A CBSE school owned and run by GEMS Education, Our Own Indian School first opened its doors in 1991, and is based in Al Quoz, Dubai. It currently has a ranking of 'Good' by Dubai's education regulator, the KHDA, a rating it held for four years prior to the 2014 - 2015 school year, when the overall rating fell to 'Acceptable'. This was worrying, but the school was subsequently promoted back to 'Good' and in 2022-23 achieved a Very Good rating.

The Story so Far...

One of the longest established schools in Dubai and an original member of the GEMS Group, Our Own Indian School (OOIS) school is presently home to 3,696, predominantly Indian, students who follow the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. At the time of the most recent DSIB inspection for the 2022-23 academic year, approximately 7% of students have been identified with SEND requirements - a significant number in terms of individual students who are supported by the school. 

The school's Vision states that it aims to "to develop global competence in all our learners."  The school aims to achieve this through:

- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – To be reflective thinkers and find solution that best resolve problems
 - Social Intelligence – To be collaborative, entrepreneurial and obey social skills
- Cognitive Load Management – To maximize cognitive functioning through discrimination and filtering information
- Design Mindset – To develop tasks and innovate work processes for desired outcomes
- Transdisciplinary – Literacy in and ability to understand concepts across multiple disciplines

Our Own Indian School offers the CBSE curriculum (overseen by the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, India) starting at Kindergarten level and culminating in the All India Secondary Schools Examination at the end of Grade 10, and the All India Senior School Certificate Examination, at the end of Grade 12.

Principal, Lalitha Suresh, joined OOIS in January 2012 and has just celebrated her eleventh year in the leadership position. A Physics graduate, Mrs. Suresh pursued her interest in education at an early age by undertaking her Bachelor Degree in Education from St. Teresa’s Institute of Education, Mumbai and later a Masters Degree in Leadership and Educational Management from University of Bath, UK. 

Her 30 plus years of experience encompasses both International and CBSE curriculum schools, the majority of which has been with GEMS Education. As a member of Senior Leadership Teams in International and Indian schools, Mrs. Suresh has experience of blending international best practices into the CBSE curriculum. She is a Lead Collaborator Principal, identified by the CBSE, and leads a cluster of schools in the region.

At the time of the most recent KHDA inspection, students were taught by a team of 169 staff and 23 teaching assistants.  This reflects a teacher: student ratio of 1:22,  a significant reduction in class size compared with the inspection report in 2018-19 but still a relatively high figure. Staff turnover had also reduced from a high of 19% in 2016-17, to 9% in 2020 and 5% in 2022 - well below the Dubai average of 22%.

OOIS had consistently been rated Good (then minimum rating that the KHDA wishes schools to achieve), since inspections started in 2010-11, with only one lower rating (of Acceptable) back in 2014-15. As is so often the case - and the reason why we encourage parents to look beyond the headline rating, OOIS is a school that has continued to improve and to make significant progress on its path to improvement! 

At the time of our last update of the review for OOIS, we stated that "the Good rating really does not tell the whole story by any means".  We are, therefore delighted to see that the school has finally achieved the second highest KHDA rating of Very Good in 2022-23. 

It should be borne in mind that demands have grown from the regulator year on year, and retention of a rating over a period is not an indicator of lack of improvement.  The achievement of a step up to the higher rating is very definitely an indication that significant improvement has been achieved.  Find out just how well OOIS is doing by reading What the Inspectors say.

What about the curriculum?

OOIS is one of a number of GEMS schools to offer the CBSE curriculum and is recognised by the Dubai regulator (the KHDA) and affiliated to the CBSE Board, New Delhi. The school enjoys a reputation for high academic performance in the two streams of Science and Commerce in the Higher Secondary Examinations. The medium of instruction at the school is English and special emphasis is placed on the development of communication skills in English at all levels. 

During the formative Kindergarten years, children are initiated into the world of learning in school life via a friendly and stimulating atmosphere. The main objective for the Kindergarten years is to help young students develop their cognitive and motor skills. OOIS actively encourages the development of students' curiosity and imagination by exposing them to an exciting world of learning. Basic cognitive and motor skills are developed through a variety of creative, kinesthetic and problem-solving activities.

Students are encouraged in the development of their English skills with emphasis on Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing skill development.  Additionally, Numeracy, Environmental Awareness, Creative, Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Physical Education are also woven into the curriculum. Students are encouraged to participate in an array of activities including story-telling sessions, field trips, special assembly gatherings, indoor and outdoor games and singing. A strong emphasis is laid on continuous assessment, which forms an integral part of the CBSE curriculum. 

The Primary

and Middle School years build a foundation where staff aim to instill the right values and develop a strong sense of responsibility and ethics in all students. This is enhanced by an emphasis on creative thinking, innovative problem-solving, and independent expression. Neat and careful work is encouraged and all good attempts are praised and valued. Students are provided with a wide range of techniques covering formal problem-solving, open-ended investigatory situations and observation skills are developed to extend their thinking process.

The school follows a continuous assessment plan which enables teachers to monitor each child’s progress. Throughout the Primary years, the student is supported in reaching his/her full potential in all areas of the curriculum. Great emphasis is laid on positive motivation. During these 'founding years', OOIS aims to instill the right values and a strong sense of responsibility and ethics in all students.

Subjects included in Primary (from Grades 1 to 5) are English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies (Indian and UAE), Hindi or Malayalam for grades 1 to 4, and the addition of the option of French for Grade 5, Arabic, Islamic Studies or Value Education, Computer Science, Physical Education, Music, Life Skills and SEWA.

Music, Art, Craft, and Physical Education classes are integrated in the timetable to make sure that non-academic talents are encouraged and developed. OOIS has also introduced a cross-curricular STEM curriculum (Science, Technology, English and Maths) to develop 21st century skills in students. Students participate in several extra-curricular activities such as games, dance and special assemblies, which aim to foster a positive attitude and healthy habits. Performing Arts, including activities such as Role Play and Drama, and Life Skills are integrated in all subject areas.

In the Middle School, from Grades 6 to 8, the pace of academic demand slowly gains momentum, and so does the preparedness to equip students with the skills to accept greater challenges. There is a strong emphasis on pastoral care to ensure that as students move through adolescence, they develop the necessary skills and behaviours to support their academic growth. 

Middle School subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Value Education and Islamic Education, French or Malayalam or Hindi, Arabic, U.A.E. Social Studies, and Moral Education. Music, Dance, Robotics, Art and Craft, Physical Education and Library are included in the timetable to make sure that non-academic talents continue to be developed.  There is a strong emphasis on laying the foundation for aesthetic appreciation and enjoyment of extracurricular activities. CREYA encourages inquiry based and experiential learning. A focus is on Skill Development, Research and project based learning encourages the acquisition of thinking skills and a positive attitude.

Secondary and Senior Secondary options are very strongly focused on Science or Commerce streams and the requirements of the Grade 10 CBSE examinations. Grade 9 and 10 students studying for the CBSE Board Exams are offered English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, an optional language including Hindi, French and Malayalam, and a sixth option of IT. Arabic is a compulsory subject in Grades 9 for which a school-based internal examination is conducted. The Islamic Studies examination is conducted for Muslim students in both the years.  In addition to the academic subjects, students are also encouraged to participate in Work Experience, Art Education and Physical Education classes as per CBSE requirements. Research and project based learning also helps students to acquire thinking skills and a positive attitude.

Finally, the strong focus on Science or Commerce continues into the Senior School (Grades 11 and 12). Students appear for the All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) in the Science or Commerce stream. The following subjects are offered at Grades 11 and 12:Physics, Mathematics, Biology/Computer Science, Economics, Business Studies, Psychology, Chemistry, Home Science, English (Core), Accountancy, Entrepreneurship, Physical Education, Mass Media, Informatics Practice, Marketing.

Of the 4 option blocks available for Grade 11, two offer a liberal arts focus (the first including Marketing, Mass Media, P.E, Entrepreneurship, Home Science, Psychology and Informatics and the second offering Accountancy, Business studies and choices between Economics, Marketing, PE, Home Science, Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Informatics).

The third option block offers a combination of Science and Commerce and includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Comp. Science, PE, Home Science, Economics, Psychology, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Informatics, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.  Finally, the fourth block is a pure Science block and includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Comp, Science and Mathematics.  Islamic Studies is offered to all Muslim students. Arabic is offered as an optional subject after school hours.

In an effort to balance the academic focus, the school also offers a wide range of ECA’s including arts, craft, drama, music, painting and debating. Additional events include annual festivals for sports, creative arts and science, in addition to a Mathematics Olympiad that encourage students to extend their outlook beyond the realm of the textbook. 

In addition, the school offers a range of extra-curricular clubs including an Environment Club, Oratory and Public Speaking Skills, Debating and Elocution, Personality Development, Indian Classical Dance (Bharatnatyam), Musical Instruments (Key Board, Drums, Flute) and Art (Oil, Water, Fabric, Glass, Acrylic etc.).  Activities as diverse as Robotics, Sewing, Arabic and Hindi are also available, whilst sports include Football (boys only), Cricket (Girls and Boys), Basketball (Girls and Boys) and Athletics (Girls and Boys).

There is also a strong focus within the school on community involvement in its broadest sense and the development of students through activities beyond the curriculum.  This includes the school taking a lead on the Innovations Framework being developed by GEMS in the area of Talent, and a sub-lead on Integrating Technology. These initiatives are designed to help mould the personality and talent in students and also to develop leadership qualities.

Students are trained for internships, thus developing a sense of responsibility and developing links with the community, and are attached to designated mentors to monitor progress and extend advice wherever needed. Older Grade 11 students stay back in the afternoon to coach and mentor low ability students in the middle school. Students also contribute towards good causes (charity and environmentally-friendly activities) - VGF, Dubai Cares, Face to Faith, Tree Plantation.

OOIS students in large numbers participate every year in the Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science Olympiads organised by the Council of CBSE schools in the Gulf. These Olympiads help in giving students the competitive edge and bringing out their talents.

What about Academic Achievement?

OOIS is one of a relatively limited number of schools to publish the results on their website year in year out - something that we at WhichSchoolAdvisor.com thoroughly applaud!  Whilst we fully accept that education is not, and should not be, about qualifications and examination results alone, there is no doubt that this is an important aspect of parental and student expectations, and one where we believe transparency should be the norm.

For the 2022 academic year - the first year after the Covid 19 pandemic where full examinations took place, OOIS results were as follows:

306 students were entered for the Grade 12 examinations. There was a 100% pass rate, with 26.1% of students achieving a score of over 90%, and 55.9% recorded a score of between 75% and 89.9%.  The top scoring student achieved 97.6%.

280 students appeared for the Grade 10 examinations and again, there was a 100% pass rate. 32.9% scored over 90%, whilst 58.2% scored between 75% and 89.9%.

By comparison, in the 2021 academic year when results were based on a revised examination and marking process, OOIS results were as follows:

The Grade 12 Results 2021 saw a Batch Average of 92.5%, with 54 students scoring A1 in all subjects. 73.6% of students scored 90% and above and 100% of students scored 70% and above. 

The Grade 10 Results 2021 saw a Batch Average of 83.7%, with 37 students scoring A1 in all subjects, whilst 32.1% students scored 90% and above and 80.12% students scored 75% and above.

The school's website provides access to the results and individual student achievement  for previous years here.

What about the facilities?

Located on the edge of the Al Qouz area, OOIS is housed in a modern building on a generous plot which includes a large outdoor sports field and specialist play areas for KG and Primary children, including two separate shaded play areas equipped with a variety of age appropriate and child friendly outdoor equipment, specially designed for use by the younger children.

The school offers the usual range of facilities including a Library, Science Laboratories equipped with facilities for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Home Science, and well-equipped Information and Communication Technology labs, where students learn to use computers and become well versed in ICT. The laboratories are used to support the teaching of ICT as early as from Grade 1. A canteen provides a wide range of healthy snacks and beverages at affordable prices.

What the Inspectors say

The 2019-20 inspection that took place in October 2019 again rated OOIS Good for the fifth year in a row.  What that headline rating did not tell was just how much progress the school had made not only in terms of Academic achievement, but also the other five key performance standards against which the school's performance was measured.  In fact the school achieved 20 improved measures - and many of these were improvements from Good to Very Good or from Very Good to Outstanding.

As mentioned earlier, it was for this reason that we at WhichSchoolAdvisor.com felt that the overall rating of Good was not a full reflection of the strengths of OOIS.  We are delighted that the DSIB inspectors in the 2022-23 inspection round have recognised the improvements made by the school and have finally awarded it a Very Good rating. 

In terms of Academic achievement, there were five improvements in rating for English, Maths and Science with almost all rated Very Good or Outstanding - the sole exception being for Maths attainment in the Middle school section which was downgraded to Good, although the same key performance measure in the Secondary school was also downgraded from Outstanding to Very Good.  In addition,  there were downgrades for Arabic as a second language progress in the Middle and Senior sections.  

Whilst all of the ratings for Students' personal and social development and their innovations skills, and for Teaching and Assessment retained the previous ratings from 2019-20, it was in the area of Curriculum design and implementation and Curriculum adaptation that the most improvement was indicated.

Curriculum design is now rated Outstanding in Primary and Middle school (in addition to Secondary where this rating was awarded at the last inspection). Curriculum adaptation is now rated Very Good across all sections of the school.

And the inspectors continued to be impressed! Health and safety, including arrangements for child protection/safeguarding remain rated Outstanding across the school, whilst the Care and Support of students remained Very Good.

In clear recognition of the success of the leadership and management of the school, four out of the five performance standards are now rated Very Good.  The on-going issue of space remains a concern for the inspection team and a result, the Management, staffing, facilities and resources retained their Good rating.

The inspection team summarised the strengths of GEMS Our Own High School as:

• Very strong leadership and governance, fostering a highly inclusive school with a basis of very effective care and the promotion of wellbeing for all.
• Excellent CBSE board results in the secondary phase.
• Very strong personal development of students, and of their social responsibilities.
• The broad and balanced curriculum, meeting the needs and aspirations of students, and offering significant choice.

As far as areas of improvement were concerned, the following were recommended:

• Identify and spread best practice in teaching and assessment in the primary phase to ensure that teaching is consistently very good or outstanding.
• Improve the quality of teaching in Arabic. 

If you would like to read the full inspection report - and we strongly recommend that you do so in order to understand the reasons behind the ratings - you will find it here.

The Buzz

The WhichSchoolAdvisor School Survey results came as something of a surprise to us. With close to 250 surveys completed, we would have expected a higher rating than the 3.6/5 - or a positivity rating of 72%. However, this represents a considerable improvement on the rating from one year ago when the figure was 2.7/5 or 54%!

On average, we found that children did not seem as positive about their experience with a less strong sense of belonging or enjoyment of school than the UAE average, though over 80% (compared with 70% a year ago) felt 'quite a bit' or 'a tremendous amount' of belonging.

Whilst 67% of parents were satisfied, and a further 29% partially satisfied with the academic performance of the school (again a lower satisfaction level than the UAE average), this year, 48% (compared with 70% in 2022) believed that they needed to provide additional tuition for their children, and 19% had considered moving their child to a different school.  Having said that, most parents were at least quite confident of the school's ability to meet their child's needs, though only 24% (compared with a UAE average of 34%) were extremely confident.

This two-third/one-third scenario in terms of satisfaction continued in relation to communication and feedback from the school and its disciplinary policy.  One more worrying statistic related to the percentage of parents concerned about bullying - with over 63% expressing varying degrees of concern in this regard, compared with a UAE average of 53%. 

61% of parents believed that OOIS fees represent Good value for money, whilst 34% partially agreed that this was the case.  5% disagreed with our statement. How much the impact of Covid 19, distance learning and the difficulties faced by many families has impacted on parents' views is impossible to say at this stage.

Parent feedback in recent survey responses (February 2023) about OOIS indicate that most parents appreciated for their qualified teachers, good academics, and caring administration.

However, parents noted weaknesses such as a lack of infrastructure, insufficient sports facilities, overburdening students with assignments, and an old-fashioned teaching methodology.  Some parents felt that the school needs to improve its communication with parents, reduce stress, and provide individual attention to each child's progress. Some parents also felt that the school needs to focus more on extracurricular activities and affordable transportation. 

Students are overwhelmingly positive about the academic support systems and teachers at OOIS, in terms of dedicated teaching staff, academic focus, and the inclusion of students in administration with a wide range of council posts for student council.

Others feel that the school's lack of options for stream selection, and competitive nature is insufficient and the emphasis on extracurricular activities is inadequate. Many students mention the lack of sports facilities as a weakness of the school, together with its small size, lack of proper infrastructure and equipment, including lack of study space, and strict rules and regulations. 

And yet, despite their reservations, 84% of parents would recommend OOIS to other parents.  If you are a parent, teacher or student at GEMS Our Own Indian School and would like to share your experience and comments with other potential members of your community, please complete our Survey. 

In an change to the process related to parent, teacher and student feedback, the KHDA has introduced a new measure for 'the Quality of Wellbeing provision and outcomes' in Dubai schools this year.

OOIS achieved a Very High rating.

The inspectors found:

• A strong vision, a systematic approach and a clearly defined policy builds individual and collective wellbeing. Practices are in place for evaluating, monitoring and reviewing the wellbeing programme. The school collects and analyses data to monitor and refine its approach, placing a greater emphasis upon curriculum development. The school’s strategic and operational routines, activities and resources are focused on the promotion of whole school and individual wellbeing, refining systems to track students’ wellbeing development over time.
• Teachers promote wellbeing at every opportunity and dedicated staff provide consistently high levels of care and support. TEAMCARE, a student body, promotes awareness on emotions and conducts wellbeing programmes in all phases. The commitment to promoting the wellbeing of staff is a very strong feature of the school, and has g`rown in priority and numbers of initiatives. The school has developed very strong partnerships with parents and the wider community, a central focus of the approach to community wellbeing.
• The school adopts a two-tiered approach to wellbeing, with interventions at both whole school and individual levels. The promotion of wellbeing is addressed across the whole curriculum with a significant and impactful emphasis on social and emotional literacy. Teachers and other staff empower students to make the very best life choices. Students feel safe, secure and confident in classrooms and in the wider school. They contribute actively and willingly to group and whole class work, often with a level of maturity that belies their age. 

Our View

OOIS has earned a reputation for high academic standards and the strong sense of community that has developed within the school. In addition to the very strong academic focus, the school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular programmes, ranging from sports to arts and crafts, dance and music. Winners of several competitions and awards, achievements in these areas have been formally recognised. Significant emphasis is placed on the development of strong relationships between teachers and their students and individualised attention has become a hallmark of Our Own Indian School.

It is little wonder, given also the affordable fee level of the school, that it is highly sought after by parents, many of whom move their children from other schools in Dubai when a place becomes available.

What about the Fees?

 Tuition fees are some of the most affordable in Dubai, ranging from AED 6,523 per year for KG to AED 13,297 for Grades 11 and 12.  However, keep an eye of the Fees and Availability tab of this review as with the recent announcement that all Dubai schools will be able to implement fee increases for the 2023-24 academic year (subject to KHDA approval), an increase in fees for OOIS is all but inevitable.

The school charges a non-refundable application fee of AED 500 (plus VAT) and a 10% deposit is charged on offer of a place, which is deducted from the tuition fees.

Additionally, GEMS charges a range of 'mandatory service' fees which cover items such as a school diary, ID card, computer fees and an annual activity fee (the purpose of which is not specified) which ranges from AED 150-450 (plus VAT), depending on grade.  Students in Grades 9 and 11 pay a mandatory CBSE registration fee and exam fees are added for Grades 10 and 12. 

This school is in a Best School by parents ranking

GEMS Our Own Indian School is a Best of school, a ranking determined by parent surveys on the site. It can be found in the following Best of rankings:

• #116 in Best Schools in the UAE
• #13 in Best Indian Schools in Dubai
• #11 in Best CBSE Schools in Dubai
• #76 in Best Schools in Dubai

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