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GEMS Wellington Primary School, Satwa – THE REVIEW 2021
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Review

GEMS Wellington Primary School, Satwa – THE REVIEW 2021

by January 10, 2021

Note for parents: this school has now closed. 

For historic information only: GEMS Wellington Primary School – SchoolsCompared.com exclusive school visits, KHDA 2020, BSO Outstanding school status, Outstanding new school leadership

Background

An image of a young girl with a paintbrush at GEMS Wellington Primary School in Dubai

Located behind the Shangri-la Hotel on the edges of Jumeirah, GEMS Wellington Primary School celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2017, following its founding in 2007. Its location is at the heart of a thriving community brought to life by the spectacular vistas the school enjoys facing the Sheikh Zayed Road. 

Map showing the location of GEMS Wellington Primary School in Dubai

GEMS Wellington Primary School is ranked “Very Good with Outstanding Features” by the Dubai Inspectorate of schools, an award it has held for the last three years.

GEMS Wellington Primary School has also achieved the highest rating awarded by British Schools Overseas (November 2016 Inspection), securing Grade 1 Outstanding recognition for the quality of its (innovative) curriculum; the strength of teaching and assessment; depth of whole child development; the formidable way it meets the needs of its highly inclusive intake; the academic progress of children from defined starting points on entering the school; and, determined, charismatic school leadership with high integrity and vision. More on this below.

Kings_Interhigh_InArticle

By way of introduction, and choosing one of the many stand-out of the features of GEMS Wellington Primary School to highlight, we would draw parents attention to the very inclusive, welcoming philosophy of the school.

Whilst the school has not currently made available added value data to us (we will update our review should this data may be available), parents are advised to look at the creditable differential highlighted by the KHDA between student attainment and the (“Very Good”) level of progress achieved by its children. GEMS Wellington Parimary School delivers beyond expectation for the vast majority of its children, with highly differentiated learning to meet the needs of individual children across the spectrum of abilities (including Gifted and Talented). The (sensitively adapted) curriculum that underpins this differentiation is, as above, innovative, and outstanding. Parents considering the school should note that communication with parents is another strength of the school and added value information is widely shared internally.

Parents should note that, in our view, GEMS Wellington Primary School shines in its genuinely inclusive welcome and, unlike other schools, the way it refuses to “stack the decks” by welcoming only the most academically gifted children. There is a balance to be drawn between creating a happy, creative, whole child focused school and one driven to deliver academic attainment at whatever the cost for just some children. It is at least arguable that GEMS Wellington Primary has struck a perfect balance here, a view supported by the exceptional relationships the school enjoys with parents and our finding a school both alive to learning and one very evidently “buzzing” with very happy, and stimulated children. GEMS Wellington Primary delivers an outstanding education for every child.

 

KHDA Findings and Strengths in Digital Learning

Independent review of GEMS Wellington Primary School for parents - Digital and online larning is a major strength of the school

Beyond celebrating inclusion, as above, the other core areas highlighted by the Dubai Inspectorate include:

  • The school’s outstanding, “vibrant, supportive and creative” learning environment across all phases with stand-out care for children
  • Outstanding ECA and enrichment provision
  • Outstanding facility provision

This is supported by the views of BSO inspectors recorded in their particularly complimentary inspection.

Buildings of GEMS Wellington Primary School

One of the key ways we judge English National Curriculum primary schools is in the ways they balance delivering a British education and the values and culture that go with this, whilst also inspiring an understanding and appreciation for the broader international context of education.

At SchoolsCompared.com, we feel that this is exceptionally important. Building, at such an early age, an appreciation of international context and, ideally broader language skills, gives expat children educated in the UAE a big advantage over children educated in, for example, the UK.

Surprisingly, there are still British (and its even more true of many US schools) that operate in a vacuum, taking away some of the real advantages that flow from being educated abroad. Equally, as here, this relationship must be two-way, with international children also securing the benefits of understanding and being inspired by the British context of their education. GEMS Wellington Primary is a good model in this respect, although, as with all British curriculum schools, Arabic language learning is challenging difficult for the majority of children. 

A good example of innovation is evident in the on-line learning resource delivered, in most part, by the children themselves. On-line teaching here is first class – and the skills of the school in this area have proved invaluable during the Coronavirus Covid 19 necessitated move to Distance Learning.

https://youtu.be/FCWshlBasyA

 

It’s worth noting the feedback from our last independent visit to the school:

“I left with the strong impression of a happy, family orientated, community school with excellent facilities and absolutely outstanding leadership.”

 

BSO Rating – Outstanding

GEMS Wellington Primay School is rated by the BSO as Outstanding – it’s highest award. The full report follows:

GEMS_20Wellington_20Pry_20BSO_20FINAL

 

Fees

Table showing GEMS Wellinton Primary School Fees in 2021

 

Facilities and SchoolsCompared Visits, September 2017, June 2018, 2019, 2020-21

Facilities are Premium, Tier 1 including an outdoor AstroTurf football area, as well as shaded basketball hard courts and 2 pools. We rate overall facility and Sports provision at GEMS Wellington Primary School Outstanding. For this phase of education, sporting facilities are some of the best available in the UAE. 

GEMS Wellington Primary School Review - Swimming and Sport

GEMS Wellington Primary School Review - Outdoor basketball Court & Play area

GEMS Wellington Primary School FS1 Swimming Pool

There is a large Auditorium which doubles for Sport; (fabulous) 3 Music Rooms; 4 ICT suites; Music Performance rooms and Art Rooms – as well as a (genuinely) well-stocked library.

GEMS Wellington Primary School Music Studio

It’s not though a “bells and whistles” school sparkling with modern chrome and artifice – expect a lived in, hugely warm typically British home grown Primary feel. There’s a mix of old and new buildings, evidencing GEMS ongoing investment in the school. Rooms are light and airy. There’s a particularly fabulous and large breakout space in FS1 with stepped padded seating areas for informal learning.  The whole school is deceptively large, but the school fills its spaces with activities and life so that, if anything, there is a sense of compression and intimacy. Discovery lies around every corner. Bottom line: children want for nothing.

ECA provision and enrichment is as good as it gets; there are simply too many options to list here in full. Orchestra, Super Scientist, Dance Fever …. these are the tip of an iceberg that well captures the ambition. Many schools talk the talk about delivering to each individual’s child’s ambitions, needs and gifts – and in many cases a look at the breadth and depth of ECA provision quickly tells you a very different story. At GEMS Wellington Primary School the investment in each child’s development outside academics is more than evident – and a clear pillar of the school’s strategy to build community and the self confidence of children so integral to their academic development. It’s a virtuous circle clearly recognised by the school that links each child to their peers, family, broader community and teachers in a journey of discovery that is clearly, and impressively, working.

 

GEMS Wellington Primary School Leadership

Photograph of Ms Sarah O'Regan, Principal and CEO of GEMS Jumeirah Primary School in Dubai

New Principal, Ms Sarah O’Regan has been creditably promoted from within GEMS, where she has worked for over a decade, to lead arguably GEMS’ benchmark outstanding British Primary in the UAE. Ms O’Regan joined GEMS Education in 2011 as Assistant Principal of GEMS Wellington Academy, Dubai Silicon Oasis. Over a five year period her work ethic and commitment to students saw her rapidly promoted to Principal in 2015, a position Ms Regan has held for five years. In September 2020, the move to take up the post of Principal of GEMS Wellington Primary School, was the logical next step.
A graduate of Surrey University in the UK, Ms O’Regan brings to GEMS Wellington Primary School more than two decade’s direct Primary phase experience in the UK and UK. In the UK, Ms O’Regan developed expertise in FS and KS1 teaching and core specialisms in both SEND and EAL. Over a decade at GEMS, Ms O’Regan  has led her schools through nine KHDA inspections and two BSO inspections, her schools securing coveted Outstanding school status.
Ms O’Regan takes over the helm from Catherine McKeever, former Principal and CEO of GEMS Wellington Primary, following her retirement. Ms McKeever had worked for GEMS Education for six years, leading GEMS Wellington Primary School for two.

 

Bottom Line? The SchoolsCompared.com Verdict 2021

GEMS Wellington Primary School in Dubai

GEMS Wellington Primary School missed out on consideration for our Best Primary School in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this year in 2019-20, but this values-rich, nurturing inclusive school, led by a very strong Principal, certainly deserves its place in the top tier of British primaries in Dubai.

In a recent internal poll of parent, students and staff across all GEMS schools, GEMS Wellington Primary School was placed first in terms of satisfaction from both Parents and Students. Little wonder we found, on our many visits, a school that that lights up the spark of imagination, self belief and ambition in its children.

Under the surface too, the richness and sophistication of investment in English and Mathematics for children, through some of the most structured programmes of development we have seen in any Primary in the UAE, shines a light on why an outstanding Primary school education is so profoundly important for child development. Not all EYFS British primary schools are the same…

Summary? This is a school, in our view, that unequivocally deserves a place on any parent’s shortlist of potential primary schools for their children.

Very highly recommended.

Are you looking for a place for your child, and want help from our school consultants? If so, click on the link below, and we will forward your request for information to the school or schools of the same type that we are confident have availability. This is a free service for our readers from our sister site WhichSchoolAdvisor.
Request School Information

Details to consider
2018/19 Overall ADEK / KHDA Rating

Very Good with Outstanding features

2017/18 Overall ADEC / KHDA Rating

Very Good with Outstanding features

2016/17 Overall ADEC / KHDA Rating

Very Good with Outstanding features

2015/16 Overall KHDA / ADEC Rating

Very Good with Outstanding features

Rating FS

Very Good

Rating Primary / Elementary

Very Good

Rating Secondary / Middle

NA

Rating Post 16 / High

NA

Type of school

Private, for-profit

WSA Good School

Under consideration 2021-22

Full WSA Review
Average Cost Per Year

Pre KG / FS1: AED 43,388
KG 1 / FS2: AED 54,691
KG 2 / Year 1: AED 54,691
Grade 1 / Year 2: AED 54,691
Grade 2 / Year 3: AED 54,691
Grade 3 / Year 4: AED 54,691
Grade 4 / Year 5: AED 54,691
Grade 5 / Year 6: AED 54,691
YEAR 7: "Placement for Year 7 at GEMS Schools across Dubai."
YEAR 8: "Placement for Year 7 at GEMS Schools across Dubai."
YEAR 9: "Placement for Year 7 at GEMS Schools across Dubai."
YEAR 10: "Placement for Year 7 at GEMS Schools across Dubai."
YEAR 11: "Placement for Year 7 at GEMS Schools across Dubai."
YEAR 12: "Placement for Year 7 at GEMS Schools across Dubai."
YEAR 13: "Placement for Year 7 at GEMS Schools across Dubai."
Notes:
(1) Annual fee average: AED 53,500 based on annual fees AED 43,388 - 54,691
(2) School category: Premium/Tier 1

Curriculum

British Curriculum/International
Notes
(1) Primary only
(2) EYFS - English/UK National Curriculum

Selective

Fully inclusive
Notes
(1) Significant SEND intake
(2) Age-related placement test
(3) EAL inclusive
(4) "Families are welcome to apply to GWPS regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender or religion."

Waiting list

Open for 2020-21 registration only

Value Added

Not published

Number of Students

1100 (May 2018)

Teacher to Student Ratio

1:20 (FS1-2, Years 1 - 3) - 1 TA per class until Year 2
1:27 (Years 4 - 6)

Largest nationality teachers

British

Teacher turnover

2019-2020: 20%
Notes:
(1) 25% (2018-19)
(1) 17% (2017-18)
(2) 31% (2016-17)

Year opened

2008

Location

Al Satwa, Dubai

Student composition

International
Notes:
(1) Emirati: 49
(2) 79 nationalities
(3) British: 10%
(4) English as an Additional Language (EAL): 25%
(5) Gifted and Talented (G&T): 20%
(6) Special Educational Needs and Disabilities(SEND): 25%
(7) Indian: 23%

Gender

Mixed, co-educational

School canteen

No

Owner

GEMS Education

Admissions Telephone

+971 (0) 4 343 3266

Web Address
Attainment Nur SEM

60%

Attainment Pri SEM

60%

Attainment Sec SEM

NA

Attainment Post-16 SEM

NA

Progress Nur SEM

80%

Progress Pri SEM

80%

Progress Sec SEM

NA

Progress Post-16 SEM

NA

Arabic Native Primary Results (Native)

50%

Arabic Secondary Results (Native)

NA

Arabic Post-16 Results (Native)

NA

Arabic Primary Results (Add.)

50%

Arabic Secondary Results (Add.)

NA

Arabic Post-16 Results (Add.)

NA

Islamic St. Primary Results

50%

Islamic St. Secondary Results

NA

Islamic St. Post-16 Results

NA

Leadership

80%

Community

100%

Facilities

100%

Quality of teaching

80%

Student personal responsibility

100%

Quality of curriculum

100%

School Governance

80%

SEN Provision

80%

Strengths

• BSO Outstanding School (its highest rating)
• Genuinely inclusive schooling
• Commitment to the individual child
• Outstanding new school Principal
• Outstanding child progress
• The mix of facilities
• International
• GEMS reputation and cache
• Passionate and inspiration new Principal (2021) who has, creditably, been promoted from within on the basis of her gifts and ability to get the absolute best from and for children

Weaknesses

• None

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

• A very impressive, inclusive, happy school that delivers, academically and whole child, right across the board. Highly Recommended.

A
Our Rating
A
User Rating
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Top of shortlist
60%
In my Top 5
20%
Shortlisted
8%
A possibility
6%
Pass
0%
No way
8%
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

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Academic
Value
ExtraCurricula
Languages
Sports
Arts & Drama
Teaching
Communications
Warmth
Differentiation
SEND Provision
Scl Community
Scl Facilities