The International School of Choueifat
SABIS (UK/US) curriculum, Al Safouh First, 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
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
- SABIS (UK/US)
- Year groups
- Pre-KG–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 1994
- External examinations
- AP/ IGCSE/ AS/ A Level Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- SABIS (UK/US) Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming and more, 14 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 3,900 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 164 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 83 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 213 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
- 26 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Hisham Hassan Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 6 Oct 2015, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 1 change of principal
- Raymond Niblock, 2011–12 → Hisham Hassan (School Director), Mohamad El Khatib, 2012–13 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Safouh First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 399 9444iscdubai@iscdxb.sabis.net
- 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 2 reports and Acceptable in 11 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Up from Weak Earlier: Weak 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 | KG | Primary | Middle | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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’ progress in Islamic is now acceptable across the school. The achievement of students in Arabic as a first language remains acceptable. Primary students improved English achievement to good while standards in the high school have fallen to good. In mathematics and science students’ progress in the high school has been maintained at very good. The learning skills in the middle and high school is good while acceptable in the lower two phases.
Personal and social development
Students behave well and are responsible and mature; they show respect towards their culture, staff and peers. Universal Islamic values guide their decisions and actions. Expanding leadership opportunities equip them for future roles such as the opportunities in the SLO, while exploring diverse cultures broadens their perspectives. Personalised learning experiences empower them to become independent, engaged learners and global citizens. Most students are aware of environmental and sustainability issues, particularly in the high school.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teaching quality varies across the school. High-phase teachers have strong subject knowledge but occasionally fail to use assessment data effectively for lesson planning, impacting their ability to meet individual student needs. Upper-phase teachers use engaging questioning techniques, while KG-level questioning and expectations lack consistency. However, positive teacher-student relationships are maintained across levels. Middle and high school students show responsibility, critical thinking, and technology skills, though improving assessment data use is essential for diverse lesson planning. The curriculum aligns with UAE's vision and educational standards, offering multiple pathways for seniors but needs more frequent reviews, especially in KG science learning and curriculum flexibility. The English G12 curriculum now promotes reading for pleasure. Extracurricular activities are extensive and culturally relevant, but integrating innovation and enterprise skills in lessons could be improved.
Wellbeing
The school fosters a positive well-being environment through respectful interactions, settled learning, and implementing robust support systems. Students feel cared for, staff express happiness, and parents report satisfaction. Well-being leaders and a champion facilitate connections, while emerging leaders are nurtured through the prefect and class leader system. The well-being curriculum includes mindfulness, affirmations, and healthy messaging, contributing to a positive school fabric across all age groups.
Inclusion
The school is making strides in adhering to statutory requirements for inclusion, utilising Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and a referral system. However, there's room for improvement in the identification process, as none of the SoDs are placed at Level 3. The school needs to align stated needs with KHDA standard categories and involve parents more actively. Inclusion leaders needs to encourage inclusive learning in the classrooms.
Leadership and management
School leaders align with SABIS and UAE priorities, fostering positive morale. While instructional methods excel, limited exposure to external practices poses challenges. The self-evaluation system lacks accuracy, and inconsistent pursuit of recommendations hinders progress. Parental involvement efforts face challenges, and governance needs diverse representation. Daily management is effective, but some members of staff lack qualifications in key areas, and facility limitations hinder teaching and 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 15 Oct 20264 days
- First midterm break
- 16 Oct 2026
- 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 International School of ChoueifatIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentHigh | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressHigh |
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) tests, the school’s score of 580 equated to a good judgement, as the score approached the higher end of the threshold.
- However, in the benchmark tests, the outcomes for all students, including the Emirati cohort, were weak in all three subjects, English, mathematics and science.
- In the recent reading skills literacy assessment, the school narrowly failed to meet its targets.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching 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: Attainment based on the National Agenda Parameter benchmarks — is below expectations
- 2015–16: no verdict read
- 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 · Boys and Girls Football
- Basketball
- Volleyball
Water sports
- Swimming
Racket sports
- Tennis · from KG 2 to Grade 8
- Badminton · Badminton Club
- Table tennis · Ping Pong Club · secondary students
Individual sports
- Athletics · Track and Field · students from Grades 3 to 12
- Gymnastics · Gymnastics Program · Trials are held at the start of each academic year for girls in Grade 1-9 and boys in Grade 1-6. Selected students participate in gymnastics classes during break time.
- Martial arts · taekwondo · from KG 2 to Grade 8
- Yoga & fitness · yoga club
Dance
- Ballet · during break times
Art & design
- Art · Art Club · secondary students
Debate & strategy
- Chess · Chess Club · secondary students
Facilities
- Playing field
- Theatre or auditorium
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Drama
- Photography & film
Also mentioned: Culinary Club
- 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 · Children begin learning Arabic in KG1 and KG2.
Courses after 16
- Various pathways for senior students
Facilities
- Cafeteria
- Clinics
- Laboratories
External examinations
- AP
- IGCSE
- AS
- A Level
- Advanced Placement
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Robust systems for safeguarding and risk assessments ensure students’ safety. p. 4
- Career guidance and support for senior students’ application to universities are key strengths. p. 4
- The pastoral support and career guidance for students in the senior school p. 5
- The school has effective policies and systems in place for the safeguarding of students and members of staff. p. 18
- The systems for identifying students of determination and those who are gifted and talented are developing. p. 18
- Some opt-in one-to-one interventions for students of determination occur, but usually at breaktimes. p. 18
- 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 iscdubai.sabis.net, 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
- «ISC-Dubai is also a registered center for administering SAT, AP®, IELTS, IGCSE, AS Level, and A Level exams.» iscdubai.sabis.net on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Where leavers go
- «Our 2025 acceptances feature placements in top-tier universities around the world, including among many others: • Harvard • Princeton • University College London (UCL) • University of Chicago • University of Pennsylvania» iscdubai.sabis.net 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 21,896 to AED 41,906Source 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, The International School of Choueifat, 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 24,000 | AED 24,000 |
| KG1 | AED 21,896 | AED 21,896 |
| KG2 | AED 23,406 | AED 23,406 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 24,916 | AED 24,916 |
| Grade 2 | AED 25,294 | AED 25,294 |
| Grade 3 | AED 25,671 | AED 25,671 |
| Grade 4 | AED 27,558 | AED 27,558 |
| Grade 5 | AED 28,313 | AED 28,313 |
| Grade 6 | AED 29,446 | AED 29,446 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 32,090 | AED 32,090 |
| Grade 8 | AED 33,222 | AED 33,222 |
| Grade 9 | AED 35,109 | AED 35,109 |
| Grade 10 | AED 37,753 | AED 37,753 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 41,151 | AED 41,151 |
| Grade 12 | AED 41,906 | AED 41,906 |
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, 3 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Mathematics
Note 11 strength
StrengthHigh school
High school students’ achievement in mathematics and science
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Personal development and wellbeing
3 strengths
Strength
Students’ personal development, work ethic and awareness of Islamic values and the Emirati culture
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Strength
Students’ leadership opportunities through the Students’ Life Organisation (SLO)
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
StrengthSenior school
The pastoral support and career guidance for students in the senior school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Governance
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Ensure that governors appoint qualified teachers in Islamic Education, Arabic, English and Inclusion, to support the quality of teaching and to improve students’ achievement.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Improve teaching for effective learning across the school but particularly in Islamic Education and Arabic.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Assessment
1 development point
Development requiredStudents of determination
Raise students’ attainment by making more effective use of internal and external assessment information to plan and implement challenging lessons for all groups of students, including students of determination.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Improve the leadership skills of all middle leaders to support the school’s self-evaluation, improvement planning and students’ outcomes.
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 International School of ChoueifatOverall 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)
- 2010–11Down from GoodFull 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 International School of Choueifat
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 3,900 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 3,954 | 164 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 4,012 | 161 | 19% |
| 2021–22 | 3,770 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 3,843 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 4,031 | 160 | 23% |
| 2018–19 | 4,010 | 158 | 20% |
| 2017–18 | 3,911 | 157 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 3,794 | 156 | 21% |
| 2015–16 | 3,902 | 158 | 42% |
| 2014–15 | 4,040 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 3,777 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 4,000 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 3,891 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 3,723 | 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)