Universal American School - Branch
American, IB curriculum, Ras Al Khor, 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
- American, IB
- Year groups
- Pre-KG–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2005
- Extra-curricular activities
- Drama, Photography & film and more, 2 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,356 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 103 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 167 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 90 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
- 4 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Kevin Loft Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 1 Jan 2022, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 4 changes of principal
- Dr. Gunther Brandt, 2011–12 to 2012–13 → Dr. Daryle Russell, 2013–14 → Mr. Andrew Torris, 2014–15 to 2017–18 → Mr. OB Sealey, 2018–19 → Kevin Loft, 2022–23 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Ras Al Khor
- Phone and email
- +971 4 524 0444uasdirector@uasdubai.ae
- 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: Very good in 3 reports, Good in 8 reports and Acceptable in 1 report.
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.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very 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 | Elementary | 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 4
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
Student performance in English and science is very good in the school and is supported by improving learning skills. In mathematics, students have maintain strong attainment and progress. Student outcomes in Islamic education have improved. The attainment of students in Arabic as a first language, especially in Middle, requires greater focus on key language skills.
Personal and social development
Students' very positive behavior contributes to a harmonious learning community. Relationships amongst students and with staff are respectful. Islamic values, Emirati culture and heritage are relevant and important for all students. Students are eager to learn, show resilience and have a positive work ethic. For a minority of students, levels of attendance and punctuality could be better. Care for the environment is a positive attribute amongst students.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers possess a deep understanding of their subjects, and the quality of teaching is on the rise throughout the school. The assessment methods employed by teachers are clear, consistent, and recognized as a strong point at all educational levels. The strategy of using assessment results to guide teaching approaches and curriculum adjustments is advanced and effective.
Wellbeing
This very inclusive school emphasizes the importance of well-being through its policies and practices.Students actively plan and lead wellbeing initiatives that benefit the school community. Parents would a p p r e c i a t e m o r e o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n w e l l - b e i n g initiatives. Students regulate their own well-being using a range of strategies. They know how to keep themselves safe online and recognize its importance. Their sense of belonging to the school community supports their well-being
Inclusion
Senior leaders and the inclusion team promote an inclusive ethos in the school and welcome students of all abilities. Partnership with parents are very positive and they appreciate the quality of advice and support their children receive. Students make good progress and acquire a range of knowledge and skills over time. Teachers the progress of students of determination and use this information to adjust their academic and personal goals.
Leadership and management
Parents have observed an increase in stability within the school's leadership and staffing structure. School leaders are actively engaged in enhancing both the educational offerings and the outcomes for students. Greater involvement of parents and students in the evaluation process could significantly contribute to the advancement of the school's mission and vision. The role of the governors is crucial, and it is essential for them to promote higher accountability and enforce stricter supervision over all aspects of the school's operations.
- 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 14 Oct 20263 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
- Second midterm break
- 8 Feb 2027 to 9 Feb 20272 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, Universal American School - BranchIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2016–17 | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | ||||
| Islamic Education attainmentElementary | ||||
| Islamic Education attainmentHigh | ||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | ||||
| Islamic Education progressElementary | ||||
| 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 |
A. Registration Requirements Met Fully
- A score of 563 for the whole school in the Progress in International Reading Literacy (PIRLS) for 2021 was six points above its target and in 2016 was 26 points above the whole school’s score of 537.
- The score of the Emirati cohort in 2021 was 520, which was 43 points below the school’s score.
- On average in the benchmark assessment tests, the school maintained the judgement for each subject in 2023 from 2022.
- The profile for the Emirati students was lower than for all students in English and mathematics, but in line with other students in science.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2017–18: Attainment, as indicated by the National Agenda Parameter (N.A.P.) benchmarks — is below expectations in mathematics and science and meets expectations in English
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 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 curricula, the student needs:
- American: five approved subjects a year in Grades 10 to 12 (D or 60%), an English score (EmSAT 1100, IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL iBT 61) and a maths score (EmSAT 500 or SAT 450). Without the scores, the equivalency is limited.
- IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.
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.
Theatre
- Drama · Theatre
Art & design
- Photography & film · film
Facilities
- Sports hall
- Swimming pool
- Playing field
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Orchestra & bands
- Choir & singing
- Athletics
- Art
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2022–23
Page 17
Checked 16 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 classes in KG combine native and non-native Arabic speakers. Children in KG1 have three sessions of 30 minutes each per week, and in KG2 they have four sessions.
- Modern European languages · Elementary students have a choice of other modern European languages.
Courses after 16
- US High School Diploma · high school diploma
- Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP)
- IB Diploma · IBDP
Facilities
- Laboratories
- Science, technology, arts, humanities, and sports facilities
- Parents’ café
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The quality of the individual education plans (IEPs) has improved since the previous inspection. p. 20
- Teachers, aided by some learning support assistants (LSA), provide strong support for students’ learning. p. 20
- The school employs a range of assessments and procedures to identify the differing needs of students of determination and those who are gifted and talented. p. 20
- Students with moderate to severe learning needs participate in a highly differentiated program within their class. p. 20
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 11
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 40,377 to AED 81,834Source 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, Universal American School - Branch, 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 40,377 | AED 40,377 |
| KG1 | AED 43,103 | AED 43,103 |
| KG2 | AED 48,960 | AED 48,960 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 65,022 | AED 65,022 |
| Grade 2 | AED 65,022 | AED 65,022 |
| Grade 3 | AED 65,022 | AED 65,022 |
| Grade 4 | AED 65,022 | AED 65,022 |
| Grade 5 | AED 72,328 | AED 72,328 |
| Grade 6 | AED 72,328 | AED 72,328 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 72,328 | AED 72,328 |
| Grade 8 | AED 72,328 | AED 72,328 |
| Grade 9 | AED 81,834 | AED 81,834 |
| Grade 10 | AED 81,834 | AED 81,834 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 81,834 | AED 81,834 |
| Grade 12 | AED 81,834 | AED 81,834 |
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
14 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 9 development points, 7 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 11 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Students' exemplary behavior, deep respect for and modeling of Islamic values
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Development required
Provide more opportunities for parents to advise on and participate in wellbeing initiatives.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 9
English
1 strength
Strength
The very good performance of students in English, mathematics and science, and improving outcomes in Islamic Education
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Teaching
1 strength, 1 development point
StrengthKindergarten (KG) and elementary and high schools
Very good teaching and learning in the Kindergarten (KG), and in the elementary and high schools
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Prioritize the gaps in teaching, learning and students’ progress.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The excellent commitment of parents to the school, their support and respect for students’ wellbeing and inclusion
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Staffing, facilities and resources
1 strength
Strength
The outstanding facilities which promote a positive learning experience
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Leadership and self-evaluation
3 development points
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Involve governors fully in the self-evaluation process.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that the outcomes of the school’s self-evaluation are based securely on the evidence generated by the school’s assessment processes.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 13
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that the capacity and competence of leaders are measured, in terms of their impact on improving provision and students’ outcomes.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 14
Attainment and progress
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Raise students’ attainment in the National Agenda benchmark assessments.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 3
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsEmirati students
Improve the achievement of Emirati students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 4
Reading and literacy
1 development point
Development required
Develop students’ reading literacy skills.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 5
Curriculum and challenge
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports
Implement wellbeing themes more appropriately into lessons.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 10
Findings from 1 of 10 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, 2016–17 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
13 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of Universal American School - BranchOverall 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 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
- 2018–19Same as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Up from GoodFull 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)
- 2009–10Up from AcceptableFull 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, Universal American School - Branch
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,356 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,233 | 103 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,074 | 92 | 39% |
| 2021–22 | 1,027 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 981 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 803 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 1,015 | 124 | 31% |
| 2017–18 | 1,292 | 146 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 1,374 | 157 | 24% |
| 2015–16 | 1,393 | 155 | 30% |
| 2014–15 | 1,402 | 144 | 25% |
| 2013–14 | 1,301 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 1,247 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 1,170 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 1,133 | 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 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)