Buds Public School is a well established institution in Dubai, having been in operation in the emirate for the last 25 years. Currently the school has approximately 770 students on its roll (up 13% on last year), and follows the Indian CBSE curriculum.

The school employs 36 teachers (giving the school a poor teacher to student ratio), almost all of whom have teaching qualifications. The teachers are supported by six teaching assistants, mostly in the Kindergarten and Grade 1. Classroom sizes average 30 students in a class – average for an Indian curriculum school, but above the 25 prescribed by the KHDA as ideal.

Students take the CBSE examination at the end of Grade 12, although some sit the exam earlier at Grade 10.

The school’s strengths include its students’ personal responsibility, the teaching in English and Maths in KG and Primary, the Principal’s clear vision for the school as well as the positive relationships between the school and the primary stakeholders, the parents, according to the school’s most recent KHDA report (2013-1014).

However academically this is a school that needs improvement: Pupils’ attainment and progress in core subjects English and Maths is currently rated as only Acceptable across phases save KG. Provision for students with special educational needs also falls short of required standards.

Key to improvement lies in developing a curriculum and improving teaching skills to deliver independent, critical thinkers, personally motivated to learn. Recommendations of the KHDA relate to the ‘soft’ infrastructure of the school: the quality of learning experienced by pupils; teachers’ ability to recognise and work with students of varying abilities; and implementation of the newly created special educational needs policy.

Generally, parents feel that the school is improving and are happy with the levels of communication with the school. There have been concerns over extra-curricular activities and over crowding on the school buses.

Facilities at Buds Public school are satisfactory, but modest compared to some of Dubai’s more recently established private schools. They include a library, sports ground, computer labs, art room, an Islamic Studies Room and a canteen.

Fees for the school are relatively affordable, ranging from 7,122 AED per annum to 12,717 AED per annum (2014). Full details below.