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GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar, Mirdif – The Review
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Background – GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar

GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar is a relatively new British curriculum school which opened in September 2018. Through a sensitive, gradual launch, the school is currently open to Year 11 (March 2021) and will complete its opening to all-through Year 13 provision this year (2023). The school offers the complete British, English National Curriculum founded curriculum running from EYFS through IGCSE to gold standard British A’ Levels.  The school has been built ground-up to replicate the original GEMS Founders School Dubai model of education, successfully founded in Al Barsha.

 

Location

The school is located in Al Mizhar 1, the location chosen by GEMS Education because of its easy accessibility for parents seeking a British school within the Mirdif area of Dubai. GEMS responded to calls by parents for a British school in an area known for the multiplicity of its primary schools – and lack of high quality all-through slipstream schools. Many parents historically found themselves having to move out-of-area, to their considerable frustration. Access is excellent from the Khawaneej Road and the school draws its role from Mirdif, Muhaisanah, Al Warqaa, Al Qusais, Al Khawaneej and further afield – this is a very popular school; more on why below.

 

Fees

GEMS_INARTICLE  

As above, the school is the second in GEMS’ portfolio of Founders schools – the first, GEMS Founders Dubai, in Al Barsha, was the “most successful school opening in GEMS history in terms of enrolment”, opening FS to Year 8 provision with over 1800 students on ‘Day One’ in September 2016 – and then doubling in size within just one year of opening. Our review of the first school can be found here. The reason for this popularity? The very fine drawn balance between highly affordable fees but with high quality British schooling – the two do not, as a rule, come together at this fee point. At the time of the original launch, in fact, cynics said that GEMS simply would not be able to deliver. History soon silenced those critics – and both schools have flourished – and delivered all that was promised – and more, for their students and families.

Both Founders schools closely mirror their respective fees (March 2021), the small differential justified by the higher costs of the newer school’s later launch. GEMS Education has sought to keep fees affordable, this structure proven to be pretty much the closest fit for a vast a majority of families seeking a very high standard of British education and willing to push their family budgets to the limit to secure it for their children:

GRADE GEMS FOUNDERS SCHOOL DUBAI, AL BARSHA GEMS FOUNDERS SCHOOL AL MIZHAR
FS 1 22,000 23000
FS 2 25,000 26000
YEAR 1 27,000 28000
YEAR 2 27,000 28000
YEAR 3 27,000 28000
YEAR 4 27,000 28000
YEAR 5 27,000 28000
YEAR 6 27,000 28000
YEAR 7 29,000 30000
YEAR 8 29,000 30000
YEAR 9 29,000 30000
YEAR 10 31,000 33000
YEAR 11 31,000 33000
YEAR 12 33,000 35000 (From September 2021)
YEAR 13 33,000 35000 (From September 2022)

 

What makes GEMS Founders Schools Different?

GEMS distinguishes its Founders’ schools in six core respects.

  • First, fees, as above, which are aimed to offer very high ROI and, yet, are positioned in the value-fees segment. There is a bigger ethical and values-rich story behind this that draws from the importance attached by the Varkey family to bringing an outstanding education, regardless of the curricular, to every family, regardless of their incomes.
  • Second, a focus in both school ethos and academic study around “mindfulness”, this broadly a teaching and broader school approach that focuses on experiential learning and the care of children beyond core academics – but which has been proven as the key to making academics work best. The whole child based underpinning here has traditionally been one of the differentials of premium Tier 1 schools – with all the high costs of entry that come with these schools.
  • Third, an emphasis on languages to leverage the broad cultural base of the Founders’ schools (generally around 90 nationalities).
  • Fourth a concentration on academics over “bells and whistles” to keep fees low but the quality of educational provision high.
  • Fifth, investment in high calibre British leadership and school Principals.
  • Finally, the schools focus on delivering a British, pure National Curriculum for England focused education: do not expect the IB or a parallel tracked curriculum.

Feedback to ourselves for both Founders schools has been positive.

Whilst GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar is too young to have secured a rating from the Dubai Schools Regulator, the KHDA, it is worth noting that its sister school secured a Good school rating at its first inspection and is today ranked a Good School with Very Good features. This is no small achievement for a school from just its second inspection. There is no reason for parents not to expect at least the same rating from Al Mizhar – the schools are designed to follow the same, very tightly controlled model of delivery for children. GEMS has a lot riding on these schools. Having gone out on a limb to say it could deliver, and would deliver a Very Good British education at this price point, it will not let either school fall short of the mark and the very high standards of British education promised to parents at the outset.

 

Facilities

As above, the focus at both Founders schools is focused on education – both academic and whole child. The model is one focused on educating students to a very high standard and creative accomplished young men and women ready for their journey’s ahead on leaving the school. the focus is in no small part on ensuring that Founders children have the same access to top universities as students from much more expensive schools. To do this, there is a trade off in terms of facilities. It is not that facilities are poor – very far from it. All the fundamentals are here to ensure the success of students. However, what is not here are the bells and whistles.

As a result parents can expect:

  • classrooms equipped with modern facilities and connected with high-speed internet
  • a multi-purpose hall
  • a full spectrum of arts and design rooms
  • extensive investment in fully-equipped science laboratories and technology rooms
  • music rooms
  • Both a primary and secondary library – both very well resourced
  • a medical centre
  • a dining hall serving hot food; and, even a
  • book store (selling textbooks, workbooks and stationery)

Parents, however, should not expect a swimming pool or a Planetarium.

This does not mean in the area of Sport, again, that there is no investment. Quite the opposite. The investment is strong, notwithstanding the omission of on-site swimming facilities. They include:

  • a full-sized 11-a-side football pitch
  • three shaded full sized MUGA (multi use games area) courts
  • fully air-conditioned multi purpose hall
  • fully air-conditioned primary sports hall
  • covered outdoor play areas
  • roof top MUGA court
  • roof top football pitch

Focusing on facilities , however, misses the point. The bigger investment, at both Founders schools, is not in facilities but teachers. A premium is placed on UK experience and investment in UK and internationally qualified, predominantly native English speaking teachers. If there is a compromise, it is slight. Many teachers are younger and join the school relatively early in their careers. The benefit of this, however, is cutting-edge knowledge from recently trained teachers and, most important of all, a passion for teaching and making a difference for children. NQTs are actually a positive, usually arriving fresh with the latest in teaching methodologies and best practice – and usually too huge amounts of energy and passion for teaching – and getting the very best from students.

 

Curriculum – IGCSE

Compulsory Subjects Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Option 5
·       Mathematics (core or extended)

·       English Language or English as a second language

·       English Literature

·       Ministry of Education Arabic (only in Year 10 for non-Arab students)

·       Islamic (Muslim students only)

 

·       Prep (non-Muslim students only)

 

·       Moral Education (non IGCSE)

·       UAE Social Studies (non IGCSE)

·       Physical Activity and Wellbeing (non IGCSE)

 

 

Biology Chemistry Physics Arabic as a First

Language

Economics
History Geography Business French Business
Psychology Physical Education French History Computer Science
Accounting Computer Science Arabic as a Foreign

Language

Physical Education Geography
Art and Design Economics Psychology Accounting Sociology
Music Sociology Biology Chemistry Physics
       Chemistry               Spanish Art and Design Physics Biology

 

Curriculum – A’ Levels

Compulsory Subjects Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
 

 

•        Ministry of Education

Arabic as a first

language

 

•        Islamic Education

(Muslim students only)

 

•        Moral Education

 

•        Physical Activity and

Wellbeing

 

 

English Literature Chemistry English Language Physics
Computer Science Geography Mathematics Further Mathematics Business
Biology French Economics Art and Design
Accounting Psychology History Psychology
Mathematics Biology Business Sociology
Physics Music Physical Education Chemistry

 

Bottom line? The SchoolsCompared.com Verdict 2021.

Our sister site, WhichSchooolAdvisor.com, captures the formula here so well:

“The sum of the maths is this: Mid Price fees  + Premium UK Curriculum – Expensive Facilities =  an immediate 1800+ students.”

The difference, today, is that unlike parents joining either school at launch, Founders is proven. These are both schools that deliver- and highly, for children.

Yes, there are compromises. You certainly will not find a Planetarium or Swimming Pools here. Nor will you find shiny castle parapets or any other such whimsical design flourishes.

So too, the curriculum breadth cannot match more expensive schools and BTEC, certainly, is something that we feel is a loss. Provision of a even a single, technical stream BTEC subject we feel would be transformational for children – and the school.

This said, the focus is on delivering powerful results in the core subjects offered and not stretching the curriculum subject offer too thin for the sake of it and risking compromise. Subject breadth, notwithstanding the lack of BTEC, is thoughtful and stretches to outlier subjects like psychology (a favourite of Russell Group universities because it bridges the Arts and Sciences) and sociology – subjects not offered by the severely cut-down offers of the majority of alternative schools operating at this price point.

It would be easy to find faults – but we could only easily do so by measuring the school against schools with fees operating at much higher price points. That would, of course, be entirely missing the point. If there is a critique, it is that GEMS Education has given itself an almighty headache because parents at both schools are (understandably) demanding in wanting the very best for the students. GEMS has sought to achieve the impossible – and the parents expect it.

Our view then? Parents seeking an education for their child(ren) in 2021 at this extraordinarily high value ROI price point will not find better if they look beyond bells and whistles and focus on just how clever and substantial the real offer taking place here truly is.

You may not see castle turrets and grand follies – but when GEMS Founders students graduate with meaningful, competitive qualifications that open doors to universities and industry anywhere in the world, the substance here will shine a light on just where the investment here has been so creditably and ambitiously placed.

Yes, the offer here is that good – and remarkable, on its own terms, given the odds stacked against delivering a very good British education at this fee point.

Recommended.

© SchoolsCompared.com. 2021. All rights reserved.

Notes for parents:

  • Our Guide to choosing the Right School can be found here.
  • Our Guide to IGCSEs can be found here.
  • Our Guide to AS Levels can be found here.
  • Our Guide to A’ Levels can be found here.
  • Our Sixth Form Guide can be found here.
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Details to consider
2018/19 Overall ADEK / KHDA Rating

First Inspection expected 2021-22

2017/18 Overall ADEC / KHDA Rating

First Inspection expected 2021-22

2016/17 Overall ADEC / KHDA Rating

First Inspection expected 2021-22

2015/16 Overall KHDA / ADEC Rating

First Inspection expected 2021-22

Type of school

Private, for-profit

Full WSA Review
Average Cost Per Year

FS1: 23,000
FS2: 26,000
YEAR 1: 28,000
YEAR 2: 28,000
YEAR 3: 28,000
YEAR 4: 28,000
YEAR 5: 28,000
YEAR 6: 28,000
YEAR 7: 30,000
YEAR 8: 30,000
YEAR 9: 30,000
YEAR 10: 33,000
YEAR 11: 33,000
YEAR 12: 35,000
YEAR 13: 35,000

Curriculum

National Curriculum for England (NCfE)
Notes
(1) EYFS
(2) IGCSE
(3) A' Level
(4) BTEC

External Exam Boards

Oxford International AQA Examinations
AQA
Pearson Edexcel

Number of A Levels offered

18+
Notes
(1) Phased launch 2022-23

A Levels offered

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Arabic
Sociology
Psychology
Business
Accounting
Music
Physical Education
English Literature
English Language
Computer Science
Geography
History
Art & Design

Number of I/GCSEs Offered

20+

I/GCSEs offered

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Arabic
Sociology
Psychology
Business
Accounting
Music
Physical Education
English Literature
English Language
Computer Science
Geography
History
Art & Design
Spanish

Selective

Fully inclusive

Waiting list

No

Value Added

Not published

Number of Students

Capacity: 3500+

Teacher to Student Ratio

1:13 - 1:30
Notes:
(1) FS1 - 2: class size capped at 25 children
(2) Years 1+: class size capped at 30 children

Largest nationality teachers

50% British / 50% Indian

Year opened

September 2018

Location

Al Mizhar 1, Dubai

Student composition

International
Indian (largest nationality)

Gender

Mixed, co-educational

School canteen

Yes

Owner

GEMS Education

Admissions Telephone

+971 (0 )4 519 5399

Web Address
Strengths

• Outstanding ROI
• Value fees
• Credibility and backing - GEMS Education now has a proven history of delivering exceptionally good schools at this price point
• Proven Founders' model

Weaknesses

• No swimming pool
• (Very) large school role
• Demand outstrips availability in many years
• Relatively restricted curriculum - we really would like to see provision of BTEC. Sociology and Psychology are, however, strong outlier subjects and highly creditable for curriculum breadth.

Rating
User Rating
Rate Here
Academic
B-
Value
B-
ExtraCurricula
C+
Languages
C+
Sports
C+
Arts & Drama
B-
Teaching
B+
Communications
C+
Warmth
B-
Differentiation
B+
SEND Provision
B-
Scl Community
C
Scl Facilities
C+
Opportunities

• Another beacon school for the mid-tier English National Curriculum sector. Recommended.

B-
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25%
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11%
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4%
About The Author
Jon Westley
Jon Westley is the Editor of SchoolsCompared.com and WhichSchoolAdvisor.com UK. You can email him at jonathanwestley [at] schoolscompared.com
6 Comments
  • Sana
    March 24, 2021 at 9:53 am

    Gems Founder Al Mizhar has so many positives: a friendly community, skilled teachers teachers…. my family is very happy with the school. I can notice a huge jump in the academic performance of my my kids – even with the COVID pandemic, the school has brought out the best in them. The learning plans they have put in place are very well thought through. This is my 3rd year of enrolling our children at the school and we have now re-enrolled for the 4th. I do not think that we shall need to ever look elsewhere. Best of luck GFM.

  • Kanza Aftab Khan
    March 25, 2021 at 7:26 am

    We love GEMS Founders Al Mizhar. It’s my daughter’s first year at the school. She has adjusted very well. I am satisfied with her learning pace. Teachers are so caring and ensure that all the students understand the lessons before moving on – no child is left behind during the on-line classes. The school listens to parents’ reviews and suggestions. Two thumbs up to GFM!

  • Rashida Saigar
    March 25, 2021 at 7:46 am

    My children, and us as parents, are very happy with GEMS Founders al Mizhar. We feel like a big community and all the staff and management of the school are amazing. Academics and Sport at the school is fabulous. The school has really supported our children, and us as a family, during the pandemic and is doing an excellent job in keeping all the students safe. My daughter is in year 10 now and the teachers are so supportive in bringing the best out of her. I recommend GFM to all parents.

  • Manal
    March 25, 2021 at 11:17 am

    Gems Founders Al Mizhar is one of the best new schools in Dubai.

  • March 27, 2021 at 2:04 pm

    Hello
    Assalam alaikum, everybody.
    I just wanted to leave my comment here as a token of appreciation to the school.
    My daughter has been with GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar for the last 2 years. The school has been wonderful – and, as a result, I will admit my son next year to join her.
    For parents looking at the school, I would highlight the very high level of academic performance achieved for children – the teachers are amazing.
    I have also really appreciated the very straightforward approach to discipline issues – in so many school this is an issue. Here, children clearly understand what is expected from then and are inspired to be part of the school community and its shared values.
    My daughter is very fond of Sport and the Arts – it is a real plus of the school that investment is made here to ensure children get a very rounded education.
    The school is new, very spacious and bright – it’s a very inspiring atmosphere for children to engage with their learning. i
    And, finally, for me, as a Muslim, it really matters that the uniform is modest, that there is a prayer room and that the time allotted for Salah and Arabic and Islamic studies teaching is planned and credible. This school invests in the opportunity for Muslim students to sit IGCSE exams in Arabic subjects.
    Overall, IGCSE subject choice is very rich across all subjects, unlike many schools that teach with a restricted curriculum and to a budget.
    I have recommended the school to my friends and family because we have genuinely been so impressed. As a family we recommend it.

  • Wajiha Iskander
    June 11, 2021 at 1:34 am

    I just want to know timing for year 1

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