Introduction to Arcadia Education
Arcadia Education was founded by Mr. Mohan Valrani, a visionary leader and Founding Father of the Al Shirawi Business Group. The journey began in 2012 with the launch of Arcadia British School, a British curriculum institution in Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT). Since its opening in 2014, the school has consistently demonstrated excellence, achieving a "Very Good" KHDA rating (with many Outstanding features in 2024) and an Outstanding BSO inspection rating in all areas (2024). It has also been recognised as the Best New School by Schools Compared from 2015 to 2021.
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Establishment of Arcadia Global School
Building on this success, Arcadia Global School (AGS) was established in 2023 in Al Furjan, designed by renowned architects Godwin Austen Johnson, who also designed the JVT campus. AGS is built on four key pillars: sustainability, character development, academic excellence, and student well-being. The school prioritizes natural light, air quality, sustainable materials, and flexible learning spaces to support an innovative and holistic curriculum.
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AGS offers world-class, state-of-the-art facilities, including:
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Semi-Olympic Swimming Pool & Learner Training Pool
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Dedicated EYFS Section with indoor and outdoor play areas
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Primary Science Labs, STREAM Lab, ICT Lab, and Innovation Lab
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Specialist Art Rooms, Music and Dance Studios
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AGS Organic Farm
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Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH), Astro Turf, Cricket Nets, and MUGA Court
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Vision and Values
AGS’s vision is to be an inclusive, world-class British curriculum school where every child is happy, positive, and thriving. This vision is driven by the Chair of Governors, the governing body, the CEO, and the school leadership team, ensuring it remains central to all decisions.
Growth, Achievements, and Inspection Feedback
AGS opened in August 2023 with 868 students, making it the largest primary school opening in KHDA history (reaching 1001 by the end of the year). By Term 2 of the 2024-25 academic year, enrollment has risen to 1,625 students (FS1 – Year 8), reflecting rapid growth and strong community demand.
AGS has received outstanding feedback from key inspections:
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BSME Candidate School Visit (2023) – Inspector Rachel Higgins praised the school’s welcoming environment, exceptional leadership, and strong governance.
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KHDA & RPC Inspection (2023-24) – Lead Inspector Mark Benson commended AGS’s leadership, student well-being programs, and outstanding health and safety practices. Students consistently report feeling safe, supported, and engaged. Parent Engagement and Community Collaboration. AGS fosters strong parent-school partnerships through the "Friends of AGS" parent association, with a core executive team of five members and 50 active contributors.
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Key engagement indicators include:
Net Promoter Score (NPS): +49.4 in the first year, rising to +62.4 in Feb 2025.
Classlist App adoption: 72% of parents actively engaged, enhancing school-home communication.
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Innovative Curriculum and Student Development
AGS offers a broad and enriched curriculum featuring:
Junior & Senior MBA Programs – Developing entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
POSANA Program – Focuses on mind, body, and soul well-being.
Compulsory Swimming Lessons – Embedded within the curriculum.
STREAM Lessons (Years 1-6) – Integrating science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Over 700 students enrolled in 51 diverse extracurricular clubs.
Custom-built Classroom App (in partnership with Ten Points) – Tracks student behavior, well-being, and house points using Zones of Regulation principles.
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Staff Excellence and Well-Being
AGS employs 222 highly qualified staff members from 22 nationalities, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous professional growth.
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Key staff metrics:
Staff satisfaction wellbeing survey: 95.6% positive
Attrition rate: 12.5% (2023-24 academic year)
Well-Being Society: A staff-led initiative that promotes a positive work environment.
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Future plans and Accreditation
AGS is a proud member of British Schools of the Middle East (BSME) and is actively pursuing the School of Character Certification. The school’s leadership remains committed to sustaining excellence, embracing innovation, and fostering a strong, inclusive learning environment.
Conclusion
As AGS continues to grow, it aims to be the benchmark for high-quality British education in Dubai. The school looks forward to welcoming the BSO Inspection Team, showcasing its exceptional students, dedicated staff, and outstanding learning environment—all driven by a shared commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and holistic student development.