The City School International Private
British curriculum, Nadd Al Hamar, 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
- 1989
- External examinations
- IGCSE,A Level Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSME Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Martial arts, Yoga & fitness and more, 6 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,017 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 70 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 83 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 18 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Pakistani 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
- Frank Roman Fernandes Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 11 Jan 2020, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 5 changes of principal
- Gary White, 2011–12 → Sadia Wajid, 2012–13 → Kaneez-e-Ali, 2013–14 to 2016–17 → Craig Shipton, 2017–18 → Frank Roman Fernandes, 2019–20 to 2023–24 → JUMANA A.A SHEHADEH, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Nadd Al Hamar
- Phone and email
- +971 4 289 9722info@tcsidxb.aePrincipal: JUMANA A.A SHEHADEH
- 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 4 reports and Acceptable in 9 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
The school maintains mostly high student achievement across the curriculum. In English, students’ attainment in Primary and their progress in both Primary and Secondary have improved to be very good. Children in Foundation stage (FS) continue to achieve well across all subjects. Across the school students are very actively committed towards their own learning journeys.
Personal and social development
Students show very positive attitudes and behaviour. They are caring and sensitive to one another’s needs. They possess a strong knowledge and understanding of the Islamic values’ impact on UAE life and their own life. They are very proud of their own culture and heritage. Their work ethic and awareness of the environment are strong. However, their effective participation in innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives are inconsistent across phases.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers have solid subject knowledge and use diverse strategies, including technology, to facilitate engaging learning. They effectively use resources but need to better utilise assessment data to tailor lessons to individual student needs. The curriculum is broad, fostering knowledge, skills, and understanding, with a range of options for older students. It also instills an appreciation for UAE culture and values. However, there's a focus on enhancing progression across subjects. Safety is paramount, with stringent policies ensuring a secure, hygienic environment. A well-managed clinic and active medical team contribute to this. Students feel supported and safe, thanks to strong community bonds and a commitment from staff and students alike to uphold a nurturing atmosphere. This collective approach allows teachers to understand and support each student effectively.
Wellbeing
The school has a commitment to promoting high levels of student wellbeing and continue to develop their approach to this - including the forthcoming introduction of a bespoke well-being curriculum. The school's approach to fostering stakeholder engagement and influence requires further enhancement. There is a strong commitment, there's room for improvement in establishing two-way communication channels to ensure students' voices are consistently heard. Regarding staff well-being, the school does provide support, exemplified by initiatives like the appreciation board.
Inclusion
The school's commitment to enhancing its vision for inclusion has notably improved the quality of its educational provision, creating a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere for all students. Engaging parents in crafting Individual Education Plans (IEP) has enriched the educational experience, promoting a more collaborative and effective approach. While the school has made strides in several areas, disparities remain in the quality and outcomes of provision, especially across different subjects and educational stages.
Leadership and management
The principal and the strong senior leadership team are faithful to a purposeful learning community and have established a caring environment. Leaders encourage best practice in teaching and supporting positive learning outcomes. Parents are supportive and keen to play a key role in their children learning. Governing board is well representing stakeholders and committed to the school improvements.
- 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 | Not in this report | ||
| English | Not in this report | |||
| 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 City School International PrivateIslamic 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 attainmentPost-16 | Islamic Education attainment, Post-16: not rated from 2015–16 to 2019–20 | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressPost-16 | Islamic Education progress, Post-16: not rated from 2015–16 to 2019–20 | ||||||
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
- In the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), the school exceeded its target and scored significantly higher than the PIRLS centre point.
- Although Emirati students missed their targets by 9 points, they are still performing above the PIRLS centre point.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessments — meets expectations
- 2019–20: The school’s progression in international assessments — is above expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the schools progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2016–17: no verdict read
- 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).
- Vocational only. A BTEC Level 3 Diploma 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
Individual sports
- Martial arts · Karate
- Yoga & fitness · yoga
Theatre
- Drama · theater
Art & design
- Art · craftwork · drawing
Facilities
- Playing field
- Sports courts
· - Sports hall
· - Art studio
- Swimming pool
- Music rooms
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Dance (other)
- Model United Nations
- Robotics
- Debate & public speaking
- Science & engineering club
- Swimming
Also mentioned: Roller Skating
- 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 · for FS, taught by a qualified teacher
External examinations
- IGCSE
- A Level
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Improvements in conducting assessments have strengthened provision and have ensured that the needs of students of determination are identified. p. 20
- Individual education plans (IEPs) are developed, but they are of varying quality and lead to variations in provision. p. 20
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 14,781 to AED 35,694Source 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 City School International Private, 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 14,781 | AED 14,781 |
| FS2 | AED 15,087 | AED 15,087 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 16,460 | AED 16,460 |
| Year 2 | AED 16,460 | AED 16,460 |
| Year 3 | AED 16,460 | AED 16,460 |
| Year 4 | AED 16,460 | AED 16,460 |
| Year 5 | AED 17,833 | AED 17,833 |
| Year 6 | AED 17,833 | AED 17,833 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 17,833 | AED 17,833 |
| Year 8 | AED 17,833 | AED 17,833 |
| Year 9 | AED 17,833 | AED 17,833 |
| Year 10 | AED 22,220 | AED 22,220 |
| Year 11 | AED 26,746 | AED 26,746 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 35,694 | AED 35,694 |
| Year 13 | AED 35,694 | AED 35,694 |
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
8 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 4 development points, 4 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 11 strength
Strength
Students’ personal and social development.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Islamic Education
1 strength
Strength
Students’ understanding of the impact of Islamic values on their lives and on life in the UAE.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
English
1 strength
Strength
Attainment in English, mathematics and science.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
The commitment of the principal and senior leaders to the school and its community.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Ensure that the school’s action and improvement plans are based on realistic self-evaluation.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports
Improve the quality of teaching and learning across the school.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Assessment
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Develop teachers’ use of data and assessment in lesson planning.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Inclusion of students of determination
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsStudents of determination
Enhance students’ wellbeing and support for students of determination.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
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 The City School International PrivateOverall 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)
- 2011–12Same 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)
- 2009–10Same as 2008–09Full 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, The City School International Private
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,017 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,006 | 70 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 901 | 68 | 6% |
| 2021–22 | 706 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 625 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 650 | 57 | 25% |
| 2018–19 | 658 | Not available | Not available |
| 2017–18 | 559 | 64 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 605 | 56 | 15% |
| 2015–16 | 692 | 65 | 23% |
| 2014–15 | 753 | 64 | 23% |
| 2013–14 | 764 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 486 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 478 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 419 | 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)