Dubai College vs Kings' School Al Barsha

	D Dubai College Dubai, United Arab Emirates	K Kings' School Al Barsha Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 97,415 - 110,305	Fees / year AED 57,999 - 105,873
Age range	Age range 11 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,140	Pupils 2,971
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Dubai College is located in the Al Sufouh area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, near the Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Internet City. It sits along Al Sufouh Road with convenient access to Sheikh Zayed Road and the surrounding knowledge clusters. The school uses PO Box 837 as its postal address for correspondence. (Location details and area context are supported by the KHDA-inspected listing for Dubai College and independent locality guides.)	Location Kings' School Al Barsha is located in Al Barsha 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Umm Suqeim Road. The campus sits close to Mall of the Emirates and other residential areas, with convenient road access and on-site parking. The nearest Dubai Metro station is Mall of the Emirates (Red Line), and bus routes 84 and F30 stop near the school.
Stages	Stages The school is structured in three progressive sections: Lower School for Years 7–9, Middle School for Years 10–11, and Sixth Form for Years 12–13.	Stages The school provides Foundation Stage (FS1) through Year 13 (Sixth Form), serving students aged about 3 to 18.
School type	School type Dubai College is a co-educational, independent, not-for-profit school that follows the English National Curriculum.	School type The school is co-educational. It operates as a day school, with a typical school day from 7:00 AM to 4:45 PM on most days and a shorter day on Fridays ending at 12:00 PM.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix KHDA's 2023–2024 inspection records 1,094 students on roll, including 9 Emirati students. The largest nationality group is the United Kingdom. This indicates a predominantly international student body with a local-to-international ratio of approximately 1 Emirati to 121 international students; the exact total number of nationalities represented is not specified in the report.	Pupil nationality mix The school attracts students from around 70 nationalities. The largest nationality group is the United Kingdom, with Emirati students numbering in the low hundreds (the KHDA data notes around 203 Emirati students) and a notable portion of students identified as being of determination (about 259).
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Dubai College provides a dedicated Student Services team led by a SENCO, with school counsellors and medical support on site to support wellbeing and inclusion. The safeguarding framework and inclusion initiatives are described as part of its pastoral provision.	Additional learning support The school offers care and support for students with Additional Learning Needs (SEN). There is a robust provision for students of determination, with a significant number of such students enrolled.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Dubai College follows a British-style education with the English National Curriculum; it is not tied to a single country in terms of affiliation.	Country affiliation The school follows a UK curriculum and is categorized as a British overseas school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation stated. Islamic Studies is taught for Muslim students as part of the UAE curriculum.	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation is not part of the school's profile; the school is described as non-religious in its character.
School day structure	School day structure Normal school days start with registration at 07:45–07:50 and end at 15:35 after the seventh period. A lunch break runs from 12:20 to 13:20. Ramadan timings may be adjusted in line with local practice.	School day structure School hours typically run from 7:00 AM to 4:45 PM, with Friday sessions ending at 12:00 PM. There is on-site parking and nearby public transport options for commuting families.
Bus service details	Bus service details Dubai College operates 18 morning and afternoon bus routes plus 6 late buses for activities. Buses are provided by a mix of in-house and third-party operators and are not door-to-door; stops are chosen to be close to students' homes where safe. Registration is via the Maverick Parent app, and the school provides a transport coordinator for questions. Bus fees are published for the 2025–2026 year.	Bus service details A school bus service is available, with bus routes 84 and F30 stopping near the campus. Transport fees, where charged, are listed in school fee materials (example ranges include 6,800–12,500 AED per year).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition fees (2025–2026) - Years 7–11: AED 97,415 per annum. Term breakdown: Term 1 AED 38,966.00; Term 2 AED 29,224.50; Term 3 AED 29,224.50. Fees are payable in advance. - Years 12–13 (Sixth Form): AED 110,305 per annum. Term breakdown: Term 1 AED 44,122.00; Term 2 AED 33,091.50; Term 3 AED 33,091.50. Fees are payable in advance. Application fees - Year 7 entry: A total application/assessment fee of AED 525 (AED100 application fee + AED400 assessment fee, inclusive of VAT) is payable at the time of submitting the Year 7 online application. Payment instructions are provided as part of the online application process. - Year 12 entry: There is no application fee required at initial submission; an application/assessment fee of AED 525 is payable only for short-listed Year 12 applicants invited to interview. Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is split into three terms (Autumn: Sept–Dec; Spring: Jan–Mar; Summer: Apr–Jul). Term invoices show the due date as the first day of the school term; fees are payable promptly on that due date. - Parents wishing to pay via monthly instalments must contact the Bursar to agree a payment plan. - The Governors reserve the right not to admit a student if Term 1 fees are not paid on time and may suspend a student for up to three days if fees for other terms are not paid. Re-registration fee and Personal Debenture - An annual re-registration fee equal to 5% of the annual tuition fee is payable at the start of Term 3. - A Personal Debenture is required for all new students joining in 2025–2026. The required debenture amount for 2025–2026 is AED 30,000; the debenture is intended to be returned to the purchaser (less any outstanding sums owing to the school) when the student leaves. The Debenture is due upon accepting a place and a place is not confirmed until the Debenture has been bought unless an agreement has been made with the Bursar. Optional extras and other recurring charges - School transport: AED 2,377 per term for a return journey, or AED 1,254 per term for a one-way service. Sibling discounts for the bus service apply: 10% discount for the second child and 25% for the third and subsequent children (applies to both one-way and return). - Private music tuition: AED 2,612 per term (including VAT). This covers a minimum of 400 minutes of private teaching in ten 40‑minute lessons per term; the music fee is payable in advance with tuition and transport charges. A term's written notice is required to withdraw from transport or private music lessons. Other costs (uniform, equipment, kit) - Uniform and regulated kit are required. Regulation items (uniform, school bags, specific art and mathematical equipment, optional locker padlocks) are stocked at the designated supplier (Stitches, Al Quoz). Prices for uniform and kit items are set by the supplier and are not listed as fixed school charges. Students' uniform items should be clearly labelled. Boarding (where applicable) - Dubai College operates as a day school and does not provide boarding accommodation; therefore boarding fees do not apply. Refund information - Personal Debenture refund: To obtain a refund of the Personal Debenture, the purchaser must complete the school's Redemption Information Form. Refunds of the debenture are made by online bank transfer to the person or company that paid for the debenture, less any sums owed to the school; refunds are not made in cash or by cheques made payable to cash. - Transport and music lessons: A term's written notice is required if a student is withdrawn from transport or private music lessons; fees and notice obligations for these services are set out in the school's fee arrangements. Fee payment options and responsibilities - Fees and fee-related arrangements are handled by the school's Finance Office / Bursar; parents must contact the Bursar to arrange monthly instalments or to discuss exceptional payment arrangements. Application payments are taken through the school's online application process where specified (for example Year 7 applications). The Personal Debenture is payable on acceptance of a place unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed with the Bursar. The school specifies that debenture refunds are paid by online bank transfer. Notes on discounts and variability - Sibling discounts are applied to the bus service as specified above; other fee discounts (if any) and annual fee reviews are a matter for school policy and KHDA allowances. Fee levels shown above apply to the 2025–2026 academic year as stated in the school's published fee schedule.	Fee details Application / Registration fees - Application (assessment) fee: AED 500 (non‑refundable). Enrollment/confirmation deposit: up to 10% of the annual tuition for new students (non‑refundable and deductible from the first term's fees). Re‑enrolment fee for existing students: up to 5% of the tuition fees or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non‑refundable and deductible from the first term. Tuition fees (annual and per term) — academic year 2025–2026 Note: the school operates on a three‑term academic calendar; per‑term figures shown below are the annual tuition divided by three (see Billing schedule). The annual tuition figures below reflect the most recent published fees adjusted under the KHDA approved increase for 2025–2026. - Foundation Stage 1 & Foundation Stage 2: Annual AED 57,999; Per term AED 19,333. - Year 1 & Year 2: Annual AED 60,656; Per term AED 20,219. - Year 3: Annual AED 66,085; Per term AED 22,028. - Year 4: Annual AED 68,166; Per term AED 22,722. - Year 5 & Year 6: Annual AED 73,595; Per term AED 24,532. - Year 7: Annual AED 87,614; Per term AED 29,205. - Year 8: Annual AED 90,175; Per term AED 30,058. - Year 9: Annual AED 92,559; Per term AED 30,853. - Year 10: Annual AED 99,171; Per term AED 33,057. - Year 11: Annual AED 104,691; Per term AED 34,897. - Year 12 & Year 13: Annual AED 104,695; Per term AED 34,898. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school follows a three‑term academic calendar (Term 1: Sep–Dec; Term 2: Jan–Apr; Term 3: Apr–Jul). Fee invoices are issued against terms; the registration/enrolment fees are normally deducted from the first term invoice. Per‑term amounts above are calculated as annual tuition divided by three. - Registration, deposit and re‑enrolment fees are non‑transferable and non‑refundable; enrolment/deposit payments are normally applied to the first term. Specific payment deadlines and any available payment plans are issued with the offer and invoice. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered at the Kings' School Al Barsha campus (day school only). Other costs and typical additional charges - School uniform and required supplies: budget range indicated AED 60 to AED 2,000 (uniform items and optional accessories are charged separately and sold through the school's official supplier). - Transport (school bus): typical annual range AED 8,000 to AED 11,000 (depending on route/one‑way or return). - School trips and excursions: typical range AED 50 to AED 14,000 (local and overseas trips vary by programme). - Learning‑support / additional provision: where required, charges vary (examples published show a wide range up to the amounts indicated on the KHDA fact sheet). External exam board charges and some activity fees are charged separately. - Typical extracurricular and club activity costs, overnight camps and overseas educational trips are charged in addition to tuition; amounts vary by activity and year group. Example ranges reported by school fact sheets and fee summaries align with the figures above. Refunds and withdrawal / notice terms - Registration fee, enrolment/deposit and re‑enrolment fees are non‑refundable. Refund of tuition (when applicable) follows the Ministry of Education / KHDA bylaws: if a student withdraws prior to the start of the academic year, the balance of the first term's fees paid may be refunded after deduction of non‑refundable amounts; during the year refunds and charges are applied according to the published withdrawal/refund rules (examples: partial‑term attendance rules and minimum notice periods apply). Exact refund calculations are handled by the school finance office in accordance with KHDA rules. Fee payment options - Payments accepted include bank transfer and credit card. Credit‑card payments may be subject to a surcharge per card type. Bank charges for international transfers are payable by the payer. The school's finance office issues official invoices with payment instructions and available payment methods on the offer/fee invoice. Scholarships and discounts - The school offers a range of discounts and scholarship opportunities (employee discounts, sibling discounts and limited academic/sports/arts scholarships). Where applicable these are applied against standard tuition and are subject to eligibility criteria and duration terms. Specific scholarship/discount details and maximum percentages are published for the school's intake years. (End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Dubai College requires a neat school uniform. The regulation items are stocked at Magrudy Enterprises (Beach Road, Jumeirah) and at Stitches (Street 10, Al Quoz). Dubai College's online sports kit (Kukri) is available, including Senior Rugby shorts, Cricket top and trousers, and a Netball dress for Years 7–9. All uniform items and kit should be clearly labelled with the student's name.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Dubai College has four food outlets: the main canteen, Charlton's Café in SPACE (open at break and lunch to all students, and all day for Sixth Form students), the kiosk for snacks and drinks, and the Quad Café in The Jafar Centre offering hot and cold food. A cashless card is used to purchase meals, and a mobile app provides information on what has been purchased. Packed lunches are allowed, and the school encourages healthy eating.	Food options —
House system	House system Dubai College uses a four-house system: Barbarossa, Chichester, Cousteau, and Heyerdahl. Every student is assigned to a house, and houses compete across more than 70 events spanning sports, arts, and academics. The inter-house Sports Day is a key annual event.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Dubai College is a non-profit school governed by a Board of Governors drawn from the local community under an Emiri Decree. The Board decides policy, with day-to-day implementation carried out by the Headmaster and Bursar.	Governance and ownership The school is part of Kings' Schools, a family founded in 2004 with Kings' School Dubai.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Dubai College follows the English National Curriculum, organized into Lower School (Years 7–9), Middle School (Years 10–11) and Sixth Form (Years 12–13). Lower School offers broad exposure to subjects including Mathematics, English, Science, Arabic, French or Spanish, Geography, History, UAE Social Studies, Islamic Studies for Muslim students, plus Music, PE, Drama, Art, Design and Technology, Computer Science and Digital Skills; in Year 9 Latin is optional and all students begin GCSE study in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In Middle School, every student takes 10 GCSEs (Mathematics, English Literature, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Arabic or Arabic A, UAE Social Studies in Year 10, Games, and Islamic Studies for Muslim Students) and selects three options including one from Computer Science, Economics, Geography or History and one from Art/Design/Technology, Drama, Latin, Music or Physical Education; French or Spanish may also be studied. In Sixth Form, almost all students study four A Levels at the start of Year 12, typically reducing to three by Year 13, with subjects including Art and Design, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Drama & Theatre Studies, Economics, English Literature, the Extended Project, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology and Spanish; Games are compulsory and TopUP university preparation is provided, with Islamic Studies and Arabic as appropriate for Muslim students. A Dubai College Careers Programme supports 14–19 pathways and there are IGCSE and A Level options materials to guide subject choices.	Curriculum details The school teaches the British curriculum with UK Academic Qualifications. It serves ages 3 to 18, from Foundation Stage through Year 13. Primary through Secondary to Sixth Form. The school has more than 3,000 students from over 70 nationalities. The campus is centrally located and provides facilities for sports, arts and technology.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
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 Dubai College supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a Rolling Positive Education Programme grounded in PERMA, a Character Development Programme, a DEI and Belonging Society, Wellbeing Action Groups, data-led weekly student check-ins via YouHQ, and access to The Wellbeing Hub for resources.	Social & emotional learning Wellbeing is central to Kings' School Al Barsha's culture and ethos. The wellbeing program is described as ambitious and innovative, overseen by an experienced leadership team. Formal and informal wellbeing data are analysed to inform detailed improvement plans. Students support and influence the school's wellbeing provision, including student-led leadership and engagement in wellbeing initiatives. Curricular and extracurricular programmes, after-school clubs, and whole-school events promote wellbeing and provide targeted interventions based on data. Wellbeing is rated Outstanding in the KHDA inspection findings.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) SEN provision is delivered by an Inclusion and SEND team, led by the Head of Student Services/SENCO (Cindy Penney); the school has three school-based counsellors, a medical clinic, and SEND staff including HLTA Kate McIlveen, Faryal Saeed, and Lorna Silverlock, with a strong commitment to inclusive education for Students of Determination.	Special educational needs (SEN) 259 students of determination are recorded at Kings School Al Barsha in the KHDA DSIB 2023-2024 inspection. The DSIB notes exemplary policies, systems and practices supporting safeguarding and child protection. The report indicates health and safety arrangements and care and support for students are Outstanding across age groups. The curriculum is described as designed to meet the needs of all students, with curriculum design and implementation and curriculum adaptation rated Outstanding. Details on which kinds of SEN the school can support or whether it is a specialist SEN institution are not specified in the KHDA DSIB report. Overall, the findings indicate strong inclusion practices and learner support.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision in its public materials.	English as an additional language Language of instruction at Kings School Al Barsha is English. The KHDA DSIB notes that Arabic is taught to first-language learners and to Arabic as an additional language, with FS2 and Year 1 grouped for Arabic A and Arabic B and weekly Arabic lessons for younger students. English attainment is Outstanding across English in Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16. The DSIB report does not provide explicit information about a dedicated EAL program or explicit EAL support measures. No explicit EAL provision details are publicly disclosed in the DSIB report.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the Wellbeing Programme, including Mental Health Support delivered by pastoral teams and dedicated counsellors, plus data-led weekly wellbeing check-ins via YouHQ and access to the Wellbeing Hub.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is central to the school's culture and ethos, with the wellbeing program described as highly ambitious and innovative. The program is overseen by an experienced leadership team and uses formal and informal data to monitor wellbeing and inform improvement. Students support and influence the wellbeing provision, taking on leadership roles and contributing to wellbeing initiatives. Curricular and extracurricular programmes promote wellbeing, including student-led initiatives, wake-and-shake sessions, and after-school clubs as part of the approach. Wellbeing is rated Outstanding in the KHDA inspection, reflecting strong provision and outcomes.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is embedded in Dubai College's culture and policies, with a safeguarding team including a DSL, two DDSLs, Heads of Year, and a safeguarding governor; three school-based counsellors and a medical support team; annual safeguarding training and online safety training; and safeguarding integrated into the Rolling Positive Education Programme.	Safeguarding The KHDA DSIB 2023-2024 notes the school has exemplary policies, systems and practices supporting safeguarding and child protection. The report states health and safety arrangements for child protection/safeguarding are Outstanding across all phases, with care and support described as Outstanding. The inspection highlights a nurturing environment and exemplary staff–student relationships as part of safeguarding outcomes. The safeguarding focus is integrated with the school's pastoral and wellbeing provisions, including the MSCS-based curriculum and assemblies. Overall, safeguarding is identified as a strength in Kings' School Al Barsha's DSIB findings.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Dubai College sits on a 19-acre campus in Al Sufouh. The SPACE facility provides a double-width sports hall, a full-size gym, a swimming pool and two fitness studios. The Jafar Centre, opened in 2023, adds flexible learning spaces including interactive classrooms and a maker space, and houses the Bridgman Library and the Quad cafe. The C Hub hosts the library, studios and galleries, while the Science Block contains 21 laboratories. The campus includes a 900-seat auditorium, Black Box Theatre, Art Studios, Music Centre with 12 practice rooms and a recording studio, plus extensive outdoor pitches and floodlit courts.	Facilities overview The school has a centrally located Dubai campus with world-class sports, art and technology facilities. The campus serves Foundation Stage through Year 13, with more than 3,000 students from over 70 nationalities. It is rated Outstanding by KHDA and delivers a British curriculum with UK academic qualifications. The learning environment is designed to support a broad, holistic education across the age range.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities SPACE houses a double-width sports hall, a full-size gym/fitness area, a swimming pool and two fitness studios. An outdoor MUGA, floodlit netball/tennis courts, and first-class rugby, football and cricket pitches with spectator seating complete the facilities. The Sports Pavilion provides changing rooms and medical facilities.	Sports facilities The campus has sports facilities as part of the central campus. The facilities are described as world-class and support physical education and sports activities. The facilities support a broad sports program across the school.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Science Block contains 21 laboratories. Bridgman Library is located in the C Hub and there is a dedicated school library; a 320-study-bay Sixth Form Centre with collaboration rooms and a common room. The English Block houses specialists and a Harkness Room.	Academic facilities The school teaches a British curriculum with UK academic qualifications. The campus includes technology facilities as part of its academic provision. The school serves students from Foundation Stage (FS1) through Sixth Form (Year 13). The central location and facilities are designed to support high-quality learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The 900-seat Auditorium is used for assemblies and performances, and the Black Box Theatre seats 150 and is complemented by three drama studios. The Music Centre offers 12 practice rooms and a recording studio, and four Art Studios support visual arts. The Jafar Centre opened in 2023 and includes a maker space, the Bridgman Library, Quad cafe and Digital Studios.	Extra curricular facilities The school provides a wide variety of activities within and beyond the classroom. Life at Kings' emphasises participation in activities as part of the educational experience.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Dubai College was formally constituted on 4 May 1978 by the consent of His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, to provide modern British-style secondary education in the Emirate of Dubai. Tim Charlton, the founder, had previously taught in Choueifat, Sharjah, and returned to Dubai to establish the college. Ahmed Baker provided instrumental early support, and Tim Charlton arranged meetings with banks, architects and parents to secure backing for the project. The plan for the school culminated in a signed directive to build a school, here, marking the establishment of Dubai College.	History Kings' School Al Barsha opened in September 2014. It is part of the Kings' Education family, which began with Kings' School Dubai in 2004. The Al Barsha campus delivers a British curriculum with UK Academic Qualifications. Kings' Education promotes the principle of ‘The Best By Every Child' across its schools. The Kings' School Al Barsha community comprises more than 3,000 students from over 70 nationalities.
Community	Community Dubai College's community is organized around the Friends of Dubai College (FDC), a volunteer group open to all parents, staff and alumni. The FDC aims to enrich and complement the educational experience through a variety of school social events, from Fun Days for the Lower School to farewell events for our departing Year 13 students. It also organises events to support the school's wellbeing and philanthropic initiatives and to bring parents, teachers, staff and friends together for social occasions. The group provides support for key academic events held at the school, including parents' evenings, and leads and coordinates the Class Representative communication system to cascade information through volunteer Parent Reps.	Community Kings' School Al Barsha is an educational community centered around positive outcomes for young people. Its vision and values emphasize academic excellence, responsibility and leadership, emotional awareness and participation in a wide range of activities inside and beyond the classroom. Foundation Stage and Primary Open Day is held on 19 November to welcome prospective families and showcase the campus. The school serves a diverse community of 3,000+ students from 70 nationalities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Dubai College's PTA-equivalent is the Friends of Dubai College (FDC). It is a volunteer group open to all parents, staff and alumni. FDC aims to enrich and complement the educational experience through a range of school social events, from Lower School ‘Fun Days' to milestone Year 13 farewells. It also organises activities to support the school's wellbeing and philanthropic initiatives and to bring together parents, teachers, staff and friends for social events. FDC provides support to key academic events, including parents evenings, and leads the Class Representative communication system to disseminate information via volunteer Parent Reps. The Executive Committee is elected and actively plans and coordinates these activities.	Parent teacher association There is no formally named PTA published on the official materials for Kings' School Al Barsha. Parent involvement is supported through the Parent Essentials section and the Parent Portal, which provide information on after-school care, catering, transport and uniforms. Foundation Stage Open Day and other family events provide channels for parent participation in the learning journey. Family-focused events such as Family Fest have been organized on the Al Barsha campus, and Kings' Education also runs family events across its campuses, including Family Community Day and Foundation Stage Open Morning.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Dubai College follows an adapted English National Curriculum within a selective school. The aim is to develop understanding, knowledge and skills to meet global challenges and to place students at highly selective universities worldwide. The curriculum is organized into Lower School (Years 7–9), Middle School (Years 10–11) and Sixth Form (Years 12–13), with 10 GCSEs taken in Years 10–11 and four A Levels commonly studied in Year 12. A Careers Programme supports 14–19 pathways and university preparation.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Dubai College offers Music, Drama, Art and Design and Technology as part of the curriculum. In Sixth Form, students can study A Level subjects including Art and Design, Drama and Theatre Studies, and Music. Creative subjects are integrated across the lower and senior years and supported by a broader program of school life.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Arabic is studied from Year 7 with Arabic A available for students who hold Arabic passports. French or Spanish is offered in the Lower School, and Year 9 includes Latin as an option. In Sixth Form, languages include French, Latin and Spanish, and Arabic (as a first language) remains required for Arabic passport holders. UAE Social Studies and Islamic Studies are part of the curriculum.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Games and physical education form a core part of the Middle School curriculum. The school operates a House Programme to promote student life and competition. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is available to students. Dubai College also integrates wellbeing into school life through a Positive Education Programme.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Dubai College has community structures including the Dubai College Foundation, Alumni network and Friends of Dubai College.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional A Careers Programme provides a planned, progressive pathway for 14–19 learners, supporting university and career planning. TopUP lessons support university preparation in Year 12 and 13. The A Level Options Process and A Level Options Booklet help with subject choices.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Dubai College runs a Rolling Positive Education Programme and Wellbeing initiatives. A weekly Positive Education Programme is delivered in Year 9, and Form Tutors provide personal support for wellbeing. Wellbeing resources are accessible through the school's wellbeing offerings.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school uses English as the language of instruction. Arabic is studied as a subject across the lower years. French or Spanish are offered as optional language subjects in the lower years, and Latin is available in Year 9. In the Sixth Form, Arabic A is available; Arab-nationality students must study Arabic A, and non-Arab students who have studied Arabic A may continue it alongside A Level subjects.	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 Dubai College is a selective, not-for-profit, fee-charging day school in Dubai. Year 7 entry has 176 places and is selective; applications for August 2026 closed, with eligible applicants invited to sit an entrance assessment in November if applied by the deadline. The majority of new Year 7 students come from Dubai primary schools, with joiners from other Emirates and overseas, representing about 35–40 different primary schools. Applicants should be in the school year corresponding to their age; for Year 7 in 2026, the candidate should be 11 by 31 August 2026 and have completed Year 6 in 2025–26. Applications for overseas moves can be completed without visiting Dubai, with assessments conducted under examination conditions at the student's current school and remote interviews where applicable; the deadline for year-group admissions is the same for UAE and overseas applicants, and late overseas applications are not accepted. The school requires fluency in written and spoken English and does not teach English as a Second/Foreign Language. Emirati families are given priority through the Emirati Scholars Programme, which admits Year 7 Emirati scholars; admissions involve contextual data, a dedicated Tutor for Emirati Scholars, and final decisions made by the Head. The Emirati Scholars Programme operates within the school's admissions framework with specific dates for application through Year 7 entry.	Admissions The school has an Outstanding KHDA rating. The school serves ages 3 to 18 (FS1 to Year 13), from Foundation Stage through Sixth Form. The school teaches a British curriculum with UK Academic Qualifications. The school has a centrally located campus with world-class sports, art and technology facilities. The school has 3,000+ students and 70+ nationalities. Admissions are open for the 2026–2027 academic year, covering Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form. The school can be contacted at +971 4 356 6900 and [email protected].
Scholarships	Scholarships The Emirati Scholars Programme prioritizes Emirati students for Year 7 admission, using contextual admissions criteria and assigning a Tutor for Emirati Scholars to monitor progress and provide targeted support. Applications are processed through the Year 7 entry pathway with defined dates; the programme reflects Dubai College's commitment to Emirati education within its selective admissions framework.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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