Raha International School

What the school is

Campuses, ownership and programmes

The Gardens Campus uses low-rise buildings, courtyards and walkways. Its IB programme spans primary and secondary, and teaching, assessment and subject choices change between stages.

Taaleem is a listed, for-profit school operator. Published Gardens facilities include three gyms, two pools, three libraries and a 600-seat theatre. School-authored profile material describes IB Career-related Programme candidacy and a planned September 2026 introduction with BTEC Level 3 options. Candidacy is a step before authorisation, so ask about the programme’s current status before relying on it in an offer.

Khalifa City Campus opened in September 2020 as a separate school within the Raha group. Published plans describe capacity for up to 3,000 pupils. It has its own operating grades, IB authorisations, fees and support, and Gardens’ results and inspection record do not apply to it.

Academics in practice

Results, inspection findings and leadership

The reported 2024 Gardens IB Diploma results were a 96% pass rate, a 34-point average and one score of 45. The cited profile describes 29 Diploma subjects and CIS accreditation. Ask for the school’s complete dated tables, including 2025, with cohort sizes and grade distributions.

Gardens received Outstanding ratings in 2015–16 and 2017–18, followed by Very Good in the 2022–23 published results and September 2025 inspection. Examination results and whole-school inspection judgements cover different aspects of provision. Read the report’s specific recommendations and ask about changes in the relevant phase, rather than infer the reason for a rating change from Diploma results alone.

The cited review describes several leadership changes: Iain Colledge left in 2022, Pali Nahal in 2024, Michael Bloy covered 2024–25 and Jan Stipek took over in July 2025. Ask about continuity in your child’s phase and the current improvement priorities.

Admissions and cost

Dated fees and admissions questions

The official Gardens 2026–27 schedule lists annual tuition of AED 41,960 for EY1, AED 44,060 for EY2, AED 57,710 for Grades 1–6 and AED 66,030 for Grades 7–12. The listed Grade 12 IB examination charge is AED 3,250 and annual bus charge AED 5,000. The policy describes registration capped at 5% of tuition and states that no fee discounts are offered.

For a Grade 12 pupil using the bus, the listed 2026–27 tuition, examination charge and transport total AED 74,280 before other costs. This example does not include uniforms, devices, trips or any additional support. Contact the preferred campus about places for the intended grade and term, and ask whether a separate application is needed to consider the other campus.

The family experience

Khalifa City life and the IB community

The offered campus determines the school run. If siblings attend different campuses or schools, compare both routes before choosing housing.