TOP 10 SCHOOLS IN DUBAI

While there are well over 100 schools operating in Dubai today, some institutes are more renowned than others. A combination of state-of-the-art facilities, great teaching staff and sophisticated management practices have resulted in these institutes being recognised as some of the best schools in Dubai. While there are also several reputed public schools in Dubai, we have focused on the options available to the large expat population in the city.

REPTON SCHOOL

Repton School is among the top 10 Dubai schools located near Dubai Silicon Oasis. It is an ideal school for parents looking for a comprehensive learning experience with a British curriculum in Dubai. A sister concern of the acclaimed Reptonschool in the UK, this is one of the most expensive schools in the city. Students can participate in extracurricular activities and sports in the spacious campus of Repton School. Polo, horse racing, golf and other exclusive activities are also available for students in this campus. Another plus point is the boarding facilities, where students from year 7 to year 13 are accommodated.

• Founded: 2007
• Curriculum: British and IB
• Fees: AED 52,863 – AED 95,000 annually (FS-1 – Year 13)
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Location: Nad Al Sheba 3, Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-426-9319

DUBAI BRITISH SCHOOL

When it comes to the popular schools in Dubai list, the Dubai British School is often among the top choices Image credit: Dubai British School official website

The second-largest school provider of the UAE is Taaleem that manages the Dubai British School, founded in 2005. It provides education to over 1000 boys and girls based on the well-rounded National Curriculum of England that includes academic and creative activities. Apart from the basic facilities, students can also participate in sporting activities such as swimming. A well-equipped library, lab and creative rooms are also available in the campus.

• Founded: 2005
• Curriculum: British
• Fees: AED 48,032 – AED 72,049 annually
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Location: The Springs 3 area, Emirates Hills, Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-361-9361

GEMS MODERN ACADEMY

A well-equipped computer lab in GEMS Modern Academy contributes to ICT knowledge

Located in Nad al Sheba, GEMS Modern Academy is often featured on the list of top Indian schools in Dubai. This Indian school also incorporates the Activities for Curriculum Enrichment (ACE) program apart from the rigorous academic curriculum where students can participate in games and creative activities. Students have the option to choose between the Indian CICSE curriculum or the International Baccalaureate curriculum. With its focus on the holistic development of every child, GEMS Modern Academy is also one of the best IB schools in Dubai that also supports underperforming students with enhancement classes. It is also one of the most affordable IB schools in Dubai with an ‘Outstanding’ KHDA rating.

• Founded: 1986
• Curriculum: CISCE, IB
• Fees: AED 28,065 – AED 51,364 annually (Pre KG-Grade 12)
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Location: Al Ain Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-326-3339

DUBAI ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL

Another top school in Dubai with the British curriculum is Dubai English Speaking School (DESS). It dates back to 1963 which makes it one of the oldest schools in Dubai to offer the UK curriculum. There are 800 students from the British community who receive a quality education from FS-1 to Year 6.

The school is centred on four aspects that include share, create, dare and excel. Thus, it offers the opportunity to be creative, learn essential skills and also implement the principles in real life context. While this school only offers classes for the primary section, DESS also operates a higher secondary school called Dubai English Speaking College (DESC) that caters to higher grades.

• Founded: 1963
• Curriculum: British
• Fees: AED 36,210 – AED 44,813 annually
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Location: Oud Metha Rd, Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-337-1457

GEMS WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

GEMS Wellington School is among the best schools in Dubai that provides creative avenues for children.

Yet another acclaimed British school in Dubai managed by the GEMS group, this academy has consistently been rated highly by the KHDA. With its state-of-the-art facilities and high standards of teaching, GEMS Wellington International School is a favourite with parents in the city. The school campus is spacious with many facilities including tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, dance and music studios as well as a fitness studio. Students are also encouraged to have knowledge of computing technologies with four computer labs and three science labs. There is also an observatory that can accommodate 472 people at once to have a breath-taking view of the universe.

• Founded: 2007
• Curriculum: British
• Fees: AED 43,050 – AED 93,658 annually
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Location: Al Sufouh Area, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
• Contact: +9714-348 4999

GEMS ROYAL DUBAI SCHOOL

Within the proximity of rental apartments in Mirdif, GEMS Royal Dubai has students from 60 different nationalities. With native teachers and the diversity of students, GEMS Royal is one of the best international schools in Dubai.

The teachers ensure a high-quality learning experience with the British curriculum. The latest facilities include access to PCs, laptops, iPads and iTouch. There is also a multi-purpose hall, library, music and drama studios and suites for creative activities.

• Founded: 2005
• Curriculum: British, Special Needs
• Fees: AED 37,554 – AED 47,351 annually
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Location: Al Mizhar 1, Mirdif
• Contact: +971-4-288-6499

JUMEIRAH COLLEGE

One of the best schools in Dubai, Jumeirah College features a well-equipped science lab for students

Based on the National Curriculum of England, this is one of the outstanding schools in Dubai for grades 7 to 13. Jumeirah College in Dubai boasts of top-notch facilities including a library, recreational areas, tennis courts, netball courts, science labs, fitness centres and a swimming pool. It accommodates over 1,125 students who are in the capable hands of 92 experienced teachers. With its outstanding KHDA Rating, it is one of the best institutions in Dubai to consider, especially for parents living in Al Wasl.

• Founded: 1999
• Curriculum: British
• Fees: AED 71,508 – AED 89,385 annually
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Location: Al Wasl Road, Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-395-5524

DUBAI COLLEGE

This educational institution is on top of the list of every parent’s dream school because of its indisputable reputation. Dubai College has over 100 qualified teachers for about 940 students on the campus. Though it is an old school, the teaching practices and curriculum ensures an excellent learning experience for students. There are also non-academic activities including music and arts where performances and concerts are also held in the auditorium.

• Founded: 1978
• Curriculum: British
• Fees: AED 80,808 – AED 91,503
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Location: Al Sufouh Road
• Contact: +971-4-399-9111

KING’S SCHOOL

One of the best British schools in Dubai with a diverse learning environment is King’s School Nad Al Sheba. They also have a branch in Al Barsha and a primary school in Jumeirah. It is one of the best schools with the British curriculum in Dubai that also has specialist teachers for French, Arabic, Islamic Education and other subjects. Additionally, the school focuses on extracurricular activities such as music, swimming and performing arts.

• Founded: 2014
• Curriculum: British
• Fees: Very Good ( Nad Al Sheba and Outstanding for Al Barsha and Umm Suqeim)
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Location:
• Primary School: Street 17, Near Burj Al Arab
• Al Barsha: Al Barsha 3, Dubai
• Nad Al Sheba: 26th St – Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-237-5555

GEMS WORLD ACADEMY

Extracurricular activities in GEMS World Academy also include swimming classes

Another school in Dubai with the IB curriculum is GEMS World Academy. The school doesn’t just focus on education but also encourages students towards a diverse program of extracurricular activities. The school also ensures the social, emotional and physical development of children so they can grow up to become responsible individuals. The campus has playgrounds for football, cricket, tennis, rugby and other physical activities like swimming and climbing.

• Founded: 2008
• Curriculum: IB
• Fees: AED 64,414 – AED 111,813 annually
• KHDA Rating: Very Good
• Location: Al Khail Road, Al Barsha South, Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-373-6373

Some of the other highly rated schools in Dubai are also listed below

• Horizon English School
• Indian High School
• Jumeirah English Speaking School
• GEMS Dubai American School
• GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
• LyceeFrancais Georges Pompidou
• GEMS Our Own English High School
• Jumeirah Baccalaureate School

And that wraps up our list of top 10 best schools in Dubai. While some of these options are quite expensive, education is something we cannot put a price on.

There are also some American schools in Dubai apart from British and IB curriculums. When it comes to the residential areas with an abundance of schools, there are a number of schools in Al Barsha offering international curriculums. If you are looking to live near this area, you can consider rental apartments in Al Barsha Dubai.

Alternatively, if you live closer to the Dubai-Sharjah border, you could also explore this list of schools in Al Nahda Dubai, which is also a popular residential community for families.

Note: The information about schools in Dubai fees and KHDA Rating tends to change for a new term or academic year.