Grammar School Dubai

Grammar School in Dubai is a private school managed by Athena Education. Established in 1970, it is one of Dubai’s oldest schools offering a friendly learning environment. Grammar School ensures each child reaches their full academic potential and develop a sense of responsibility.

The school follows the English National Curriculum and offers classes from Foundation Stage 2 to Year 13 (Key Stage 5). All students, staff members and parents are valued regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Athena Education has been managing the school since November 2015. The school caters to students coming from different nationalities, but students from Pakistan and India make up the majority. 1,300 students are currently enrolled and there are 82 full-time teachers. The teachers are mostly Indian, making the teacher to student ratio 1:15.

The new top management joined in 2016 and since then, the school has enhanced its education quality. Grammar School has transitioned from separate classes for girls and boys into a co-educational school.

• Location: Al Garhoud
• School Fee: AED 12,281 - AED 16,399
• Curriculum: English National Curriculum
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-education
• KHDA Rating: Acceptable
• Years Offered: FS1 - Year 13

Grammar School Dubai is an ideal option for families residing in:

• Umm Ramool
• Dubai Festival City
• Al Rashidiya

Al Rashidiya is a residential community with mostly villas on offer. Dubai Festival City is a mixed-use area close to the school campus. Umm Ramool is a part of Deira.

Those interested in staying close to the school can check out:

• Apartments for rent near Grammar School
• Villas for rent near Grammar School

The expansive school campus includes a well-stocked library with reading and reference books. The library has a dedicated research area for students with internet access to help them work on different projects.

You can also find two computer laboratories and two well-equipped science labs. The media studio inaugurated by Indo-Hollywood actor/producer Antony Thekkek has 4K video cams, studio lighting, editing suite, vision switching and sound equipment.

There are two art studios in Grammar School Dubai. One is designed for IGCSE Edexcel students while the other is for secondary students. A sensory room is specially designed for students with limited communication skills.

One can also spot an indoor greenhouse on the campus. The aquaponics system has living fish and their waste along with recirculated water is used for self-fertilising. This facility near the open auditorium covers 1,200 sq. ft. and has a ground-air heat transfer system. Students learn several scientific phenomena, including photosynthesis, plant science and biodiversity.

The school has sufficient parking for parents who wish to drop and pick up their kids themselves.

Grammar School Dubai is based in Al Garhoud on 5th Street. Marrakech Street is close to the school. Reaching the school is convenient as Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) is just a few minutes away.

Grammar School Dubai has improved since the new management has taken over. The five-year vision includes receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the KHDA. Grammar School strives to improve reading, writing, speaking and critical thinking skills in students. It ensures by the time students pass Year 4, they have a strong literacy foundation and necessary skills.

Grammar School’s vision states that “every child matters." To ensure effective learning for students, the school is led by a **proactive leadership team and the teaching staff is also well-experienced. Students go through baseline testing using GL and CAT 4 assessments.

The school believes in a trustful partnership between the school, parents, boards of governors and students to support common goals. Grammar School Dubai encourages feedback and collaboration and respects diversity.

Commitment to delivering quality education and encouraging students to take ownership of their learning is Grammar School’s mission. It prepares students for the challenges ahead and makes them ready to play their part as responsible global citizens. The school ensures all teaching and learning resources are available for the well-rounded development of students.

Grammar School Garhoud Dubai offers education from Foundation Stage until Key Stage 5. Foundation Stage includes the Early Years (FS2). Challenging learning opportunities are offered throughout this stage.

Early Years – Foundation Stage (FS2)

Early Years – Foundation Stage 2 has a well-planned curriculum. During this stage, students are encouraged to become self-independent. FS2 teachers understand that each child develops skills at a different pace and requires the teacher’s full support during this stage.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework is followed at this level but with a flexible approach. It also includes the UAE National Agenda. Teachers focus on creative play, collaboration and easy learning. EYFS is play-based and has well-integrated playtime across the curriculum.

There are specialist teachers for Physical Education, Music and languages like Arabic. These teachers work in collaboration with class teachers. Foundation Stage students are monitored and assessed regularly. Parents are also kept informed.

The curriculum involves:

Key Stage 1

Primary Section’s Key Stage 1 curriculum covers Years 1 and 2. The curriculum is designed to keep students engaged and interested. The primary curriculum ensures continuation and progression from Foundation Stage.

During this stage, students are introduced to more formal activities and are encouraged to achieve greater self-reliance. A stimulating learning environment is provided and several learning apps are used to incorporate modern educational methods into the curriculum.

Subject specialists for French, Computer, Arabic, Physical Education and Music work with the class teacher to create a profound positive impact on students’ learning.

Key Stage 2

Key Stage 2 for kids aged 7 to 11 covers Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. The curriculum is designed for a four-year learning journey involving the identification of individual skills and strengths. Just like KS1, KS2 students also get specialist teachers for art, music, computing, Islamic, Arabic and Physical Education.

Skills for sports, music and performing arts are instilled during Key Stage 2. Teachers work hard on students to prepare them for a smooth transition from Year 6 to Year 7. The curriculum is also supported by educational school trips, competitions and performances for primary grades.

Subjects taught in Key Stage 2 include:

Secondary Section curriculum includes Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5.

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 covers Years 7 to 9. During this stage, students pursue a broad and well-balanced study program. Other than English and Mathematics, MoE Arabic and Islamic Studies are also compulsory.

Besides the major subjects, the following subjects are included in the curriculum:

Key Stage 4

Years 10 and 11 are part of KS4. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the IGCSE examinations. Each pupil must choose at least six courses and English, Mathematics, MoE Arabic and Islamic Studies are compulsory.

Other courses offered during Key Stage 4 include:

Key Stage 5

This stage is where Year 12 and 13 students prepare for their GCE examinations (AS and A-Level). Courses on offer include:

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is a government organisation responsible for maintaining the quality of private education in Dubai. They inspect the performance of private schools in Dubai and the results are based on a six-point scale. Schools are then rated as outstanding, very good, good, acceptable, weak or very weak.

KHDA inspected Grammar School Dubai from 16th to 20th January 2023 and rated it Acceptable.

As per the detailed report, the progress and attainment of FS students in Arabic as a first language, Science and English are acceptable. In Mathematics, it is hindered by inconsistent teaching and classroom management skills. Because the provision of support for students of determination is not fully developed, their progress is only acceptable.

Students demonstrate positive and responsible attitudes towards teachers and each other. Secondary and post-16 phase students are self-reliant and self-disciplined. Volunteering is regular at the school.

Teachers have secure subject knowledge but they can have more understanding of how students learn. Lessons do not meet learner’s need because planning is not linked to information of assessment. Students do not get enough opportunities to develop critical thinking or problem-solving skills.      

The curriculum has a clear rationale. It is more focused on knowledge and less on the application of skills. The curriculum meets the needs of most students and its strength is in its link to the UAE culture and to global issues.

Grammar School meets the requirement for maintaining the health and safety of students and members of staff. Students’ supervision is effective. Self-evaluation of the school principal and senior leaders is adequate. The school improvement plan had detailed action points. Grammar School has a strong relationship with parents and the day-to-day management of school is effective.

The best feature of the school are:

• Personal development and relationships of students
• The variety of subjects offered at examination levels
• The care and support that students receive
• School-parents partnership

Key recommendations made by the KHDA include these:

• The school should raise students’ achievement in all subjects throughout all phases
• The improvement plans should have measurable targets
• It should be ensured that self-evaluation is based on reliable data
• Middle leaders’ quality and capacity should be improved to demonstrate best practices in teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum
• The school should ensure the stability and continuity of leadership
• Good teachers should be retained through effective governance
• The school’s learning environment should be improved along with quality and quantity of resources

29th August marks the start of the academic year. The half-term break is scheduled from 17th to 21st October. The last day of Term 1 is 9th December, students then go on a winter break from 12th December.

Classes for Term 2 resume from 2nd January. Mid-term exams are scheduled from 13th to 17th February. The spring break begins on 27th March and ends on 7th April.

The final term, Term 3, starts from 10th April. Final term examinations are scheduled from 19th to 29th June. 7th July is the last day of the academic year.

Grammar School’s academic calendar is divided into three terms. You can view the detailed calendar with term dates, holidays and other related info on the official website.

Students interested in Grammar School Dubai admissions can fill the registration form or admission enquiry form available on the official website. The school requests parents to recheck all information and ensure that it is correct.

Once the form is filled and submitted, parents receive an acknowledgement plus information regarding the further steps. The school admission team will contact parents to confirm the date of the assessment. Parents have to submit a non-refundable examination fee at this point. If the child successfully passes the entrance assessment, parents are notified by the school. Parents must submit an admission fee and the first installment, and a postdated cheque to secure the seat.

• One copy of the birth certificate
• One copy of passport biography page of child and parents
• Two recent passport size photographs of child
• One copy of residence visa page (overseas applicant should submit once it is issued)
• One copy of the child and parents’ Emirates ID cards
• One copy of the last full end of year report and latest midterm report
• Transfer/leaving certificate when the place offered (It must be attested if the student is transferring from another emirate or is coming from outside the UAE. This is only for students from Year 2 and upwards.)
• One copy of the immunisation card (for FS2 and Year 1 only)
• In case the student is a transfer from another Emirates, the transfer certificate should be attested by the Education authority of that specific Emirate (for Year 2 and above)

Overseas students (Year 2 and above) have to provide a transfer certificate attested by:

• The last school attended
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai
• The UAE Embassy in the home country or the relevant home country consulate in Dubai
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the home country
• The Ministry of Education/board

The Ministry of Education/Board, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai must attest transfer certificates for overseas candidates.

If the student is coming from another emirate, the Education Authority of the particular Emirate should attest the Transfer Certificate (For Year 2 and above).

The below-mentioned fee includes exams charges, ICT fee, admissions fee, lab and library charges. Grammar School fees with VAT for existing and new students is mentioned in detail on the official website.

Grammar School Dubai also offers sibling discounts on tuition fee payments. Here’s an overview to give you a better idea:

The school has a well-managed canteen; trusted and approved caterers provide a range of healthy and tasty snacks and sandwiches. However, most students bring packed lunch boxes to school.

Grammar School offers transport services. Safety is of primary importance during the ride and the school expects students to follow the rules.

All buses operate in compliance with the RTA guidelines. The transfer in charge responds to every transport related query. Parents should ensure that students reach the pick-up point on time. A Guardian card is issued to the parents for students until Year 7. Any authorised adult can receive the student if he/she has the Guardian card.

Grade 4 to Grade 7 students can be dropped without the presence of an adult provided parents have signed the consent form.

• The air-conditioned school buses operate as per the RTA guidelines.
• Those who wish to use the school’s transport service can fill the registration form available on the school’s official website. This form should be completed and submitted by parents.
• Students who have any contagious disease will not be allowed to travel on the bus for health and safety reasons.
• Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus except for water.
• All vehicles, drivers and passengers are insured.
• Transport withdrawal/discontinue requests should be submitted at least a month in advance.

School bus service fees can be paid at the accounts counter of Grammar School Dubai or through cash and credit cards.

Parents can pay the monthly fee or the 10-month fee together via cheque before the 10th of every month. Parents are requested to pay 10% of annual transport charges for next year by 31st July. They can pay the remaining 90% by 10th October via PDC, cash or card.

The transport form is available on the school website. Parents can send a copy of the signed form to transport@grammarschool.ae and administrator@grammarschool.ae.

Here’s a breakdown of transport fees:

The school has facilities for football and basketball.

Grammar School Dubai has several extracurricular activities for students. The Media Studio inside the campus has the best equipment, including Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, an editing suite, studio lighting and chroma key and vision switching.

Students spend time in the fully equipped art studios. One studio is for IGCSE Edexcel students while another one is for secondary students. Each studio has a range of paints, watercolours, clay, pastels, charcoal and printmaking equipment. Students get plenty of exposure to artists and art history. The studios are updated according to the needs of students.

For students of determination especially those with troubled communication skills, Grammar School Dubai has developed a “Sensory Room.” The sensory room at the school helps students learn multi-sensory techniques.

Equipment such as trampolines, fidgety tools, special lightning, sensory tool kit, sound system and projector. These are especially useful for learning key life skills including fine motor skills, gross motor skills, vocalising, self-organising and calming techniques.

The school arranges field trips for age groups in Term 1 and 2 of each academic year. These trips aim to enhance the student’s knowledge outside the classrooms and give them a fun opportunity to learn and work together.

At Grammar School Dubai, the Foundation Stage students can join additional clubs at an extra cost after school dismissal at 01:45 pm. The classes start at 12:30 pm and finish at 01:45 pm.

The Grammar School Dubai pays special attention to the well-being and safety of students. An excellent medical first aid facility is operational within the school premises. It has highly qualified and experienced nurses and an in-house doctor.

Grammar School Garhoud strongly believes in maintaining strong communication between the school and parents. This keeps parents fully informed about events, celebrations, holidays and their child’s progress.

Parents are welcomed to become actively involved and Grammar School Al Garhoud organises outreach programmes with the support of parents.

The parents’ council is an active part of the Grammar School Al Garhoud Dubai. It proposes improvement measures to be implemented by senior management.

A tutor manages communication with parents, creating a single portal of information and point of contact with the school and management. Parents and teachers meet after each term to discuss the student’s academic attainment and progress. School staff always welcomes parents and visitors. However, as teachers are busy in the classroom, a prior appointment is always useful.

• Telephone: +971-56-507-2975
• General: info@grammarschool.ae
• Admission: admissioncell@athenauae.com
• Email: info@grammarschool.ae
• Grammar School Dubai Website
• Grammar School Dubai Facebook
• Grammar School Dubai Instagram
• Grammar School Dubai Twitter

Note that the cover image belongs to Grammar School

What are the timings of the school?

The school is operational from 7 am to 4 pm.

How many grades/years are there in the school?

FS to Post-16.

Does the school follow a co-education model?

Yes, Grammar School, Dubai has a co-education model.

How many students are currently studying in the school? How many nationalities are represented?

The school has 1,305 students and most of them Pakistani nationals 

Please describe the academic calendar of the school.

The school year starts in August and ends in July.

Does the school conduct mid-term examinations?

Yes, the school conducts mid-term exams.

Please mention the range of the tuition fee charged by the school.

The school fee ranges between AED 12,281 to AED 16,399.

How does the school communicate with parents?

There is a parents portal where parents can get latest updated and information.

Does the school have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?

Yes, the Grammar School cafeteria provides healthy and fresh food to students.

Does the school have any special education programmes or learning plans for students of determination?

Yes. The school follows inclusion guidelines for creating equal opportunities for students with unique individual needs.

Does the school arrange field trips?

Yes, the school takes students on field trips.

How many teachers are currently teaching in the school?

The school has 83 teachers and 3 teaching assistants. Most of the teachers are from India.