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

2023–24

Earlier reports

  1. 8 earlier reports, see all years

Wellbeing Dubai focus area

Very good

2023–24

Inclusion Dubai focus area

Outstanding

2023–24

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. 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.

  3. 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
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English
Founded
2012

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
Students of determination
163 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.

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

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2024–25

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B
  3. 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)

  1. OverallOverall performance

    Very good

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 4 reports and Good in 4 reports.

  2. WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing

    Very good

    First rated in 2023–24

  3. InclusionProvision for students of determination

    Outstanding

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 1 report.

  4. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Very good

    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.

AreaKGPYPMYPDP
TeachingTeaching for effective learningVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good
AssessmentVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding
SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protectionOutstandingOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

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.

  1. 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).

Source Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Academics

Academic outcomes, Uptown International School (Br. of Taaleem Management LLC)

Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondaryPost-16
Islamic EducationNot in this reportGoodGoodGood
ArabicNot in this reportAcceptableAcceptableGood
EnglishVery goodVery goodVery goodOutstanding
MathematicsVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good
ScienceVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good

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

Rated2015–162016–172017–182018–192022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentDPAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentMYPAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentPYPGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressDPGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodVery good
Islamic Education progressMYPGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodVery good
Islamic Education progressPYPGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood

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

AspectWhole schoolEmirati cohort
International and Benchmark AchievementGoodGood
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyVery goodVery good
Overall school standards in the National Agenda ParameterVery goodNot 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)

  1. Back to text, source A

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

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

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

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

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

Year group

Fees for Uptown International School (Br. of Taaleem Management LLC)
Compare with

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 group2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–272025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Foundation Stage
Pre-KGAED 62,929AED 62,929
KG1AED 62,929AED 62,929
KG2AED 62,929AED 62,929
Primary
Grade 1AED 75,516AED 75,516
Grade 2AED 75,516AED 75,516
Grade 3AED 75,516AED 75,516
Grade 4AED 75,516AED 75,516
Grade 5AED 75,516AED 75,516
Grade 6AED 88,101AED 88,101
Secondary
Grade 7AED 88,101AED 88,101
Grade 8AED 88,101AED 88,101
Grade 9AED 88,101AED 88,101
Grade 10AED 88,101AED 88,101
Post-16
Grade 11AED 96,461AED 96,461
Grade 12AED 96,461AED 96,461

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. 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.

  2. Back to text, source A

    Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

    Tuition for 15 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source B

    Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26

    Tuition for 15 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  4. 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.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Curriculum and challenge

Note 1

1 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

  1. Back to text, note 1

    Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.

  2. 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)
Rating

Overall rating by academic year, newest first

  1. 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
  2. 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
  3. 2023–24Very goodSame as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2022–23Very goodSame as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  5. 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
  6. 2018–19Very goodSame as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  7. 2017–18Very goodSame as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  8. 2016–17Very goodUp from GoodFull Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  9. 2015–16GoodSame as 2014–15Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  10. Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
  11. 2014–15GoodSame as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  12. 2013–14GoodSame as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  13. 2012–13GoodFirst reportReport not online

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. 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)

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–251,385Not availableNot available
2023–241,368118Not available
2022–231,2119938%
2021–221,218Not availableNot available
2020–211,293Not availableNot available
2019–201,346Not availableNot available
2018–191,41911127%
2017–181,397Not available2%
2016–171,36812020%
2015–161,45510734%
2014–151,222Not availableNot available
2013–14966Not availableNot available
2012–13688Not availableNot available
2011–12544Not availableNot available
2010–11567Not availableNot available

Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.