GEMS Our Own English High School - Dubai (OOD)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$2K – US$4K
Curriculum: International
Age Range: 4–18
Students: ~10,400
Location: Al Warqa, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Our Own High School (OOHS) Al Warqa is a large CBSE boys' school within the GEMS network, serving over 2,000 students with affordable fees around AED 15,000-20,000. While parent discussions reveal mixed experiences - some appreciate the structured environment and cultural grounding, others criticize outdated teaching methods and overcrowding - it remains a popular choice for Indian expatriate families seeking budget-friendly CBSE education.
Established as part of the Our Own school network that began in 1968, OOHS Al Warqa operates as a boys-only CBSE institution under GEMS management. The school serves students from KG through Grade 12 with a curriculum focused on Indian board examinations, including specialized preparation for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. With enrollment exceeding 2,000 students primarily from Indian expatriate families, the school maintains a traditional academic approach emphasizing discipline and cultural values alongside core subjects.
Reddit discussions from current and former students reveal polarized opinions about the school experience. While some alumni describe positive memories of assemblies and school traditions, others express strong reservations about the educational quality and social environment. Recent parent conversations frequently mention OOHS as an affordable CBSE option when discussing budget-friendly schools, though several threads specifically advise against choosing it over alternatives like DPS Dubai or Indian High School. The school's large student body and traditional CBSE approach appear to create a structured but potentially limiting educational environment that works well for some families while disappointing others seeking more modern pedagogical approaches.
What parents value
- –Affordable CBSE education with fees significantly lower than premium Dubai schools
- –Large, established school with strong cultural grounding for Indian expatriate families
- –Part of the GEMS network providing institutional support and resources
- –Structured environment with emphasis on discipline and traditional values
- –Preparation for Indian competitive examinations including JEE and NEET
- –Long history serving Dubai's Indian community since the school network's founding
Points of consideration
- –Mixed parent and student feedback with some describing negative experiences
- –Large student population may limit individual attention and personalized learning
- –Traditional CBSE approach may not suit families seeking modern pedagogical methods
- –Some discussions suggest overcrowding and resource limitations
- –Limited diversity compared to international curriculum schools in Dubai
- –Several online discussions specifically recommend avoiding the school
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| KG1 | 3 | 2,132 |
| KG2 | 4 | 2,132 |
| Grades 1-3 | 6 | 2,572 |
| Grades 4-5 | 9 | 2,603 |
| Grades 6-8 | 11 | 2,920 |
| Grades 9-10 | 14 | 3,615 |
| Grade 11 (Commerce) | 16 | 4,291 |
| Grade 11 (Science) | 16 | 4,438 |
| Grade 12 (Commerce) | 17 | 4,291 |
| Grade 12 (Science) | 17 | 4,438 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 143 |
Photos
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Dubai's international schools serve a highly diverse student body drawn from over 180 nationalities. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
Dr Anjuli Murthy - Principal/CEO
Dr Anjuli Murthy has a Doctorate in Economics and has been in the field of education for three decades, with 27 years at GEMS.