Uptown International School (Br. of Taaleem Management LLC)
IB curriculum, Mirdif, 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
- IB
- Year groups
- Pre-KG–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2012
- Extra-curricular activities
- Sailing & paddling, Robotics, Model United Nations and more, 3 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,385 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 118 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 163 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 440 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Emirati 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
- Colin Stewart Gerrie Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 8 Feb 2024, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2013–14
- 3 changes of principal Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Timothy Waley, 2013–14 → Christopher Bromham, 2015–16 to 2018–19 → Robert John Commons, 2022–23 → Colin Stewart Gerrie, 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Mirdif
- Phone and email
- +971 4 251 5001Principal@uptownschool.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 4 reports and Good in 4 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding 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 | PYP | MYP | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
There are very good or better student outcomes in almost all subjects and phases. There have also been improvements in students’ progress in Islamic Education, attainment in Arabic, as a first language in the DP, and in the Kindergarten (KG) where the children's progress in English and their learning skills are now outstanding. Students’ learning skills in the rest of the school are at least very good and outstanding in DP.
Personal and social development
Students across all grades exhibit a keen enthusiasm and positive attitude towards school and learning, contributing to a cohesive and harmonious school environment. Senior students and student leaders exemplify commendable role models. Students understand well the impact of universal Islamic values on modern-day UAE. Engagement with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile and participation in charitable activities enrich students' ethical and cultural understanding.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Kindergarten teachers excel in early childhood education, while across the school, teachers engage students with dynamic strategies and enthusiasm. Assessments yield precise insights into students' achievements, benchmarked against external standards, allowing leaders to pinpoint and address learning gaps. Teachers are effective at recognising student strengths, tracking progress, and providing constructive feedback.
Wellbeing
The school's leaders are committed to promoting high levels of well-being in the community. There are established actions in place for both staff and students. These actions involve parents as partners and encourage students to take care of themselves. Survey results and feedback are used to improve well-being plans. Leaders listen to students and keep parents well-informed. The school focuses on students' emotional and social growth. The positive classroom environment shows students understand the importance of well-being.
Inclusion
The inclusion team, guided by a highly qualified leader, receives strong support and resources from school leaders and governors. Identification procedures, including diagnostic assessments and expert referrals, are highly effective. Personalised learning through Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and small group tuition ensures exceptional support. Parents are actively engaged, and positive classroom cultures empower all learners. Alternative education pathways, along with unique experiences like the sailing club, contribute to students of determination typically making better-than-expected progress.
Leadership and management
The recently appointed principal alongside senior leadership, and assisted by the new improvement groups, are making positive changes in the school. Across the school, communication is open and effective, positively impacting on morale and well-being. The governing body is very supportive of the school, providing additional staff and resources to meet the changing demographics. The school facilities and resources very effectively meet the needs of the students.
- 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 | |||
| 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, Uptown International School (Br. of Taaleem Management LLC)Islamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentDP | ||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentMYP | ||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentPYP | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressDP | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressMYP | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressPYP |
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 | ||
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | ||
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
A. Registration Requirements Met Fully
- With an average score of 541, the school missed its target in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) by 42 points.
- On average, across English, mathematics and science, students sustained a very good judgement in the benchmark assessments over two years.
- Attainment in mathematics was better than in English and science.
- Emirati students generally attained in line with their classmates in PIRLS and in the benchmark assessments.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2018–19: The impact of leadership — is above expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s progress 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 curriculum, the student needs:
- Vocational only. A BTEC Level 3 Diploma counts as a technical certificate, not the general secondary certificate.
- IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.
- Vocational only. The IB Career-related Programme 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.
Water sports
- Sailing & paddling · sailing club
Science & technology
- Robotics
Debate & strategy
- Model United Nations
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Playing field
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 22
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 · Students learning Arabic as a first, language is taught separately from those learning Arabic, as an additional language.
Courses after 16
- IB Career-related · IB Careerrelated Programme (CP)
Facilities
- School cafeteria
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Inclusion is supported by the admission practices and rigorous identification procedures. p. 4
- Students with additional learning needs are identified by rigorous and informed procedures. p. 21
- Teachers personalise learning very effectively guided by students’ individual education plans (IEPs). p. 22
- Individual and small group tuition supports learners, including those for whom English is not their first language. p. 22
- Learning support assistants (LSAs) support students effectively to develop their independence and resilience as learners. p. 22
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 4
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 62,929 to AED 96,461Source 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, Uptown International School (Br. of Taaleem Management LLC), 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 62,929 | AED 62,929 |
| KG1 | AED 62,929 | AED 62,929 |
| KG2 | AED 62,929 | AED 62,929 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 75,516 | AED 75,516 |
| Grade 2 | AED 75,516 | AED 75,516 |
| Grade 3 | AED 75,516 | AED 75,516 |
| Grade 4 | AED 75,516 | AED 75,516 |
| Grade 5 | AED 75,516 | AED 75,516 |
| Grade 6 | AED 88,101 | AED 88,101 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 88,101 | AED 88,101 |
| Grade 8 | AED 88,101 | AED 88,101 |
| Grade 9 | AED 88,101 | AED 88,101 |
| Grade 10 | AED 88,101 | AED 88,101 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 96,461 | AED 96,461 |
| Grade 12 | AED 96,461 | AED 96,461 |
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
11 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 6 development points, 3 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Curriculum and challenge
Note 11 strength
Strength
The quality of the curriculum provision including additional pathways in MYP and DP
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Inclusion of students of determination
1 strength
StrengthStudents of determination and students learning English as an additional language
The provision and support for students of determination and students who are learning English as an additional language
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Early years
1 strength
StrengthKG
The highly effective learning environment for children in the KG
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
The commitment and spirit of the school’s leadership teams and their focus on school improvement
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Evaluate the improvement groups’ newly implemented strategies, to ensure that they are having the expected positive impact on student outcomes and that school policies and procedures affected by strategy changes are updated, shared and understood by all the community.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 12
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The partnerships with parents that sustain the wellbeing and community ethos
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Arabic
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsMYP
Develop a rigorous approach to the delivery of Arabic, as an additional language, especially in MYP, focusing on quality assessment practices and high expectations for student engagement and achievement.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Assessment
1 development point
Development required
Improve the students’ reading assessment outcomes.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 6
Reading and literacy
2 development points
Development required
Ensure that the action plans for improving students’ reading skills include specific measurable targets to challenge all groups of students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 7
Development requiredEmirati students and boys
Review the impact of the action plans to improve the reading literacy skills of all students and of Emirati boys in particular.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 9, paragraph 8
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reports
Include wellbeing indicators in lesson monitoring to increase awareness of the impact of classroom climate on students’ wellbeing.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 10, paragraph 9
Findings from 1 of 7 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
8 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2013–14 to 2023–24.
History of Uptown International School (Br. of Taaleem Management LLC)Overall 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)
- 2017–18Same as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Up from GoodFull 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)
- 2012–13First reportReport not online
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, Uptown International School (Br. of Taaleem Management LLC)
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,385 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,368 | 118 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,211 | 99 | 38% |
| 2021–22 | 1,218 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,293 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,346 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 1,419 | 111 | 27% |
| 2017–18 | 1,397 | Not available | 2% |
| 2016–17 | 1,368 | 120 | 20% |
| 2015–16 | 1,455 | 107 | 34% |
| 2014–15 | 1,222 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 966 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 688 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 544 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 567 | 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)
Not online: the 2012–13 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)