KHDA Inspection 2024
Overall Inspection Rating: Outstanding
Simon O’Connor, DIS Director commented:
We are thrilled with this report, which confirms the overall Outstanding judgment for Deira International School. This result is a testament to the care, support and hard work of all of our community and highlights the wonderful education which students enjoy here every day. I would like to congratulate all the staff here and thank them for their continual hard work.
I am particularly delighted with the judgement of Outstanding which we achieved in Wellbeing. This is considerable achievement which has been granted to very few schools. This is a continual focus for all at Deira International School, ensuring our students and staff are happy as we believe that this is the context in which they are most likely to thrive.
Highlights of the school:
- The excellent provision in FS and the outstanding progress in English, mathematics and science in all phases.
- Students’ exemplary attitudes, behaviour and relationships, their understanding of Emirati culture and their strong contributions to the environment.
- The high-quality support provided for health, care and safety.
- Motivating leaders, supportive governors and engaged parents as well as excellent resources.
- The strong commitment to inclusion and wellbeing.
Key Recommendations:
- Raise attainment and progress in Islamic Education and Arabic
BSO Inspection Report - March 2025
Deira International School: BSO Outstanding School in every category
Deira International School is proud to be affiliated with the British Schools Overseas (BSO) and was most recently inspected in March 2025. We are delighted that the school was once again judged to be Outstanding in all areas, reflecting our continued commitment to excellence in every aspect of school life.
The report highlights the school’s exceptional quality of education, the strength of relationships across the community, and our forward-thinking approach to digital learning. Inspectors praised the expertise of our teachers, the nurturing and inclusive environment we provide, and the high levels of achievement and well-being among our students.
Key observations include:
- DIS provides an outstanding education for students from three to 18 years old.
- Digital learning, including the use of AI, is seamlessly integrated across the curriculum, preparing students with essential future-ready skills.
- Lessons promote compassion, fairness, and respect for diversity and inclusion.
- Students thrive in a nurturing environment that puts the individual child at the centre of learning.
- Parents describe the school as outstanding and value the strong communication and sense of partnership.
- Leadership and management are outstanding, with a clear strategic vision and an unwavering focus on excellence.
- The school’s values – respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity – are deeply embedded and shape every aspect of school life.
- Safeguarding is a strength, with robust procedures ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
Area for development:
Inspectors recognised the strength of the school’s executive leadership programme and encouraged further development to deepen its impact. In particular, they recommended fostering even greater aspirational thinking across the leadership team to ensure DIS continues to lead in innovation and holistic education.
