Growth beyond the classroom – Popular British schools in Dubai

• Why Choose the British Curriculum?
• Popular British Schools
• UK/IB Curriculum Schools
• FAQs

Home to expats from every part of the world, there’s no doubt that Dubai is a melting pot of cultures. The city’s progress and bright future attract families and professionals from different countries. Families moving to the city will be pleased to know that top British schools in Dubai offer a holistic educational environment with expert professionals catering to the learning requirements of students. If you are new to the city, here’s our guide to the leading British curriculum schools in Dubai.

WHY CHOOSE BRITISH CURRICULUM SCHOOLS IN DUBAI?

Also known as the National Curriculum of England, the carefully curated UK curriculum is taught in over 150 countries. All top-rated British curriculum schools in Dubai cover arts, science and humanities subjects allowing students to identify their areas of interest and develop their full potential.

Which UK curriculum-based school is right for your child? Continue reading to find out more.

LEADING BRITISH CURRICULUM SCHOOLS IN DUBAI

Over the years, many British schools have opened in Dubai, and each school strives to provide the best education to students. Here’s an overview of the UK curriculum schools in Dubai approved and rated Outstanding by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority – KHDA.

KINGS’ SCHOOL AL BARSHA

Rated Outstanding by the KHDA, Kings’ School Al Barsha caters to students from FS1 to Year 13. There are almost 2,400+ students belonging to 70+ nationalities. Experienced and highly qualified teachers attend to students’ educational needs. The school’s broad range of extracurricular activities includes football, karate, music, netball and more. Students can pursue fun extracurricular activities, including chess, Zumba, ballet, photography and origami.

The school’s sister branch in Umm Suqeim 3, Kings School Dubai, is also rated Outstanding by the KHDA. It offers classes from FS1 to Year 6.

• Address: Al Barsha |Umm Suqeim 3
• Fees: Al Barsha: AED 53.6k to AED 97.7k |Umm Suqeim 3: AED 43.6k to AED 66.4k
• Curriculum: British (UK)
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: Al Barsha: +971-4-356-6900 |Umm Suqeim 3: +971-4-348-3939

DUBAI COLLEGE

A school with an indisputable reputation for excellence, Dubai College is one of the oldest British schools in Dubai, offering classes from Year 7 to Year 13. Established in the late 1970s, DC has achieved the cult status of an “Ivy League” school in Dubai and is on every ambitious parent’s wishlist. With a well-rounded program and excellent teacher-to-student ratio, every child at Dubai College receives the attention and guidance they require. 

The school is constantly looking to improve the student experience. It has a thriving sports program with regular competitive tournaments. Along with a rich and varied curriculum, students interested in non-academic career paths like music and arts will find plenty of support and guidance. For instance, the music department hosts large-scale concerts in the auditorium.

• Address: Al Sufouh 2
• Fees: AED 86.6k to AED 98k
• Curriculum: British
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: +971-4-399-9111

HORIZON ENGLISH SCHOOL (HES)

Horizon English School caters to students aged 3 to 11. The teachers focus on providing equal opportunities for all learners from FS1 to Year 6. Individual attention is paid to every child. Hence, the teaching staff caters to learners of all abilities. The school’s philosophy provides a challenging, innovative and fun classroom environment. The medium of instruction is English. However, students who aren’t fluent in the language are given additional support.

• Address: Street 30B, off Al Wasl Road
• Fees: AED 40.9k to 55k
• Curriculum: British
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: +971-4-342-2891

JUMEIRAH COLLEGE

Jumeirah College has been rated Outstanding by KHDA for ten consecutive years, reflecting the quality of education at this British School in Dubai. A large part of the school’s success is down to the experience and qualification of its teachers and teaching assistants.

The institution provides quality facilities ranging from well-equipped video conferencing suites to technological centres. There are dedicated art rooms for students, special music rooms and a drama studio. Jumeirah College has a multi-purpose gym, a swimming pool, an indoor/outdoor bistro, netball courts, tennis courts, science labs, an extensive library and recreational areas. The school offers classes from Year 7 until Year 13.

• Address: Al Wasl Road
• Fees: AED 72.9k to AED 91.2k
• Curriculum: British
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: +971-4-395-5524

DUBAI ENGLISH SPEAKING COLLEGE

DESC is one of the leading UK curriculum schools in the city, offering classes from Year 7 to Year 13. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5. Sports facilities include rugby pitches, badminton courts, high-performance gyms and cricket nets. Educational facilities at DESC include recording studios, science labs, a Technology studio and David May Desert Garden.

• Address: Academic City
• Fees: AED 73.7k to AED 79k
• Curriculum: British
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: +971-4-360-4866

GEMS JUMEIRAH PRIMARY SCHOOL

GEMS Jumeirah Primary School has a purpose-built campus with state-of-the-art facilities to elevate students’ learning experience. Teachers try to inculcate knowledge through action and experimentation. Students are encouraged to be inquisitive, try new things and learn from the exercise.

To accomplish their goals, teachers are provided with the latest educational technology. The school offers classes from FS 1 to Year 6.

• Address: Al Safa 1
• Fees: AED 40.8k to 51.5k
• Curriculum: British
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: +971-4-394-3500

DUBAI BRITISH SCHOOL EMIRATES HILLS

Founded in 2005, this British school in Dubai is a proud part of Taaleem Education and one of the best British schools in Dubai. Students get a well-rounded education from FS1 to Year 13, focusing on academic achievements and creativity. Teachers are given all the modern tools to provide quality education in the classroom.

Along with basic learning programs and facilities, Dubai British School Emirates Hills pays close attention to extracurricular activities. Students can benefit from swimming pools, racket sports courts and countless books at the library to boost their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. DBS Emirates Hills is a good option for families in The Meadows, The Springs and The Lakes.

• Address: The Springs 3, Emirates Hills
• Fees: AED 49k to AED 73.5k
• Curriculum: British
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: +971-4-361-9361

JUMEIRAH ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL

The primary goal at JESS is to enable students to think independently, as education is all about imagination, pure thoughts and intuition. Students of today will shape the world of tomorrow. Hence, teachers focus on guiding them and offering help where required. The school currently has two branches in the city, perfect for parents residing in Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches.

Thanks to its academic and non-academic programs, the school has successfully secured an Outstanding rating. You can read more about both institutes in our JESS Al Safa guide and JESS Arabian Ranches guide.

• Address: Al Safa | Arabian Ranches
• Fees: AED 41.8k to 93.8k
• Curriculum: British
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: +971-4-361-9019

DUBAI ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL

Dubai English Speaking School provides quality education to more than 1,000 children from FS1 to Year 6. Established in 1963, it is now one of the finest British schools in Dubai. The school has four main principles; dare, excel, share and create. This offers the students academic knowledge and lets them develop creative and essential life skills. The school aims to help children apply their knowledge to a real-life context. The institute is also among Dubai’s most affordable British curriculum schools.

• Address: Oud Metha
• Fees: AED 35.4k to 43.8k
• Curriculum: British
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: +971-4-337-1457

GEMS ROYAL DUBAI SCHOOL

GEMS Royal Dubai School opened its doors in 2005 and is one of the few schools to be rated Outstanding by the KHDA year after year. The National Curriculum for England for Foundation Stage and Primary School is perfectly complemented by technology, science, sports and extracurricular facilities offered to students.

• Address: Mirdif
• Fees: AED 38.3k to 48.3k
• Curriculum: British
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: +971-4-288-6499

HARTLAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Hartland International School offers a top-notch education based on the National Curriculum for England. It blends a strong, values-based British Education with the best international approaches to foster a stimulating environment that promotes critical thinking and inquiry.

At Hartland International School, learning extends beyond the traditional classroom, with over 150 clubs and enrichment activities. The school takes great pride in its students, who consistently exceed expectations. In 2023, the inaugural Year 13 cohort achieved remarkable success, with 80% of students securing placements in prestigious universities worldwide, including Imperial College London, UCLA and the University of Warwick. Admissions are open for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years, from FS1 to Year 13. Hartland International School has received a “Very Good” rating with numerous “Outstanding” features in the KHDA’s DSIB Report for 2022-23.

• Address: Sobha Hartland, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City (MBR City)
• Fees: AED 42.2k to 80.3k
• Curriculum: British
• KHDA Rating: Very Good
• Contact Number: +971-4-407-9444 | 800-HARTS (800-42787)

BRITISH AND IB SCHOOLS IN DUBAI

Here’s an overview of the two popular schools offering UK/IB curriculums.

REPTON SCHOOL DUBAI

Repton School is undoubtedly in the league of the best British schools in Dubai. Students in secondary school appear for their IGCSE exams in Years 10 and 11, followed by the IB Diploma Program in the Sixth Form. The school opened in 2007 with the Repton School in England as an exclusive international partner.

Besides standard facilities, Repton is one of the few Dubai-based schools with boarding facilities. Admissions are competitive as it is currently one of the most popular schools in the emirate.

• Address: Nad Al Sheba 3
• Fees: AED 52.8k to AED 95k
• Curriculum: UK/IB
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: +971-4-426-9393

GEMS WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

This co-educational GEMS school has built a positive reputation with top-notch facilities and high education standards. The campus, spread across 8 acres, has spectacular creative facilities like dance and music studios.

The students can use the indoor and outdoor pool, tennis court, and sports pitches for physical activities. Keen readers can head to the library while the school has a fitness studio, science and computer labs and an observatory.

The teaching staff at GEMS Wellington International School are rigorously trained and highly educated. The school offers the IB curriculum in Years 12 and 13 and a career program. One highlight of this institute is its observatory, where 472 people can simultaneously enjoy breathtaking views of the universe. It is one of the best UK curriculum GEMS schools in Dubai.

• Address: Al Sufouh
• Fees: AED 43.9k to AED 95.5k
• Curriculum: UK/IB
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Contact Number: +971-4-307-3000

FAQS ABOUT BRITISH CURRICULUM SCHOOLS IN DUBAI

ARE THERE ANY OTHER BRITISH SCHOOLS IN DUBAI?

You can easily find UK curriculum schools in the city. Here’s a list of schools rated ‘Very Good’ by the KHDA.

You can also consider schools which offer both UK and IB curricula, such as Safa Community School and Hartland International School.

WHAT IS A BRITISH CURRICULUM?

The British Curriculum is a well-organised academic programme that starts from nursery and ends with GCSEs (General Certificate of Education). It offers a detailed framework for learners, enabling them to work towards their academic goals more efficiently. It includes various subjects, covering humanities, arts and sciences.

So that’s a wrap of our list of British schools in Dubai. Each of these Dubai schools will prepare your child for the next step in their educational journey. If you’re searching for quality international schools in the city, here are the best American schools in Dubai to consider.

Like Dubai, there are excellent schooling options in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. These include the British schools in Abu Dhabi that offer quality education. The same could be said about British schools in Sharjah, which are a preferred choice of families living in the emirate.