
Scholars International Academy
Part of Scholars International Group, Founded 2007
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
Languages
Scholars International Academy is a co-educational British curriculum school located in Sharjah, serving students aged 3 to 18. It is one of only two schools in Sharjah accredited by British Schools Overseas (BSO) and is a member of the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME).
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school operates as a High-Performance Learning (HPL) institution, utilizing an evidence-based framework to cultivate advanced cognitive skills and a powerful learning mindset. Its educational philosophy emphasizes ethical and moral values, fostering independent thinking, social confidence, and empathy. The goal is to create a learning 'eco-system' that empowers students to become resilient, courageous global citizens.
Programmes
The school follows the National Curriculum for England, enriched by the Cambridge Curriculum, and offers stages from Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 2-5) through Key Stages 1-5, culminating in IGCSE and A-level qualifications. The secondary programme includes subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, Design and Technology, History, Geography, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, and Computing. Additionally, the school offers BTEC pathways and provides personal, social, and health education, financial literacy, and citizenship training.
Outcomes
SIA students have achieved high test scores in IGCSE and GCE programs, ranking among the highest in the UAE. The school’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for success at universities worldwide, with A-level qualifications being highly valued by higher education institutions. The school focuses on developing well-rounded individuals who are intellectually and socially confident, resilient, and life-ready.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs a dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and staff with experience in special needs education. The leadership team is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind, focusing on creating a safe space for every learner and developing individual skill sets to support lifelong learning.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does Scholars International Academy offer?
- Scholars International Academy offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Scholars International Academy?
- Annual tuition at Scholars International Academy is AED 23.5K–AED 35.9K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Scholars International Academy teach?
- Scholars International Academy enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
- Is Scholars International Academy a day or boarding school?
- Scholars International Academy is a day school.
- What accreditations does Scholars International Academy hold?
- Scholars International Academy holds accreditations including British Schools Overseas and IB.
- Is Scholars International Academy co-educational?
- Scholars International Academy is a co-ed school.
- Where is Scholars International Academy located?
- Scholars International Academy is an international school in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-kg / FS 1 | 3–4 | AED 23.5K |
| Kg 1 / FS 2 | 4–5 | AED 23.5K |
| Kg 2 / Year 1 | 5–6 | AED 26K |
| Grade 1 / Year 2 | 6–7 | AED 27K |
| Grade 2 / Year 3 | 7–8 | AED 28K |
| Grade 3 / Year 4 | 8–9 | AED 28.7K |
| Grade 4 / Year 5 | 9–10 | AED 30.2K |
| Grade 5 / Year 6 | 10–11 | AED 31.2K |
| Grade 6 / Year 7 | 11–12 | AED 31.8K |
| Grade 7 / Year 8 | 12–13 | AED 31.8K |
| Grade 8 / Year 9 | 13–14 | AED 34.3K |
| Grade 9 / Year 10 | 14–15 | AED 34.3K |
| Grade 10 / Year 11 | 15–16 | AED 35.9K |
| Grade 11 / Year 12 | 16–17 | AED 35.9K |
| Grade 12 / Year 13 | 17–18 | AED 35.9K |
Other fees(5)
| Registration fee· Year Group Registration Fee | AED 525 |
|---|---|
| Placement test· Assessment Fee for Year 3 onwards. FS1 to Year 2 is Free of charge. | AED 210 |
| Materials· Resource Fees range from AED 1,500 to AED 4,500 depending on the grade level. Includes Textbooks, Exercise Books, Stationery, Art Material, etc. | — |
| Uniform· Uniform packs range from AED 720.5 to AED 935 depending on gender and year group. | — |
| Bus / transport· Transport fees range from AED 5,250 to AED 7,800 annually depending on the area (Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman). | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10%
Admissions
Scholars International Academy (SIA) is currently enrolling students from Foundation Stage 1 to Year 13 (ages 3 to 18) for the 2026-2027 academic year. Prospective families can book a campus tour by appointment via email. The admissions process is supported by a dedicated team, including a Parent Liaison Officer, and the school offers sibling, referral, and affiliate nursery discounts.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term academic year. For 2025-2026, Term 1 runs from August 25, 2025, to December 4, 2025; Term 2 runs from January 5, 2026, to March 12, 2026; and Term 3 runs from March 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. Daily school hours are Monday to Thursday, with Foundation Stage running from 07:15 am to 12:15 pm, and Primary and Secondary stages running from 07:15 am to 02:15 pm.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in the Muweilah area of Sharjah, the campus is designed to support the school's High Performance Learning approach. The facilities include a school canteen that provides nutritious meal plans and an on-campus uniform shop. The school also provides bus transportation services for students.
Co-curriculars
The school emphasizes growth beyond the classroom through a variety of extracurricular activities, including team sports, performing arts, Model United Nations, and debate. Students also participate in STEAM activities such as robotics and mathematics competitions. Additionally, the school delivers the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which comprises four sections designed to develop independent, caring, and responsible young adults.
- Mr Andrew MarshallPrincipal
Mr Andrew Marshall is a passionate and dedicated educator with over 25 years of experience, having taught in Australia, New Zealand, China, Qatar, and the UAE. He holds a Master of Education in International Education, a Graduate Certificate in Education in Instructional Leadership, a Master’s degree from the University of Queensland, and a Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of Southern Queensland. He is a qualified School Inspector, a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Ms. Janice ButterworthVice Principal and Head of Primary
Ms. Janice Butterworth is a visionary and dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in the educational field. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Honours) from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
- Ms. Daisy HuttonEYFS Head
Ms. Daisy Hutton has worked at SIA for ten years, working across Foundation 1, Foundation 2, and Year 1. She completed her PGCE in the UK and has recently completed her NPQSL.
- Mr. Danny MellorVice Principal and Primary Head
Mr. Danny Mellor has over 25 years of experience working in schools within the U.K. and other parts of the world. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (P.G.C.E.) and a National Qualification for Headship (N.Q.P.H).
- Mr. Donal O’ CallaghanHead of Secondary
Mr. Donal O’ Callaghan has been a member of the SIA family for 6 years, previously working as a Geography teacher in the Secondary phase. He holds a PGCE from the University of Sunderland and a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Limerick.
- Ms. Tanita McCarthyDeputy Head of Primary
Ms. Tanita McCarthy has been teaching for over 12 years and has experience in leading teaching and learning across different year groups in an international setting. She holds a Bachelor of Education.
- Ms. Fareeha NadkarDeputy Head of Secondary
Ms. Fareeha Nadkar has over 17 years of experience in education, including over 10 years as a Special Needs teacher and SENCO. She holds a PGCE, a B. Ed in Special Needs Education, and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Management, and is currently completing her NPQSL.
- Geethu GopalOperations Manager
Geethu Gopal brings over 13 years of experience in education, administration, and the engineering domain. She holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, along with certifications as an Oracle Certified Associate and Certified Ethical Hacker.
- Mr. Dileep MenonExecutive Director
Mr. Dileep Menon has over 16 years of leadership experience at SIG and previously worked in senior leadership at a financial tech company in Atlanta, GA. He holds an MBA from the Manderson Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Industrial Engineering from the Kolhapur Institute of Technology.
- Ms. Heerral AsnaniDirector of Operations
Ms. Heerral Asnani has over 18 years of diverse experience spanning multiple industries and previously held leadership roles at Horizon WIE and global brands. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from the University of Wollongong.
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National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE
British Schools Overseas
IB