Our Own High School

Our Own High School, Dubai, established in 1968, is one of the oldest private Indian schools in the city. Founded by K.S. Varkey, it began modestly with just 27 pupils and three teachers before growing into a large institution serving over 10,000 students with a staff exceeding 500.

The school is now part of the GEMS Education group, a leading education provider in the UAE and globally. Originally situated in Bastakia, the school moved to Oud Metha near St. Mary's Church in 1983 and later relocated to its current campus in Al Warqa.

It offers education based on the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12, with English as the medium of instruction. The school is mixed gender until Grade 4, after which it becomes a girls-only school up to Grade 12, reflecting its emphasis on focused education.

Over the decades, Our Own High School has earned a reputation for academic excellence and holistic student development, fostering a vibrant learning environment rich in cultural diversity. The school boasts modern facilities, including multiple science labs, ICT suites, libraries, sports fields, an auditorium with a seating capacity of 600, and studios dedicated to arts and music.

Beyond academics, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities such as athletics, swimming, basketball, visual arts, and performing arts, aiming to nurture well-rounded individuals. It has maintained a consistent "Very Good" rating from Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) inspections for several years, with particular commendation for its health and safety standards.

The leadership, currently headed by Principal Thomas Mathew, prioritizes values-based education characterized by the school motto "Lead Kindly Light."

The school's alumni have gone on to succeed in various fields globally, embodying the school's mission to prepare students not only academically but also as responsible global citizens. Our Own High School continues to be a premier choice among Indian expatriates in Dubai, offering quality education grounded in tradition while embracing modern pedagogical practices.