The Arbor School
British curriculum, Al Furjan, 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
- 2018
- External examinations
- GCSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSME, BSO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Netball, Volleyball and more, 15 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,391 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 89 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 109 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 15 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
- 4 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Brett Steven Girven Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 8 Jan 2019, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2021–22
- 1 change of principal
- Brett Steven Girven, 2021–22 to 2023–24 → Gemma Thornley, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Al Furjan
- Phone and email
- +971 4 581 4100hr@thearborschool.aePrincipal: Gemma Thornley
- 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
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 1 report and Good in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Up from Good 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
Children's achievements in the Foundation Stage (FS) remain very high. The progress of students in Primary is now good or better in most core subjects. Since the last inspection, there have been improvements to what students know and understand in English, mathematics and science, and their progress in these subjects, alongside Arabic is stronger. Attainment and progress of students in the secondary phase is good or better in the majority of the core subjects.
Personal and social development
Students across all phases display exemplary behaviour and a dedicated approach to learning, marking an improvement from the previous year. In the Foundation Stage, children show a strong grasp of Islamic culture and Emirati traditions, a focus that could be further strengthened in older students. Across the board, students demonstrate a profound understanding of global issues, with many actively contributing to environmental stewardship
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teaching, the development of student learning skills, and assessment exhibit exceptional strength in the initial phases of the school, showing significant enhancement in Primary compared to the previous year. While Secondary also shows advancements, these improvements are somewhat uneven across various subjects and year groups, primarily because the evolution in teaching practices has yet to fully embed.
Wellbeing
Governors and leaders are strongly committed to promoting community well-being. Surveys are undertaken to ensure the views of parents, teachers and students are considered. Counsellors, alongside well-being and pastoral leaders, provide support for students. Students have a voice in the school through the student council and ambassador roles. The school provides a range of staff training opportunities, supporting teachers' professional growth. Staff morale is high and partnerships with parents are very positive.
Inclusion
This is a caring and very inclusive school. Governors and school leaders are committed to providing consistently high-quality provision for a wide range of students of determination. Students are accurately identified and plans are made, with parents, to overcome individual difficulties. An increasing number of students hare being recognised as having gifts and talents.
Leadership and management
The school has a clear goal to be sustainable and improve the environment. Leaders at every level understand what strong teaching looks like and are skilled at school improvement planning. Parents support the school well and have many opportunities to get involved. The governing body knows what's going on by listening to parents, teachers, and outside experts. They help the school improve by hiring capable staff and making sure there are excellent facilities and resources for learning.
- 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 Arbor 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 |
|---|---|---|
| International and Benchmark Achievement | Not applicable | |
| Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | Not applicable | |
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter are | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- With an average score of 542, the school achieved in line with the International Benchmark and significantly higher than the PIRLS centre point.
- Arbor Schools target for the 2026 assessment in the International Reading Literacy Study is to improve by 20points, moving it into the High International Benchmark.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE 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 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
- Rugby · Rugby (Tag)*
Water sports
- Swimming · swim galas
- Water polo
Racket sports
- Tennis
- Badminton
Individual sports
- Athletics · community run club · weekly
- Gymnastics
Dance
- Dance (other) · Dance*
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · debating
- Chess
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Table tennis
Also mentioned: Aquathlon*, Rounders*, OAA, falconry, Ecocouncils’ meetings
- 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 · Students learn the basics of Arabic in FS1, FS2 and Year 1, in one period of 40 minutes per week.
Courses after 16
- A wide range of pathways for students of determination, those with gifts and talents and those taking external examinations
External examinations
- GCSE
- IGCSE
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The experienced and knowledgeable inclusion leader effectively leads the team of specialists in the Thrive centres. p. 19
- Needs are accurately assessed through a wide range of procedures, which include advice from the school’s educational psychologist and speech therapist. p. 19
- Provision for students with gifts and talents is considerable, with specified staff responsible for provision and an extensive programme available for Scholarship students in the secondary school. p. 19
- Individual education plans (IEPs) accurately identify the prime needs of students and give clear direction for intervention and support. 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 thearborschool.ae, 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
- «Across 61 A Level entries, 26% of grades were awarded at A*, 48% at A*-A, 80% at A*-B and 92% at A*-C, with a 100% overall pass rate.» thearborschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «63% of entries awarded Distinction or Distinction* and a 100% pass rate.» thearborschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Across 283 I/GCSE entries, 23% of all grades were awarded at Grade 9 – more than three times the proportion achieved last year.» thearborschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «A total of 41% of entries achieved grades 9-8, almost double the previous year, while 60% achieved grades 9-7.» thearborschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Where leavers go
- «Together, the Class of 2026 received more than 200 university offers from universities across 16 countries, spanning 96 courses, alongside more than AED 27.5 million in scholarship offers.» thearborschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «Admission is subject to availability of a place, the completion of the required admissions procedures, and the school’s ability to meet the individual needs of the child.» thearborschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «The Arbor School partners with STS, Dubai’s leading school transport service provider, to offer parents a safe, convenient, and cost-effective alternative for transporting students to and from school, adhering fully to all applicable KHDA and RTA safety regulations governing school transport.» thearborschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Registrations are now open for our school bus service!» thearborschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «In addition, all bus trips are supervised by experienced Bus Guardians employed directly by the school.» thearborschool.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Parents now also have access to an app through which to track their child’s location during their commute.» thearborschool.ae 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 58,806 to AED 97,232Source 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 Arbor 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 58,806 | AED 58,806 |
| FS2 | AED 58,806 | AED 58,806 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 68,257 | AED 68,257 |
| Year 2 | AED 68,257 | AED 68,257 |
| Year 3 | AED 74,558 | AED 74,558 |
| Year 4 | AED 74,558 | AED 74,558 |
| Year 5 | AED 79,808 | AED 79,808 |
| Year 6 | AED 79,808 | AED 79,808 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 89,259 | AED 89,259 |
| Year 8 | AED 89,259 | AED 89,259 |
| Year 9 | AED 94,510 | AED 94,510 |
| Year 10 | AED 94,510 | AED 94,510 |
| Year 11 | AED 94,510 | AED 94,510 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 97,232 | AED 97,232 |
| Year 13 | AED 97,232 | AED 97,232 |
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: 5 strengths, 2 development points, 1 recurring across the last 3 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 12 strengths
Strength
Students’ excellent attitude to learning, their behaviour and their desire to promote ecological awareness and conservation.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Strength
The strong focus on wellbeing and the inclusive nature of the school.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Curriculum and challenge
1 strength
Strength
The innovative approach to curriculum design.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Governance
1 strength
Strength
The Executive Board’s provision of staff, facilities and resources.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength
Strength
The clarity of purpose that drives every aspect of school life.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Attainment and progress
1 development point
Development requiredSecondary phase
Improve achievement in all subjects in the secondary phase.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Islamic Education
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 3 reportsNote 2
Improve attainment in Islamic Education and Arabic.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
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 Arbor 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 Arbor School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,391 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,240 | 89 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,073 | 94 | 7% |
| 2021–22 | 827 | 71 | 15% |
| 2020–21 | 521 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 359 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 288 | 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)