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Inspection Reports

Results & Inspection Report

Like all UAE schools, DESS College is subject to review and inspections by several bodies that are tasked with ensuring the consistency and quality of education in the region.

The College has been consistently rated as 'Outstanding' since 2012.

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Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

To read about the outcome of our latest KHDA inspection (for 2023-2024), please click on the links below:

FULL INSPECTION REPORT 2023-2024
SUMMARY INSPECTION REPORT 2023-2024

Within its inspection infrastructure, the KHDA places great importance on student and teacher wellbeing, for which it relies on the OECD definition, namely: “the psychological, cognitive, social and physical functioning and capabilities that students need to live a happy and fulfilling life.’

In establishing a wellbeing rating for each school, it considers how happy schools are and the systems each has in place to promote wellbeing.

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British Schools Overseas 

(BSO)

British curriculum-based schools in Dubai that are members of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) can volunteer to have BSO inspections, which are carried out at the same time as those by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB).

Participating schools are inspected every three years against standards that are equivalent to those for independent schools in the UK, considering local requirements. The inspection process is like that carried out in the UK by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

'Outstanding' DESS College BSO Inspection Report for 2024
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Examinations

We do not select our students on an academic basis yet we are regularly ranked amongst the best International Schools for our examination results. Students at DESS College achieve outstanding examination results due to the solid foundation given to them by their teachers throughout their time at the college.

At DESS College, students sit some GCSEs in Year 10 (Science and English), however, most GCSEs are taken in Year 11. Currently, students take their A levels at the end of Year 13. Some students in the Sixth Form are enrolled on BTEC qualifications that have more of a portfolio-based assessment structure.

Our results over the last few years have been exceptional, with over 96% of our Year 11 students consistently attaining five or more GCSE C grades including English and Maths.

Although the attainment of our students is remarkable, we are most proud of the extra value that we are able to add to each student. On average, students in Year 11 perform better than expected in each examination that they take by an average of at least one grade.

GCSE Headline Results 2024

Congratulations to all 254 Year 11 students for achieving another fantastic set of examination results in their GCSEs. We are really proud of the fantastic performances by the students.

This year, we are incredibly pleased to share that 54.4% of all grades were between 7-9, 74.9% were 6 and above, and 90% % and above; our overall residual for the year group was an exceptional +1.12. This means that students, on average, made over one grade of progress per subject higher than their Minimum Expected Grades. 

 

A Level Headline Results 2024

We are delighted to announce our A level results for this academic year and celebrate the high performing achievement of our students.
 
Our 255 A Level students made extraordinary progress with a residual of +1.12, which means that on average, A level students have made progress by over a grade on what they were expected to achieve across all subjects.  GCSE and A Level results, in terms of attainment and progress, constituted the highest levels of progress in our College history.
 
Our overall results, from students who are not selected academically, show that 47.4% achieved an A* or A grade; 76.4% of students achieved A* – B, 91.9% achieved A* - C and 99.79% passed with grades A* – E.  Most students have received offers from their university of choice and this includes Oxford, Cambridge and US Ivy League.  
 
We would like to pay tribute to our talented teaching staff who strive to ensure the needs of all Sixth Form learners are met. Congratulations to all students for their hard work and dedication in achieving this record success and we wish them all the best in their future. Finally, we recognise the enormous amount of hard work and support from all of our parents in these results. 

 

Who to contact

The Examinations Office at DESS College is responsible for all aspects of the examination process following the regulations and procedures set forth by the JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) on behalf of the awarding bodies. DESS College is currently registered to conduct examinations through AQA, Edexcel and CIE.

If you have any queries, please contact Niki Stannard, Examinations officer on exams@dessc.sch.ae.