Due to the extensive number of expats currently living in the UAE, there is a range of international schools for foreign children and students, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These schools are all privately run, and the majority adhere to very high standards. Different schools run different curricula such as British style GCSE’s and A-Levels, American style or IB programmes.
What to Consider When Choosing
It is important to choose a school that suits your child’s needs. The choice of school should align with the child’s past schooling curriculum and should merge into any future moves to other countries that the family may make. Additionally, potential university requirements should be taken into consideration when deciding between schools and curriculums. Though there are many to choose from, spaces can be limited. Thus, it is recommended to liaise with schools as soon as possible to ensure your child is enrolled in your preferred choice.
For schools in the Dubai area, the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau is a good place to visit to gain an Inspector’s view of potential schools.
Dubai College
Website – www.dubaicollege.org
One of the leading academic schools in Dubai, Dubai College has been rated as outstanding 7 years in a row by The Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB). Situated in the heart of Dubai, this prime location school uses an English-style curriculum and has a reputation for being one of the best international schools in the country.
Tuition
Tuition is administered in English meaning prospective students must be fluent in this language. Middle school students take 10 GCSEs, 6 core and 4 optional, as well as a digital skills course and personal/social development days. In the Sixth form, students take 4 subjects to A level standard. Students tend to perform very well at Dubai College with 65.7% of students achieving A* or A at A-Level, which is a testament to the level of education on offer at the school. Hence, it comes as no surprise that 40% of Dubai College sixth form students apply to Veterinary, Medical and Dentistry courses at top universities in the UK.
Non-academic Activities
The school can host around 800 students and is brimming with facilities across multiple disciplines. The school is firm in the belief that having good physical education can contribute to enhanced academic learning. This is reflected by the number of sports facilities such as high-quality football/rugby fields, all-weather netball and tennis courts, an all-purpose sports hall and a competition-size swimming pool. As well as sporting facilities, Dubai College boasts a 900-seater auditorium as well as dance and drama studios, which provide the bedrock for the theatre club which put on a variety of shows. Music is also prominent at Dubai College, with the school determined not only to teach the A-level course but also keen to enhance personal musical development through a structured extra-curricular programme. This entails around 10 concerts per year, both inside and outside the school grounds, with a major event being the Gala Concert in the gardens of the British Embassy.
Admission Guidelines & Fees
The process for admission to Dubai College is selective due to the academic standing of the school. Therefore, students must perform well in an English, mathematics and cognitive abilities tests to be successful. The school will also look to past achievements and abilities in other areas to make a final decision. Entries into the sixth form require 6 As in their GSCEs or equivalent to be considered for entry. Fees for the school come in at AED 25,900 per term for years 7-11 and AED 29,328 per term for years 12-13. This means that it could cost around AED 87,984 for year 13, without any added extras such as transport.
Repton School
Website – www.reptondubai.org
Another school rated outstanding by the DSIB, Repton is a state-of-the-art international boarding school with a great reputation in Dubai. The school has a junior school and senior school to cater to all ages.
Tuition
The school follows the English education style and offers the International Baccalaureate for older students. The school offers the chance to gain IGCSEs, the world’s most popular international qualifications to prepare them for the IB. In years 10-11 students will take 8 GSCE or IGSCE courses, with post 16 curricula being the prestigious IB diploma. The school has extremely good results with 95.8% passing the full IB Diploma. Additionally, 85% of pupils achieved 5 A*-C Grades including English language and Mathematics.
Non-academic Activities
The school is packed with facilities beyond the classroom, with a performing arts centre, playing fields, a music school and a sports block all on campus. The schools have a variety of sports teams both competitive and non-competitive in sports such as football, netball, swimming and more. The junior school runs a world cup style tournament across different sports in order to get children working as a team and active. There are other ways to get involved in extra-curricular activities, particularly in the arts. There is an annual musical in March which involves both drama and music. The school also provides children with the opportunity to gain the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Admission Guidelines & Fees
Applicants can apply for their child to day school from the age of 3 and boarding school from the age of 11. The school is selective and will assess potential students with academic and cognitive ability tests. They also look for students with potential, those who are well behaved and have a strong work ethic. Places are limited and waiting lists do occur at the school. The school offers tours before taking any assessments to give students and parents a taste of the school. In terms of fees, they increase as the student gets older, rising to AED 103,325 in year 13 per year for new students.
More Reputable International Schools in Dubai
American School of Dubai
Curriculum: American
Age Range: 3 to 18
Deira International School
Curriculum: British & International Baccalaureate (IB)
Age Range: 3 to 18
Dubai American Academy
Curriculum: American and IB
Age Range: 3 to 18
Bradenton Academy Dubai
Curriculum: American
Age Range: 3 to 18
GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 3-11
Emirates International School
Curriculum: International (IB, IPC, IGCSE,)
Age Range: 3 to 18
GEMS Cambridge International School
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 2 to 18
GEMS Millennium School
Curriculum: Indian
Age Range: 3 to 18
GEMS Modern Academy
Curriculum: Indian
Age Range: 3 to 18
Nord Anglia International School Dubai
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 3 to 18
Swiss International Scientific School
Curriculum: IB
Age Range: 3 to 11
Universal American School
Curriculum: American
Age range: 3 to 18
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