Victoria International Schools Sharjah Welcomes 4,200 Students

Victoria International Schools in Sharjah has begun the 2026-2027 academic year with more than 4,200 students enrolled across its six campuses, representing a 5 percent rise compared with the previous year. The increase underscores the network’s steady growth and its established role as a leading provider of Australian education in the United Arab Emirates.

The schools operate campuses in Al Taawun, the Central Region, Khorfakkan, Kalba, Tilal and the newly opened site in Al Dhaid. Together these locations deliver an international education based on the Australian curriculum, with a clear emphasis on academic excellence, critical thinking, personal development, independent learning and preparation for future challenges.

Dean Pyrah, Chief Executive Officer of Victoria International Schools in Sharjah, highlighted the organisation’s priorities. “Throughout our journey in Sharjah, our focus has been on building an educational environment that places the quality of learning and student development at the heart of its priorities. We continue to invest in our people, curricula and learning environments, with a strong emphasis on developing students’ critical thinking, independence and confidence qualities that are essential in helping them navigate a rapidly changing world.”

Pyrah also pointed to further expansion this academic year. “As Victoria International Schools in Sharjah continues to expand, the new academic year will see the opening of the Victoria campus in Al Dhaid, alongside the opening of the secondary school building at the Kalba campus. We are committed to ensuring that Victoria International Schools maintains the educational standards upon which it was founded, while remaining a community in which students can learn, discover their potential and develop their aspirations within a school culture built on belonging, diversity and respect.”

The network employs 363 teaching staff and 288 administrative employees. These teams support a comprehensive learning environment that balances academic standards with pastoral care and personal growth across all campuses.

Victoria International Schools follows the Australian curriculum from Kindergarten through to Year 10. For the senior years, students in Years 11 and 12 can choose between two pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or the Advanced American Diploma. This dual-track structure gives families flexibility and prepares students for a range of higher-education destinations and future careers.

The continued rise in enrolment reflects growing demand for high-quality international schooling in Sharjah. Parents increasingly seek environments that combine rigorous academics with the development of independent thinking and personal confidence. Victoria International Schools positions itself to meet that demand by maintaining consistent standards while expanding physical capacity in both established and newer communities.

The opening of the Al Dhaid campus extends the network’s reach into another part of the emirate, improving access for families in that area. At the same time, the new secondary school building at the Kalba campus strengthens provision for older students and supports smoother progression through the full curriculum pathway.

As a project of Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah, Victoria International Schools benefits from a long-term institutional commitment to education infrastructure and quality. This backing has enabled the network to grow steadily while focusing on curriculum fidelity, staff development and the creation of inclusive school communities.

The emphasis on critical thinking, independence and confidence aligns with broader educational goals in the UAE, where schools are expected to prepare young people for a fast-changing global environment. By offering both the Australian foundation years and internationally recognised senior pathways, the schools provide a structured route from early childhood through to university preparation.

Staff numbers indicate the scale of the operation. With more than 650 teaching and administrative employees, the organisation is able to maintain relatively personalised support across six distinct campuses while sharing common academic standards and values. Continuous investment in people and facilities remains central to the leadership’s stated approach.

The 5 percent enrolment increase comes at a time when many international schools in the region are competing for students and talent. Victoria International Schools’ ability to attract additional families suggests that its combination of Australian curriculum delivery, senior-year pathway choice and expanding campus footprint is resonating with parents in Sharjah.

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Looking ahead, the network’s immediate priorities include embedding the new Al Dhaid campus into the wider system and fully activating the expanded secondary facilities in Kalba. Leadership has stressed that growth will not come at the expense of the educational standards and community culture that have defined the schools since their establishment.

In summary, the start of the 2026–2027 academic year marks another step in the steady expansion of Victoria International Schools in Sharjah. With more than 4,200 students, six campuses, a clear curriculum pathway and continued investment in staff and facilities, the network is reinforcing its position as a significant provider of Australian and international education within the emirate.