Cambridge International School vs GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar

	C Cambridge International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	G GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 23,795 - 36,775	Fees / year AED 28,900 - 37,400
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 13 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary)	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2026
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 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 Nad Al Hamar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Nad Al Hamar is centrally located within Dubai, providing easy access to neighboring communities such as Al Warqa, International City, Ras Al Khor, Dubai Festival City, Al Rahidya and Mirdif. Proximity to major roads like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Ras Al Khor Road (E44) ensures seamless connectivity.
Stages	Stages The school is divided into two sections: Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) and Secondary (Year 7 to Year 13).	Stages Foundation Stage (FS1) to Year 8
School type	School type Co-educational; day school; follows the UK curriculum as part of GEMS Education.	School type Co-educational
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 —
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 Inclusion and wellbeing are part of the learning framework.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliation: British overseas; follows the UK curriculum and is designated as a British school overseas.	Country affiliation United Arab Emirates
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 Islamic values are part of the school's ethos.
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 The school week runs Monday to Friday (half-day on Friday). Early Years (FS1-FS2): Monday 7:30–8:15 SLA; start 8:15; End of Day FS1 12:15, FS2 12:30. Tuesday–Thursday FS1/FS2 start 7:40; End 12:15 (FS1) and 12:30 (FS2). Friday 7:40 start; End of Day To be confirmed. Year 1–Year 8: Monday 7:30–8:15 SLA; start 8:15; End of Day 2:30. Tue–Thu start 7:40; End 2:30. Friday 7:40; End 11:30. Gates open from 7:30 AM. Ramadan timings: 8:15 AM to 1:00 PM (Mon–Thu, subject to KHDA approval).
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 STS Group provides school transport with a fleet of CCTV-enabled Smart Buses, ADAS cameras, GPS tracking and RFID systems; to register, contact the Service Delivery Executive at [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 Application / Registration - Registration deposit: 10% of the total tuition fee. This deposit is payable after an offer is made, is deductible from the total tuition for the academic year and is non‑refundable. Tuition fees — Academic year 2026/2027 (KHDA approved and Founding Family discount & term instalments) - FS1: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 34,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 28,900; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 11,560, Term 2 AED 8,670, Term 3 AED 8,670. - FS2: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 38,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 32,300; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 12,920, Term 2 AED 9,690, Term 3 AED 9,690. - Year 1 to Year 6: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 41,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 34,850; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 13,940, Term 2 AED 10,455, Term 3 AED 10,455. (Applies to Years 1–6). - Year 7 and Year 8: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 44,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 37,400; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 14,960, Term 2 AED 11,220, Term 3 AED 11,220. Billing schedule and payment terms - Parents may pay annual tuition in full or follow the term payment schedule. Tuition invoices are issued to the fee sponsor on record on request. - Term due dates for 2026/27: 1st term fee due 11 August 2026 (school advises payment before 5 August to avoid delays); 2nd term fee due 1 January 2027; 3rd term fee due 1 April 2027. - Non‑payment consequences: failure to pay tuition may result in loss of place, withholding of reports/references/examination results, and temporary or permanent suspension or exclusion. Timely payment is required. Discounts and card promotion - A Founding Family (15%) discount is shown in the published fee schedule (discounted annual and instalment figures are listed above). - Use of the FAB GEMS World Credit Card to pay annual tuition in advance is promoted; benefits listed include savings of up to 3% and additional rewards on school expenses (terms and conditions apply). School transport (optional) and related fees - School bus fees for 2026/27 are charged by area; each route has an annual fee and corresponding per‑term amounts. Example entries from the transport rate list (2026/27): Nad Al Hamar annual AED 6,000 (per‑term splits shown AED 2,400 / AED 1,800 / AED 1,800); several other areas have higher annual rates (for example routes listed at AED 7,300, AED 7,750, AED 8,000) with corresponding per‑term amounts. Booster pads/child seats are charged separately at AED 300 per seat per student. Full payment for each term must be made irrespective of number of days used; transport fees are required in advance to activate student ID for bus travel. Uniform and catering (other regular costs) - School uniform is required and is available from THREADS (The Uniform Store). Specific uniform item prices are set by the supplier. - School meals are provided via a cashless Slices catering system. Parents top up student accounts (via GEMS Connect) and students use a card/ID for purchases. Catering credit is a recurring cost separate from tuition. Refunds and student withdrawals - Registration deposit: non‑refundable. Tuition refunds follow the UAE Ministry of Education policy; tuition refunds are processed only after a written request to the admissions office and are returned to the original payee. - Student withdrawals: a written notification to the registrar is required; a 30‑day notification period is specified to allow processing of documents. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable for this school; published information and age range indicate day‑school provision for FS1–Year 8 without boarding facilities. How payments are processed - Transport payments can be made online via GEMS Connect; the school notes a range of straightforward payment options and issues tuition invoices to the fee sponsor on request. The FAB GEMS World Credit Card is specifically referenced for advance annual tuition payments and associated card benefits.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
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 National Curriculum for England (British Curriculum). Year Groups: Foundation Stage (FS1) to Year 8, growing year by year to Year 13. Curriculum Enrichment: UAE Ministry of Education subjects integrated into the curriculum. Subjects include English, mathematics, science, computing, humanities, languages (Arabic A and B), physical education, music, art and design.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression GCSEs and A Levels are future pathways.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
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 STEP 1 – ONLINE APPLICATION: Complete the Online Student Enquiry & Registration. After submission, you receive an acknowledgement with an online reference number and guidance on the next steps. Admissions are open for FS1 through Year 8 for the 2026-27 academic year. STEP 2 – ASSESSMENT: The School Registrar invites the child for an assessment or interview via email or phone. Results are notified by email or phone. Observations are used for Foundation Stage 1 and 2; Written assessments for Year 1 and 2; CAT4 and written assessments for Year 3 to Year 8. STEP 3 – ENROLMENT: The Registrar sends offer letters to successful applicants, subject to seat availability. STEP 4 – REGISTRATION DEPOSIT, DOCUMENTS AND TRANSFER CERTIFICATE GUIDELINES: The registration deposit is 10% of total tuition, payable after an offer is accepted, non-refundable and deductible from the total tuition. After completion, enrollment is confirmed and the tuition payment schedule is emailed by the Finance department. Required documents include passport copies for the child and parents, residency visa, birth certificate (English or Arabic), recent photographs, the last two school reports for Year 1 and Year 2 (or Last two years school reports and CAT4 for Year 3 and above), nursery reports if available for FS1/FS2, immunization card, Emirates IDs, and a transfer certificate. Transfer certificates must be on official letterhead and include the student's full name, date of birth, enrolment date and year group, present class, year/grade completed and promoted to, school curriculum, and principal signature and stamp; attestation applies for transfers from GCC/UAE and for some international cases.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
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.	Waitlist —
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