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GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 24,877 - 37,856
Ages 3 - 18 years
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Introduction

GEMS Founders School, Al Mizhar is an international British (UK) curriculum school located in Al Mizhar 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The school delivers the National Curriculum for England across Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2), Primary (Key Stages 1–2) and Secondary (Key Stages 3–5), and operates a Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form) offering A‑level and Level 3 BTEC pathways; it therefore serves Foundation through Year 13 (ages 3–18). The curriculum incorporates UAE Ministry of Education requirements in Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies; the site lists English and French among taught subjects and states that Arabic (Arabic A or B) is compulsory in line with MOE rules. The school highlights computational thinking as a curricular pillar and publishes an on‑site innovation hub with robotics, drones and coding resources. Notable facilities shown on the website include science laboratories, dedicated computing suites, libraries, drama and arts spaces, music and dance studios, food technology and textile rooms, sports pitches and courts, FS play areas, prayer rooms, dining hall, a school clinic and Sixth Form learning spaces.

Al Mizhar First, Al Mizhar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar has instruction in English.

Location
GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar is located in Al Mizhar 1, Dubai, near Mirdif. The campus sits on Khawaneej Road and is accessible from major Dubai routes. The surrounding area is residential with other international schools nearby, contributing to a multicultural environment for relocating families. The school is conveniently reachable from various parts of the city.

Stages
The school offers Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2), Primary (Key Stage 1–2), and Secondary (Key Stage 3–4), with a Sixth Form for post-16 (Year 12–13). Foundation Stage and Primary/Secondary divisions follow the English National Curriculum. The structure spans early years through post-16.

Type
The school is co-educational and follows the UK national curriculum. It operates as a day school; boarding facilities are not listed as part of the offering.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Total students on roll are 4,016; the Emirati share is 524, making the largest nationality group Arabic. The local-to-international ratio is approximately 1:6.7. Exact numbers of other nationalities are not published in the KHDA report.

Additional learning support
The school provides inclusion and SEN supports via an Inclusion Department, Occupational Therapy, and programmes such as GEMS Link Programme and GFM Flourish; there is targeted support for students of determination as noted in KHDA reports.

Country affiliation
The curriculum is UK-based, aligned with the National Curriculum for England. This UK affiliation is reflected in the school's curriculum and language of instruction.

Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation stated. Islamic Education is part of the curriculum, with emphasis on Islamic values and Emirati culture.

School day structure
The school day typically runs from around 7:30–8:00 am to about 4:00 pm on most days, with a shorter day on Fridays (around noon).

Bus service
Bus transportation is provided by STS Group, which operates a fleet of Smart Buses equipped with CCTV, ADAS cameras, GPS tracking, RFID, motion sensors, and a 24/7 Operations Control Centre; emphasis is on safety, reliability, and timely service.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The GFM School Uniform and Dress Code Policy establishes the official school uniform and a broader dress code. The uniform items are available from Threads, the school's preferred supplier. The policy sets guidelines on personal appearance, including minimal jewellery (watch and small stud earrings), hair kept in a natural color, no makeup, and a neat, professional appearance.

Food Options
FS – Year 6 may bring packed lunches or buy from the school canteen; Year 7 – 13 have the option of packed lunches or hot meals from the canteen. The school operates a no-nuts policy due to allergy considerations. The canteen uses a cashless system via the Slices platform in the GEMS Parent Portal, allowing top-ups and tracking of spend.

House System
The school operates a house system with House Captains who work with the Head of Houses to plan competitions and oversee events. House points are used to recognise achievement and foster school spirit. Houses include names such as Ambitious Archers and Courageous Knights.

Governance and Ownership
GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar is part of the GEMS Education family of international schools, with governance and oversight provided by GEMS Education as the owner and operator of the network.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar ranges from AED 24,877 to AED 37,856 for 2026/27.

Tuition fees (annual and per term by year group)
- FS1: AED 24,877 per year — Term 1 (Sep–Dec) AED 9,951; Term 2 (Jan–Mar) AED 7,463; Term 3 (Apr–Jun) AED 7,463.
- FS2: AED 28,122 per year — Term 1 AED 11,248; Term 2 AED 8,437; Term 3 AED 8,437.
- Year 1: AED 30,285 per year — Term 1 AED 12,113; Term 2 AED 9,086; Term 3 AED 9,086.
- Year 2: AED 30,285 per year — Term 1 AED 12,113; Term 2 AED 9,086; Term 3 AED 9,086.
- Year 3: AED 30,285 per year — Term 1 AED 12,113; Term 2 AED 9,086; Term 3 AED 9,086.
- Year 4: AED 30,285 per year — Term 1 AED 12,113; Term 2 AED 9,086; Term 3 AED 9,086.
- Year 5: AED 30,285 per year — Term 1 AED 12,113; Term 2 AED 9,086; Term 3 AED 9,086.
- Year 6: AED 30,285 per year — Term 1 AED 12,113; Term 2 AED 9,086; Term 3 AED 9,086.
- Year 7: AED 32,448 per year — Term 1 AED 12,980; Term 2 AED 9,734; Term 3 AED 9,734.
- Year 8: AED 32,448 per year — Term 1 AED 12,980; Term 2 AED 9,734; Term 3 AED 9,734.
- Year 9: AED 32,448 per year — Term 1 AED 12,980; Term 2 AED 9,734; Term 3 AED 9,734.
- Year 10: AED 35,694 per year — Term 1 AED 14,278; Term 2 AED 10,708; Term 3 AED 10,708.
- Year 11: AED 35,694 per year — Term 1 AED 14,278; Term 2 AED 10,708; Term 3 AED 10,708.
- Year 12: AED 37,856 per year — Term 1 AED 15,142; Term 2 AED 11,357; Term 3 AED 11,357.
- Year 13: AED 37,856 per year — Term 1 AED 15,142; Term 2 AED 11,357; Term 3 AED 11,357.

Application fee and registration deposit
- Application fee: AED 525 (VAT inclusive), payable on completion of online registration. The application fee is non-transferable, non-adjustable and non-refundable.
- Registration (enrolment) deposit: Charged at the time of admission and equal to 10% of the annual tuition; this deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable but is adjusted against the tuition for the academic year. Existing re-enrolment fees (for returning students) are up to 5% of tuition or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non-refundable and deductible from the first term's fees.

Other mandatory or routine charges
- E‑Learning fee: AED 300 per student (FS1–Year 13).

Optional and additional costs (examples and typical ranges)
- Uniform: AED 650 to AED 2,000.
- Books: ranges by year (example ranges shown: AED 400–AED 4,250 depending on year).
- Stationery: around AED 470 (typical).
- Transport (optional): AED 6,300 to AED 10,000 depending on route.
- Canteen credit: AED 20 to AED 3,600 (range depends on usage).
- Extracurricular / enrichment activities: AED 50 to AED 1,000 (typical range), with higher-cost enrichment and international trips shown for older year groups (examples: enrichment AED 3,000 to AED 20,000; international trips AED 8,000 to AED 30,000 where applicable).
- Other potential charges shown on year fact sheets: laptop/digital device costs for secondary years, class photographs, event costumes, local trip fees, learning support assistant costs and SEND assessment fees — see the grade-specific fact sheet ranges.

Sibling discounts
- Sibling concessions are applied as described: 4th child 15% and 5th child and above 25% for new enrollments (additional grandfathering arrangements noted for existing GEMS families).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing periods (terms): Term 1 (Sep–Dec), Term 2 (Jan–Mar), Term 3 (Apr–Jun). Tuition is invoiced and payable in advance of attendance at the start of each term.
- Standard termly breakdown: Term 1 = 40% of the annual tuition; Term 2 = 30%; Term 3 = 30%. Tuition may also be paid in full in advance.
- Tuition fees are set in compliance with KHDA's School Fee Framework and are payable prior to the start of the academic year; fees charged for mid‑year admissions may be calculated from the month of enrolment.

Payment methods and practical payment details
- Online payments via the parent login/payment portal.
- School Fee Counter: cash, credit card, and cheque payments accepted at the counter during business hours; cheques should be made payable to GEMS Founders School Mizhar.
- Credit card promotions: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) credit card promotions are available for fee discounts or cashback as advertised.
- Wire transfer (bank transfer) details for tuition payments: Bank Name: Dubai Islamic Bank; Account Name: GEMS FOUNDERS SCHOOL MIZHAR BR OF PREMIER SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL L L C; Account Number: 001520150574001; IBAN: AE500240001520150574001; SWIFT: DUIBAEAD. Parents must quote the applicant's name and grade and include the bank's service fee so the school receives the full amount.

Non-payment and consequences
- Late or non-payment may result in withheld reports, withheld examination entry, loss of place, and temporary or permanent exclusion from the school until fees are settled.

Refunds and withdrawal charges
- Registration and re‑registration deposits are generally non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances (examples include relocation). Refunds of tuition already paid are calculated as follows: tuition paid prior to the academic year is refundable less registration/re‑registration fees; if a student has been enrolled for two weeks or less a month's fees is deducted; if enrolled between two weeks and one month, two months' fees are deducted; if enrolled for more than one month, a full term's fees are deducted. Refunds are calculated from the start of the term to the date of the official withdrawal request; a 30‑day written notification is required for withdrawals.

Boarding fees
- No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed for this school; boarding is not applicable. Optional services and additional costs shown on the grade fact sheets cover transport, activities and support services rather than boarding.

Notes
- Grade-specific ‘‘School Fees Fact Sheet'' documents list required supplies, optional service ranges and any year-specific items (for example, laptop/device costs in secondary years and international trip ranges for older students). These fact sheets provide the typical additional cost ranges per grade.
Academics

GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar delivers a value-based British education based on the National Curriculum for England, with UAE MOE components, and offers Foundation Stage through Year 13. Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2) emphasises a play-based, language-rich approach with learning areas including Communication and Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts and Design, plus Arabic lessons and Phonics. Primary School uses the English National Curriculum in thematically cross-curricular themes, with High Performance Learning embedded and an inclusive approach that builds skills year on year from Foundation Stage through Key Stage 2. Secondary School follows the NCfE, with MOE content in Arabic, Islamic Studies and Moral/Social Studies; KS3 offers a broad set of core and elective subjects, KS4 provides GCSE/IGCSE routes (with a vocational BTEC pathway available), and KS5 offers A Levels or Level 3 BTECs, with entry prerequisites including at least five IGCSE/GCSE passes and subject-specific grade requirements. The KS4 pathways are documented in the KS4 Prospectus, which outlines IGCSE/GCSE options and Level 2 BTECs in Applied Sciences, Sport, Business and IT, along with a list of compulsory subjects (English, Maths, Science) plus MOE Arabic/Islamic/Moral Education.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL: GEMS Founders School, Al Mizhar emphasizes emotional health and wellbeing through a supportive, caring ethos in which every individual is valued. The approach recognises that life challenges can affect students, and that positive mental health is everyone's business. Counsellors are available to all students, staff, and parents to help someone with mental health difficulties or to cope in a crisis. The school provides a Wellbeing Policy to guide practice. This indicates a formal pastoral framework supporting SEL, with access to counselling and a wellbeing policy.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
SEN: The school is described as inclusive, welcoming students with special education needs and disabilities (SEND), gifted and talented learners, and English Language Learners (ELL). It emphasises adjustments and teaching strategies tailored to meet the diverse range of learners within a common learning environment. Applicants are asked to share full details of any SEND, IEPs, and related reports to enable appropriate assessment and resourcing. The Flourish programme offers a modified Math and English curriculum in smaller class sizes for students who need bespoke delivery to access the curriculum alongside peers. Occupational Therapy is provided to support delays, disabilities, or health challenges through multidisciplinary interventions, including individual and group sessions and parent/teacher training. The school presents itself as inclusive rather than a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL: GFM states it welcomes English Language Learners as part of its inclusive education approach. It notes that adjustments and teaching strategies are used to meet the needs of diverse learners, including EAL students. A dedicated, stand-alone EAL program or staff role is not publicly disclosed on the pages reviewed. The admissions process asks for relevant reports to inform assessment and planning for support. These points indicate EAL support within an inclusive framework, but specific EAL program details are not publicly detailed.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental Wellbeing: The school is committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of pupils and staff through a supportive, caring ethos where each individual is valued. It recognises that life challenges can make students vulnerable and that positive mental health is everyone's business. Counselling services are available to all students, staff and parents to help with mental health concerns or crises. A Wellbeing Policy provides formal guidance for wellbeing practices at the school.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding: Safeguarding and Child Protection are top priorities at GFM, aligned with UAE law and UK statutory frameworks, supported by internal policies and regular audits. All staff and volunteers have safeguarding clearances, and all members of the Senior Leadership Team have undergone GEMS Safer Recruitment Training. The safeguarding framework includes a detailed Child Protection Policy, safer recruitment practices, routine staff training, and online safety education integrated into curriculum content and workshops. The school has Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) for Primary and Secondary, with Deputy DSLs, who serve as the first points of contact for safeguarding concerns. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility with open communication with parents and, when needed, collaboration with external agencies; safeguarding policies are available for review, and contact details are provided on the Contact Us page.
Parent Experience

History
GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar was established in 2018 as part of the GEMS Founders family. The Founders family also includes GEMS Founders Dubai (opened 2016), GEMS Founders Dubai South (opened 2024), and GEMS Founders Masdar City, Abu Dhabi (opened 2024). The Founders brand blends British educational practices with the UAE's diverse cultural context to provide a UK-curriculum experience within the UAE. The school operates within the GEMS Education network, a long-established international group of schools.

Community
The student body is multicultural, reflecting Dubai's diverse community and contributing to an international atmosphere. GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar supports experiential learning through termly trips and visits, including trips abroad such as the GFM ski tour to Crans-M Montana in Switzerland. The school offers a broad Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) programme with clubs across sports, arts, STEM and personal development. The GFM community is connected through the GEMS Alumni Network, linking current students with graduates from GEMS schools worldwide.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Friends of Founders is the school's parent group, functioning as the school's PTA. The group describes itself as a dedicated network of parents who support the school community and work with teachers and administrators. Each year they plan and organise events such as Teachers' Day, a Shop and Donate fundraiser for Al Jalila Foundation to raise Breast Cancer awareness, and second-hand uniform sales. They also organise social events for parents (International Day, Ramadan Donations Packing, Parents Coffee Mornings, workshops led by parents) and participate in school events to encourage attendance. The group acts as a voice for parents to help foster a positive and inclusive school environment.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has facilities to create a stimulating learning environment for growth, learning and discovery. FS Founders City, a Multi-Purpose hall, prayer rooms, dedicated computing suites, science labs and a library are on site. A large football pitch and outdoor multi-purpose sports courts with cricket nets support physical education, alongside an indoor and outdoor play area for Foundation Stage students. Classrooms are equipped with modern facilities and high-speed internet, and the dining hall serves nutritious foods. The campus also features an on-site school clinic, arts spaces, music rooms, a drama room, a dance studio, a Food Tech Lab and a Textile Room to support a broad curriculum.

Sports Facilities
The school has a large football pitch for outdoor PE and matches. Outdoor multi-purpose sports courts and cricket nets support team sports and physical activities. Foundation Stage provides an on-site indoor/outdoor play area, enabling safe active play. The facilities are designed to support PE lessons across age groups.

Academic Facilities
Dedicated computing suites support ICT and computational thinking. Science labs enable practical science experiments. School libraries offer an extensive collection for all age groups. An open innovation hub provides robotics, drones and coding equipment to support computational thinking. Classrooms are equipped with modern facilities and high-speed internet, and a Sixth Form and dedicated learning spaces support senior students.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts spaces include Arts rooms, Music rooms, a Drama Room and a Dance Studio for performing and visual arts activities outside class time. A Food Tech Lab and a Textile Room support design and practical technology activities. An open innovation hub provides robotics, drones and coding equipment to support technology and coding clubs. The library and dedicated learning spaces enable clubs, study groups and project work. The Sixth Form offers extended facilities for senior student-led initiatives.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Extra-Curricular Activities comprise a diverse range of clubs and sessions in sports, arts, STEM, and personal development. ESM Active provides paid after-school enrichment delivered by external partners, including 'active body' and 'active mind' options such as robotics, languages, music, coding, and traditional sports like football, basketball and tennis. Sign up via GEMS Connect, and the 2024-2025 ECA Booklet outlines the Primary and Secondary ECA programmes.

Arts & Creative
Arts are included within the ECA offering as part of the diverse clubs beyond the curriculum. The programme supports creative expression through sessions in performance, visual arts, music, and related activities alongside sports and STEM. The Drama Room is among the facilities that support performance-based activities.

Cultural & Language
Languages are included in ESM Active's 'active mind' options, alongside robotics, music, and coding. Language clubs and language development sessions are available as after-school enrichment. These activities complement classroom learning and help students develop linguistic and cultural awareness.

Social & Hobbies
ECAs are designed to promote social interaction and collaborative skills. Participation develops teamwork, communication, and leadership across a range of activities. The school's sports teams participate in leagues, such as the DASSA league, demonstrating sportsmanship and competitive spirit.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is a core aim of the ECA programme, with opportunities to take on roles within clubs and lead activities. Participation in diverse ECAs helps students develop leadership and professional skills such as planning, teamwork, and time management. The programme encourages students to pursue new passions and demonstrate initiative in collaborative settings.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
ECAs support physical and emotional well-being by offering active body activities and structured enrichment. Sports such as football, basketball and tennis promote physical health and teamwork. Personal development and mindful activities are included as part of the holistic well-being focus.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Online application: Complete the Online Student Enquiry & Registration. You will receive an acknowledgement with an online reference number and guidance on the following steps. The online form collects essential information about the student and family. After submitting, you proceed to Step 2 if eligible. 2. Registration: Pay the AED 500 application fee online or at the school cash counter. This fee is refundable if the school does not offer a place, non-refundable if the school offers a place but you choose not to accept, and not deductible from tuition. The school requires the listed documents to be uploaded online; payment does not guarantee a place. 3. Assessment: Your child will be invited for an assessment or interview via email or phone. FS1/FS2 are observed; Year 1-2 have written assessments; Year 3-10 use CAT4 and written assessments. 4. Enrolment: The Registrar will issue offers to successful applicants subject to seat availability. 5. Registration Deposit: A deposit of 10% of total tuition is payable after an offer is accepted. The deposit is non-refundable but deductible from the tuition for the year. Once the process is complete, the student is officially enrolled. Required documents: Passport copies for child and parents; Residency visa pages; Birth certificate (English or Arabic); Recent passport-size photos; Last two school reports for Year 1-2 (and CAT4 for Year 3+); 6 months of medical/therapy reports if applicable; Immunization/Vaccination card; Emirates ID copies; Transfer certificate. Transfer certificates must be on official letterhead with the student's full name, date of birth, enrolment dates, current year, curriculum, principal signature and stamp; attestation requirements apply for certain origins. Re-registration deposits for existing students are 5% of total tuition. Enrol Online is available and a school tour can be booked. For more information, contact the registrar at [email protected].

Scholarships
The Founders Fellowship Scholarships and Awards are offered. For FS1-Year 9, eligibility requires completing the GFM Way Award; categories include: The GFM Way Award; The Founder's Award – The Varkey Scholarship; The Founders Determination Award; The Founders Service Award; The Florenza Spinola Award. For Years 10-13, scholarships include: The Founders Way Award – The Matthew Burfield Scholarship; The Principal's Scholar Award. The school provides a timeline and application process for these scholarships, and a brochure and application form are available. Next steps include Enrol Online and accessing the scholarship materials.
School Events
The school has not added events
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