The English College

The English College Dubai is a well-regarded British curriculum school that has been operational since 1992. It follows the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage 1 to Year 13. The school has secured a Very Good rating from KHDA in the latest inspection.

The English College is also an accredited member of the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA), Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC), British School in the Middle East (BSME) and Pearson.

• Location: Umm Suqeim
• School fees: AED 36,540 - AED 65,008
• Curriculum: UK curriculum
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-education
• KHDA rating: Very Good
• Years offered: FS - Year 13

The English College is located in the family-friendly neighbourhood of Al Safa. Other popular residential areas near The English College are:

• Al Quoz
• Umm Suqeim
• Umm Al Sheif

Parents who want to settle around the school can look for the following residential options:

• Apartments for rent near The English College
• Villas for sale near The English College
• Villas for rent near The English College

The English College Dubai was renovated in August 2020 to include premium facilities. Here’s an overview of the existing campus.

Primary School

• Primary reception
• Separate FS 1 and 2 buildings with playground
• Large classrooms
• Science labs
• Sports hall
• Swimming pool
• Library
• Outdoor playgrounds

Secondary School

• Reception
• Eight labs with dedicated labs for Chemistry/ Physics/ Science/Biology
• Prep rooms
• Individual and group music class and practice rooms
• Black Box Theatre
• Drama Studio Theatre
• Library
• Graphics and Arts Studio
• Media Studies room
• Learning commons
• Dining hall
• Study and Common Rooms for Sixth Form

The new Physical Education Sports Complex at the English College features:

• Fitness studio
• Changing rooms for girls and boys
• Medical clinic with a nurse and part-time doctor
• Activity/PE room
• Sports hall
• Netball court
• Full-size sports field

The English College is located at Al Safa 1. It is adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road and opposite Oasis Centre making it easier for people living in different areas to reach the school.

Regarded as one of Dubai’s best schools, English College offers a well-rounded British curriculum, making it popular with parents in the city. The strategic location in the city’s heart and the improved campus facilities are added reasons for parents choosing to send their children to The English College. The school has also been nominated at ‘Top Schools Awards 2019’ in ‘Best School for Child Progress and Value Added Education’.

Students of The English School also do very well academically. The school publishes all their academic results on the school website. At A level and GCSE, the school has outstanding results in most subjects. In addition to the public exam performance, students at The English College participate in the TIMSS and PISA benchmarking tests for Maths, English and Science, achieving good results.

The English College supports the philosophy that education is not limited to the classroom environment. Consequently, a varied and exciting range of extra-curricular activities is available to all students, supported by well-qualified staff and excellent facilities. The core values of the school are:

• Collaboration
• Aspiration
• Respect
• Excellence
• Responsibility

A few of the school’s notable extracurricular achievements include The Lion King school production, Music Department GCSE Recital Evening, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Classical Evening Concert as part of the Al Ain Music Festival in a classical concert, European Day of Languages with a bake-off and a Spanish Spelling Bee.

Career counselling is provided to students. The school also periodically hosts university fairs which is an interactive way for students to see their available options. Last year the English College welcomed 20 universities from across the USA, Canada and Europe. The top 5 destinations of graduating students are:

• University College London (UCL)
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• King’s College London, University of London
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Toronto

Perhaps, the most interesting highlight of the school is ‘The EC Diploma.’ There are 3 levels of the Diploma; EC Foundation Diploma, EC Diploma, and EC Diploma with Honours. These cover 16 competencies to develop student’s knowledge and skills, including leadership, bilingualism, public speaking and charitable enterprise.

The English College offers the following years:

EYFS and Key Stages are further divided as follows:

The English College Dubai follows the UK National Curriculum. However, learning across all grades is experienced as something enjoyable, engaging, rewarding and confidence building. The curriculum aims at developing students to become responsible citizens who can make a positive contribution to society.

The curriculum is based on EYFS for the Foundation Stage and The National Curriculum of England for Primary and Secondary school.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum includes seven learning areas:

• Prime areas: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication and Language and Physical Development
• Specific areas: Expressive Art and Design, Mathematics, Literacy and Understanding the World

Kids learn through play-based activities and the teachers focus on building inquiry skills, independence, confidence and self-esteem. Foundation Stage assessments are evaluated against the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile.

Key Stage 1 includes Years 1 and 2. Young children are encouraged to create cross-curriculum links and improve skills in English and Mathematics. Science and Computing are introduced at this level and Arabic and Islamic Studies are mandatory for Muslim students. Other subjects taught at this level include Art, Design and Technology, Social Studies, French, Music and PE.

Key Stage 2 curriculum is a bit rigorous. It has an inquiry-based approach and critical thinking and problem-solving skills are an integral part of it.

Key Stage 3 curriculum is broad, balanced, inclusive and relevant for the 21st century. Students are trained to become life-long independent learners and the teachers continue to instil strong leadership skills. Subjects taught during KS3 are:

Students in Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) study for GCSE examinations.

In Key Stage 5, The English College Dubai offers three pathways of learning: A level, BTEC, or a Blended A level and BTEC pathway. Most students opt for three subjects, while some choose four. Please note that each pathway entrance requirement is based on GCSE grades obtained in Key Stage 4.

Year 11 students are offered a PSHCE program that provides key insights into career pathways and higher education destinations. Students hold meetings with Careers Advisors and specialist staff before making the final decision.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is a government organisation assessing the quality of private education in Dubai.

KHDA inspected The English College Dubai from 30th January to 3rd February 2023 and rated it as “Very Good.”

Students are able to express themselves in oral and written English confidently. Their Mathematical investigation skills are underdeveloped, particularly in primary. The school effectively identifies students’ additional needs. Courses challenge the highest achievers. Young children are able to develop English and Arabic communication skills.

Teaching is improved in the FS and Arabic. It is found to be very strong in Secondary classes but it is inconsistent, particularly in Mathematics. Teachers have good subject knowledge and very positive teacher-student relationship. School leaders promote high level of well-being successfully.

The best features of the school are:

• Consistent and improved results in almost every subject
• An integrated programme of well-being and educational support for all
• The effective system to provide a high level of care and support to students
• School’s strong focus on developing a strong work ethic, environmental awareness, leadership and volunteer opportunities for students
• Campus’s safety, cleanliness and hygiene condition and its excellent procedure to safeguard children

Areas where the school can improve include these:

• Ensure students’ results in Islamic Education and Arabic are aligned with other subjects
• Work on broadening the curriculum in Secondary and post-16 to increase the number of students
• Increase students’ attendance and ensure parents understand how attendance is related to life chances

The detailed English College Dubai academic calendar is available on the official website.

Term 1 starts on 28th August. The half-term lasts from 17th October to 20th October. The last day of the term is 8th December, after which students go on winter break from 11th December to 1st January.

The school resumes for Term 2 on 2nd January. Students get a half-term break from 12th to 16th February. Spring break lasts from 25th March to 5th April.

Term 3 starts on 8th April and ends on 5th July.

While the English College academic year starts in late August, the school is open to enquiries and applications all year round. The Admissions Team guides parents at every step of the way from the initial enquiry. You can even book a school tour before applying.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form

Parents can begin the admission process by filling the Online Application Form. You can book school tours and follow the application process by registering an account on the secure Admissions Portal.

Step 2: Submitting Documents

Once the admission form is properly filled, parents can go to the checklist option and upload these mandatory documents:

• Photograph of the student (Preferably in JPEG or PNG format)
• Copy of student’s passport
• Copy of student’s residence visa
• Copy of student’s Emirates ID card (front and back)
• Copy of parents ID card (front and back)
• Copy of student’s recent school report (for the applicant of Year 1 onwards). This includes all subjects, including Tutor comments, plus GCSE / AS / BTEC grades where applicable.

Students must pass an assessment/interview to complete the admission process.

Applicants for FS1 to Year 2 are invited to attend a class for 60-90 minutes to participate in the day’s activities while the class teacher conducts an informal observation and evaluation.

Students applying for Year 1 to Year 6 and Year 11 and Year 12 should pass the entrance assessment. They need to pass the CAT 4 computer-based cognitive assessment conducted under the supervision of staff members.

Students who are applying for Year 7 to 9 must submit the application fee of AED 500. Once the fee is submitted, the child is scheduled for assessment. If the student has already passed the CAT test in the previous school, they should submit the test report. Students may be asked to sit for an interview if required.

Students applying for Year 12 and 13 have to undergo an assessment and appear for an online interview. If the student submits the CAT4 report from the previous school, the assessment will be exempted.

Students applying from any other curriculum than GCSE may also be required to go through subject-specific entrance assessments.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

The school charges AED 500 per child. Parents must fill the admissions form, submit the documents and pay the application fee for the admissions process to start.

Step 4: Signing the Offer Letter

If the student clears the entrance assessment, they will get an offer letter via email. If parents accept the offer letter, they must pay a non-refundable tuition fee deposit of 10% of annual fees. The fee will be subtracted from the first term tuition payment. Applicants are placed on a waiting list if no spots are available in the year group when they apply. Students from other schools must submit a Transfer Certificate.

You can view the detailed Admissions Policy on the English College website for the specific year groups.

The school will determine the age of the applicant as of August 31st of the admission year.

Here’s an overview of The English College Dubai fee structure.

Method of Payment: Online payment/cash or cheque payment/bank transfer payment/ credit cards

Number of Terms: 3

• Application fee: AED 500
• Book deposit: AED 1,000 (for all students)

Book deposit is refundable. Students who fail to pay the full term fee will not be allowed to attend classes.

A family with three or more children enrolled at the school gets a sibling discount. This includes a 10% discount on the third child’s tuition fee and 15% on the fourth child’s tuition fee. Please note that the youngest two kids get a discount.

Fee Refunds

• Students who withdraw before the start of the academic year (Term 1) get the entire refund excluding the registration/re-registration deposit.
• If a student attends the school for two weeks or less, one month full fee is charged.
• Those who attend the school for more than two weeks but less than a month are charged two months’ fee.
• Students are charged for full three months if they attend school for more than a month.

Should you have any queries about charges and fee refunds, contact the Finance Team.

The English College has teamed up with SwissCanonica to provide healthy and nutritious food to all students. Parents can fill the lunch order form available on the school website for hot meals to be delivered to the school daily.

To know more about the menu and payment options, email at SwissCanonica via TECD@swisscanonica.ae

The school transportation provider at The English College is Maverick Passenger Transport L.L.C. Parents need to contact the company directly to book places on the buses.

For further details regarding bus routes and service charges, contact Joyce Licayo (Transport Coordinator)

• Mobile: +971-52-762-0441
• Telephone: + 971-4-338-8043
• Email: transportec@maverickrental.com

Sports provisions at The English College includes Football, Softball, Netball, Swim Squad, Basketball, Rounders, Badminton Club, Cricket, Running Club, Volleyball, Rugby and Girls Rugby.

The English College Dubai designs various extra-curricular activities for all age groups. These activities are scheduled for before school, lunchtime and after school and the offerings are updated regularly. Popular ECAs include:

The English College Dubai arranges field trips for all of its students across various age groups. These fields trips are linked to the learning and development goals set for each year. Some past trips include:

• Annual trip to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) near Jebel Jais
• Residential trip to Hatta where students engaged in various outdoor activities, including pitching tents, trekking and more.
• Visit Umm Suqeim Beach and Park
• A ski trip to Gudauri, Georgia
• Annual Physics Open Day at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) sponsored by the UAE Space Agency.

The English College Dubai has a Star Club, which provides after school care for students from the foundation stage to the primary years. Additional charges apply to avail of the after school facilities in The English College, Dubai.

Activities for Foundation Stage students include guided arts and craft sessions, singing, storytime, games, dressing up and role play.

Activities for primary school children include: Allocated homework time, reading, indoor/outdoor play, board games, arts & crafts, and movie time.

The English College Dubai has a fully equipped, modern school clinic in Primary and Secondary buildings. The facility is managed in partnership with Kings College Hospital. There are two fully qualified and experienced nurses working full-time.

• The clinic has necessary equipment like glucometers and BP apparatus.
• There is a dedicated Isolation Room for students and staff experiencing covid-19 symptoms.
• First Aid is provided by nurses. However, for other medical conditions, students must consult their doctor.
• Students must not carry any medication except inhalers (for asthma). Parents should inform the school if their child has a preexisting medical condition.
• If a student requires prescription medication during school hours, they should carry a doctor’s prescription with the medicine’s name, dose and time and a note from parents.
• All new students will receive a school medical as required by the Dubai Health Authority.
• Medicals are also required for students joining in Year 9 and Year 11.
• Vaccinations are offered at school upon inspection from Dubai Health Authority. Parents must ensure that their kids are fully vaccinated.

Emergencies

In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, the English College’s policy is to call an ambulance and take the injured student to the hospital. In this adverse scenario, the school will make every attempt to contact parents.

The iParent App is used by The English College Dubai as its primary method of communication with parents. It keeps track of the student’s progress. The application keeps parents up-to-date with what has been happening at the school. It updates automatically and provides students with all the latest news as well as calendar events.

The English College Dubai also has a dedicated Parent’s Portal. Parents and guardians must download the ISAMs Parent Portal and the iSams Parent App. These applications are available for both Android and iOS users.

Parents are also welcome to join the WhatsApp group for updates regarding their children’s school progress. To join the group, parents are asked to contact the school administration.

• Telephone: +971-4-394-3465
• Email: info@englishcollege.ac.ae
• Admissions: admissions@englishcollege.ac.ae
• The English College Website
• The English College Facebook
• The English College Twitter
• The English College Instagram

Note that the cover image belongs to The English College.

What are the timings of the school?

 The school is operational from 7:45 am to 3:30 pm.

How many grades/years are there in the school?

FS to Year 13.

Does the school follow a co-education model?

Yes, English College Dubai has a co-education model.

How many students are currently studying in the school?

The school has 1,175 students.

Please describe the academic calendar of the school.

The school year starts in August and ends in June.

Please mention the range of the tuition fee charged by the school.

The tuition fee ranges from AED 36,540 - AED 65,008.

How does the school communicate with parents?

The school suggests parents use iParent app as the primary tool of communication. English College Dubai also has the ISAMs parents portal.

Does the school have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?

Yes, there is a canteen in the school where food is served to students. The menu is available on the school website.

Does the school have any special education programmes or learning plans for students of determination?

 Yes, English College Dubai is an inclusive school that provides support to students of determination.  

Does the school arrange field trips?

Yes, the school takes students on field trips.

How many teachers are currently teaching in the school?

The school has 93 teachers and 17 teaching assistants.