GEMS School of Research and Innovation vs Harrow International School Dubai

	G GEMS School of Research and Innovation Dubai, United Arab Emirates	H Harrow International School Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 92,800 - 161,000	Fees / year AED 80,000 - 128,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2025	Opened 2026
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The GEMS School of Research and Innovation is located in Dubai Sports City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It sits within the Dubai Sports City development, a neighbourhood known for its sports facilities and residential communities. The campus is a purpose-built site designed to support its focus on research, innovation, and future-ready learning. The school opened in August 2025.	Location Harrow International School Dubai is located on Al Asayel Street in the Al Thanyah Second district, just off Hessa Street. The campus is positioned near major residential communities, providing convenient transport links for families living in or relocating to Dubai.
Stages	Stages Initial year groups run from Foundation/Pre-Prep through Year 6. Year 7–Year 13 are planned for addition in subsequent academic years.	Stages The school is structured into Pre-Prep (FS1 to Year 2), Prep (Years 3 to 8), and Senior (Years 9 to 13) sections. For its initial opening, the school accepts pupils from FS1 up to Year 8, and will progressively add the older year groups in subsequent academic years.
School type	School type Private, co-educational school. The school operates within the GEMS Education network and follows a British curriculum framework.	School type Harrow Dubai operates as a co-educational day school, welcoming both boys and girls. The Dubai campus does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Public materials for SRI do not publish specific on-site SEN provisions. The GEMS Education network provides a Children's Services program that covers SEN, EAL, wellbeing, and related supports across its schools; families should contact the school for current on-site provisions.	Additional learning support Pupils requiring Special Educational Needs (SEN) or English as an Additional Language (EAL) are supported at the school. If a child requires an Individual Learning Support Assistant (ILSA), the school actively assists parents in the appointment process to ensure the appropriate learning provisions are met.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The curriculum is the English National Curriculum (British Curriculum), linking the school to the United Kingdom.	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom, delivering the British curriculum and operating as part of the global Harrow family of schools under a sub-licence from Harrow School in the UK.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no explicit religious affiliation published for the school; it follows a secular, values-led British curriculum framework.	Religious affiliation The school does not have a specific religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The teaching day runs from 7:30 to 16:30, with the campus typically open from 08:00 for student arrival. Breaks and lunch arrangements are not publicly detailed in the core materials.	School day structure The school day begins for all pupils at 7:45 AM with a morning registration known as "Bill." Academic lessons conclude between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM depending on the year group, followed by afternoon tea, homework prep, and co-curricular activities that can run until 5:30 PM. On Fridays, the school observes a half-day schedule, closing between 11:15 AM and 11:30 AM.
Bus service details	Bus service details Transport is provided through private bus providers; the school coordinates routes via its transport team. Area coverage includes Dubai Sports City and surrounding communities, with typical arrangements handled by external operators (e.g., STS Group in the Gems network).	Bus service details The school partners with an approved external transport provider to offer a daily bus service. This provider complies with all local regulatory and safety requirements. Specific details regarding available routes, pick-up schedules, and registration are shared directly with enrolled families.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and registration fees - An application processing fee is charged at the time of online registration; GEMS schools commonly charge AED 525 (inclusive of VAT) for the application stage. - A registration deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition fee is collected once an offer is accepted; this deposit is deducted from the total tuition for the year and is normally non-refundable except in specified extenuating circumstances. Tuition fees (KHDA‑approved) — Academic Year 2025/26 (annual and per‑term where published) - FS1 – Annual tuition: AED 116,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 92,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 37,120; Term 2 AED 27,840; Term 3 AED 27,840. - FS2 – Annual tuition: AED 116,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 92,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 37,120; Term 2 AED 27,840; Term 3 AED 27,840. - Year 1 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160. - Year 2 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160. - Year 3 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160. - Year 4 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160. - Year 5 – Annual tuition: AED 152,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 121,600. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 48,640; Term 2 AED 36,480; Term 3 AED 36,480. - Year 6 – Annual tuition: AED 152,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 121,600. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 48,640; Term 2 AED 36,480; Term 3 AED 36,480. - Year 7 – Annual tuition: AED 161,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 128,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 51,520; Term 2 AED 38,640; Term 3 AED 38,640. - Year 8 – Annual tuition: AED 161,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 128,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 51,520; Term 2 AED 38,640; Term 3 AED 38,640. - Year 9 – KHDA‑listed annual tuition: AED 161,000. Term instalments are collected in three instalments at the start of each term (standard GEMS instalment split is 40% / 30% / 30%); applying that instalment split to the annual figure gives: Term 1 AED 64,400; Term 2 AED 48,300; Term 3 AED 48,300. (Term instalments shown are the standard GEMS 40/30/30 split applied to the annual fee.) - Year 10–11 – KHDA‑listed annual tuition: AED 197,000. Standard 40/30/30 instalment split yields: Term 1 AED 78,800; Term 2 AED 59,100; Term 3 AED 59,100. - Year 12–13 – KHDA‑listed annual tuition: AED 206,000. Standard 40/30/30 instalment split yields: Term 1 AED 82,400; Term 2 AED 61,800; Term 3 AED 61,800. Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is split into three terms with the following term periods shown: Term 1 (Sept – Dec), Term 2 (Jan – Mar), Term 3 (Apr – June). Term dates are published on the school schedule. Term instalments for tuition are billed at the start of each term; the standard instalment structure used by GEMS is 40% payable in Term 1, 30% in Term 2 and 30% in Term 3. Examples of term dates and instalment amounts appear in the published tuition schedule. - The application fee is payable at the time of application. A registration deposit (10% of the annual tuition) is payable once an offer is accepted and is normally non‑refundable except in specified cases; the registration deposit is deducted from the year's tuition. Other costs and mandatory charges - Additional mandatory or one‑off charges commonly applied across GEMS schools include: school ID card, school diary, annual activity fees (KG and Years 1–5 examples), examination fees where relevant, and a re‑registration deposit for returning students (commonly 5% of the annual fee when re‑enrolling). Specific items and amounts vary by school and year group. - Typical extras that families should budget for include: school uniform, transport (bus) services, optional extracurricular clubs, specialist equipment or materials for certain subjects, and examination or external assessment fees. Exact charges for uniform, transport routes and extracurricular activities are set separately and applied in addition to tuition. Refunds and withdrawal terms - Refunds and the calculation of refundable amounts follow published GEMS fee policies: application fees are refundable if the school does not offer a place (unless the application is carried forward); registration deposits are normally non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances such as relocation; tuition refunds for withdrawals are calculated according to the length of enrolment with staged deductions (examples used across GEMS: tuition paid prior to the academic year may be refundable less registration/re‑registration fees; shorter enrolments incur deductions of one or more months' fees depending on time on roll). Refund rules and the required written withdrawal notice period are applied in line with KHDA and GEMS payment policies. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods across GEMS schools include in‑person payments at the school accounts office, bank/wire transfer, cheque and card payments. Credit card payment facilities are commonly available; some GEMS partner cards or promotions (for example, GEMS World/FAB card offers) may provide payment benefits. Refunds for card payments are usually returned to the same card; cash refunds are normally issued by cheque.	Fee details Application and Registration Fees A non-refundable application fee of AED 525 is required to process new pupils. To secure an offered seat, a registration fee of AED 4,000 is needed. This is credited against the first term's tuition. Annual Tuition Fees FS1: AED 80,000 FS2: AED 85,000 Years 1 to 4: AED 98,000 Years 5 and 6: AED 106,000 Years 7 to 9: AED 110,000 Years 10 and 11: AED 120,000 Years 12 and 13: AED 128,000 Other Costs A daily dining programme is compulsory. Annual dining fees are AED 6,650 for FS1; AED 7,705 for FS2; AED 9,660 for Years 1 and 2; AED 11,825 for Years 3 and 4; and AED 13,440 for Years 5 and 6. Dining fees for Year 7 and above are to be confirmed. External examinations in secondary school may incur extra fees. The school is a day school and does not charge boarding fees. Billing Schedule and Payment Options Pupils may not start the academic year unless the first term's fee is paid in full. Accepted payment methods include cash, bank transfer, cheque, and credit card (MasterCard and Visa). Refund Information Refunds follow the KHDA Refund Policy and are calculated per term from the date of the official withdrawal request. Registration deposits are refundable if the school's quality rating drops, and book fees can be refunded if a student withdraws before the academic year begins.
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 GEMS School of Research and Innovation follows the National Curriculum for England, with three learning stages: Pre-Prep FS1–Year 4, Prep Year 5–Year 8, and Senior Year 9–Year 13. The Core Curriculum emphasizes English, Mathematics, and Science while also covering Humanities, Arabic, Islamic studies, and Moral Education, with specialist language pathways in French, Spanish, and Mandarin. Digital skills are embedded across learning, including coding, AI, data literacy, and responsible online behaviour, supported by AI-driven personalisation and access to subject specialists. From Year 9 onward, GCSEs are offered across about 35 subjects, with up to 30 A-Levels to support diverse university pathways. In Senior years, elective pathways in innovation and technology are available, with industry partnerships in Computing, Engineering, Design, Enterprise, and Business, alongside sport, arts, and a portfolio-based approach to demonstrate achievements. Wellbeing, character development, and strong parent partnerships are integral to the Pioneer Curriculum, which also features inquiry-driven and real-world learning, research skills, and holistic growth.	Curriculum details Harrow International School Dubai follows the English National Curriculum across all of its developmental stages. In the Pre-Prep and Prep phases (FS1 to Year 8), pupils are taught a broad range of core and foundation subjects. As students progress into the Senior school, those in Years 10 and 11 complete their GCSE and IGCSE qualifications. In the final years (Years 12 and 13), pupils focus their studies on A-Level qualifications to support their university entry requirements. Additionally, students can earn the credits-based Harrow Diploma, which recognises their wider academic engagement and participation in the school's extended Super-Curriculum.
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 —	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 1. Initiate contact and learn about SRI. Families can book a one-on-one meeting with an admissions representative to discuss fit and next steps. Information sessions are available to provide an overview, and admissions information can be requested. The admissions process is designed to be clear and supportive. 2. Tours and visits. The School Tours program offers Pre-Prep visits (FS1 to Year 4) on Tuesdays and Prep visits (Year 5 to Year 8) on Thursdays during term time. Visiting provides a firsthand view of learning spaces and facilities. You can book a tour through the admissions pathway. 3. Application and enrollment. Submit an enrolment application to begin the journey; the site provides an enrollment invitation and encourages you to start the process. Year groups from Year 9 to Year 13 will be introduced in future academic years. 4. Fees and confirmation. Tuition is published by year group: FS1–FS2 116,000 AED; Year 1–4 134,000 AED; Year 5–6 152,000 AED; Year 7–9 161,000 AED; Year 10–11 197,000 AED; Year 12–13 206,000 AED. The enrollment invitation and fee details are presented on the admissions and information pages.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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