEPs) is standard practice. p. 18
- Robust support mechanisms, including dedicated specialist teachers and learning support assistants (LSAs), help in ensuring an inclusive environment for all students. p. 19
- Student’s IEPs are detailed and backed by teacher training in various specialised areas. p. 19
- The differentiated curriculum and support include specialist educational pathways for students with more complex learning profiles. 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 48,673 to AED 77,876Source 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, The Aquila 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 48,673 | AED 48,673 |
| FS2 | AED 51,917 | AED 51,917 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 54,081 | AED 54,081 |
| Year 2 | AED 54,081 | AED 54,081 |
| Year 3 | AED 56,244 | AED 56,244 |
| Year 4 | AED 56,244 | AED 56,244 |
| Year 5 | AED 59,489 | AED 59,489 |
| Year 6 | AED 59,489 | AED 59,489 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 64,897 | AED 64,897 |
| Year 8 | AED 64,897 | AED 64,897 |
| Year 9 | AED 71,386 | AED 71,386 |
| Year 10 | AED 71,386 | AED 71,386 |
| Year 11 | AED 71,386 | AED 71,386 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 77,876 | AED 77,876 |
| Year 13 | AED 77,876 | AED 77,876 |
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
7 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 3 development points, 2 recurring across the last 3 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 12 strengths
Strength
The inclusive and caring family ethos of the school in which wellbeing is promoted successfully and students thrive
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Strength
Students' very well-developed personal and social skills, knowledge of Emirati and world cultures and their understanding of environmental issues
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Teamwork and educational leadership which is driving improvements in many aspects of the school’s provision
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 3 reportsNote 2
Improve the capacity of leaders to monitor and evaluate provision accurately and take appropriate action to address underachievement where it occurs.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Early years
1 strength
StrengthFS
Strong provision at FS which is leading to children's very positive progress in English, mathematics and science
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 3 reportsSecondary, Higher-attaining students
Ensure greater consistency in the quality of teaching, particularly in relation to use of assessment data to challenge higher-attaining students and especially in Secondary.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Curriculum and challenge
1 development point
Development requiredPost-16
Prepare for the development of the Post-16 phase by improving the secondary curriculum and learning approaches to align them with the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) principles.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Findings from 1 of 3 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 3 reports, 2021–22 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
3 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2021–22 to 2023–24.
History of The Aquila 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 2021–22Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2021–22Same as 2020–21Full Inspection Report 2021–22 (opens in a new tab)
- 2020–21First reportReport not online
- 2018–19 and 2019–20No inspection.
- Opened in 2018–19. No reports before this year.
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, The Aquila School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,281 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,131 | 84 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,029 | 79 | 14% |
| 2021–22 | 807 | 65 | 10% |
| 2020–21 | 598 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 324 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 112 | 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 2021–22 (opens in a new tab)
Not online: the 2020–21 report. The timeline takes that year’s rating from KHDA’s open data.
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)