Education expertise: The best secondary schools in Dubai
Your child’s academic journey really starts to take shape as they progress to secondary school level. Children become more aware of their interests and strengths when they reach this stage of education. Hence, they need a schooling environment that nurtures their natural talents and also gives them space to experiment. Many secondary schools in Dubai have developed a strong, positive reputation for the well-rounded development of their students. But which schools are considered amongst the best? Our article has all the answers.
TOP SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
The Dubai government ensures that nurseries and schools in the city maintain the highest standards when it comes to quality education. To achieve this goal, the KHDA conducts a regular analysis of the top schools across Dubai and publishes their findings. With that in mind, we take a look at the cream of the educational crop.
DUBAI BRITISH SCHOOL (EMIRATES HILLS)
We start our list of the best secondary schools in Dubai with the Dubai British School in Emirates Hills. Operational for over 15 years, this admired educational institution falls under the umbrella of Taaleem Education and very much focuses on student-driven methods. Teachers act as learning facilitators and utilise all the modern tools required to create an energetic classroom environment.
Dubai British School – Emirates Hills campus is a fun and happy place with fantastic educational, sports and extra-curricular facilities. Students will benefit from an art studio and ceramic room, two music rooms, six science labs, a graphic design studio, a multi-purpose astroturf pitch, a sports hall, swimming pool and gym.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: The Springs 3, The Town Centre
- Contact: +971-4-361-9361
DUBAI COLLEGE
Established in the late 1970s, Dubai College is one of the most popular British schools in Dubai. Sitting atop many parent’s wishlists in the emirate, the school has a keen focus on adapting the latest educational technology and new learning methods. Through regular and rigorous training and coaching, the instructors learn to make the most of the tools at hand. The idea is to create the perfect environment for learning and well-rounded growth.
The curriculum at Dubai College provides a framework for long-term learning objectives and accurate assessments. It empowers teachers to challenge the student on different levels and gauge their strengths and interests. Moving forward, the decisions made by students are based on personal experience, hence they are confident and comfortable with the choices they make.
The campus has 21 science labs and 10 ICT labs. Moreover, there are four art studios, a music recording room, drama studios and a massive library. In terms of sports, students can chance their arm at Athletics, Netball, Cricket, Rugby, Basketball, Swimming, Rounders, Football, Rugby and Football.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Al Sufouh Road
- Contact: +971-4-399-9111
DUBAI ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL AND COLLEGE
Dubai English Speaking School Academic City is another British school that has served Dubai residents for generations. Established in 1963 in a small villa, the school has grown tremendously. Today, it has students from 50 different nationalities, creating a perfect environment for cross-cultural learning.
The school has some outstanding educational and sporting facilities. For physical activities, students have access to a 25-metre outdoor pool, a splash pool, football and rugby pitches, two netball and basketball courts, two indoor sports halls and a central playground with playground equipment. Similarly, those interested in performing arts can spend their time in the dance studio and the media hub. The school’s science students have plentiful choices including a STEM Room, sustainable garden, zen garden and zen room.
So, beyond the confines of a classroom, students have plenty of opportunities to grow.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Academic City Road
- Contact: +971-4-360-4866
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY (EMIRATES HILLS)
Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills certainly deserves a place on the list of the best British secondary schools in Dubai. This was the first Dubai school authorised to offer all three IB (International Baccalaureate) Programmes. Currently, students from 85 countries are enrolled in the Dubai International Academy.
The school’s motto is “Dream, Inspire, Achieve”. From the moment the student is enrolled in the school, through to their graduation, the teachers provide a platform for them to garner knowledge. Naturally, being an IB school, the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program is a big part of the curriculum.
However, the learning is not limited to just the CAS program and academics. Students at DIA and their parents are involved in three charities called Water for Life, Interact Club and DIA Cares. There’s also the TedED Club and Model United Nations Club, where students can gain experience of debating and organising events on a mass scale.
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
- Location: First Al Khail Street, Emirates Hills
- Contact: +971-4-368-4111
GEMS DUBAI AMERICAN ACADEMY
Part of GEMS Education, GDAA is considered one of the best American schools in Dubai. The innovative yet challenging curriculum pushes students to fulfil their true potential. Teachers are equipped with all the modern technological tools to ensure students thrive. Machine learning is a also an integral part of the academic journey at GEMS Dubai American Academy.
The vast campus covers an area of 23 acres and has all the facilities one could hope for. There are ten cross-discipline labs that allow children to explore different sciences. Plus, the school provides excellent opportunities to children interested in different forms of arts. There are 2D and 3D studios, photography rooms, a recording studio, a music studio, MAC lab/editing suite, two black box theatres, a radio suite and more. Performers also get a chance to showcase their skills at the auditorium in front of large audiences.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Hessa Street, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Contact: +971-4-704-9777
GEMS MODERN ACADEMY
Parents looking for Indian secondary schools in Dubai can check out GEMS Modern Academy. Counted as one of the best Indian schools in Dubai, it offers both Indian School Certificate Examination Council (CISCE) and IB. An outstanding feature of the school is its teacher to students ratio which stands at 1:16. This means that every student gets undivided attention to help overcome any hurdles they might face.
From sporting facilities to science labs, GEMS Modern Academy has it all. The students interested in science can spend their time experimenting and working on their ideas at the STEM lab, spark lab and discovery centre. Those who prefer the outdoors can opt for the medication garden, sensory garden, planter’s patch or the swimming pool. Or they can just hang out with their friends at the school lounge.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Nad Al Sheba 3, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-326-3339
GEMS WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
The next entry on the list of the best secondary schools in Dubai is another GEMS school. For those living in Jumeirah and its surroundings, GEMS Wellington International School is often the preferred choice. The school has consistently been ranked outstanding by the KHDA.
Students can divide their extra time between gaining scientific knowledge and playing sports. General technological workshops and food technology classes are a regular feature. Teachers use projectors, interactive whiteboards and industry-standard software in the classroom.
On the other hand, there is a 3G floodlit astroturf ground where students play multiple sports. Similarly, there is a huge multipurpose sports hall. Students can also try their hand at cricket, tennis, basketball, netball and volleyball. For physical fitness, they can make use of the fitness studio, gymnasium and dance studio.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Al Sufouh 1
- Contact: +971-4-348-4999
JUMEIRAH COLLEGE
Jumeirah College, a proud recipient of the World Class School Award by the High-Performance Learning (HPL), is one of the outstanding secondary schools in Dubai. It is also part of the GEMS Education group. So, students and teachers get special access to learning resources. Plus, global best practices are shared in the network to ensure continuous development and progress.
Beyond academic learning, learners can choose to attend design and technology workshops. Moreover, the school also has a CAD/CAM room equipped with LaserPro Cutter. With time they learn to create visually impressive projects by employing their theoretical learning.
Whereas, those enthused by sports can make use of their sporting facilities like on-campus indoor ground, Tennis/Netball court, swimming pool and off-campus grass pitches.
Another noteworthy aspect of the Jumeirah College is the method of appreciation for students’ achievements. This is the cornerstone of the learning strategy employed at the college. Students regularly receive trophies, medals, letters of commendation, subject awards and certificates of effort, which motivates them to go the extra mile.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: 19th Street, Al Safa 1
- Contact: +971-4-395-5524
KINGS’ SCHOOL (AL BARSHA)
Continuing our list of secondary schools in Dubai is Kings’ School Al Barsha. The campus opened in 2014 and quickly became the preferred option for many due to its highly trained team, excellent curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities.
Kings’ School focuses on developing the academic and non-academic skills of students. This also means teaching 21st-century skills that are necessary to thrive in a dynamic and face-paced world. It is all about making students lifelong learners, willing and able to adapt to whatever challenges they face in life.
Their art department has five indoor spaces as well as outdoor areas. Sculpture and ceramics workshops are a regular feature. The sculpture garden is also present to inspire artists to explore fresh ideas and try to push the boundaries.
The sports program at Kings’ School matches up to any other school in the emirate. Full calendars are made at the start of the year leading up to highly charged and competitive tournaments. Student teams compete in Aquathlon, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Netball, Rugby Sevens, Rugby Tens, Rugby Union, Swimming, Rugby, Tennis and Touch.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Al Barsha 3
- Contact: +971-4-356-6900
REPTON SCHOOL
For parents searching for boarding schools, Repton School is an ideal option. With its excellent top-notch academic record and opportunities for non-academic activities, it is undoubtedly one of Dubai’s famous boarding schools. With an almost unmatched 1:10 teacher to student ratio, the school ensure that every student is making real progress. With the support of their teaching assistants and modern technological tools, Repton School prepares students for the world of tomorrow.
80% percent learners represent the school in at least one sport. Physical development and sports are a large part of life at Repton. They have a choice between Cricket, Athletics, Basketball, Hockey, Cross Country, Netball, Swimming, Tennis, Fives, Golf, Riding, Rugby and Sailing.
Similarly, a large number of students also part in arts and crafts. Depending on their individual preference they can learn music, drama, design and Technology, and textiles. These programs enrich their lives and push them to be more creative with their artistic expression.
Repton school opened in the UK more than 450 years ago. Honouring such a rich legacy, it has opened its branches in Dubai and build upon an already stellar standing in the educational community. It is considered to be one of the best schools in Dubai.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Nad Al Sheba 3
- Contact: +971-8-0-073-7866
THE INDIAN HIGH SCHOOL (OUD METHA)
Wrapping up our list of secondary schools in Dubai is The Indian High School – Oud Metha. Established in 1961, it is one of the oldest and largest Indian schools in Dubai affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi (CBSE). Many school graduates are working at top corporate positions in Dubai and different parts of the world.
The school has five multi-discipline science labs, counselling centres, research centres, library, medical centre, school store, Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, and more. At the same time, physical development isn’t ignored either. The school provides facilities to play Chess, Basketball, Cricket, Volleyball, Football, Table Tennis, Swimming, Karate, Throwball and Athletics. At the Indian High School (Out Metha), your child will develop a robust foundation for future learning and skill development.
- KHDA Rating: Very good
- Location: Oud Metha Road
- Contact: +971-4-337-7475
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHICH ARE THE BEST PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN DUBAI?
If you are searching for the perfect school for your child, these primary schools in Dubai are very much worth consideration.
WHICH ARE THE BEST ISLAMIC SCHOOLS IN DUBAI?
These excellent Islamic schools in Dubai deliver quality education in line with modern standards and Islamic principles.
WHICH ARE THE TOP GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS IN DUBAI?
Parents looking for the Ministry of Education (MOE) curriculum facilities should consider these top government schools in Dubai.
This concludes our post on the best secondary schools in Dubai. Every level of education, in some way, is a stepping stone for the next leap. However, secondary school is where a student sets their career in motion. Children discover their skillsets and lay the foundation of a future career.
Hence, selecting the right secondary school where children are encouraged to explore areas far beyond the classroom curriculum is essential. All the schools mentioned above are hugely respected names in academic circles. It is all about finding the one that offers a program suited best to your child’s cognitive and physical development.
Follow MyBayut to learn about the best schools in Dubai.
