Principal / Headteacher

Al Dhafra Private Schools in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, is a private school that has been in successful operation since 1988; it is one of three schools owned and operated by Dhafir Holdings. The school moved to its current premises in 2001 and has since grown to be one of the largest schools in Al Ain. It is under the leadership of Principal Mr Roger McDuff who took charge in September 2017. The school achieved a strong 'Good' rating in its last inspection earlier this year. 

Al Dhafra School is situated in the heart of the unique city of Al Ain, a charming oasis with historic and cultural significance. The school offers quality education to 2800 students of diverse backgrounds in Early Years to Year 12. The student body is formed from over 35 nationalities which makes the school distinct in nature, with a culturally rich and diverse environment. The majority of the students are Emirati (55.1%); other nationalities are Jordanians (11.4%), Egyptians (8.16%), Syrians (6.35%), Omanis (2.72%), Palestinians (2%), and others (14.27%). The language of instruction and administration is English and the senior students achieve outstanding results, comfortably exceeding international norms.

Teachers at Al Dhafra work collaboratively, collegially and diligently to meet the needs of the learners. Students are characterized by their readiness and enthusiasm for learning and their pride in belonging to Al Dhafra. There is a strong family culture within the school and turnover is low. The school's buildings are adjacent to each other, starting from the Kindergarten and Years 1-4 to the east side of the school. Grades 5-12 are in the middle part of the school, with separate learning for boys and girls. The high school building and the administration building are to the west of the school. 

The school offers education in the English National Curriculum from Early Years to Year 12 and the American Curriculum for Grades 9-12. Al Dhafra values education as a key tool of individual development and transformation and aims at creating a community of empowered students in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. At Al Dhafra every student is inspired and challenged to learn, grow and accomplish academic, personal and social goals. 

Additionally, the main focus of Al Dhafra Private Schools in Al Ain is to provide the opportunity for a comprehensive education for all students which focuses on cognitive, emotional, physical and social development. The educational program fosters students' reading, writing, calculating, problem solving, critical thinking, and creative expression. The school environment nurtures self-confidence, independence, cooperation, and the physical well-being of all students. The school works in affiliation with ADEK , is a centre for Cambridge University International Examinations and is accredited by Cognia. As a consequence, Al Dhafra Private School is a key part of the international community that strives to inspire and prepare learners for excellence. 

The school also shares its facilities with the Al Ain community where various establishments use not only the sporting facilities but also acts as a SAT and AP Centre. Additionally, the school acts as a host to various universities from around the world that use the school premises to showcase their respective universities for both students and parents. 

Al Dhafra Private Schools encourage students to develop a sense of values and responsibilities which enables them to be contributing members of their community and of the multicultural, global society. In partnership with the families, the school guides students towards becoming lifelong learners with a positive outlook of the world.

Roger McDuff

Principal