Mamoura British Academy achieves IQM International Centre of Excellence status

September 22, 2026

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Mamoura British Academy has achieved IQM International Centre of Excellence status in recognition of its exemplary inclusive practice and ongoing drive for improvement. Inclusion is threaded into every single aspect of the daily routine, with a warm school community where everybody matters. Students are happy and feel proud, staff feel valued, and the school’s inclusive culture results in the best outcomes.

A culture of inclusion

There is a tangible vibrancy throughout Mamoura, a sense of purpose and energy driving high expectations amid enticing learning opportunities. Staff readily speak of their nurturing community and their pride in developing an ethos where everybody matters.

Everyday decisions are made with the needs of students taking centre place. Every member of staff knew their students as individuals, while inclusive teaching practices have developed at a huge pace, with visual aids and supportive strategies ensuring every student achieves their full potential. Student-Centred Plans are completed to a high standard, with small step targets focusing on memory, emotional and social support and communication needs. They are aligned with teacher planning and include targets in Arabic, to provide a holistic picture.

A timely referral process supports a graduated approach to identifying additional needs. Staff confidently support students using visuals and minimal language, while priority is placed on enabling students to be as independent as possible. Parents are kept fully informed at every stage and always asked about their aspirations for their child.

Inclusive learning environments

The learning environment at Mamoura is simply stunning. Staff have created highly energising and motivational spaces for learning, with four science labs, cooking areas, a STEM laboratory offering robotics and technical Lego, the Matrix, a multi-purpose innovative space that supports collaborative group work in all subjects, and a 3D printer.

The school also provides quieter rooms for students who respond better to fewer displays and resources. Each phase area has its own inclusion room and space for any student who needs time to self-regulate. Resources are organised and clearly labelled using bilingual Widgits, while noise cancelling headphones, individual workstations, Now and Next boards, foot swings and opportunities to record work orally are available according to need.

Visual timetables and key vocabulary are displayed in English and Arabic. Displays were moved away from the front of classrooms to avoid cognitive overload. National identity is integrated into the curriculum and in everything the school does, with labels, presentations and displays incorporating English and Arabic alongside UAE culture and traditions.

Aspiration and student voice

Aspirations are limitless for the students at Mamoura. Every member of the world community is welcomed and invited to thrive through creative, context-driven learning opportunities, rich experiences of collaboration and support for each other and the local community.

Student leadership provides opportunities for students to contribute to school life. The Head Girls Team meet every two weeks to discuss manageable goals in their Student Development Plan and share findings with senior leadership. Reading Ambassadors, TRACK Ambassadors and members of the Primary Student Leadership Group also contribute. As one Year 5 student explained, “Our voices can be heard. If we have an idea, we can share it.”

Students are also thoroughly prepared for life beyond Mamoura and given the confidence to follow their aspirations. Many UAE and UK universities visit the school, while work experience opportunities and industrial partnerships provide real life exposure and show students how their learning contributes to their future career. Students have worked on Mission to Mars with executives from the largest financial companies, designed roller coasters with Ferrari World, attended a portrait workshop at The Louvre and travelled on kayaks to clean up beaches in the mangroves.

Working in partnership with parents

Working in partnership with parents is an essential element of the success of Mamoura. Parents are welcomed to many events in school and receive termly reports via the school portal, while parent consultations take place both in person and online. Weekly news bulletins and bilingual newsletters keep families informed, alongside EAL workshops, a Positive Parenting course, coffee mornings and monthly Parent Peeks.

Parents are informed of additional needs by staff as soon as a concern is identified. Inclusion staff work alongside teachers during parent consultation meetings to ensure that everyone understands the key information and can share their views. Parents described their positive experiences at Mamoura, with one parent saying, “The team has been incredible with my child and with us.”

Find Out More About IQM

If your school is interested in achieving the IQM Inclusive School Award, contact the IQM team on 028 7127 7857 or email admin@iqmaward.com.

To find out more about IQM and request a free information pack, visit www.iqmaward.com.