GEMS Founders School - Al Mizhar
About
Inspection Rating
Good-- KHDA
Languages Taught
English, Arabic, French
Phone
Address
Al Mizhar 1, Dubai, UAE
Programs Offered
15 ProgrammesFoundation Stage 1 (FS1)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 3-4. Play-based learning developing motor skills, numeracy, literacy, and self-esteem in purpose-built indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
Foundation Stage 2 (FS2)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 4-5. Preparing children for the transition to Key Stage 1 through structured play and early academic foundations.
Year 1
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 5-6. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, and Science alongside creative and physical education.
Year 2
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 6-7. Building foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and independent learning.
Year 3
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 7-8. Broader curriculum with cross-curricular inquiry-based learning and computational thinking.
Year 4
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 8-9. Developing research skills, critical thinking, and deeper subject knowledge.
Tuition Fees 2025/26
All fees in AED per academic year
| Grade | Key Stage | Ages | KHDA Fee | School Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS1 | EYFS | 3-4 | 24,877 | - |
| FS2 | EYFS | 4-5 | 28,122 | - |
| Year 1 | KS1 | 5-6 | 30,285 | - |
| Year 2 | KS1 | 6-7 | 30,285 | - |
| Year 3 | KS2 | 7-8 | 30,285 | - |
| Year 4 | KS2 | 8-9 | 30,285 | - |
| Year 5 | KS2 | 9-10 | 30,285 | - |
| Year 6 | KS2 | 10-11 | 30,285 | - |
| Year 7 | KS3 | 11-12 | 32,448 | - |
| Year 8 | KS3 | 12-13 | 32,448 | - |
| Year 9 | KS3 | 13-14 | 32,448 | - |
| Year 10 | KS4 (IGCSE) | 14-15 | 35,694 | - |
| Year 11 | KS4 (IGCSE) | 15-16 | 35,694 | - |
| Year 12 | KS5 (A-Level/BTEC) | 16-17 | 37,856 | - |
| Year 13 | KS5 (A-Level/BTEC) | 17-18 | 37,856 | - |
Fee Calculator
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Payment Information
AED 525 (VAT inclusive). Non-refundable.
Non-refundable but credited toward annual fees.
Online portal, school fee counter, wire transfer (Dubai Islamic Bank), cheque or credit card
- 30 days written notice required
- Within 2 weeks: one month fees deducted
- 2 weeks to 1 month: two months fees deducted
- Over 1 month: full term fees deducted
KHDA Rating
2023–2024| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | GoodGood |
| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | Accept.Acceptable |
Source: Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) — February 2024
Curriculum
Follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Play-based learning developing motor skills, numeracy, literacy, and self-esteem. Purpose-built indoor and outdoor learning spaces with age-appropriate resources. Introduction to computational thinking through Bee-bots.
Teaching Approach
Play-based learning with gradual transition to structured instruction. Dedicated Foundation Stage indoor and outdoor areas.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Core academic subjects alongside a broad range of foundation subjects. Cross-curricular inquiry-based learning with High Performance Learning framework integrated throughout.
Teaching Approach
Cross-curricular inquiry-based learning. High Performance Learning framework. Computational thinking integrated.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Broader curriculum with increasing subject specialisation. Innovation Hub access for robotics and coding. Cross-curricular projects linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Teaching Approach
Inquiry-based with cross-curricular links. Innovation challenges focused on Sustainable Development Goals.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Facilities
Large purpose-built campus in Al Mizhar 1, serving over 4,700 students across Foundation Stage to Year 13. The campus features separate sections for Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary with purpose-built specialist facilities for each key stage.
Received Outstanding BSO inspection rating in April 2025. Management, staffing, facilities and resources rated Outstanding by KHDA.
Academic
Innovation Hub
Dedicated hub for robotics, drones, coding, and computational thinking projects. Equipped with the latest STEM technology.
Science Laboratories
Fully equipped specialist science labs for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology practical work.
Computing Suites
Dedicated ICT labs with high-speed internet and modern computing equipment.
Libraries
Junior and secondary libraries with extensive collections of books for all ages and multimedia resources.
Food Technology Lab
Specialist kitchen lab for food technology and nutrition curriculum.
Founders City
Specialised learning space unique to GEMS Founders schools for immersive educational experiences.
Foundation Stage Classrooms
Purpose-built early years classrooms with dedicated indoor and outdoor learning areas.
Arts & Performance
Arts & Music Rooms
Specialist art studios and music rooms including piano room for creative development.
Dance Studio
Dedicated dance studio for PE and performing arts activities.
Drama Room
Specialist drama space for theatre and performing arts curriculum.
Sports & Recreation
Multi-Purpose Hall
Large hall for PE, assemblies, sports events, and school performances.
Football Pitch
Outdoor football pitch for training and inter-school competitions.
Outdoor Sports Courts
Multi-sport outdoor courts for basketball, netball, and other team sports.
Cricket Nets
Dedicated cricket practice nets for training and coaching.
Foundation Stage Play Areas
Dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas designed for younger children.
Student Services
Dining Hall
Large dining hall providing nutritious meals and snacks throughout the school day.
Parents Café
Dedicated café space for visiting parents and community events.
Medical Centre
Well-equipped on-site medical centre for student health and wellbeing.
Transport
Extracurricular Activities
Staffing & Leadership
Predominantly British teachers.
Senior Leadership
Akram Tarik
Principal/CEO
Joined GEMS Founders Al Mizhar in August 2020. Previously Principal/CEO at GEMS Westminster School Ras Al Khaimah. 19 years in leadership roles in inner-London schools. Trained OFSTED inspector. BSc Biochemistry with Natural Sciences background.
Jacqueline Morris
Vice Principal
Has been with GEMS Founders School since its founding in 2018. Described as a constant support and compassionate leader.
Mia Chorfi
Head of Secondary
Appointed Head of Secondary from August 2023. Previously held a senior role within the school.
Beena Nair
Phase Leader, KS5/Sixth Form
Experienced educator and Phase Leader for Sixth Form. Previously held key leadership positions including Director of Learning.