
GEMS Westminster School - Sharjah
Part of GEMS Education, Founded 2012
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
GEMS Westminster School, Sharjah is an international school following the British Curriculum, serving students from Foundation Stage through Year 13. It is part of the GEMS Education network and is based upon the model of the Westminster School in Dubai.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school operates under the vision of ‘Excellence Through Teamwork, Success For All’. It emphasizes a supportive and friendly academic ethos that encourages enquiring minds, self-motivation, and innovation. The school values the partnership between home and school, promoting a community where students, staff, and parents are respected for their contributions.
Programmes
The school offers an enquiry-based education founded on the National Curriculum for England. The academic pathway includes Key Stage 1 (KG1–Grade 1), Key Stage 2 (Grades 2–5), Key Stages 3 and 4 (Grades 6–10), and Key Stage 5 (Grades 11–12). Students are prepared for IGCSE, AS Level, and A Level examinations from the Universities of Cambridge and London. The core curriculum is enhanced by offerings in technology, sports, and the visual and performing arts, alongside a K-12 Digital Citizenship curriculum.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides student care and support services, including a dedicated school counselor to assist with student wellbeing. A child safeguarding policy is in place, and the school maintains an inclusion department to support diverse student needs. Regular reports and assessments are provided to ensure parents are kept informed of student progress.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does GEMS Westminster School - Sharjah offer?
- GEMS Westminster School - Sharjah offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at GEMS Westminster School - Sharjah?
- Annual tuition at GEMS Westminster School - Sharjah is AED 13.7K–AED 27K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does GEMS Westminster School - Sharjah hold?
- GEMS Westminster School - Sharjah holds accreditations including Cambridge International.
- Where is GEMS Westminster School - Sharjah located?
- GEMS Westminster School - Sharjah is an international school in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| FS 1 | 3–4 | AED 13.8K |
| FS 2 / KG 1 | 4–5 | AED 13.7K |
| Year 1 / KG 2 | 5–6 | AED 14.1K |
| Year 2 / Grade 1 | 6–7 | AED 16.5K |
| Year 3 / Grade 2 | 7–8 | AED 16.6K |
| Year 4 / Grade 3 | 8–9 | AED 16.7K |
| Year 5 / Grade 4 | 9–10 | AED 16.8K |
| Year 6 / Grade 5 | 10–11 | AED 17K |
| Year 7 / Grade 6 | 11–12 | AED 17K |
| Year 8 / Grade 7 | 12–13 | AED 18.8K |
| Year 9 / Grade 8 | 13–14 | AED 18.9K |
| Year 10 / Grade 9 | 14–15 | AED 21.1K |
| Year 11 / Grade 10 | 15–16 | AED 23.9K |
| Year 12 / Grade 11 | 16–17 | AED 25.1K |
| Year 13 | 17–18 | AED 27K |
Other fees(1)
| Deposit· Advanced tuition fee of 5% of annual tuition fees is due upon acceptance of the Offer Letter and confirmation of enrolment. Non-refundable/non-transferable but adjustable against the first term tuition fee. | — |
|---|
Discounts
- Full-payment discount: 3%
Admissions
The admissions process is designed to ensure appropriate student placement and maintain the consistency of school policies. Prospective families can initiate the process through an enquiry on the GEMS Education website, followed by stages facilitated by the school's admissions team. An age placement guide is available to assist families from Foundation Stage through Year 13, and new admissions require a non-refundable 5% deposit of the annual tuition fee upon acceptance.
Calendar
The academic year typically runs from late August through early July. The 2025-2026 calendar includes a four-week winter break in December and January, and a one-week spring break in March. The year is divided into three terms, with the first term commencing on August 25, 2025, and the final term concluding on July 3, 2026.
About the campus
The campus is located in Muweilah, Sharjah, and features dedicated school and sports facilities. The school integrates digital technology into its learning environment, utilizing research-based tools to support student development. Additionally, the school maintains infrastructure to support its operational requirements, including traffic management and health and safety protocols.




Valerie ThompsonCEO / School PrincipalValerie Thompson has over 30 years of experience in the education sector and holds a B.Ed. from Liverpool University and an MA in International Education from Bath University. She served in leadership roles at Cambridge International School, Dubai, and as Principal at Al Khaleej National School, Dubai, before becoming the Founding Principal of WSS in 2012.
Shujahat MunirVice PrincipalShujahat Munir holds a BSc and PGDE in Secondary Education from The University of Strathclyde. With over 10 years of experience in various curricula, he previously worked with the Glasgow City Council for 7 years before moving to the UAE in 2017.
Alphonsia SeraphyManager School Operations (MSO)Alphonsia Seraphy is an Engineering graduate of Kerala University and holds a Managing Safely certificate from IOSH, as well as certifications in Pediatric First Aid and fire safety. She has previous experience as a facilities manager and is responsible for all non-educational areas of WSS, including facility management, compliance, and health and safety.
- Christine McDermottSenior Teaching & Learning Coach
Christine McDermott has over a decade of senior leadership experience in London schools, including seven years as a Vice Principal. She has served as a Reviewer for Challenge Partners and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Law degree, and a Master’s from the University of London.
Alfred JeykumarAssistant Principal, SecondaryAlfred Jeykumar is a third-generation teacher who began his career teaching guitar before moving into English Language and Literature. After working in Indian schools and across South East Asia, he joined the GEMS family in the UAE in 2011 and currently serves as the Head of the Secondary Section.
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National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE