Finding the right school for your child can be challenging, especially with so many options in Dubai. To make it easier, we’ve curated a list of the top British schools that excel in academics, facilities and inclusivity. These schools foster not only educational growth but also personal development, helping children become responsible members of society. Read on for details about their locations, fees and unique offerings.
- King’s School Dubai
- Dubai College
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
- Dubai English Speaking School
- Jumeirah College
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) – Al Safa
- Dubai British School Emirates Hills
- Dubai English Speaking College
- Horizons English School LLC
- Deira International School
- GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
- Victory Heights Primary School
- Nord Anglia International School LLC
- Safa Community School
- Dubai British School Jumeirah Park
- FAQs
List of Outstanding British Schools in Dubai
Here is the roundup of the top British schools in Dubai, ranked ‘Outstanding’ by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai (KHDA).
Note: All schools in this list are based on the KHDA rating for 2023-2024. Also, it is advised to contact the school directly for the latest fee information, as fees may change annually.
1. King’s School Dubai
King’s School Dubai, located in Al Barsha, is renowned for its exceptional British curriculum. It stands out as the only school in the UAE to receive an ‘outstanding’ rating every year from the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau. The school fosters a multicultural environment with around 950 students from over 60 nationalities, promoting diversity and intercultural understanding.
With multiple branches, King’s School offers impressive facilities, including a library, art studio, drama theatre and gymnasium. As one of the best private schools in Dubai, it focuses on developing students’ innovation skills and preparing them for future success.
Location
- Umm Suqeim
- Nad Al Sheba 3
- Al Barsha 3
Contact
- Umm Suqeim: +971-4-348-3939
- Nad Al Sheba 3: +971-4-237-5555
- Al Barsha 3: +971-4-356-6900
Annual Fees
AED 44,928 – AED 68,374
Grades
Foundation Stage – 6th Grade
2. Dubai College
Dubai College, also known as DC, is one of Dubai’s oldest and most prestigious British secondary schools. Established 43 years ago, it has earned a reputation for high standards and academic excellence.
Its innovative teaching techniques provide students with unique experiences. With a strong commitment to academic achievement, the school boasts a rich history of student success. Moreover, it is also considered as one of the top schools for higher education in the UAE.
Location
Al Sufouh, Al Sufouh 2
Contact
+971-4-399-9111
Annual Fees
AED 93,220 – AED 105,555
Grades
Year 7 – Year 13
3. Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) in Arabian Ranches offers a high-quality British education for students aged 3-19. The school is noted for its outstanding facilities and community spirit, receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating by KHDA for the 2023-2024 academic year.
With a focus on holistic education, JESS promotes a sense of belonging and engagement among students. This helps enhance their overall learning experience.
Location
Arabian Ranches
Contact
+971-4-361-9019
Annual Fees
AED 48,330 – AED 100,578
Grades
Foundation Stage – Year 13
4. Dubai English Speaking School
Founded over 50 years ago, Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) offers an inclusive British curriculum for primary and secondary education. With campuses for different age groups, DESS embraces diversity and promotes a supportive learning environment.
DESS is also one of the top schools in the UAE and is distinguished by its community-oriented programs. Such programs allow parents to engage in their children’s education.
Location
Oud Metha, Umm Harirar 2, Dubai
Contact
+971-4-337-1457
Annual Fees
AED 41,427 – AED 51,269
Grades
Foundation Stage – Year 6
5. Jumeirah College
Jumeirah College, established in 2013, is a non-profit British school in Dubai under the GEMS Education umbrella. It serves over 2,050 students and provides a curriculum that includes A Levels, AS Levels, GCSEs and the UK National Curriculum. The school prides itself on its inclusive approach and experienced British staff.
With extensive facilities, Jumeirah College aims to nurture students’ academic and personal growth while preparing them for future success.
Location
19th Street, off Al Wasl Road, Al Safa
Contact
+971-4-395-5524
Annual Fees
AED 77,133 – AED 94,415
Grades
Year 7 – Year 13
6. Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) – Al Safa
The Al Safa branch of Jumeirah English Speaking School offers a well-rounded British curriculum from Kindergarten to secondary education. The school’s dedicated staff fosters a creative and critical thinking environment, encouraging students to voice their opinions and explore their interests.
Located conveniently in Jumeirah, it provides a seamless transition for families in the area, promoting easy access to quality education.
Location
Al Safa, Jumeirah
Contact
+971-4-361-9019
Annual Fees
AED 48,331 – AED 159,728
Grades
FS1 – Year 6
7. Dubai British School Emirates Hills
Dubai British School Emirates Hills (DBSEH) is known for its strong community ethos and academic excellence. The school, located in the Emirates Hills area, offers a nurturing environment for over a thousand students aged 3 to 18.
DBSEH focuses on holistic development, encouraging students to excel academically and participate in extracurricular activities. The supportive relationships formed here greatly contribute to student success.
Location
The Town Centre, Springs 3, Emirates Hills
Contact
+971-4-361-9361
Annual Fees
Year 7 to Year 13: AED 93,220 – AED AED 105,555
Grades
Foundation Stage – Year 13
8. Dubai English Speaking College
Dubai English Speaking College (DESC) is known for its commitment to academic excellence and personal development. It offers a variety of extracurricular activities alongside a robust British curriculum, fostering a well-rounded education for students aged 11-18.
DESC provides a supportive and engaging learning environment, consistently achieving outstanding KHDA ratings, reflecting its high quality of education.
Location
Dubai Academic City
Contact
+971-4-360-4866
Annual Fees
AED 41,427 – AED 87,147
Grades
Class 7 – Class 12
9. Horizons English School LLC
Horizons English School focuses on primary and kindergarten education, providing a nurturing learning environment for young children. With UK-trained teachers, the school aims to cultivate students’ skills and talents through a variety of activities, including arts and music.
Located near Al Safa Park, Horizons fosters creativity and exploration in its students, ensuring a balanced education.
Location
30B Street, Al Wasl
Contact
+971-4-342-2891
Annual Fees
AED 30,780 – AED 43,108
Grades
FS1 – Year 6
10. Deira International School
Deira International School (DIS) is one of the top schools in Deira. It is a well-regarded educational facility welcoming nearly 2,000 students from diverse backgrounds. The school is popular for its inclusive environment, providing quality British education from nursery through secondary school.
With a focus on academic and personal development, DIS is a notable choice for families in the Deira area.
Location
Near Orient Insurance Building, Dubai Festival City, Al Badia Boulevard
Contact
+971-4-232-5552
Annual Fees
AED 40,500 – AED 82,000
Grades
FS1 – Year 12
11. GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
GEMS Jumeirah Primary School is a prestigious institution in the heart of Jumeirah, offering an evolving curriculum for students. With a commitment to academic and personal achievement, the school aims to prepare children for future success in a supportive environment.
Celebrating 25 years of excellence, GEMS Jumeirah continues to evolve, focusing on high standards and innovative teaching methods.
Location
Street No. 19, Al Safa 1
Contact
+971-4-394-3500
Annual Fees
AED 43,185 – AED 54,435
Grades
FS1 – Year 6
12. Victory Heights Primary School
Victory Heights Primary School is a vibrant educational hub located in Dubai Sports City. The school is dedicated to nurturing students’ potential and fostering a love for learning. With a unique vision to ‘Nurture, Challenge and Excel’, it creates a supportive community for students.
Victory Heights offers a diverse curriculum, encouraging students to develop into confident individuals ready to excel in their future endeavours.
Location
Dubai Sports City
Contact
+971-4-560-2000
Annual Fees
AED 39,216 to AED 53,476
Grades
FS1 – Year 6
13. Nord Anglia International School LLC
Nord Anglia International School Dubai is a distinguished institution known for its diverse language offerings, including Arabic, German, Spanish, French and Mandarin. It is also considered one of the best IGCSE schools in Dubai. The school prioritises personal development alongside academic excellence, offering various activities for students beyond traditional studies.
The school’s focus on personalised learning in small class sizes (20-22 students) ensures an engaging educational experience.
Location
Al Barsha South
Contact
+971-4-219-9999
Annual Fees
AED 66,300 to AED 100,200
Grades
FS1 to Grade 13
14. Safa Community School
Safa Community School offers a British curriculum that emphasises academic excellence and character development. Known for its inclusive atmosphere, the school provides exceptional pastoral care and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school’s holistic approach ensures students receive a well-rounded education.
Location
Al Barsha South First, Dubai
Contact
+971-4-385-1810
Annual Fees
AED 51,190 to AED 84,000
Grades
FS1 to Grade 13
15. Dubai British School Jumeirah Park
Established in 2005, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park is recognised for its commitment to academic excellence and a holistic educational experience. The school fosters critical thinking, creativity and character development, preparing students for future success.
With over 3,000 students and a team of 50 UK-qualified teachers, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park emphasises the ethos of ‘Enjoy, Aspire, Achieve’.
Location
Al Warood Street 1, Jumeirah Park
Contact
+971-4-552-0247
Annual Fees
AED 64,210 to AED 109,232
Grades
FS1 to Year 13
FAQs
As per KHDA, there are over 800 British schools in Dubai.
The British Curriculum in the UAE follows the UK education system, focusing on academic excellence and critical thinking. Students progress through key stages and earn internationally recognised qualifications like GCSEs and A-levels.
In conclusion, Dubai offers many exceptional British schools that cater to diverse educational needs and preferences. Each school provides unique opportunities, ensuring a well-rounded education for your child.
That said, if your child is in the final school stages, it’s time to explore the best universities in Dubai on Property Finder.
