Dubai British School Jumeira vs Raffles International School
Dubai British School Jumeira and Raffles International School are both in Dubai, about 8 km apart. Both schools follow a British curriculum. Published annual fees are close, at AED 43,500 - 69,872 for Dubai British School Jumeira and AED 34,055 - 86,815 for Raffles International School. Dubai British School Jumeira takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Raffles International School from 3 to 18. Dubai British School Jumeira is the larger school, with around 1,750 pupils to Raffles International School's 1,340. Typical class sizes are 18 at Dubai British School Jumeira and 12 at Raffles International School.
Located in Al Wasl, Dubai, Dubai British School - Jumeira sits along the Dubai Canal on a large 22,227 square metre campus. The site is positioned to serve families in the Jumeira/Al Wasl area and is part of Taaleem's Dubai British School network. The campus is designed to integrate with the canal-side community and central Dubai transport routes.
Location
Raffles International School is located in Dubai, in the Umm Suqeim 3 district opposite the Burj Al Arab on Al Baghla Street. The campus sits in a residential, coastal area near the beach with direct road access via Umm Suqeim Road. The area is served by private transport and taxi services, facilitating access from central Dubai.
Stages
Stages
The school will initially educate students aged 3 to 11 (Foundation Stage 1 to Year 6). It will later expand to include older year groups, ultimately serving up to Year 13.
Stages
The school runs Nursery through Year 13. The early years follow an EYFS pathway, while the Primary and Secondary curricula align with the English National Curriculum, leading to GCSE/IGCSE options, and the Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers A-Level or BTEC pathways.
School type
School type
Co-educational (mixed gender).
School type
The school is co-educational. It operates as a day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Publicly available data on pupil nationalities is not published.
Pupil nationality mix
RIS represents students from more than 80 nationalities. The most common nationalities and the local-to-international pupil ratio are not publicly disclosed.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
SEN provision is supported by a dedicated team of SEN professionals across Taaleem's Dubai British School network, enabling inclusive education and targeted support as needed.
Additional learning support
RIS provides English as a Second Language support and is described as fully inclusive, with provisions to accommodate different learning needs and styles.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
National Curriculum for England (UK curriculum) is followed.
Country affiliation
The curriculum follows the English National Curriculum and UAE MOE Arabic and Islamic Education; RIS is accredited by UK bodies including the British Schools Overseas (BSO) and British Schools in the Middle East (BSME).
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation is not listed or specified.
Religious affiliation
There is no explicit religious affiliation. UAE Arabic and Islamic Education are included as part of the UAE curriculum requirements, not as a school denomination.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day typically starts around 7:15–8:15 and ends around 3:15–3:45, with a shorter Friday day finishing around early afternoon; a mid-day break is included.
School day structure
School timings are 7:30 am to 3:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, and 7:30 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays.
Bus service details
Bus service details
A school bus service is available to support commuting families.
Bus service details
A bus service is provided by Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC. Buses are equipped with seat belts, and safety procedures are followed for the collection and delivery of students to and from RIS.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Tuition fees (KHDA approved, Academic Year 2025/26)
- Rising 3s: Term 1 AED 17,400; Term 2 AED 13,050; Term 3 AED 13,050; Annual AED 43,500. - Foundation Stage (FS1 – FS2): Term 1 AED 20,591; Term 2 AED 15,443; Term 3 AED 15,443; Annual AED 51,477. - Year 1 – Year 2: Term 1 AED 20,591; Term 2 AED 15,443; Term 3 AED 15,443; Annual AED 51,477. - Year 3 – Year 6: Term 1 AED 23,534; Term 2 AED 17,651; Term 3 AED 17,651; Annual AED 58,836. - Year 7 – Year 8: Term 1 AED 27,949; Term 2 AED 20,962; Term 3 AED 20,961; Annual AED 69,872. - Year 9 – Year 11: Annual AED 69,872 (these year groups will be added in future academic years). - Year 12 – Year 13: Annual AED 77,217 (these year groups will be added in future academic years).
Application and registration fees
- Application fee: one-time, non-refundable, non-transferable AED 525 (includes 5% VAT). Applies to new students only. - Registration fee: AED 4,000 payable by new students to secure a place; this amount is credited against the joining term fees. The registration fee is non-refundable. The deadline for Term 1 fee and registration arrangements is 2nd August (academic year deadlines are specified in the payment terms).
KHDA charges and ancillary official tariffs
- KHDA administration fee for transfers within Dubai: AED 120 per student (collected on behalf of KHDA). - Other KHDA-specified tariffs (examples): Education Continuation Certificate for visa renewal AED 120; student leaving form AED 120; student transfer within stipulated timeframe AED 120; student transfer after stipulated timeframe AED 520; attestation of student certificate/report card AED 120; ‘To whomsoever it may concern' certificates AED 120; student exam grade amendment AED 120. These fees are payable to the school accounts office when the service is requested.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Termly billing: tuition is charged by term. A student may not start the academic year unless the first term fee has been paid in full. - Due dates for Academic Year 2025/26: Term 1 payable by 1 August 2025; Term 2 payable by 1 December 2025; Term 3 payable by 1 March 2026. - The registration fee (AED 4,000) reserves the seat until full tuition payment is made and is deductible against the first term tuition fees. - The school reserves the right to withhold school reports, final results, and transfer certificates until all fees are settled in line with Ministry of Education regulations.
Payment options and procedures
- Accepted payment methods: cash, credit card (MasterCard and Visa only), bank transfer, or cheque. - Credit card payments: MasterCard and Visa accepted; card payments are made using the payment link contained in the invoice. - Bank transfers: account details available from the school accountant (Mr Keith Villodres). All bank charges are the responsibility of the remitter; include student name and grade on transfer and confirm with the school. Contact: +971 4 612 1444 ext 2. - Cheque policy: company cheques preferred. Personal cheques for Term 1 are not accepted if presented within five working days of the academic year start; when paid by personal cheque the school requires payment at least three working days prior to the invoice due date. A returned/dishonoured cheque fee of AED 500 applies. Post-dated cheques for Term 2 may be lodged in advance.
Boarding
- Boarding facilities are not offered; school transport is available via an external RTA-approved provider (Arab Falcon). Transport arrangements, bookings and billing are handled directly by the transport provider.
Other costs and typical additional charges
- Uniforms: the school's uniform is supplied through the chosen provider Magrudy's. Specific uniform prices are set by the supplier. - Catering: the school's catering provider is Leela's Lunches; meal purchasing and pricing are arranged through that provider. - Transport: bus services are provided by Arab Falcon; parents deal directly with Arab Falcon for reservations and will be billed by the transport provider. Transport payment dates (example schedule) are: first payment due by 1 September for the September–January term and second payment due by 1 February for the February–June term (transport billing handled by the provider). - External examination fees: there may be additional charges for external examinations in secondary school; the school will notify families in advance of such charges. - Returned cheques: AED 500 charge for any returned or dishonoured cheque.
Tuition refund and withdrawal policy (summary)
- Registration/re-registration deposit is not refundable except in extenuating circumstances (examples: family/student relocation to another country/emirate or similar). Such cases may be submitted to KHDA for review. - Refund calculations (as applied by the school): - Tuition fees paid prior to the beginning of the academic year are refundable, minus the registration/re-registration fees. - If the student was enrolled for two weeks or less, one month's fees will be deducted. - If the student was enrolled for more than two weeks but less than one month, two months' fees will be deducted. - If the student was enrolled for more than one month, the full term's fees will be deducted. - Refunds are calculated from the start of the term and the date of the official written withdrawal request, not from the date of absence. Book fees are refundable if the student leaves prior to the beginning of the academic year. Registration or re-registration deposits may be refundable if a school quality rating drops and families choose to move, consistent with KHDA rules.
Contact for accounts and clarification
- School accounts e-mail: accounts@dubaibritishschooljumeira.ae; Finance contact telephone: +971 4 612 1444 Ext 2 (school accountant contact for bank details and payment confirmation).
Notes
- Exam, extracurricular, transport, uniform and catering providers may charge separately and set their own prices; these additional optional or third-party charges are billed or arranged outside the term tuition described above.
Fee details
Application & assessment fees
- Assessment test fee: AED 525 (including 5% VAT; non-refundable and payable at the time of assessment). - Registration fee for new students: 10% of the applicable annual tuition (non-refundable but adjustable against Term 1 fee once admission is confirmed). Specific registration amounts are shown with the new-student fee schedule below. - Re‑registration fee for returning students: 5% of the annual tuition (non-refundable but adjustable against Term 1 fee). Specific re‑registration amounts are shown with the existing‑student fee schedule below.
Tuition fees — existing students (2025–2026 academic year, amounts in AED)
- FS1 (age 3): Annual fee AED 34,055; Term 1 balance AED 13,621; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217; Re‑registration fee: not applicable for FS1. - FS2 (age 4–5): Annual fee AED 34,055; Re‑registration fee AED 1,705; Term 1 balance AED 11,916; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217. - Year 1 (age 5–6): Annual fee AED 42,092; Re‑registration fee AED 2,105; Term 1 balance AED 14,731; Term 2 AED 12,628; Term 3 AED 12,628. - Year 2 (age 6–7): Annual fee AED 54,080; Re‑registration fee AED 2,705; Term 1 balance AED 18,927; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224. - Year 3 (age 7–8): Annual fee AED 54,080; Re‑registration fee AED 2,705; Term 1 balance AED 18,927; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224. - Year 4 (age 8–9): Annual fee AED 54,488; Re‑registration fee AED 2,725; Term 1 balance AED 19,071; Term 2 AED 16,346; Term 3 AED 16,346. - Year 5 (age 9–10): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881 (KHDA approved shown higher); Re‑registration fee AED 3,195; Term 1 balance AED 22,358; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164. - Year 6 (age 10–11): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881; Re‑registration fee AED 3,195; Term 1 balance AED 22,358; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164. - Year 7 (age 11–12): Applicable annual fee AED 64,950; Re‑registration fee AED 3,250; Term 1 balance AED 22,730; Term 2 AED 19,485; Term 3 AED 19,485. - Year 8 (age 12–13): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Re‑registration fee AED 3,615; Term 1 balance AED 25,292; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681. - Year 9 (age 13–14): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Re‑registration fee AED 3,615; Term 1 balance AED 25,292; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681. - Year 10 (age 14–15): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Re‑registration fee AED 3,615; Term 1 balance AED 25,292; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681. - Year 11 (age 15–16): Applicable annual fee AED 76,619; Re‑registration fee AED 3,830; Term 1 balance AED 26,817; Term 2 AED 22,986; Term 3 AED 22,986. - Year 12 (age 16–17): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Re‑registration fee AED 4,340; Term 1 balance AED 30,385; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045. - Year 13 (age 17–18): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Re‑registration fee AED 4,340; Term 1 balance AED 30,385; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045.
Tuition fees — new students (2025–2026 academic year, amounts in AED)
- FS1 (age 3): Annual fee AED 34,055; Registration fee AED 3,405; Term 1 balance AED 10,216; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217. - FS2 (age 4–5): Annual fee AED 34,055; Registration fee AED 3,405; Term 1 balance AED 10,216; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217. - Year 1 (age 5–6): Annual fee AED 42,092; Registration fee AED 4,210; Term 1 balance AED 12,626; Term 2 AED 12,628; Term 3 AED 12,628. - Year 2 (age 6–7): Annual fee AED 54,080; Registration fee AED 5,410; Term 1 balance AED 16,222; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224. - Year 3 (age 7–8): Annual fee AED 54,080; Registration fee AED 5,410; Term 1 balance AED 16,222; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224. - Year 4 (age 8–9): Annual fee AED 54,488; Registration fee AED 5,450; Term 1 balance AED 16,346; Term 2 AED 16,346; Term 3 AED 16,346. - Year 5 (age 9–10): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881; Registration fee AED 6,390; Term 1 balance AED 19,163; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164. - Year 6 (age 10–11): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881; Registration fee AED 6,390; Term 1 balance AED 19,163; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164. - Year 7 (age 11–12): Applicable annual fee AED 64,950; Registration fee AED 6,495; Term 1 balance AED 19,485; Term 2 AED 19,485; Term 3 AED 19,485. - Year 8 (age 12–13): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Registration fee AED 7,225; Term 1 balance AED 21,682; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681. - Year 9 (age 13–14): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Registration fee AED 7,225; Term 1 balance AED 21,682; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681. - Year 10 (age 14–15): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Registration fee AED 7,225; Term 1 balance AED 21,682; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681. - Year 11 (age 15–16): Applicable annual fee AED 76,619; Registration fee AED 7,660; Term 1 balance AED 22,987; Term 2 AED 22,986; Term 3 AED 22,986. - Year 12 (age 16–17): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Registration fee AED 8,680; Term 1 balance AED 26,045; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045. - Year 13 (age 17–18): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Registration fee AED 8,680; Term 1 balance AED 26,045; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The academic year is divided into three Terms: Term 1 (September–December), Term 2 (January–March) and Term 3 (April–June). Payment due dates for the 2025–2026 fee schedules are shown on the schedules and include: Re‑registration date and Term payment dates (examples shown for 2025–2026: re‑registration payable 4 April 2025; Term 1 payable 22 August 2025; Term 2 payable 5 January 2026; Term 3 payable 27 March 2026). - Payment may be made in full or by term. Parents may provide two dated cheques (one per term) or pay by bank transfer, cash or credit card; bank transfers must include student details and remittance evidence should be sent to accounts@rafflesis.com to enable timely reconciliation. Dishonoured cheques incur an administration fee of AED 200 and the school may suspend attendance for unpaid fees. - For mid‑year admissions the school calculates fees pro rata: attending less than two weeks = one month's fee payable; more than two weeks but less than one month = two months' fee payable; attending more than one month in a term = full term fee payable. One month's fee is calculated as annual fee divided by ten.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed as an offering or fee at Raffles International School (Umm Suqeim). No boarding fees appear in the published fee schedules for RIS; fees shown are for day‑school tuition and associated services.
Other costs and commonly payable extras
- Stationery and educational materials. - School uniform, team kits and sporting attire. - External examination fees (IGCSE/A‑level/BTEC exam entry). - Meals/cafeteria charges. - Transportation (school bus) charges. - Educational visits, voluntary excursions or tournament participation (charged case by case). - Replacement student ID cards and incidental sundries. - Textbooks for secondary pupils may be purchased from the school at cost price; parents may also buy externally but students must own all specified books. - Insurance: parents are advised to maintain health, accident and liability insurance for their children; insurance costs are not included in tuition.
Refund information (key points)
- Registration and re‑registration fees are non‑refundable; these fees may be adjusted against Term 1 fees when admission is confirmed but cannot be carried forward or used for a sibling. - If a family withdraws a student who has already presented term cheques for the new academic year, written notice must be received by the Admissions Office no later than the first day of the Term to permit refund calculations. Refunds for students who leave during a term are calculated pro rata by the school's published refund policy: less than two weeks' attendance = one month's fee payable and remainder refunded; more than two weeks but less than one month = two months' fee payable and remainder refunded; more than one month = full term fee payable. Refunds are calculated from the start of the term to the formal withdrawal request date, and 30 days' written notice is required to prepare documentation and refunds. Registration/re‑registration fee, educational materials fee, uniform and sundry items listed in Schedule C are not refundable.
Fee payment options and banking details (as published)
- Zenda online payment / Zenda app (school payment portal). - Bank transfer to the school (published account): Account Name: Raffles International School LLC; Account No. 019000004615; IBAN AE720330000019000004615; Swift/BIC BOMLAEADXXX; Bank: Mashreq Bank, Branch: DIC, Dubai, UAE. Parents are requested to include the child's ID, name and school name on transfer and to send remittance advice to accounts@rafflesis.com. - Cheque payable to Raffles International School LLC (cheques accepted in person; post‑dated cheques accepted for Term 2 & Term 3). - Credit card payments at school premises. - Cash payments (receipt to be collected).
Discounts
- Sibling discounts are published: 5% for the second and third child; 10% for the fourth child; 15% for the fifth child; 20% for the sixth child onwards.
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
Dubai British School Jumeira (DBS Jumeira) is part of the Dubai British Schools group (Taaleem) and opened in September 2024 to offer a British curriculum from EYFS through Year 13. The curriculum is grounded in the National Curriculum for England, with English as the language of instruction. It provides the Early Years Foundation Stage and Primary through Year 6, followed by secondary through Year 13. Examinations offered include UK IGCSEs in Year 11 and A-Levels in Years 12-13. The DBS group describes its campuses as offering GCSEs and A-Levels as part of their UK curriculum pathways.
Curriculum details
Raffles International School Dubai follows the National Curriculum for England across all year groups, with Early Years (Nursery, FS1 and FS2) taught under the UK EYFS framework. The Primary years (Years 1–6) use the England NC, supplemented by the UAE Ministry of Education for Arabic and Islamic Education; from Year 3 Mandarin or French are available, Arabic is mandatory from Foundation, and EAL support starts from Year 1. In Secondary (Years 7–11), students continue the England NC at KS3 leading to GCSE/IGCSE options, with English, Mathematics and Science compulsory and Arabic required for Arab students; a wide range of electives is offered, including Art & Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, Economics, French, ICT, Mandarin, Music, PE, Spanish and various BTEC Level 2 subjects. Sixth Form (Years 12–13) provides 3–4 A Levels or a single BTEC Level 3 option, both over two years, with the possibility to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The GCSE/IGCSE approach emphasises learner-centred, enquiry-based learning to prepare students for higher education and international opportunities.
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. Submit your application online through the Online Admissions Portal and check Admissions Availability to ensure the year group you are applying for is open. Prepare and upload all required documentation as part of the online application. Step 2. Pay the AED 525 application fee; the fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment can be made by bank transfer using the bank details provided by the admissions team. Step 3. Book an assessment with the Admissions Team. FS1 & FS2 use a Stay and Play assessment; Years 1 & 2 use a 1-on-1 assessment; Years 3 to 12 use a CAT4 assessment plus a written English assessment; overseas applicants may have alternative steps arranged. Additional assessments may be requested if learning support is considered beneficial. Step 4. The Academic Team reviews the assessment; if a place is offered, you receive an offer letter and an invoice for the joining term's non-refundable registration fee. Parents have five working days to return acceptance paperwork and pay the registration fee. If a place is not available, applicants may be placed on the waiting list. Step 5. KHDA registration is required for joining. A Transfer Certificate from the current school is required, and KHDA guidelines may require Emirates IDs and related attestations; the school coordinates transfer certificates through the admissions process.
Admissions
RIS Dubai admissions intake is primarily in September, but spaces may be available throughout the year depending on capacity. To begin the process, complete the Online Application Form. An assessment/interview for FS1 to Year 13 is conducted 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Monday to Thursday, by appointment only. There is a non-refundable AED 525 assessment fee payable on the day of the assessment. After the assessment, a senior academic team member reviews the results and prior school reports; a formal offer letter is issued within 2 working days and is valid for five days from receipt. If no place is available at the time of application, the child is placed on a waiting list and notified when a place becomes available. The Admissions Office is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm on site.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
The ACES Scholarship Programme provides merit-based scholarships across three categories: Sports, Academic and Co-curricular, and Emirati Distinction. It is open to students from Year 5 to Year 13 for the next academic year and is awarded as a percentage of KHDA approved annual school fees, up to 20%. The closing date for applications is July 1 each year, and successful applicants are informed at the start of term one of the following academic year. The scholarship may include tailored internships, targeted academic mentorship, personalized performance pathways, and student leadership opportunities.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The admissions definitions include Closed, Open, Waiting List and Limited Spaces. Closed means waiting lists are not open; Open means a waiting list exists but place availability is not guaranteed; Waiting List means applications are on the pool and offers may follow if spaces become available; Limited Spaces means a small number of seats are available and initial offers may be placed on a waiting list. For 2025/2026, year-group availability and waiting lists are shown to indicate current capacity and potential wait times.
Waitlist
If there are no places available, the student is placed on a waiting list and notified when a place becomes available.
