The Central School
Indian CBSE curriculum, Al Nahda Second, KG1–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
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
- Indian CBSE
- Year groups
- KG1–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 1981
- External examinations
- CBSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- KHDA Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Basketball, Volleyball, Robotics, Model United Nations and more, 4 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 3,978 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 209 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 325 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
- SYED ALI HAIDER RIZVI Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 8 Oct 2024, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 4 changes of principal
- Syed Rasul Syed Mirza Ghalib, 2011–12 to 2013–14 → SHARAFUDHEEN TK, 2014–15 to 2016–17 → Mrs. Mala Mehra, 2017–18 to 2019–20 → Syed Ali Haider Rizvi, 2022–23 to 2023–24 → HIREN PRAVINBHAI SANGANI, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Al Nahda Second
- Phone and email
- +971 4 267 4433faisaljaber@centralschool.netPrincipal: HIREN PRAVINBHAI SANGANI
- 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: Acceptable in 12 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable in 2 reports.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Acceptable 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 | KG | Primary | Middle | 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
Students have continued to do well in Islamic Education and English since the school was last inspected. The principal and senior leaders work hard to make sure students do as well in other subjects, and levels of achievement are just beginning to rise. Some of the heads of department are very new to the school and they have not yet had time to make their mark on students' attainment and progress.
Personal and social development
Students' personal and social development are notable strengths and they are proud of their school. They are self-disciplined, respectful towards adults and other students, and they are polite to visitors and interested in talking to them. Students are sensitive to the needs and differences of others and consistently help in lessons and during breaks. Students are fully aware of how to live a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. They take part in a variety of physical exercises and activities.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teaching quality at the school is generally strong, with minimal instances of weaker teaching and a solid foundation of effective teaching. The secondary phase sets a high standard, and English lessons across the school consistently meet expectations. However, in Arabic classes, teaching quality can sometimes be disappointing, impacting students' achievements. Kindergarten (KG) teachers effectively assess and plan activities to foster independent learning, but in other school phases, assessment practices require further refinement to ensure students can engage effectively with challenging lessons and make accelerated progress.
Wellbeing
The genuine sense of well-being at this school is cultivated under the leadership of the principal. His vision of creating a joyful learning environment where all individuals flourish is supported by the governing body, staff, students, and parents. Student ambassadors appreciate his warmth and approachability. Parents entrust their children to the school, confident in the assurance that their well-being will be prioritised. Students can eloquently articulate the positive impacts on their mental and physical health.
Inclusion
The principal and senior leaders have developed systems to identify students’ different learning needs when they join the school. The school makes sure that each student has an individual education plans so that lesson may be shaped to take account of their needs. The school has developed supportive partnerships with parents, particularly in KG. Parents feel involved in their children’s education. At times, some teachers do not match tasks well with the abilities of gifted and talented students and students of determination.
Leadership and management
The principal knows what needs to happen for the school to improve. Most of the senior team have been appointed recently and they have already put some useful systems in place which help the school to run smoothly. Leaders visit lessons regularly to check how good teaching and learning are, but some are too generous in their view of teaching. The plans that leaders have written to improve the school do not have the attainment and progress of students as their driving force.
- 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
6 Apr 2026 to 18 Mar 2027 · 182 school days
- Eid al-Adha
- 26 May 2026 to 29 May 20264 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
- Islamic New Year
- 16 Jun 2026expected, subject to moon sighting
- Summer break includes Prophet’s birthday
- 6 Jul 2026 to 28 Aug 202654 days
- National Day
- 2 Dec 2026 to 3 Dec 20262 days
- Winter break includes New year’s day
- 14 Dec 2026 to 2 Jan 202720 days
- Other school holidays
- 26 Jan 2027
- Eid al-Fitr
- 8 Mar 2027 to 11 Mar 20274 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 Central SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentachievement Primary | Not in this report | Islamic Education attainment, achievement Primary: not rated from 2017–18 to 2023–24 | |||||
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | Not in this report | ||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressachievement Primary | Not in this report | Islamic Education progress, achievement Primary: not rated from 2017–18 to 2023–24 | |||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | Not in this report | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | |||||||
| 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 | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- In the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021, students' scores declined from the 2016 level, and did not reach the targets set for the school.
- However, the school's score of 500 is within the intermediate international benchmark.
- The most recent external assessment data show that students' reading literacy skills are in line with agerelated expectations.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessments — is below expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve its UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is Approaching Expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — is below expectations
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — is not secure
- 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:
- Indian: the Grade 12 and Grade 10 board certificates, with Grade 11 transcripts.
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
- Basketball
- Volleyball
Science & technology
- Robotics · robotics activities
Debate & strategy
- Model United Nations
Facilities
- Playing field
- Sports courts
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Cultural dance
- Art
- Dance (other)
- 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 · Arabic is not offered in KG.
Facilities
- Science laboratories
External examinations
- CBSE
- CBSE results at Grades 10 and 12
- CBSE examinations
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- They ensure that each student has an individual education plan (IEP) so that lessons may be shaped to take account of their needs. p. 19
- Opportunities in lessons for gifted writers are often at an average expected attainment level, and do not allow these students to show their best work. 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 centraldxb.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.
Admissions
- «Note :- For admission, priority will be given to staff members and siblings, based on the registration order.» centraldxb.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «However, seat confirmation will depend on the performance in the entrance exam.» centraldxb.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Admission process for new academic year commences in the month of Oct/Nov of the previous academic year and depends on seat availability.» centraldxb.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Registration Fee: AED 100/- (non-Refundable)» centraldxb.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 14 year groupsNote 1
AED 4,177 to AED 7,352Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
KG1 to Grade 12, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, The Central 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 | ||
| KG1 | AED 4,177 | AED 4,177 |
| KG2 | AED 4,177 | AED 4,177 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 4,762 | AED 4,762 |
| Grade 2 | AED 4,762 | AED 4,762 |
| Grade 3 | AED 4,762 | AED 4,762 |
| Grade 4 | AED 4,762 | AED 4,762 |
| Grade 5 | AED 5,260 | AED 5,260 |
| Grade 6 | AED 5,260 | AED 5,260 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 5,260 | AED 5,260 |
| Grade 8 | AED 5,260 | AED 5,260 |
| Grade 9 | AED 5,932 | AED 5,932 |
| Grade 10 | AED 5,932 | AED 5,932 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 7,352 | AED 7,352 |
| Grade 12 | AED 7,352 | AED 7,352 |
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 14 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 14 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
8 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 4 development points, 4 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 strength, 1 development point
Strength
The clear vision and direction set by the principal, and the school’s strong relationships with parents.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Ensure that school self-evaluation is more realistic, and that school improvement planning contains measurable targets and regular review of progress.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Teaching
1 strength, 2 development points
StrengthSecondary phase
The good standard of teaching in the secondary phase.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Improve teaching, particularly in Arabic.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Train all leaders to make accurate evaluations of the impact of teaching on students’ progress.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
Students’ very strong personal development and their wellbeing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The effective provision for the care and support of students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Curriculum and challenge
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that the school curriculum fully matches the expectations of the Indian National Curriculum Framework 2023.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
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
13 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2009–10 to 2023–24.
History of The Central 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 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)
- 2012–13Same as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- 2011–12Same as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- 2010–11Same as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- 2009–10First reportFull Inspection Report 2009–10 (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, The Central School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 3,978 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 3,598 | 209 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 3,299 | 209 | 20% |
| 2021–22 | 2,785 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 2,838 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 2,833 | 184 | 23% |
| 2018–19 | 2,799 | 172 | 21% |
| 2017–18 | 3,020 | 178 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 3,135 | 182 | 16% |
| 2015–16 | 3,142 | 175 | 33% |
| 2014–15 | 3,292 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 3,661 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 3,136 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 2,413 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 2,401 | 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)
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)KHDA school directory 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)