SchoolAl Ghaf Private School, Dubai
Overview
Al Ghaf Private School (GPS), previously known as Ghaf Primary School, in Jebel Ali opened in 2020. The Ghaf Tree, also recognised as the national tree of the UAE, inspires the school’s name. GPS was launched to cater to the educational needs of the expat community in Dubai.
GPS School Al Muntazah Complex follows the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage 1 until Year 8 - the school plans to add higher grades gradually. Even though the school has recently joined the UAE’s educational sector, it offers everything to make it to the best British schools in Dubai soon.
In A Nutshell
- Location: Jebel Ali
- School fees: AED 35,000 - AED 49,500
- Curriculum: British
- Co-ed or segregate: Co-ed
- KHDA rating: Weak
- Years offered: FS 1 - Year 8
Residential Communities near Ghaf Private School
Al Ghaf Private School in Al Muntazah Complex is an ideal choice for families living in:
The Gardens is a relatively small neighbourhood nestled between Jebel Ali Village, Sheikh Zayed Road and Discovery Gardens. This residential area is also nearest to the campus at an 11-minute drive.
Parents looking for accommodation options near the school can consider:
Campus of Al Ghaf Private School
Facilities available at Ghaf Private School campus include:
| Eight digitally-equipped classrooms | Four activity rooms |
| STEM labs | Black Box Theatre |
| IT lab | Library |
| Art studio | Music room |
| Multi-purpose hall | Gym |
| SEND unit | Sensory room |
| Outdoor learning and play areas | Parents cafeteria |
| Transportation | Access to the sports and leisure facilities at the Muntazah complex |
Location of Al Ghaf Private School
Ghaf Private School’s location falls in Al Muntazah Complex, a small community within the larger Jebel Ali area.
Why Al Ghaf Private School?
Ghaf Private School UAE appeals to parents looking for a quality educational institute for their children in Dubai. The school offers high-quality British education while boasting state-of-the-art facilities and an outstanding extra-curricular activities programme.
Experienced, highly informed teaching staff is another positive feature of the school. Ghaf Private School, United Arab Emirates, constantly strives to groom teachers even more during their time at the facility. For this, the school conducts staff training each Thursday after 12:45 pm.
Parents interested in expanding their options further can check out other primary schools in Dubai.
School Details
Years Offered at Al Ghaf Private School
Ghaf Primary School in Dubai is an all-through facility that follows the British curriculum from Foundation Stage until Year 8.
| Phases | Years Covered |
|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | FS 1 – FS 2 |
| Key Stage 1 | Year 1 – Year 2 |
| Key Stage 2 | Year 3 – Year 6 |
| Key Stage 3 | Year 7 - Year 9 |
| Key Stage 4 | Year 10 and Year 11 |
| Key Stage 5 | Year 12 and Year 13 |
Al Ghaf Private School Dubai Curriculum
Al Ghaf Private School is a British school committed to producing well-rounded students who can easily transition to secondary school. To ensure that the school meets students’ educational needs and demands, Ghaf School offers a unique blend of the National Curriculum of England, the International Primary Curriculum, and the Life Skills Programme.
At present, the curriculum is divided into Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. At the FS level, little ones are engaged in child-initiated and teacher-led activities to learn new skills and knowledge.
The seven key areas of learning are:
- Personal, social and emotional
- Communication, language and literacy
- Mathematical development
- Knowledge and understanding of the world
- Physical development
- Creative development
Core subjects taught to students at this level include English, Mathematics and Science. The foundation subjects are:
| Information Communication Technology | Technology (including Design) |
| Geography | History |
| Physical Education | Art |
However, in Year 1 to Year 6, students will focus on subjects like:
| Mathematics | Science |
| Art and Design | Digital Literacy (STEAM) |
| Global Perspectives | Humanities |
| Mandarin (from Year 4) | Physical Education |
| French | Performing Arts (Music/Dance/Drama) |
Arabic A and B, Islamic A and B, Social Studies and Moral Education are taught based on the Ministry of Education (MOE) guidelines.
KHDA Rating
The Knowledge and Human and Development Authority (KHDA) evaluates private schools operating in Dubai and approves their fee structure, curriculum and admission policies.
The KHDA evaluates schools based on their leadership, curriculum, campus facilities and adherence to the inclusion framework in an academic year. The organisation then publishes an annual report and rates schools’ overall performance on a six-point scale, as shown below.
The school was recently inspected, for the first time, for the academic year 2022 - 2023 and received a 'Weak' rating. We will update this section further, once the full report is published by the agency.
Academic Calendar for Al Ghaf Private School
Ghaf Private School’s academic calendar starts in August and ends in July. The KHDA-approved calendar marks the beginning and end of the academic year.
| Academic Calendar Breakdown | Dates |
|---|---|
| First day of term 1 | 29 August 2022 |
| Last day of term 1 | 9 December 2022 |
| Winter Break | 12 December - 30 December 2022 |
| First day of term 2 | 2 January 2023 |
| Last day of term 2 | 24 March 2023 |
| Spring Break | 27 March - 7 April 2023 |
| First day of term 3 | 10 April 2023 |
| Last day of term 3 | 7 July 2023 |
Admission and Fees
How to Apply to Ghaf Private School?
Ghaf Private School Jebel Ali Dubai aims to provide a happy and supportive environment. The school does not discriminate on nationalities and backgrounds except for merit. Although the academic year runs from September to July, you can apply for admission anytime during the year, provided seats are available.
Before GPS School accepts a student, it ensures that the child can understand the school’s inclusive support provision curriculum. If GPS cannot meet the student’s learning needs via the inclusive support program, it will suggest special facilities to parents.
To ensure a meritorious process for admission, Ghaf Primary School makes students sit for an entrance exam. Potentially, your child will also be called for an interview. Similarly, the admission team may ask to meet the parent before or after the assessment to learn more about a child’s potential, previous education, experiences and ability.
Before the entrance exam is conducted, parents are requested to provide school reports of the last three years and the former school’s contact details. Besides the school report, parents must submit a valid Transfer Certificate to the registrar.
Please note that paying the admission and assessment fees does not guarantee enrollment. Final admission depends on the approval and invitation from the Admissions Team.
Ghaf Private School Jebel Ali highly encourages parents to ensure that their child meets the following age-placement criteria to avoid inconveniences.
| Years | Minimum Entry Age | Maximum Entry Age | Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Years FS 1 |
Minimum Entry Age 3 |
Maximum Entry Age 4 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Years FS 2 |
Minimum Entry Age 4 |
Maximum Entry Age 5 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Years Year 1 |
Minimum Entry Age 5 |
Maximum Entry Age 6 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Years Year 2 |
Minimum Entry Age 6 |
Maximum Entry Age 8 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* – |
|
Years Year 3 |
Minimum Entry Age 7 |
Maximum Entry Age 9 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 6 |
|
Years Year 4 |
Minimum Entry Age 8 |
Maximum Entry Age 10 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 7 |
|
Years Year 5 |
Minimum Entry Age 9 |
Maximum Entry Age 11 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 8 |
|
Years Year 6 |
Minimum Entry Age 10 |
Maximum Entry Age 12 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 9 |
|
Years Year 7 |
Minimum Entry Age 11 |
Maximum Entry Age 13 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 10 |
|
Years Year 8 |
Minimum Entry Age 12 |
Maximum Entry Age 14 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 11 |
|
Years Year 9 |
Minimum Entry Age 13 |
Maximum Entry Age 15 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 12 |
|
Years Year 10 |
Minimum Entry Age 14 |
Maximum Entry Age 17 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 13 |
|
Years Year 11 |
Minimum Entry Age 15 |
Maximum Entry Age 18 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 14 |
|
Years Year 12 |
Minimum Entry Age 16 |
Maximum Entry Age 19 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 15 |
|
Years Year 13 |
Minimum Entry Age 17 |
Maximum Entry Age 20 |
Minimum Entry Age for Overseas Transfers* 16 |
This is based on the age of the students on 31st August (for schools beginning in September). Source: Ghaf Primary School
* This is to cater to students transferring from systems that admit students of a younger age)
Fee Structure at Al Ghaf Private School
Al Ghaf Private School’s tuition fee is set as per the school’s overall fee structure and is approved by the KHDA.
| Years | Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| FS 1 and FS 2 | AED 35,000 |
| Year 1 and Year 2 | AED 43,500 |
| Year 3 | AED 47,500 |
| Year 4 and Year 5 | AED 48,500 |
| Year 6 – Year 8 | AED 49,500 |
The optional service fee is mentioned here in detail:
| Optional Services | Fees |
|---|---|
| Transport | AED 8,000 |
| Uniform | AED 600 |
| Tablet with software | AED 1,350 |
Parents can pay tuition fees via cash, cheque, bank transfers, credit or debit card and online payment. Please note that the late payment of the tuition fee will cost you an additional AED 250.
Some additional information that parents should be aware of include:
- A non-refundable 10% registration deposit must be made after the school offers admission and parents have accepted it. Please note that the deposit is adjusted against the total tuition fee.
- A non-refundable 5% re-registration deposit will be made for the existing students. Again, GPS will adjust the deposit against the total tuition fee.
- A sibling discount of 10% applies to the second child and 15% for the third and subsequent child.
- You can also avail of a 5% discount on the tuition fee when you pay the full amount in a single payment.
Refund Policy
In case parents withdraw students from the school before the start of the academic term or during it, here’s how the refund will be calculated:
- If a student withdraws before the start of the academic year, the balance of the first term’s fees paid will be refunded, except for the registration and deposit fees.
- One full month’s fee will be charged if a student attends school for two weeks or less.
- If a student attends school for more than two weeks but less than one month, two full months’ fees will be charged.
- If a student attends school for more than one month, the entire term fees will be charged.
The bank details are as follows:
- Account Name: AL GHAF PRIVATE SCHOOL LLC
- Bank Name Emirates: NBD
- Account Number: 101-57694925-01
- IBAN: AE750260001015769492501
- Currency: AED
- Bank Address: Baniyas Road, Deira PO Box 777 Dubai
- Beneficiary Address: Al Muntazah Complex, Jebel Ali Village, Dubai, UAE
- Swift Code: EBILAEAD
Facilities
Lunch Options at Al Ghaf Private School
GPS Dubai has a cafeteria on the school premises, but meals aren’t served, and students are requested to bring food from home. Parents should note that the school allows only healthy snacks and refreshments. Chocolates, chips, sweets and fizzy drinks are strictly prohibited on campus.
Also, ensure that your child brings snacks in an unbreakable container along with a water bottle. Please note that nuts or nut products such as Nutella are not allowed on school premises.
School Transportation at Al Ghaf Private School
Students can use the transport services provided by Al Ghaf Private School in Jebel Ali. A fleet of well-maintained buses is responsible for picking up and dropping off kids. You can avail of this service by contacting the school administration or the relevant authority.
All students who use the school bus service must follow the transport rules and regulations at all times. Parents must decide on pick-up and drop-off points for the convenience of bus drivers.
Holiday Camps at Al Ghaf Primary School
Students are often taken to holiday camps as a part of their extra-curricular activity or education.
Sports Facilities
Little ones can make the most of the sports facilities provided by GPS School Dubai. These include outside learning areas with a sandpit, play equipment and garden.
Children will also have access to sports and leisure facilities at the Muntazah complex. Also, there is an outdoor space where students can engage in various sports, including football, cricket or basketball.
Extra-curricular Activities at Al Ghaf Private School
GPS Jebel Ali has introduced a rich set of extra-curricular activities to develop well-rounded students. The school offers activities, including Swimming, Tennis, Martial Arts, Football, Performing Arts and Conservation.
Field Trips from Al Ghaf Private School
Field trips are essentially fun outings and instructional exercises for students. For instance, visits to amusement parks, beaches and tourist attractions ensure that students have a good time with their pals. However, school trips to museums or culturally rich sites are educational.
GPS School Jebel Ali has also planned to introduce international trips for Year 3 to Year 6 students.
After-school Care at Al Ghaf Private School
Ghaf Private School Jebel Ali Dubai UAE offers after-school activities which start at 02:40 pm and end at 03:40 pm.
Medical Care at Al Ghaf Private School
GPS Al Muntazah Complex has a doctor and highly qualified nurses clinic. The clinic works closely with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The medical facility is well-equipped to offer first-aid care and treat minor injuries.
However, the school requests parents to provide information regarding any medical condition their child suffers from for the clinic’s record. Also, children must not carry medication, including tablets and capsules. All prescribed medication must be given to the nurse at the clinic.
If your child cannot participate in physical education classes due to a valid reason, a written note should be presented to the clinic. Failure to do so means the student will have to participate in PE classes.
Contact
Mode of Communication between Teachers and Parents
Al Ghaf Private School Jebel Ali Village is mindful of the importance of parents’ involvement in students’ life.
You have the option to volunteer at school events, organise events or become part of the fundraising activities. Parent-teacher conferences are another form of engaging parents. Here, teachers discuss your ward’s current performance and what additional actions can be implemented to maintain or improve their performance.
Out of all the initiatives, the most important is GPS Parents’ Association. The association will appoint a Class Parent Representative (CPR) via election to make communication easier for parents. The CPR will be responsible for any query or concern that other parents have. If the query is not resolved, the CPR will take the issue to a higher authority. Amongst other things, the CPR will help:
- Organise play dates and class events outside school
- Welcome new families
- Request parent help with classroom activities
- Facilitate fundraising activities
- Enlist volunteers for whole school activities
You can always visit the school or use the Al Ghaf Private School contact details mentioned below for more information.
Al Ghaf Private School Contact Information
- Telephone Number: +971-4-852-2295/6/7
- Email:
- General Enquiries: info@ghafschool.com
- Admission Enquiries: admissions@ghafschool.com
- Website
- YouTube
Note that the cover image belongs to Al Ghaf Private School.
FAQs
What are the timings of your school?
Al Ghaf Private School remains open Monday through Friday. The timings are:
- FS 1 and FS 2: 07:40 am to 01:00 pm
- Year 2 to Year 6: 07:40 am to 02:30 pm
However, the working hours on Friday end at 12 noon.
Do you conduct after-school activities?
Yes, after school activities are organized from 02:40 to 03:40 in the afternoon.
How many grades/years are there in your school?
At present, GPS Jebel Ali offers education from FS 1 until Year 9. Additional grades will be added in the near future.
How many students are currently studying in your school?
As of now, around 133 students, majority of them being British, are receiving quality education from GPS.
Can you please describe the academic calendar of your school?
The academic calendar runs from the last week of August until the first week of July.
Can you please mention the range of the tuition fee charged by your school?
AED 35,000 and AED 49,500.
How do you communicate with parents?
Parent-teacher meetings and GPS Parents' Association are the main ways to communicate with parents. However, one can visit the school's official website or their social media pages to know more about the institute.
Do you have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?
The school does have a cafeteria but it doesn't provide meals, as students are required to bring their own food from home.
Does your school arrange field trips?
Ghaf Private School takes students on field trip to give them some real life exposure.
How many teachers are currently teaching in your school?
As of now, the teaching staff consists of 13 teachers and 6 teaching assistants.
