Cities / Sharjah / Our Own English High School Sharjah
Our Own English High School Sharjah
The big, long-established Indian CBSE school in Al Nahda, Sharjah, founded 1982 and now around 7,000 pupils across separate boys' and girls' branches. Picked by Indian-expat families for low fees and consistently strong board results.
In brief
The big, established Indian school in Sharjah. Two branches, boys and girls. Around 5,800+ students. Been there since 1982.
Parents pick it for academics and value. Fees are low for the UAE. CBSE results are consistently strong, often 100% pass rates at Grade 10 and 12. Useful if you may move back to India later.
Teachers get warm reviews. One parent noted "staff is knowledgeable, supportive, and caring." Several parents singled out the SEND/learning support team as genuinely helpful, which is unusual praise for a school this size.
Class sizes were historically large, up to 41, now capped around 29. Still bigger than a boutique school. The pace is intense. One former student said there is "immense pressure" and that strugglers can feel labelled. Most kids thrive; quieter ones can find it tough.
Strong Indian expat network. Kids tend to make friends quickly. Pickup and drop-off in Sharjah traffic is a real factor, so ask about the bus.
Solid, traditional, academically serious CBSE school. Not the place for a hands-off, play-based experience. Excellent value if your child likes structure and you want a real Indian-curriculum community. Visit both campuses before deciding, as the boys and girls branches feel quite different.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| KG1 / FS2 | 4 | AED 8,810 |
| KG2 / Year 1 | 5 | AED 8,850 |
| Grade 1 / Year 2 | 6 | AED 10,915 |
| Grade 2 / Year 3 | 7 | AED 10,945 |
| Grade 3 / Year 4 | 8 | AED 10,975 |
| Grade 4 / Year 5 | 9 | AED 10,990 |
| Grade 5 / Year 6 | 10 | AED 11,020 |
| Grade 6 / Year 7 | 11 | AED 13,000 |
| Grade 7 / Year 8 | 12 | AED 13,040 |
| Grade 8 / Year 9 | 13 | AED 13,100 |
| Grade 9 / Year 10 | 14 | AED 12,795 |
| Grade 10 / Year 11 | 15 | AED 16,610 |
| Grade 11 / Year 12 | 16 | AED 16,560 |
| Grade 12 / Year 13 | 17 | AED 16,670 |
Reviews
- Our Own Sharjah is the GEMS CBSE school established in 1982, with separate boys' and girls' campuses in Industrial Area 6 and Juwaiza'a, and over 5,000 students between them.
- KHDA inspections rate the school Very Good; the school cites consecutive years of 100 percent CBSE pass rates from 2001 onwards and Sharjah Award and Sheikh Hamdan Award recognitions.
- Reddit voices are Indian-community alumni and current parents. One parent said tuition for the girls' branch was around 800 AED per month, framed as good value for a CBSE school of this scale.
- One ex-student said GEMS Our Own Sharjah, next to the cricket stadium, is one of the best compared to other Sharjah schools, after twelve years there.
- Parent threads on UAE forums treat it as a recognised, well-regarded mainstream Indian-curriculum option, alongside its larger Dubai sister school.
Positives
- Curriculum and exams. CBSE board with longstanding 100 percent pass rates; recognised in Sharjah and federal awards.
- Inspection rating. KHDA Very Good is the consistent regulatory verdict.
- Affordability. Around AED 8,000 to 15,000 a year; alumni and parents call it good value within the CBSE segment.
- Reputation in the Indian community. Reddit alumni describe it as one of the best Sharjah CBSE options.
Leadership
Asma Gilani
Ms. Asma Gilani has been in the field of education for 32 years. The vast experience and expertise gained is a result of teaching in multi-cultural school environments in New Delhi and the UAE. She has successfully led diverse teams as Head of Department and Headmistress both in India and Sharjah. In her current role as Principal, she has strategically brought transformational changes in the school. She is also a member of the Sharjah Principals Council and works closely with SPEA. As Lead Collaborator of the CBSE ‘Hubs of Learning’ initiative, she collaborates with other member schools in the UAE to enhance the quality of education.
Accreditations
- IN_CBSE 01
Academic results
- Grade 12 CBSE Board Exam 2025 Overall school average is 86.8%, 38.3% of students scoring 90% and above.
- Grade 10 CBSE Exam 2026 Overall school average is 88.6%, 51.1% of students scoring 90% and above.
Location
University City Rd - Industrial Areas - Industrial Area - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates