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← Back to blog · 22 May 2026

Every Outstanding Dubai School: What KHDA Actually Highlighted

23 Dubai schools hold KHDA's top rating. Their inspection reports each list 3-5 specific strengths the inspectors found "exceptional." We pulled the strengths text from all 23 of them and asked: what do these schools have in common, and where do they differ?

The themes that run through all 23

across the 23 Outstanding-rated schools, certain words recur in inspectors' strength statements far more often than others. These are the dimensions on which KHDA reliably grades a school Outstanding.

Most frequent themes in Outstanding-rating inspectors' strength statements

Counts of word occurrences across all strength statements in the 23 reports.

learning
24×
excellent
22×
strong
19×
support
17×
outstanding
14×
social
14×
personal
13×
leadership
13×
english
12×
development
12×
mathematics
11×
science
11×
parents
11×

The full strengths list for every Outstanding Dubai school

Each block below is the KHDA inspectors' own "key strengths" wording for one Outstanding-rated school, quoted verbatim from the school's latest inspection report. Read a few and the pattern becomes obvious — Outstanding is not vibes, it's a specific set of measured behaviours.

Deira International School

UK · Dubai Festival City · AED 64,962/yr · est. 2005

  • The excellent provision in FS and the outstanding progress in English, mathematics and science in all phases.
  • Students’ exemplary attitudes, behaviour and relationships, their understanding of Emirati culture and their strong contributions to the environment.
  • The high-quality support provided for health, care and safety.
  • Motivating leaders, supportive governors and engaged parents as well as excellent resources.
  • The strong commitment to inclusion and wellbeing.

Dubai British School

UK · Emirates Hills · AED 72,899/yr · est. 2005

  • The high aspirations of all leaders and the full support of governors
  • The fully inclusive nature of the school and the excellent support and opportunities provided for all students
  • The high quality teaching, use of assessment and curriculum
  • The establishment of a vibrant and dynamic learning community.
  • Students’ outstanding personal and social development

Dubai British School Jumeirah Park

UK · Jumeirah Park · AED 75,598/yr · est. 2015

  • The Foundation Stage (FS), where teaching and learning are personalised by inspiring teachers.
  • Students' outstanding performance in English and science across all phases.
  • The care, support and safety that students experience within positive classroom climates.
  • The support, commitment and involvement of parents in their children's inclusive education.
  • The outstanding leadership and governance of the school, and the focus on improving students’ outcomes.

Dubai College

UK · AL SAFOUH FIRST · AED 101,098/yr · est. 1978

  • Students' academic results in English, mathematics and science and their learning skills, which continue to be outstanding.
  • Improvements in students' progress in Islamic Education and Arabic.
  • Students' excellent personal and social development, including their social responsibility and understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture.
  • A strong curriculum taught very well across the College.
  • Exceptionally strong leadership for learning at the senior and middle levels.

Dubai English Speaking College

UK · Academic City · AED 67,948/yr · est. 2005

  • Exemplary leadership, focused on ensuring that students’ wellbeing and achievements are at the centre of this inclusive college
  • The caring ethos and commitment of the staff, enabling students to achieve excellent standards in English, mathematics and science
  • The impressive improvements in the provision and outcomes in Islamic Education and Arabic
  • Students' personal development, their strong social responsibility, deep understanding of Islamic values and commitment to a sustainable environment
  • Teachers’ very high expectations of what students can achieve, their expert subject knowledge and, excellent grasp of effective teaching methods

Dubai English Speaking School

UK · OUD METHA · AED 67,948/yr · est. 1973

  • The clear vision of senior leaders.
  • The very high quality of care and support.
  • Students’ outstanding attainment and progress in English, mathematics and science.
  • The health and safety procedures.
  • The innovative curriculum, which inspires and enthuses students to lead change.

Dubai International Academy L.L.C

IB · Emirates Hills · AED 62,337/yr · est. 2005

  • The diverse pathways in the upper school that are leading to outstanding results at IBDP and ensuring that all students have opportunity to progress to higher education
  • The relationships between all stakeholders, built on mutual respect
  • The quality of teaching in all phases that is developing students’ outstanding learning skills
  • The rigorous and comprehensive analyses of assessment data and their use in informing teaching and curriculum modifications
  • The diverse co-curricular programme that provides opportunities for individuals to excel in sports, the arts and community service

GEMS Dubai American Academy - Dubai Branch

US · AL BARSHA SOUTH FIRST · AED 79,742/yr · est. 1997

  • Highly-effective leadership and governance.
  • Sustained excellent student outcomes and learning skills.
  • Commitment to an inclusive culture which embraces wellbeing.
  • Students’ continued excellent personal and social skills.
  • A stimulating and futuristic learning environment.

GEMS Jumeira Primary School - Dubai Branch

UK · JUMEIRA THIRD · AED 54,275/yr · est. 1994

  • Highly effective senior leadership and governance
  • High levels of student achievement and learning skills in most subjects, and improved progress in Islamic Education
  • The commitment to an inclusive culture where all individuals are valued
  • Students’ excellent personal development and social skills, particularly in FS
  • The stimulating and cohesive learning environment

GEMS Modern Academy

Indian · NADD AL SHIBA FIRST · AED 52,429/yr · est. 1986

  • Students’ achievements in a wide range of academic and non-academic areas, and their personal and social development
  • Students’ well-developed learning skills which support their current learning and future pathways
  • School leader’s successful delivery of a dual curriculum pathway from Grade 6 onwards
  • The facilities and care and support that supports students’ engagement in learning

GEMS Wellington International School - Dubai Branch

UK · AL SAFOUH FIRST · AED 73,782/yr · est. 2005

  • The ethos of wellbeing and inclusion that are intrinsic features of the school
  • The all-round development of children in the Foundation Stage
  • The students’ attitudes and behaviour, and their confidence and actions as ambassadors for the school
  • Improvements in students’ outcomes in Islamic Education and Arabic
  • The leadership’s ongoing commitment to ensuring sustained excellence in the school’s performance

Horizons English School L.L.C

UK · AL WASL · AED 37,812/yr · est. 1989

  • Students' outcomes in English, mathematics and science in FS and in the primary phase.
  • The community ethos and caring culture which permeate the school and lead to a high level of wellbeing.
  • The quality of provision and outcomes in FS.
  • A skilfully taught curriculum which ensures seamless transition between phases.
  • Strong leadership at all levels, very positive contributions to the school's work from teachers and other staff, and strong support and challenge from governors.

Jumeirah College

UK · AL SAFA FIRST · AED 87,404/yr · est. 2000

  • Students’ progress in all subjects.
  • The caring, safe and nurturing environment, which results in a strong sense of community and outstanding inclusion and wellbeing.
  • Students' learning skills and personal development.
  • Teaching throughout the school, with a particular strength in Year 13.
  • Very strong leadership supported by a dedicated governing board, and powerful partnerships with parents.

Jumeirah English Speaking School

UK · AL SAFA FIRST · AED 59,614/yr · est. 1976

  • Highly effective senior leadership and governance
  • Excellent students’ outcomes in English, mathematics and science, and strong learning skills
  • The firm commitment to inclusion
  • Students’ excellent personal and social skills
  • The stimulating and cohesive learning environment

Jumeirah English Speaking School (Br)

UK · Arabian Ranches · AED 79,868/yr · est. 2005

  • Improved outcomes for primary, secondary, and post-16 students in Arabic and Islamic Education
  • Students' outstanding performance across all phases in English, mathematics, and science
  • Proactive, innovative, and respectful students that enjoy excellent relationships with their teachers and other staff
  • The welcoming and inclusive provision for students of determination, which is very highly regarded by parents
  • The excellent arrangements for child protection and promotion of healthy lifestyles through a wide ranging of extra-curricular activities

Kings School Al Barsha L.L.C

UK · AL BARSHA SECOND · AED 80,670/yr · est. 2014

  • Exceptional student achievement in English, mathematics and science and throughout FS, supported by effective teaching, learning and assessment
  • Students’ positive attitudes and work ethic, respectful relationships and cultural and social awareness
  • The excellent health, care, support and protection and the promotion of students’ welfare and wellbeing
  • Effective leadership, strong partnerships with parents, supportive governance and exceptional staffing, facilities and resources

Kings School Dubai L.L.C

UK · UMM SUQEIM THIRD · AED 59,491/yr · est. 2004

  • Students’ excellent achievement in almost all subjects.
  • The strong vision and exemplary leadership of the principal and leaders at all levels.
  • The high levels of challenge in the learning activities provided for children in FS.
  • Students' excellent attitudes toward learning, their keenness to improve and their strong social responsibility.
  • The high level of personalisation informed by assessment outcomes in almost all subjects.

Lycee Francais International

French · OUD METHA · AED 45,925/yr · est. 2005

  • Senior leaders’ vision to enhance students’ achievement within an inclusive learning community where diversity and wellbeing are valued
  • The outstanding attainment in French, English and mathematics
  • Students’ strong personal development, awareness of Islamic values and work ethic
  • The outstanding curriculum and its adaptation to meet the needs of all students
  • The positive impact of governance and the engagement of parents as partners in their children’s education

Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou School Oud Metha

French · OUD METHA · AED 31,276/yr · est. 1998

  • The excellent standards of children’s achievement in French, English, mathematics, and science
  • Children’s excellent personal development, understanding of Islamic values and social responsibility
  • The well-informed and knowledgeable management board’s commitment to the continuous improvement of the school together with the engagement of parents as partners in supporting their children’s learning
  • The very effective daily management of the school’s campus that is conducive to learning and ensures a safe and secure environment

Nord Anglia International School L.L.C

UK · AL BARSHA SECOND · AED 81,315/yr · est. 2014

  • The clarity of vision and expert leadership which ensure that excellent support for students’ wellbeing and strong partnerships with parents, are at the heart of this inclusive school.
  • The high quality of teaching that inspires and engages students in their learning.
  • The welcoming and vibrant environment provided for children in FS that promotes rapid progress in all areas of learning.
  • The creatively designed curriculum and extensive range of extra-curricular activities that underpin students’ impressive academic achievement and high-quality performances in the arts and sport.
  • The strong support provided by the corporate board and the advisory council, and the excellent facilities and resources to support learning.

Repton School

UK · NADD AL SHIBA THIRD · AED 72,931/yr · est. 2007

  • Highly committed leaders and governors.
  • Students’ personal and social development and their understanding of Islamic values, UAE society and world cultures.
  • The school’s assessment procedures, curriculum provision and enrichment, and extra-curricular activities.
  • The health, care, support and protection provided by the school, and the safe and secure premises, well-maintained facilities and high-quality resources.
  • Strong partnerships with parents and extensive links with the community.

Safa Community School

UK · AL BARSHA SOUTH FIRST · AED 68,761/yr · est. 2014

  • Inspirational and highly committed leaders, including governors, who ensure that members of staff receive professional training to extend the high-quality teaching and assessments.
  • Professional, supportive and compassionate relationships which enhance students’ welfare and wellbeing, and enrich their personal and social development.
  • An inclusive curriculum which promotes academic success and encourages students to be kind, creative, independent and entrepreneurial.
  • Strong partnerships with parents and extensive links with the community, safe and secure premises, well-maintained facilities and high-quality resources.

Victory Heights Primary School L.L.C

UK · Dubai Sports City · AED 44,473/yr · est. 2012

  • Excellent leadership and targeted support of the governing body, which has led to improvements in the school’s outstanding performance
  • High student outcomes in English, mathematics and science, underpinned by very high-quality teaching, assessment and curriculum adaptations
  • The outstanding personal and social development of the students
  • A very strong focus on wellbeing, providing excellent care, support and security for students
  • The commitment, support and involvement of members of staff and parents in their children’s inclusive education.

What this means for parents

Sources and methodology

Strength statements are quoted verbatim from each school's most recent KHDA full inspection report. We extracted the "Key strengths of the school" or equivalent section. Frequency analysis: lowercased words with at least 5 characters, common stop-words removed (school, students, their, across, etc.), counted across all strength statements pooled. The intent is to surface the language inspectors actually use, not to score schools.

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