Dubai has transformed into a multinational, multicultural city, home to over two million people from diverse backgrounds. With expatriates comprising the majority, only 15% of the population are UAE nationals. Renowned for international trade, global transport, finance, and luxury tourism, this desert metropolis has rapidly gained global prominence in few decades.
Table of Contents
- Education & International Schools in Dubai
- Top International Schools in Dubai
- Kings’ School
- Dubai International Academy
- GEMS Willington International School
- Repton School
- Springdales School
- JSS Private School
- Dubai College
- Nord Anglia International School
- Jumeirah College
- Dubai British School Emirates Hills
Education & International Schools in Dubai
Dubai’s dynamic and innovative atmosphere attracts talented individuals with fresh ideas. The city’s growth offers remarkable opportunities for educators, parents, and students, leading to a rise in genuinely international schools.
The quality of education in Dubai is overseen by the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority), a government-run organization that conducts thorough school inspections and provides detailed annual reports comparing it to the top-performing countries worldwide.
Dubai boasts approximately 140 international schools, offering a diverse range of curricula, including the English National Curriculum, International Baccalaureate, and American programs. Additionally, Swiss, German, French, Indian, and UAE schools cater to the varied needs of expat families settling in Dubai.
As we enter 2024, several top-tier international schools in Dubai serve as models for academic excellence and achievement.
Top International Schools in Dubai
Kings’ School
Kings’ Schools stand out as premier educational institutions in Dubai, with three campuses strategically situated in prime locations: Kings’ School Dubai in Umm Suqeim 3, Kings’ School Al Barsha near Jumeirah Village Circle and Arabian Ranches, and Kings’ School Nad Al Sheba near District One and Al Barari Dubai.
Renowned for excellence, all three schools follow the English National Curriculum. Alongside academics, students benefit from enriching programs in second languages, sports, and music, complemented by state-of-the-art technology for enhanced learning experiences. From culinary arts to photography, students are encouraged here to explore diverse interests, with opportunities like the school’s business club nurturing entrepreneurial skills.
School fees range from AED 43,619 for Foundation Years to AED 66,383 for Year 6 students.
Dubai International Academy
Dubai International Academy, known as DIA, boasts a diverse student body representing over 80 nationalities. With the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, DIA offers comprehensive primary and secondary education through its Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma programs. DIA’s stellar academic track record is so good that majority of its students secure placements in prestigious universities like Princeton and Yale.
Emphasizing a holistic approach to education, DIA provides ample extracurricular opportunities including an Eco Club, music, art, and sports.
School fees at DIA vary by year level, starting from AED 45,604 for KG and reaching AED 79,995 for Year 13. An additional AED 4,500 fee is applicable for ESL (English as a Second Language) students requiring extra English support.
GEMS Willington International School
GEMS Wellington, a prominent member of the esteemed GEMS Education Group, offers a renowned British and IB curriculum. It is one of the best affordable schools In Dubai that provides a comprehensive education pathway, including iGCSEs, GCSEs, International Baccalaureate, and careers programs for Years 12 and 13. Core subjects like Science, English, and Mathematics are integral throughout the school.
Students progress through Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11), culminating in UK national exams such as GCSE and IGCSE. Successful completion leads to advanced study in Key Stage 5, essential for university admission.
Annual tuition fees vary by year level, ranging from AED 43,941 for FS 2 students to AED 95,597 for Year 13 students.
Repton School
Nestled in the vibrant Nad Al Sheba 3 district of Dubai, Repton stands as a renowned co-educational institution offering both boarding and day school options. With a curriculum rooted in the esteemed British educational framework, the school guides students through the English National Curriculum up to Year 11, presenting a unique choice thereafter: to either continue with the same curriculum until Year 13 or pursue the esteemed International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Repton’s academic skill is marked by its track record of students gaining admissions to esteemed universities such as Oxford and UCLA. Notably, in 2017, an impressive 94% of Repton students successfully attained the IB diploma. Despite its status as the largest school in the region, Repton prides itself on maintaining an optimal student-to-teacher ratio, fostering a conducive learning environment that prioritizes individual attention and growth.
The school’s commitment to holistic development is noticeable in its robust offering of extracurricular activities spanning arts, drama, music, and sports, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for all students.
As for tuition fees, they vary significantly depending on whether a student opts for day or boarding school. For day school, school fees range from AED 52,000 to AED 95,000, and for the boarding school the school fees range from AED 130,000 to AED 164,000.
Springdales School
Springdales School is among the best Indian schools in Dubai, adhering to the esteemed CBSE pattern since its inception in 1955. Catering to students from Pre-KG to Grade 12, the institution has built a legacy of delivering top-tier education.
Beyond academic education, Springdales School boasts a plethora of facilities to enrich students’ educational experience. From well-equipped science labs to an Olympic-size swimming pool, a comprehensive library, and various sports facilities including basketball, badminton, football, and table tennis courts, the campus offers a conducive environment for holistic development.
Complementing its academic offerings, Springdales School’s Pupil Enrichment Program (PEP) provides after-school activities aimed at nurturing children’s creativity and talents, ensuring a well-rounded educational journey.
With a focus on early childhood education, Springdales School welcomes children as young as three years old for registration in Pre-Primary, with KG I being most suited for children up to four years old.
Springdales School remains committed to providing quality education accessible to all. The annual tuition fees here ranges from AED 14,534 to AED 32,960.
JSS Private School
JSS Private School is a leading Indian school in Dubai that follows CBSE format and fosters holistic education from Pre-KG to Grade 12. Educators here inspire critical and creative thinking, empowering students to excel beyond the classroom.
Through partnerships with organizations like EEG, Dubai Municipality, and IFAW, JSS Private School instills environment-supporting activities. The school organizes annual sports events, including the Interschool Soccer Tournament, Swimming Competition, and Geeta Devi Memorial Cup to promote physical fitness and sportsmanship.
The annual tuition fees in JSS Private School range from AED 11,567 and go up to AED 12,124.
Dubai College
For over five decades, Dubai College has stood as a beacon of excellence in the realm of private education, not only in Dubai but globally. Guided by the English National Curriculum from Years 7 to 13, the school offers a tailored program that nurtures students’ growth both within and beyond the classroom.
Dubai College established its research arm, the Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, in 2017. Collaborating with international entities, the center is dedicated to enhancing the educational journey for both educators and students, ensuring a dynamic and progressive learning environment.
Dubai College, being one of the best affordable schools In Dubai charges tuition fees ranging from AED 28,869 per term for Year 7 students and goes up to AED 32,690 per term for those in Year 13. Additionally, a personal debenture of AED 25,000 is required for new students, while existing students contribute 5% of their tuition fees upon re-enrollment.
Nord Anglia International School
Situated in the vibrant Al Barsha South district, Nord Anglia School offers convenient access to Jumeirah Village Circle and Emirates Hills, just a short drive away. As part of the esteemed Nord Education group, it stands as one of 35 global institutions committed to delivering exceptional education.
Following the renowned English National Curriculum, Nord Anglia School provides students with a solid foundation for academic success, complemented by the option of pursuing the prestigious International Baccalaureate at at the higher grade levels.
Distinguished by its robust language program, the school offers French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic as secondary languages, fostering a multicultural learning environment. Furthermore, Nord Anglia’s affiliation with The Juilliard School ensures a comprehensive music education, enriching students’ artistic pursuits.
Beyond academics, Nord Anglia School offers a diverse array of extracurricular activities, including sports, art, community engagement, and robotics, empowering students to explore their passions and talents.
Tuition fees at Nord Anglia School ranges from AED 62,160 for Foundation Years 1 and 2 to AED 94,000 for Years 12 and 13, ensuring access to high-quality education for families seeking the best for their children.
Jumeirah College
Jumeirah College stands as one of the best international schools in Dubai, that offers the esteemed National Curriculum of England from Years 7 to 13. With a diverse student body representing 59 nationalities, the school fosters a global perspective, enriching the learning experience.
Registered with the Department for Education and Skills in London, Jumeirah College serves as an official examination center for UK board exams. Notably, students of Jumeirah College consistently excel in GCSEs, paving their way to esteemed universities worldwide.
Jumeirah College’s tuition fees start from AED 75,178 annually for Year 7 and reach up to AED 93,972 for Year 13. New students are exempt from non-refundable deposits, while returning students contribute a modest 5% deposit upon re-enrollment.
Dubai British School Emirates Hills
Since its establishment in 2005, Dubai British School Emirates Hills has been a base of education in Dubai, conveniently serving families in the Emirates Living community and its surrounding areas. Recognized consistently as ‘Outstanding’ by the KHDA, the school prioritizes student well-being and confidence, fostering an environment where academic excellence thrives.
Set within a purposefully designed campus, Dubai British School Emirates Hills offers a plethora of facilities aimed at enriching students’ educational journey beyond traditional classroom boundaries.
Tuition fees at Dubai British School Emirates Hills starts from AED 49,026 for Foundation Years and goes up to AED 73,540 for Years 12 and 13, ensuring that excellence in education remains within reach for all.
