GEMS School of Research and Innovation vs Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai
GEMS School of Research and Innovation and Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai are both in Dubai, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and GEMS School of Research and Innovation also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are AED 92,800 - 161,000 at GEMS School of Research and Innovation and AED 78,758 - 119,713 at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, which puts GEMS School of Research and Innovation roughly 28% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai is the larger school, with around 1,240 pupils to GEMS School of Research and Innovation's 500. Typical class sizes are 16 at GEMS School of Research and Innovation and 22 at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai.
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
British Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
500
Pupils
1,240
Typical class size
Typical class size
16
Typical class size
22
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2025
Opened
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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
The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai is located in Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai, off Hessa Street. The campus sits within Majid Al Futtaim's Tilal Al Ghaf community, between Dubai Motor City and Sports City. The site covers around 40,000 square metres and includes facilities such as classrooms, laboratories and a swimming pool. Access to the school is via Hessa Street, with transport options by car, taxi and public transport.
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
RGSG Dubai currently serves Foundation Stage 1 through Year 8, covering ages approximately 3 to 13.
School type
School type
Private, co-educational school. The school operates within the GEMS Education network and follows a British curriculum framework.
School type
The school is co-educational and follows a British curriculum as part of the Royal Grammar School Guildford international network.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
RGSGD hosts pupils from about 54 nationalities; a significant portion of the student body comes from the United Kingdom.
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
RGSGD provides inclusion and SEN support, with an Inclusion team and a SENCO; KHDA inspection highlights wellbeing and inclusion as areas of strength.
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 through the Royal Grammar School Guildford and operates as part of the RGSG international network, delivering a British curriculum.
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
There is no formal religious affiliation. Islamic Studies is offered as an option for Muslim students in line with UAE requirements.
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 typically runs from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm on most days, with a shorter session on Fridays finishing around 12:00 pm.
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
A school bus service is coordinated with external providers; routes and timetables are not published publicly. Public transport to Tilal Al Ghaf is accessible via Dubai Metro to Mall of the Emirates, followed by bus routes F30 or F47, with a short final taxi ride to the campus.
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 fee
- AED 500 (AED 525 inclusive of VAT) charged per application. This fee covers standard assessment costs and is not deductible from tuition fees.
Deposit required to secure a place
- New pupils: a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the annual tuition fee, payable on acceptance and deducted from the annual tuition. Returning pupils: a re‑registration deposit of 5% of the annual tuition fee, deducted from the annual tuition. These deposit rules follow KHDA guidance on allowable deposits.
Tuition fees (per term and annual total)
- Early Years - FS1: Term 1 AED 31,504 · Term 2 AED 23,627 · Term 3 AED 23,627 · Total AED 78,758. - FS2: Term 1 AED 33,603 · Term 2 AED 25,203 · Term 3 AED 25,203 · Total AED 84,009.
- Junior School - Year 1: Term 1 AED 38,224 · Term 2 AED 28,668 · Term 3 AED 28,668 · Total AED 95,560. - Year 2: Term 1 AED 38,224 · Term 2 AED 28,668 · Term 3 AED 28,668 · Total AED 95,560. - Year 3: Term 1 AED 38,224 · Term 2 AED 28,668 · Term 3 AED 28,668 · Total AED 95,560. - Year 4: Term 1 AED 38,224 · Term 2 AED 28,668 · Term 3 AED 28,668 · Total AED 95,560. - Year 5: Term 1 AED 40,745 · Term 2 AED 30,558 · Term 3 AED 30,558 · Total AED 101,861. - Year 6: Term 1 AED 40,745 · Term 2 AED 30,558 · Term 3 AED 30,558 · Total AED 101,861.
- Senior School - Year 7: Term 1 AED 40,745 · Term 2 AED 30,558 · Term 3 AED 30,558 · Total AED 101,861. - Year 8: Term 1 AED 40,745 · Term 2 AED 30,558 · Term 3 AED 30,558 · Total AED 101,861. - Year 9: Term 1 AED 45,364 · Term 2 AED 34,024 · Term 3 AED 34,024 · Total AED 113,412. - Year 10: Term 1 AED 47,885 · Term 2 AED 35,914 · Term 3 AED 35,914 · Total AED 119,713. (Year 10 intake opened from September 2025; further year‑group roll‑out is subject to approval and expansion plans.) - Year 11: Term 1 AED 47,885 · Term 2 AED 35,914 · Term 3 AED 35,914 · Total AED 119,713. - Year 12: Term 1 AED 47,885 · Term 2 AED 35,914 · Term 3 AED 35,914 · Total AED 119,713. - Year 13: Term 1 AED 47,885 · Term 2 AED 35,914 · Term 3 AED 35,914 · Total AED 119,713.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition can be paid in full at the start of the academic year or by three instalments: 40% due in August (first term), 30% due in December (second term), and 30% due in March (third term). Tuition fees do not include school lunches, transport or educational trips. - Deposit handling: the registration/re‑registration deposit is deducted from the first instalment in line with KHDA fee regulations. The application fee (AED 500) is payable at application and is not deductible from tuition. - The school complies with KHDA billing framework (limits on deposits and instalment structure, and the requirement to publish a School Fees Fact Sheet). Exam fees for international board exams are charged on a cost‑recovery basis; these are additional to the tuition schedule.
Boarding fees
- The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai operates as a day school; there is no boarding provision and therefore no boarding fees.
Other costs and optional charges
- School lunches, transport and educational trips are charged separately and are not included in the published tuition figures. Some extracurricular activities run by external providers also carry additional charges. - Examination fees: international examination board fees (GCSE/A‑level/other) are charged to parents on a cost‑recovery basis. - Uniform: the school's uniform is supplied by Trutex and is available for purchase through the school shop and online; uniform costs are paid separately by parents. - Any specialist items (for example a personal IT device if not provided under a school scheme, sports kit replacements, extracurricular programme charges, or optional trips) are additional to the tuition figures above and are billed separately. The published tuition fees specifically exclude lunches, transport and external trips.
Refund information
- Refunds are processed in accordance with KHDA regulations. Registration/re‑registration deposits are generally non‑refundable except in exceptional circumstances (for example verified relocation outside the UAE) and are treated in line with the official withdrawal date when calculating any tuition refund. Tuition refunds are subject to KHDA timelines and applicable deductions based on the length of the pupil's enrolment.
Fee payment options (notes)
- The school's published fee documents set the instalment structure and deposit arrangements but do not list a specific set of accepted payment channels in the publicly published fee summary and parent contract. Bank transfer, card payments and online payment portals/mobile payment apps are commonly used by Dubai schools; parents should use the school's published finance contacts when arranging payment.
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
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
The curriculum at RGSGD is based on the UK National Curriculum with UAE adaptations, and Arabic and Islamic Studies are core elements. The Early Years (3–5) uses a two-year EYFS-based programme with seven areas of learning: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication and Language; Physical Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Expressive Arts and Design; Understanding the World, along with three core learning characteristics: playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically. Key Stage 1 (5–7) follows the English National Curriculum for English and Mathematics; core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic and Islamic Studies (for Muslim pupils), with foundation subjects such as History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, Computing, Music and PE; a bespoke Riyada curriculum covers UAE Social Studies, Moral Education, Wellbeing and Leadership Development, and Prep includes an annual Leadership Project. Key Stage 2 (7–11) continues with English and Mathematics under the English National Curriculum, with core subjects including Science, Arabic, and Islamic Studies, and foundation subjects like History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, Computing, Music and PE, plus ongoing Riyada learning; pupils use specialist facilities (Library, Art Room, Technology Room) and access 1:1 digital devices. Senior School (12–18) follows the English National Curriculum with GCSEs in Years 10–11 (typically nine subjects with six compulsory: Maths, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and three options) and three A-Levels in the Sixth Form, with an Extended Project Qualification available. As of January 2026, RGSGD welcomes FS1 to Year 10 and is accepting Year 11 for a September 2026 start, with growth planned year by year in line with KHDA regulations.
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
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
1. Make an enquiry and discuss with the Admissions Team. The team provides information and answers questions, and where possible a meeting with the parents and child is arranged to review suitability. The process is a three‑way partnership between parent, school and child.
2. Visit the school to meet the School Leadership Team and gain a sense of the environment. The visit allows families to view facilities, ask questions and assess fit. It complements the information provided during inquiry.
3. Apply for a place by completing the online application form. The online submission initiates the formal application process and next steps are explained by the Admissions Team.
4. An assessment is arranged to understand the individual learning needs of each pupil. The assessment informs staff about the pupil's strengths and any support required.
5. We welcome new pupils into the RGSGD family following assessment and discussion. The school aims to place families promptly once decisions are made.
6. Waitlists and application windows. Waitlists are in operation across several year groups for the 2026/2027 academic year. Applications are open for 2026/27 and 2027/2028.
7. Admissions age ranges. The school welcomes children from age three (toilet trained) and Year group placement aligns with KHDA guidance. KHDA-aligned year group placement is reflected in the admissions age ranges table.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
RGSGD maintains waitlists across several year groups for the 2026/27 academic year. Waitlists are currently in operation. Applications are open for 2026/27 and 2027/28.
