Picking a Dubai school for your kids: Why ratings alone don’t tell the whole story

A school’s ethos, wellbeing focus and teaching approach often make a far greater difference than its ranking

- Nandini Sircar [e-mail]

The best school is one where your child fits in, say experts.

For many parents, school inspection ratings seem like the ultimate measure of quality.

But in Dubai — home to more than 200 private schools offering a mix of curricula — ratings such as ‘acceptable’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’, ‘Outstanding’, don’t always reflect the full learning experience. A school’s ethos, wellbeing focus and teaching approach often make a far greater difference than its ranking.

Luydmyla Klykova, principal of Hampton Heights International School, Dubai, highlighted that while inspection ratings provide structure, they cannot fully capture a school’s soul.

“Inspection ratings provide a valuable overview, but they can’t fully capture the heart of a school — its relationships, values and daily atmosphere. In our school, for example, what defines us most is the sense of belonging, the warmth in classrooms and the genuine care teachers show for each child’s progress and wellbeing. Ratings measure outcomes, but not always the joy of learning, the curiosity fostered through creative teaching or the respect and empathy that shape young characters.”

Similarly, other school heads underline that inspection reports offer a useful snapshot but not the lived experience.

David Wade, principal/CEO of GEMS FirstPoint School, The Villa, said: “Inspection ratings are very useful, but they don’t always reveal the lived culture of a school. In our school, we prioritise relationships, emotional safety and belonging. From an inspection report, you won't see how a teacher takes time to check-in on a student who’s had a tough morning or how students support each other in classrooms and corridors.”

So, what should parents really be considering?