Scholars International Academy (SIA) is dedicated to pioneering High-Performance Learning, having recently achieved World-Class status, the only school in Sharjah to have achieved this. Blending the rigour and depth of the British Curriculum with innovative teaching methods, SIA prepares students not just for today, but for a successful future.
Accredited by both BSO and BSME, SIA prides itself on a diverse student body that enhances learning through a rich exchange of perspectives and cultures. Its track record of excellent university placements speaks to its effective preparation and guidance.
SIA is where excellence in education meets a nurturing environment. Its dedicated teachers, innovative curriculum, and state-of-the-art facilities ensure your child’s holistic development. Parents choose the school for its supportive community, diverse extracurricular activities, and commitment to fostering lifelong learners and future leaders.
The school proudly stands out with a Value-Added Measurement score of 7.3 by the GL assessments and the Fisher Family Trust in Post-Sixteen, which is four times higher than the UAE national average.
SIA’s goal is to instil an evidence-based set of advanced cognitive skills as well as a powerful learning mindset in its learners to equip them to be intellectually and socially confident young people who are ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
To grow a learning ‘eco-system’ that supports learners to become resilient, empowered and courageous global citizens who are life-ready.
The school’s purpose is ambitious yet straightforward: to empower learners to become architects of their own futures.
I am delighted to welcome you to our beloved community school that stands at the forefront of educational excellence in Sharjah. Our ethos revolves around community engagement and placing learners at the core of all our endeavours.
We pride ourselves on offering the British National Curriculum, while also being members of British Schools in the Middle East, British Schools Overseas, and an award-winning High-Performance Learning school.
Mr. James Batts
Principal
A passionate educator and school leader, Mr. James Batts places the happiness and success of children at the heart of his professional practice. His drive to develop provision and ‘support children and young adults to be the best they can be’ through growing and enhancing global competency skills in this ever-changing world is truly admirable. His purpose in education is to develop a learning approach that recognizes that all learners have the potential to achieve the highest results and place emphasis on developing attitudes and characteristics. Excellence is what he hopes to drive at SIA.
Alongside SIA stakeholders, Mr. Batts works hard to continue the legacy of success that has already been established. He continues to build strong relationships with our parents, learners, and the extended community. In effect, he aspires to inspire the next generation of learners and create an environment where your children can thrive. In his own words,
Mr. Danny Mellor
Vice Principal and Primary Head
For over 25 years, Mr. Danny Mellor had the privilege to work in a wide range of schools within the U.K. and other parts of the world. He has successfully developed and led high performing teams in pursuit of improving outcomes for students while at the same time fostering a supportive working environment.
He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (P.G.C.E.) and a National Qualification for Headship (N.Q.P.H). Mr. Mellor believes in the importance of self-discipline, setting rigorous expectations, and creating a culture of success and achievement for staff and students alike. Excellence is what he hopes to drive at SIA.
Mr. Donal O’ Callaghan
Head of Secondary
Mr. Donal O’ Callaghan is the Assistant Phase Head for Secondary with responsibility for Curriculum, Exams, Timetabling and Data. Donal has been a member of the SIA family for the past 6 years. He has worked as a Geography teacher in our Secondary phase teaching students from Year 7 to Year 13. He introduced our IGCSE and A Level Geography curriculum to SIA which has gone from strength to strength each year. He has studied his PGCE with the University of Sunderland in the UK and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Limerick in Ireland.
Mr. Callaghan is a firm believer in knowing all learners have unlimited potential that just needs to be unlocked to help them be the best they can be. He loves to see learners rise to challenges and push themselves in all aspects of their school life.’
Ms. Daisy Hutton
Assistant Phase Head EYFS and Lower Primary
Ms. Daisy Hutton has worked at SIA for ten years. She has been lucky enough to work across Foundation 1, Foundation 2 and Year 1. Ms. Hutton completed her PGCE, (specialising in Early Years) in the UK and has recently completed her NPQSL. She is a very dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate teacher. She believes that happy learners learn wanting to harness their energy, enthusiasm and building on those light bulb moments that all learners have every day. Ms. Hutton knows that learners learn by exploring and using a variety of resources with a hands-on approach. Each learner is on their own learning journey and Ms. Hutton is so excited to be a part of their journey.
