Cambridge International School vs GEMS Founders School Dubai South
Cambridge International School and GEMS Founders School Dubai South are both in Dubai, about 39 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and Cambridge International School also offers Cambridge (Primary). Published annual fees are AED 23,795 - 36,775 at Cambridge International School and AED 30,940 - 40,460 at GEMS Founders School Dubai South, which puts GEMS Founders School Dubai South roughly 18% higher. Cambridge International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and GEMS Founders School Dubai South from 3 to 14.
Al Twar 1, near Al Twar Library, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits on Damascus Street in Al Twar 1. The area is well-connected by road and nearby public transport options serve the neighbourhood.
Location
GEMS Founders School – Dubai South is located in Dubai South, alongside Expo Road and near Expo City Dubai. Dubai South is the large master-planned development focused on aviation, logistics and real estate, with surrounding residential communities. The campus is accessible from the Dubai South area and is positioned to serve families relocating to the district.
Stages
Stages
The school is divided into two sections: Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) and Secondary (Year 7 to Year 13).
Stages
The school is organised into Early Years (EYFS), Primary and Secondary. It opened with FS1 to Year 8 and is planned to extend to Year 13 by 2029, broadening the upper-key-stage coverage over time. Current secondary provision covers Years 7-8, with expansion anticipated to include higher year groups in the future.
School type
School type
Co-educational; day school; follows the UK curriculum as part of GEMS Education.
School type
The school is co-educational (gender of entry is mixed). It operates as a British-curriculum, international school within the UAE. No boarding facilities are indicated for the Dubai South campus.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Data on the exact number of nationalities and local/international ratios is not publicly published; the school serves a diverse Dubai community with representation from multiple nationalities.
Pupil nationality mix
Nationalities represented are broad, with public postings indicating up to 82 nationalities on roll in recent years, and other sources listing around 60 nationalities with Indian as the most common nationality. The local-to-international ratio is not publicly disclosed.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school provides inclusive education with a dedicated Inclusion team. It supports Students of Determination with individualized plans (IEPs), access to Educational Psychologists and other specialists, and provides modification and differentiation where needed; it also offers alternative pathways such as BTEC and ASDAN where appropriate.
Additional learning support
Inclusive Education is a core part of GEMS Founders School – Dubai South. The school welcomes students with a range of learning needs, including students with disabilities, gifted and talented learners, and English Language Learners, with adjustments and targeted strategies to support diverse learners. Parents are asked to share full details of any SEN plans or reports to tailor educational provisions; admission is not conditional solely on a medical diagnosis.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Affiliation: British overseas; follows the UK curriculum and is designated as a British school overseas.
Country affiliation
The school follows the National Curriculum for England and is recognised as a British School Overseas (BSO). This reflects a UK-affiliated curriculum and international accreditation rather than a national UAE-only framework.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation: None stated; Dubai's context and the curriculum include Islamic values as part of wellbeing and cultural education.
Religious affiliation
There is no separate religious denomination affiliation stated for the Dubai South campus. UAE-specific subjects include Islamic Studies as part of the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum where applicable, but the school itself is not described as affiliated with a particular religion.
School day structure
School day structure
CIS opens at 7:20 am. FS1–FS2 run 07:40–12:10; Years 1–13 run 07:40–15:00. The Friday schedule is 07:30–11:15; weekends are Saturday and Sunday. Enrichment activities occur within the school day.
School day structure
Foundation Stage timetables start with doors open at 07:10, lessons begin at 07:40, and the day ends at 12:50 (11:20 on Fridays). Primary timetables have doors open around 07:20 with lessons from 07:40 onward and a midday break structure; Fridays show reduced sessions. Secondary timetables begin earlier, with gates open around 07:00 and lessons running from 07:40 through the afternoon, with a shorter Friday day. Ramadan hours may adjust the daily schedule during the holy month.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school contracts with STS Group to provide transport with an extensive fleet of Smart Buses (CCTV, GPS, RFID, etc.). Registration details, safety features, and route options are published by the provider; regional routes and fees are listed, and a dedicated Service Delivery Executive handles arrangements.
Bus service details
School Transport Services (STS) LLC operates the bus service for GEMS Founders School – Dubai South. STS is an ISO-accredited provider and handles all transport arrangements and payments directly with families. They offer a large fleet, trained drivers and guardians, and can consider out-of-area requests, though routes are not guaranteed. For inquiries, contact Abishek P at +971-563693171 or [email protected]
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fee
- Application fee: AED 525 payable at the time of application. This fee includes VAT, is non-transferable, and is refundable only if the school does not offer a place.
Registration / enrolment deposits (payable at acceptance)
- Registration deposit: a non-refundable deposit equal to 10% of the total annual tuition is payable when accepting an offer. The registration deposit is deductible from the total tuition for the year. Example registration deposit amounts (payable at acceptance) are: FS: AED 2,380; Years 1–2: AED 2,704; Years 3–4: AED 2,812; Years 5–6: AED 2,920; Years 7–9: AED 3,245; Years 10–11: AED 3,461; Years 12–13: AED 3,678. The application fee and registration deposit combined at the time of admission are shown as: FS AED 2,905; Years 1–2 AED 3,229; Years 3–4 AED 3,337; Years 5–6 AED 3,445; Years 7–9 AED 3,770; Years 10–11 AED 3,986; Years 12–13 AED 4,203.
Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual total)
- Foundation Stage (FS) - Term 1 (September): AED 9,519. - Term 2 (January): AED 7,138. - Term 3 (April): AED 7,138. - Annual total: AED 23,795.
- Years 1–2 - Term 1 (September): AED 10,817. - Term 2 (January): AED 8,112. - Term 3 (April): AED 8,112. - Annual total: AED 27,041.
- Years 3–4 - Term 1 (September): AED 11,248. - Term 2 (January): AED 8,437. - Term 3 (April): AED 8,437. - Annual total: AED 28,122.
- Years 5–6 - Term 1 (September): AED 11,682. - Term 2 (January): AED 8,761. - Term 3 (April): AED 8,761. - Annual total: AED 29,204.
- Years 7–9 - Term 1 (September): AED 12,980. - Term 2 (January): AED 9,734. - Term 3 (April): AED 9,734. - Annual total: AED 32,448.
- Years 10–11 - Term 1 (September): AED 13,846. - Term 2 (January): AED 10,383. - Term 3 (April): AED 10,383. - Annual total: AED 34,612.
- Years 12–13 (Post-16) - Term 1 (September): AED 14,711. - Term 2 (January): AED 11,032. - Term 3 (April): AED 11,032. - Annual total: AED 36,775.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment frequency: annual tuition may be collected in three instalments at the start of each term. The standard split is 40% due in the first term, 30% in the second term, and 30% in the third term. Fees are invoiced and payable in advance of attendance. All cheque payments must be made payable to "Cambridge International School" preferably on a bank based in Dubai.
- Term due dates (payment schedule as published): First term due 31/08/2025; Second term due 31/12/2025; Third term due 31/03/2026. Non-payment may result in withholding of reports, examination results, references and/or suspension or exclusion.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed as an available option and no boarding fees are published for this school.
Other costs and typical additional charges
- Transport (school bus): transport fees are charged separately. Example annual transport fees and term breakdown by area/route are published; example ranges include annual fees such as AED 5,480 (with per-term breakdown AED 2,192 / AED 1,644 / AED 1,644) up to AED 6,930 (with per-term breakdown AED 2,772 / AED 2,079 / AED 2,079) depending on route. Transport is a separate optional charge and must be registered for with the school's transport team.
- Uniforms: uniform items and guidance are published and uniforms are expected to be purchased from the designated supplier (Threads). Specific uniform item lists are provided, though retail prices are set by the supplier and not listed on the school's fee pages.
- Optional subjects / exam-related charges: certain subjects (for example Computer Science / ICT in some years) may be optional and any external exam or qualification fees are handled according to standard examination billing; specific examination fees or per-subject charges are not published on the tuition-fees summary page.
- Re-enrolment deposit: for returning students a re-registration (re-enrolment) deposit of 5% of total tuition is payable to secure a place for the following academic year; this deposit is non-refundable and is deducted from the first semester fees for the next year.
Refunds and withdrawal charges
- Application and registration deposits are non-refundable once a place is accepted. Tuition refunds follow Ministry of Education / KHDA bylaws: if a student withdraws before the academic year begins, the balance of the first semester fees paid will be refunded (less registration and admission fees). If a student withdraws during the school year, refund calculations follow the Ministry/KHDA rules: attendance of two weeks or less results in one month's fee charged; attendance of more than two weeks but less than one month results in two months' fee charged; attendance of more than one month results in the entire semester's fees being charged. Refunds are returned to the original payee. A one-month written notice of withdrawal to the Registrar is required.
Fee payment options and methods
- Accepted payment methods: online via the parent portal for existing families, bank transfer (bank details available from the school), in person at the Accounts Department by debit card, credit card, cheque or cash. Transport fees have a separate online payment link. The school participates in co-branded credit card discount programs (GEMS FAB / GEMS World Credit Card) that provide discounts or cashback on fees/bus/uniform purchases under the bank's terms.
Notes on policy and fee review
- All tuition fees are payable in advance of attendance and are set in accordance with the fee framework established by GEMS and KHDA. Published fees are subject to KHDA approval and may be reviewed in line with applicable regulations. The school's accounts office receives payments during normal office hours and also offers limited holiday payment hours.
Fee details
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts, AED)
- FS1: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 36,400; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 30,940. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 12,376; Term 2 AED 9,282; Term 3 AED 9,282.
- FS2: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 39,900; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 33,915. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 13,567; Term 2 AED 10,174; Term 3 AED 10,174.
- Year 1: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 43,400; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 36,890. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 14,756; Term 2 AED 11,067; Term 3 AED 11,067.
- Year 2: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 43,400; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 36,890. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 14,756; Term 2 AED 11,067; Term 3 AED 11,067.
- Year 3: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 43,400; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 36,890. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 14,756; Term 2 AED 11,067; Term 3 AED 11,067.
- Year 4: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 44,800; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 38,080. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 15,232; Term 2 AED 11,424; Term 3 AED 11,424. - Year 5: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 44,800; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 38,080. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 15,232; Term 2 AED 11,424; Term 3 AED 11,424.
- Year 6: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 44,800; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 38,080. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 15,232; Term 2 AED 11,424; Term 3 AED 11,424.
- Year 7: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 47,600; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 40,460. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 16,184; Term 2 AED 12,138; Term 3 AED 12,138.
- Year 8: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 47,600; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 40,460. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 16,184; Term 2 AED 12,138; Term 3 AED 12,138.
- Year 9: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 47,600; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 40,460. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 16,184; Term 2 AED 12,138; Term 3 AED 12,138.
Application, enrolment and registration-related fees
- Application fee: AED 500 (assessment included). - Enrolment (registration) deposit for new students: up to 10% of the total tuition fees, non-refundable and deductible from the first-term fees. Existing student re-enrolment fees: up to 5% of tuition fees or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non-refundable and deductible from the first-term fees. The school's admissions guidance also sets a registration deposit at the point of offer (stated in admissions material).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition invoices are issued to the fee sponsor on record two months prior to the start of the academic year. Tuition may be paid in full or in termly instalments. Termly due dates are on or before the 10th working day of: August for Term 1, December for Term 2, and April for Term 3. Term 1 is typically billed at 40% of the annual tuition and Terms 2 and 3 at 30% each.
Refunds and student withdrawals
- The registration/enrolment deposit is non-refundable. Tuition fee refunds follow the Ministry of Education policy; refund requests must be submitted in writing to the school admissions office and refunds are returned to the original payee. A 30-day written notification period is required for student withdrawals. Non-payment of fees may result in withholding of reports, exclusion from examinations, or loss of place.
Other costs and optional charges
- Required education supplies and typical ranges: school uniform AED 600 to AED 2,000; laptop/digital device approximately AED 515; school ID card replacement AED 20. Optional service ranges include transport AED 6,600 to AED 9,000; extracurricular activities AED 50 to AED 2,000; canteen AED 20 to AED 3,600; class photographs AED 100 to AED 500; local educational trips AED 50 to AED 2,000; overseas trips (where applicable for older years) from AED 8,000 to AED 30,000; enrichment activities and learning support ranges are published with their own scales. Uniform items must be purchased from the school's approved vendor, Threads. Transport services are provided by an external operator and transport fees are paid directly to that operator.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Cambridge International School Dubai follows the National Curriculum for England, organized into Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) and Secondary (Year 7 to Year 13) sections, with a Foundation Stage for ages 3–4 (FS1–FS2). Foundation Stage serves 3- and 4-year-olds (FS1–FS2); Key Stages 1–5 correspond to Years 1–13, mapping the NCfE progression. The Cambridge pathway is offered from Year 10–11 with IGCSE, followed by Cambridge AS and A Levels in Years 12–13, and the school is an approved examination centre for Cambridge International Examinations and the University of London. Core subjects include English, Mathematics and Science, with Arabic and other languages, plus Humanities, ICT/Computing, Art, Design & Technology, Music, Drama, Physical Education and PSHE, with optional subjects available in upper secondary. The curriculum also includes digital citizenship and dedicated student care and support as part of its Cambridge framework.
Curriculum details
GEMS Founders School Dubai South delivers a British curriculum aligned to the National Curriculum for England, integrated with UAE MOE requirements (Arabic and Islamic Education) and inclusive education. Early Years FS1–FS2 follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with one teacher and one teaching assistant in every class. Primary School Years 1–6 uses a UK curriculum with core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science) and a broad range of foundation subjects—Art & Design, Computing, Design and Technology, Geography, History, Languages, Music, and PE—alongside MOE Arabic and Islamic Education in a cross-curricular, skills-based approach. Secondary School follows the National Curriculum for England, currently focusing on Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8), with plans to expand to Year 13 by 2029 to provide broader GCSE/alternative pathways, alongside wellbeing, leadership development, and real-world connections, including aviation, aerospace, and logistics. The curriculum is complemented by co-curricular activities, inclusive education, literacy initiatives such as Read Like a GEM, and sustainability and industry-aligned projects.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1. Registration for the 2026-2027 academic year is open for all Year Groups (FS1–Year 13). The Admissions team can be contacted for further information. To begin the process, fill the online enquiry form to generate a student enquiry ID.
Step 2. An application fee of AED 525 (inclusive of VAT) is due at the time of application. The fee is refundable if the school does not offer a place, but non-refundable if the school offers a place and the family declines it. The fee is not deductible from tuition and is not applicable for students currently enrolled at a GEMS School.
Step 3. Please visit the school with the above documents and the student enquiry ID number. Documents may include UAE ID, passport and visa copies, vaccination card, passport-sized photograph, and, for certain year groups, the last final school report.
Step 4. Once registered the applicant will be placed on the waiting list and called for an assessment, depending on space availability.
Step 5. All admissions will be confirmed subject to the child's assessment results.
Step 6. FS 1 – FS 2: Visit the school with the student's documents on completion of Online Enquiry. Year 1 – Year 11: Entrance test in English (reading & writing) and Mathematics (addition & subtraction). Year 3–Year 11: CAT4 test. Year 12–Year 13: Submit the relevant Post 16 Admissions form; admissions are confirmed based on board results.
Step 7. Minimum age: FS1 requires 3 years by December 31 of the academic year; FS2 requires 4 years by December 31 of the academic year.
Step 8. Re-enroll: to secure a place for the following school year, a 5% of tuition fee deposit is due by the third week of March; the deposit is non-refundable if the offer is rejected, but is creditable against the first term's fees. Re-enrolment is handled through the PARENT PORTAL.
Step 9. Withdraw: to withdraw, complete the online withdrawal process via the PARENT PORTAL; a 30-day notification period is required to prepare documents and process refunds where applicable. Transfer Certificates and KHDA attestation processes apply as needed.
Step 10. Transfer certificates: the original Transfer Certificate must be provided; for moves from outside the UAE, the certificate must be English or Arabic and attested by the relevant authorities. Admissions offers for Year 12–Year 13 are also influenced by board results.
Admissions
New students follow four steps: online application, assessment, enrolment and registration deposit. The online application provides an acknowledgement with an online reference number for further communications. For the assessment, the School Registrar invites the child for an assessment or interview by email or phone; observation is used for Foundation Stage 1 and 2 (FS1/FS2), written assessments for Year 1 and Year 2, and CAT4 with a written assessment for Year 3 to Year 8; results are notified by email or phone. Enrolment is offered to successful applicants, subject to seat availability. The registration deposit is 5% of total tuition fees, payable after an offer is accepted; it is non-refundable and deductible from the total tuition fees. The Finance department will email the schedule of tuition fee payments. Required documents include passport copies for the child and both parents, residency visa pages, birth certificate in English or Arabic, recent passport-size photographs, copies of the last two school reports for all children entering Year 1 and Year 2 (in English) or last two reports and CAT4 for children entering Year 3 and above, nursery reports for FS1 and FS2 if available, a six-month validity medical or therapy report if applicable, immunization/vaccination card, Emirates ID cards (front and back) for child and parents, the original Emirates ID if the child is accepted, and a transfer certificate or leaving certificate (original required on the first day if accepted). The transfer certificate must include the student's full name, date of birth, enrolment date and year group, present class, year/grade completed and promoted to, and the school curriculum, plus the principal's signature and stamp. If transferring from a GCC country or another UAE Emirate, the transfer certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Education; if transferring from countries other than USA, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, Japan and New Zealand, the original transfer certificate must be attested by Educational Authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE Embassy. The documents marked with an asterisk are the minimum mandatory requirement to process the application. For existing students, a Re-Registration Deposit of 5% of total tuition is required to guarantee a place for the following academic year. The school follows the National Curriculum for England and prepares students for a UK education in the future.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
A waiting list is used after registration; applicants are called for assessment depending on space availability and admissions are confirmed based on assessment results.
