Nord Anglia International School Dubai vs Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai
Nord Anglia International School Dubai and Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai are both in Dubai, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and Nord Anglia International School Dubai also offers IB. Published annual fees are AED 69,625 - 105,288 at Nord Anglia International School Dubai and AED 78,758 - 119,713 at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, which puts Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai roughly 13% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18.
Nord Anglia International School Dubai is located in Al Barsha 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits in a central area just off Hessa Street, about five minutes from Sheikh Zayed Road, with easy access via E311. The school's Al Barsha address places it in a well‑connected residential and commercial neighbourhood, with on‑site parking available for arrivals.
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
NAS Dubai serves students from ages 3 to 18, from Early Years through Sixth Form. The school follows the English National Curriculum in the primary and secondary years, with Sixth Form options including the IB Diploma Programme or A‑Levels (and related pathways such as BTEC). The campus structure aligns with Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form, as described in the school's overview.
Stages
RGSG Dubai currently serves Foundation Stage 1 through Year 8, covering ages approximately 3 to 13.
School type
School type
NAS Dubai is a co‑educational, day international school. It operates as a UK/IB‑oriented, private day school within the Nord Anglia Education family, with no boarding facilities publicly indicated.
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
The school represents students from over 90 nationalities. NAS Dubai's own curriculum pages show nationalities numbered in the 90s across school phases (e.g., 91–95), while external reporting has cited enrollments around 2,300–3,000 with more than 90 nationalities and British as the largest group. The most common nationality is British.
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
The school emphasises wellbeing and safeguarding as core to its learning community, with Outstanding ratings in KHDA inspections and ongoing safeguarding initiatives. NAS Dubai offers inclusive education and wellbeing support through structured pastoral care and digital wellbeing tools; recent Nord Anglia/NGO‑level updates describe ongoing safeguarding and wellbeing programs.
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
There is no formal country affiliation for NAS Dubai. It is part of Nord Anglia Education and teaches UK‑aligned curriculum components (UK/IB) rather than representing a single country.
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
NAS Dubai has no explicit religious affiliation. The school operates as a UK/IB international school within Dubai's private education 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 school day varies by year group but generally starts around 07:30 for Nursery, Reception and Primary, and around 07:45 for Secondary. End times range from about 15:00 to 16:00 depending on year group and activities, with Extended Academic Programs offered after school. Friday schedules follow a tutor/assembly rhythm with after‑school activities continuing where offered.
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
A school bus service is offered as an optional transport option with additional fees. Details, routes and sign‑up arrangements are handled through the admissions process.
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
- Application fee (per child, non-refundable): AED 525 (inclusive of 5% VAT). - One-off registration / admission deposit to accept an offered place (new students): AED 5,000 (charged as an admission deposit and deducted from the total tuition for that academic year; non-transferable and non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances described by the school). - Re‑registration deposit for existing students: 5% of the school's tuition fees as a re‑registration deposit to confirm return for the new academic year; this deposit is non‑refundable and will be deducted from the total tuition for that academic year.
Tuition fees by year group (2025–26 academic year, amounts in AED)
- Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) - Annual fee: AED 69,625. Term 1: AED 27,851; Term 2: AED 20,887; Term 3: AED 20,887.
- Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) - Annual fee: AED 69,625. Term 1: AED 27,851; Term 2: AED 20,887; Term 3: AED 20,887.
- Year 1 - Annual fee: AED 81,228. Term 1: AED 32,492; Term 2: AED 24,368; Term 3: AED 24,368.
- Year 2 - Annual fee: AED 81,228. Term 1: AED 32,492; Term 2: AED 24,368; Term 3: AED 24,368.
- Year 3 - Annual fee: AED 87,030. Term 1: AED 34,812; Term 2: AED 26,109; Term 3: AED 26,109.
- Year 4 - Annual fee: AED 87,030. Term 1: AED 34,812; Term 2: AED 26,109; Term 3: AED 26,109.
- Year 5 - Annual fee: AED 87,030. Term 1: AED 34,812; Term 2: AED 26,109; Term 3: AED 26,109.
- Year 6 - Annual fee: AED 87,030. Term 1: AED 34,812; Term 2: AED 26,109; Term 3: AED 26,109.
- Year 7 - Annual fee: AED 92,832. Term 1: AED 37,134; Term 2: AED 27,849; Term 3: AED 27,849.
- Year 8 - Annual fee: AED 92,832. Term 1: AED 37,134; Term 2: AED 27,849; Term 3: AED 27,849.
- Year 9 - Annual fee: AED 92,832. Term 1: AED 37,134; Term 2: AED 27,849; Term 3: AED 27,849.
- Year 10 - Annual fee: AED 99,794. Term 1: AED 39,918; Term 2: AED 29,938; Term 3: AED 29,938.
- Year 11 - Annual fee: AED 99,794. Term 1: AED 39,918; Term 2: AED 29,938; Term 3: AED 29,938.
- Year 12 - Annual fee: AED 105,288. Term 1: AED 42,116; Term 2: AED 31,586; Term 3: AED 31,586.
- Year 13 - Annual fee: AED 105,288. Term 1: AED 42,116; Term 2: AED 31,586; Term 3: AED 31,586.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are presented on a termly basis (Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3). The school issues tuition invoices according to the academic terms and the termly figures above are the standard term invoices. - An annual payment option is available; paying the full year in one payment qualifies for a 3% discount where the full annual tuition is paid in full prior to Monday 18 August 2025 (deadline as stated for the 2025–26 academic year). - New‑student admission deposit (AED 5,000) is deducted from the total tuition for the academic year in which admission is being sought and is non‑refundable and valid only for that academic year. Existing students pay a 5% re‑registration deposit which is deducted from the total tuition for the returning academic year. - For the purposes of refunds and pro‑rations, the value of the fee per month is calculated by dividing the total tuition fee by ten. Specific deduction rules apply depending on the length of attendance in a term (for example: attendance of two weeks or less leads to deduction of one month's fee; attendance between two weeks and one month leads to two months' fees being deducted; attendance beyond one month leads to a full term's fee being deducted). Charges for books and uniforms are not refundable; the same refund rules apply to transportation fees provided by the school.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable: Nord Anglia International School Dubai operates as a day school (no boarding provision).
Other costs and optional charges
- Optional additional costs are charged separately and typically include school transport, school uniforms, enrichment / after‑school activities, examination fees (IGCSE/A‑Level/IB where applicable), trips (local and international), music tuition and other optional programme costs. Amounts vary by service and student. - Transport is charged as an optional service and third‑party summaries report typical transport ranges around 6,000– AED 12,000 per year depending on route and service. Uniform costs, enrichment and activity fees vary by item and programme; third‑party summaries and local retail sources indicate uniform items and occasional kit purchases are additional (examples: individual uniform items and optional specialist jackets).
Refund information (summary)
- Deposits (application deposit and registration/admission deposit or re‑registration deposit) are treated as non‑refundable in normal circumstances. The school may refund deposits only under special circumstances (for example, documented family relocation) and such cases may be submitted to the relevant regulatory authority for review. Refunds of tuition after a student has started are calculated according to the attendance-based deduction scale described above. Charges for books and uniforms are not refundable.
Fee payment options
- Tuition payments are processed through the school's payments system. The NAS Dubai parent app supports tuition payments and is used for payment handling, lunch pre‑orders and activity sign‑ups; the school's published information indicates electronic payment processing through that system. Specific accepted payment instruments (for example, bank transfer or card) are handled through the school's payment platform and local payment arrangements.
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
NAS Dubai follows an internationally enhanced English National Curriculum from Early Years through Year 11, with IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. In Early Years, learning is organized around the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with play-based, enquiry-led activities across seven areas of learning. From Year 1 to Year 11, the curriculum is English-medium and prepares pupils for IGCSE assessments. In the Sixth Form (Years 12–13), NAS Dubai offers two pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or A-Levels, with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) available for A-Level students. The IB Diploma Programme comprises six subject groups (three HL and three SL) plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service. NAS Dubai also provides BTEC pathways as part of its broader curriculum, and a Languages Programme offering French, German, Mandarin and Spanish across the school.
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. Make an enquiry: The admissions process begins by submitting an online enquiry form, sending an email, or calling the admissions staff. This initial contact allows parents to discuss their family's specific needs and provide basic background information about their child. The team uses this step to establish direct communication and explain the timeline for expected entry.
2. Visit us: Parents are prompted to schedule a virtual tour and a discovery meeting based on their availability. During this session, the admissions staff outlines the daily routines and structural setup of the school. This serves as a dedicated time for parents to ask specific questions about how the school aligns with their child's educational requirements.
3. Make your application: To formally apply, families must submit an online application form alongside the required supporting documents, such as previous school reports and identification. At this stage, a non-refundable application fee of AED 525 is collected to process the file. Following submission, parents are also invited to schedule an in-person campus tour to view the physical classrooms and facilities.
4. Assessment and offer: The school will arrange a time for the student to complete an online admissions assessment, or provide video evidence for younger students. Results from this assessment are typically communicated within one week, giving parents a few days to make their decision. Upon receiving an offer, parents secure their child's place by accepting the enrolment terms and paying an enrolment fee of AED 5,000.
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
Nord Anglia International School Dubai operates a rolling waiting list system for year groups that are currently at full capacity. If a student successfully passes the required admissions assessment but a seat is not immediately available, they are moved onto this waitlist. Applications remain on the list continuously until a place opens up, meaning parents do not need to submit a new application or pay additional assessment fees for the following term while waiting for an available spot.
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.
