Dubai is home to some of the best IGCSE schools, reflecting the city’s strong focus on quality education. These schools are known for providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for future success. In addition to their academic excellence, they offer a supportive and nurturing environment, helping students grow personally and academically.
If you’re looking for top IGCSE schools in Dubai, you’ll find various outstanding options with high education standards.
- Nord Anglia International School Dubai
- Safa Community School
- Dubai British School Emirates Hill
- Repton School
- Deira International School
- Other IGCSE Schools Rated ‘Very Good’ by KHDA
- FAQs
List of Best IGCSE Schools in Dubai
When evaluating schools in Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) provides an invaluable rating system. It highlights education quality across various institutions.
The top IGCSE schools in Dubai below have been shortlisted based on their ‘Outstanding’ KHDA ratings:
Nord Anglia International School Dubai
Nord Anglia International School Dubai (NAS Dubai) is among the best British schools in Dubai. It helps students excel in IGCSEs, A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
The school’s personalised learning pathways have produced exceptional results, with 38% of IBDP students achieving scores of 40 or higher. This strong performance consistently places NAS Dubai graduates in top global universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and Ivy League institutions.
The school’s commitment to a tailored education begins early, integrating the UK curriculum with an international perspective. From early years to secondary education, NAS Dubai promotes individual strengths. It emphasises a balance of rigorous academics with creative exploration, ensuring each student is well-prepared for future success.
Curriculum
UK (13 years) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
Grades
Foundation Stage 1 – Year 13
Location
Al Barsha 3, Dubai, UAE (map)
Fees
FS1 to Year 13: AED 68,026 to AED 102,871
Contact
+971 (0)4 2199 999
Safa Community School
Safa Community School is distinguished by its high-quality British curriculum, recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by KHDA and BSO (British School Overseas). The school is also ranked as one of the top private schools in Dubai.
Safa Community School promotes a supportive and inclusive learning atmosphere. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1 and a vibrant community representing 78 nationalities. Moreover, students benefit from a diverse range of options, including GCSEs, IGCSEs, and BTECs. The GCSEs consist of a 2-year study programme in Years 10 and 11 (in Key Stage 4).
Curriculum
UK (13 years)
Grades
FS1 – Year 13
Location
Umm Suqeim Road, Al Barsha South, Dubai, UAE (map)
Fees
FS1 – Year 13: AED 53,187 to AED 87,386
Contact
+971 4 385 1810
Dubai British School Emirates Hill
Dubai British School Emirates Hills (DBSEH) is another addition to the leading IGCSE schools in Dubai. It excels in delivering the National Curriculum of England, offering a well-rounded British education in Emirates Hills. The school emphasises a philosophy of ‘Enjoy, Aspire, Achieve’, challenging and supporting students throughout their academic journey.
In Secondary School, students benefit from a transition to subject-specific teaching. This is assisted with Key Stages 3 and 4 providing a mix of traditional and bespoke learning pathways. Besides, DBSEH’s GCSE and BTEC programs cater to diverse academic needs and career goals.
Rated ‘Outstanding’ by KHDA and BSO, DBSEH is recognised for its academic excellence, personal development focus and strong home-school partnerships. This prepares students for future success.
Curriculum
UK (13 years)
Grades
FS1 – Year 13
Location
Emirates Hill, Dubai, UAE (map)
Fees
FS1 – Year 13: AED 51,809 to AED 77,715
Contact
+971 (0)4 361 9361
Repton School
Repton School excels as a premier international institution, combining the UK’s rigorous curriculum with a global outlook. Situated in Nad Al Sheba, it serves students aged 3-18 with top-notch facilities and UK-trained staff.
Repton focuses on excellence, well-being, and opportunity, offering enriching activities like overseas trips and leadership programs. Additionally, its commitment to high standards is evident in its strong academic results and diverse extracurricular options.
With over 80 nationalities, Repton fosters a vibrant learning environment. It boasts a 98% success rate in junior global tests, a 51% A*-A exam rate, and a 100% IB pass rate.
Curriculum
UK/ IB (13 Years)
Grades
FS1 – Year 13
Location
Nad Al Sheba 3, Dubai, UAE (map)
Fees
FS1 – Year 8: AED 55,865 to AED 82,429
Contact
+971 44269393
Deira International School
Deira International School (DIS) offers a top-tier education in Dubai Festival City, renowned for its inclusive and holistic approach. Established in 2005, DIS has earned ‘Outstanding’ ratings from KHDA, DSIB, and BSO. It is also part of the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation.
It is one of the best IGCSE schools in Dubai which follows an English National Curriculum model. It leads to the Cambridge Board IGCSE in Year 11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Year 13. Furthermore, it provides many state-of-the-art facilities, including swimming pools, sports halls and advanced ICT departments, among others.
The school focuses on excellence and has a student body representing over 90 nationalities. It boasts impressive academic results: a 95% GCSE pass rate and 75% GCSE results at A*-B. The school’s commitment to parental partnership and effective communication further enhances the educational experience.
Curriculum
UK (13 Years)
Grades
FS1 – Year 13
Location
Al Badia, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE (map)
Fees
FS1 – IB2: AED 43,592 to AED 87,825
Contact
+971 4 232 5552
Other IGCSE Schools Rated ‘Very Good’ by KHDA
Here is a table summarising the details of IGCSE schools in Dubai that are ranked ‘Very Good’ by KHDA:
| School | Location | Grades | Curriculum | Phone |
| Hartland International School | Meydan City, Dubai, UAE | FS 1 – Year 13 | International Baccalaureate | +971 4407 9444 |
| Horizon International School | Umm Al Sheif, Dubai, UAE | FS 1 – Year 13 | UK (13 Y) | +971 4348 3314 |
| Raffles International School | Umm Suqeim Third, Dubai, UAE | FS 1 – Year 13 | UK (13 Y) | +971 4427 1200 |
| Brighton College | Al Barsha Second, Dubai, UAE | FS 1 – Year 13 | UK (13 Y) | +971 4387 1111 |
FAQs
Yes. Arabic is required from Grades 1 to 10 and becomes optional in higher grades in foreign private schools in Dubai.
Absolutely! Dubai boasts over 90 IGCSE schools, providing high-quality education and a supportive learning environment.
Yes. Dubai Westminster School follows the IGCSE curriculum and is ranked ‘Good’ by KHDA.
Choosing between the British and American curricula depends on your child’s learning style and future plans. The British system is more exam-focused, while the American curriculum offers a broader range of subjects and flexibility. You can also consider factors like your child’s needs and the quality of education at the school.
When choosing the best schools in the UAE, consider top institutions. These include GEMS Founders School in Al Barsha, American School of Dubai and Gems American Academy School in Abu Dhabi. Each school offers unique curricula and facilities tailored to different educational needs.
In summary, the leading IGCSE schools in Dubai provide top-notch education with a focus on academic excellence and holistic development.
If you want to learn more about Dubai’s education standards, browse Property Finder’s blogs!
