Compare SEN / Special Education International Schools in Dubai, United arab emirates

The school is at Street 14 C, Al Raffa Area, Bur Dubai. This is a central Dubai location easily accessible from many parts of the city.

KG1 through Grade 12, covering Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Advanced Placement courses are available at the high school level.

Private co-educational American curriculum school. NEASC and Cognia dual accredited.

46 nationalities are represented among the student body. 22 different nationalities among staff.

American curriculum based on California Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and California CTE Standards.

Bus transportation is available.

American curriculum based on California Common Core State Standards (English & Math), Next Generation Science Standards (Science), and California State Standards for CTE subjects. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered at the high school level. Well-being and sustainability programmes are integrated.

The school is a SAT test centre (ID 52860) and TOEFL test centre, supporting university applications. AP courses prepare students for competitive university admissions.

Well-being programmes support students' social and emotional development.

1.
2. Online registration and payment system available.
3. Fee structure available for AY 2025-26 on the school website.

GEMS Our Own Indian School is in Al Quoz, Dubai.

Kindergarten, Primary, Middle, Secondary, Senior Secondary.

Private co-educational CBSE day school.

Inclusion support for students with diverse needs.

School transport services available.

Part of GEMS Education.

CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education). Exceptional results.

Exceptional CBSE results.

Inclusion support programme.

Counselling services available.

Online enrolment for 2026-2027.

The Gardens, Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Gardens D 51, Near Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai. The campus spans 6.83 acres and provides state-of-the-art facilities to offer an international holistic experience for students.

The school serves students from KG I to XII. The CBSE-aligned curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of an international student body.

Private, co-educational Institution.

The school provides for students with Special Educational Needs (SEND) and Gifted students, including differentiated instruction and accommodations.

Affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, India.

School day runs Monday to Thursday from 7:40 a.m. to 2:05 p.m.; on Fridays from 7:40 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Bus transport is provided through Al Saraya Bus Rental LLC; the school coordinates routes and timings with the transport provider.

The school has a uniform policy. All students are required to wear the school uniform when attending school or representing the school.

Canteens are available on campus.

The school operates under the stewardship of the School Owner/Management with a Board of Governors as the highest governing authority. The Core Managing Committee comprises the School Owners; the Managing Director sits on the Board and guides strategy with the Senior Leadership Team handling day-to-day operations. An Operational Committee with parent representatives supports stakeholder engagement and transparency.

The curriculum is CBSE-aligned and integrates international teaching practices with UAE requirements. Accommodations are provided for SEND and Gifted students, and there is a well-developed co-curricular program to foster leadership, resilience, empathy and responsibility. Kindergarten blends CBSE with EYFS and introduces rudimentary Arabic, UAE Culture and the Universal Values of Islam to support transition to Grade I. Primary School (Grades I–V) teaches Mathematics, English, Hindi, UAE Social Studies, Arabic, Islamic Education (for Muslim students), Moral Cultural Studies, SEWA, Computer Science, Physical Education, Art, Music and Dance, with Grade IV offering a language option between Hindi and French. Middle School (Grades VI–VIII) uses CBSE as the backbone with core subjects and skill subjects such as Design Thinking, AI and Mass Media, and Arabic as an additional language, while Senior School (IX–XII) centers on the CBSE syllabus with Grade XI–XII offering streams in Science, Commerce and Humanities.

CBSE Grade X results 2023-2024: 285 students appeared and 100% passed. The School Topper was Aliya Arora with 99.4%, followed by Aarush Chengappa with 99.2% and Samreen Budhiraja and Kehara Henriques with 99%. 95.1% of students secured Distinction; the average score was 89.5% (up 1% from last year), with 58.6% of students scoring 90% or above and no compartments or failures. A perfect score of 100% was achieved by 58 students across Mathematics, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, French, Science, and IFM.

Our alumni have progressed to universities worldwide, including University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (USA), New York University (USA), University College London (UK), University of Toronto (Canada), IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi (UAE), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Purdue University (USA) and Middlesex University Dubai.

Provision and accommodations are made for SEND and Gifted students. The school also emphasizes innovation and 21st-century skills, with programmes such as Design Thinking and a broad co-curricular offering.

The school has a structured co-curricular program that supports leadership, resilience, empathy and responsibility, with a well-developed set of clubs and activities to encourage students to make interest-based choices.

The curriculum provides provision and accommodations for SEND and Gifted students, with formal alignment to CBSE and UAE requirements; assessments and progress documentation are in place.

In upper sections, language options are available; Arabic language provision is implemented as part of UAE MOE requirements, with Arabic taught as an additional language and Islam/Moral Education delivered in English where applicable.

The school emphasizes wellbeing through SEWA and other programmes integrated into the curriculum to support student welfare and healthy development.

The school operates under KHDA and MOE guidelines with regular policy reviews and integrated safeguarding practices as part of overall governance and curriculum delivery.

Admission Information: The academic year at DPS Dubai begins in April. The admission policy allows students to enrol in the institution throughout the year, subject to vacancies. The Application Process includes: 1. Start Online Submission: complete the online application form with personal information, academic history and other relevant details. 2. Submit The Form: upload essential documents including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores and other pertinent materials. 3. Review: admissions consider academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, leadership potential and other distinctive qualities. 4. Communication: expect timely updates regarding the status of the application. 5. Decision Notification: the date for an interactive session with parents and child will be communicated via SMS and email. 6. Welcome to the Community: acceptance into the learning community. Checklist of Documents to be Uploaded: STUDENT: Passport, Visa, Emirates ID, Birth Certificate, Recent Passport Size Photograph, Last Report Card from Previous School, Any Learning Support Documents, Nursery Reports for Early Years, if Applicable, Immunization Record, Transfer Certificate (TC – from Grade II onwards), CAT 4 report (Grade I, III to IX), Grade VIII, IX and the Pre-board mark sheet of Grade X for admission to Grade XI (Term 1). BOTH PARENTS: Passport, Visa, Emirates ID. Required Attestation: Students transferring from other Emirates: the Transfer/Leaving Certificate should be attested by the Ministry of Education of that Emirate; Students transferring from GCC Countries: the Transfer/School Leaving Certificate should be attested by the Ministry of Education; Students transferring from India: the Transfer Certificate/Leaving Certificate should be attested by the Education Officer of the Zone/District/Area from where the Certificate is obtained; the seal and signature of the Education Officer has to be verified by the Indian Embassy/Consulate in the UAE and the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Age Criteria (KHDA): KG1 4 years by 31st March of the year applied; KG2 5 years; Grade 1 6 years. Criteria for Admission in Senior Grades: Grade IX and Grade X – previous grade must have a minimum of 40% or at least D Grade in all subjects and an overall of 70%. Board Examinations: Science (ESM) 80% External; Commerce (Agg.) 70%; Commerce with Math (Agg.) 70% with a minimum 75% in Mathematics; Humanities (Agg.) 70%. Pre-Board Examinations: Science (ESM) 75%; Commerce (Agg.) 65%; Commerce with Math (Agg.) 65% with a minimum 70% in Mathematics; Humanities (Agg.) 65%. All admissions are based on approval by the Ministry of Education, UAE. Admission Process for External Students: after successful registration, students are required to appear for an admission test; the date for the admission test will be informed by SMS and email; the syllabus for the admission test is available on the school website; admission will be based on the performance of the student in the admission test; the student's co-curricular achievements will be an additional qualification. Withdrawal Process: any student who wishes to withdraw from the school must submit an online withdrawal form via CLP Parent's ID; the completed withdrawal form along with a fee of Dhs.120/- towards the Transfer Certificate is to be submitted to the school's office after the letter of intent. Apply Now link is available. Affiliation: KHDA, CBSE, CBSE Mandatory Disclosure, Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework.

The Indian High Group operates three Dubai campuses: Oud Metha, Al Garhoud, and The Indian International School Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). The Oud Metha campus is located near Oud Metha Metro Station. The campuses are in Oud Metha, Al Garhoud, and Dubai Silicon Oasis in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Pre-KG to Grade 11

Not-for-profit day school

An inclusive atmosphere with teachers adapting teaching techniques to involve all students, including those with disabilities.

India and the UAE

The school is not-for-profit, run by a Board of Trustees, and is part of The Indian High Group of Schools.

The curriculum is CBSE-based and aligned with MOE guidelines. Middle School covers grades 1 to 8 with a customized CBSE progression for secondary and senior secondary. Secondary School follows the CBSE curriculum from grade 9 to 12, with Arabic, Islamic Education, UAE Social Studies and MEP integrated where relevant. Optional electives include French, Computer Applications and Artificial Intelligence from grade 8 upwards. Senior Secondary offers 21 subject combinations with career guidance and counselling. 21st century learning skills, technology integration and enrichment programs such as coding, art, and field trips underpin the curriculum.

Circle of Happiness, Inclusion and Well-being is an essential part of the school system. The school recognises the central importance of human relationships and fosters a safe, caring, and supportive environment for learning. There is an explicit focus on high expectations for student performance, social-emotional learning and behaviour management. Counsellors collaborate with teachers and parents to identify academic and psycho-social-emotional needs and provide targeted interventions. Happiness and wellbeing are emphasised across the school, with daily wellbeing activities and a strengths-based approach to emotional resilience and self-efficacy.

Care & Support for Students with Learning Differences provides support in a variety of settings using multiple methodologies tailored to individual needs. Psychometric tests identify each student's needs; suitable learning challenges are set through comprehensive assessment. ASDAN is an accredited centre offering a range of courses and options to develop personal and social skills. Gifted and Talented students are catered for with extended work, opportunities to participate in external competitions, and meetings with parents; an Advanced Learning Plan is prepared for such students.

Language of instruction is English.

Circle of Happiness, Inclusion and Well-being is an essential part of the school system. Counselling Services provide psycho-socio-emotional support with counsellors collaborating with teachers and parents to identify needs and provide interventions. A team of counsellors, special educators and Learning Support Assistants empowers Students of Determination to access wellbeing provisions. The curriculum emphasises daily wellbeing activities and a focus on positive psychology, emotional resilience, and self-efficacy.

There is a named DCPO (Designated Child Protection Officer) who coordinates safeguarding. Staff must report concerns to the DCPO promptly and should not investigate themselves; records and communications are kept securely and confidentially, with information shared on a need-to-know basis. The policy covers missing education and protections for Students of Determination, with equal opportunities in education and transport safety. The Safeguarding Team ensures staff training and awareness of procedures, and serious concerns may be referred to authorities; parental notification is handled sensitively and in consultation with UAE agencies as needed.

1. Fill out the admission form available on the website. The Oud Metha campus is processing admissions for the 2026-2027 academic year with Grade 11 currently available; seats in other grades are not available and there is a waiting list. The Al Garhoud campus is processing admissions for the 2026-2027 academic year with Pre-KG currently available; seats in Grades 1–4 are not available and there is a waiting list. 2. Submit documents & report card. Prepare and submit the documents listed by the school: 1 copy of the child's passport, visa and Emirates ID; 1 copy of both parents' passport, visa and Emirates IDs; 1 copy of the child's birth certificate (with attestation if issued outside UAE); 2 passport-size photographs; vaccination records; copies of the child's progress reports for the last two years including the last examination taken; Transfer Certificate or School Leaving Certificate from the previous school (with attestations). Transfer Certificate requirements include English language, attestation and KHDA-related rules as outlined by the school. 3. Take the eligibility test. The eligibility test is used for admissions to KG2 through Grade 9, and panel interview may accompany the process. Grade 10 admissions require CBSE registration and performance in the eligibility test and panel interview; Grade 11 admissions are determined by a merit mix of Grades 9 and 10 results, the eligibility test, and an interview; Grade 12 admissions are based on available subject combinations and completion of CBSE registration. 4. Clear the eligibility test and receive offer letter. Shortlisted students will be offered admission after the eligibility test and interview processes. 5. Pay the required fees and submit all other documents. Complete the payment of fees and provide any remaining documents required for enrollment. 6. Provisional admission is granted and confirmed upon KHDA registration. Final confirmation occurs when KHDA registration is completed.

Seats are not available in other grades; complete online registration for the desired grade and join the waiting list. You will be contacted for an eligibility test for your learner only when seats become available.

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.

RGSG Dubai currently serves Foundation Stage 1 through Year 8, covering ages approximately 3 to 13.

The school is co-educational and follows a British curriculum as part of the Royal Grammar School Guildford international network.

RGSGD hosts pupils from about 54 nationalities; a significant portion of the student body comes from the United Kingdom.

RGSGD provides inclusion and SEN support, with an Inclusion team and a SENCO; KHDA inspection highlights wellbeing and inclusion as areas of strength.

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.

There is no formal religious affiliation. Islamic Studies is offered as an option for Muslim students in line with UAE requirements.

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.

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.

Uniform is provided by Trutex and can be purchased from the school shop and online; the basic design and colours derive from the Royal Grammar School in England, reflecting the close relationship between the schools. From Year 1, pupils wear a tie; from Year 3, pupils wear a blazer in winter (November to March) and on formal occasions, with blazer wear optional in other months. Skirts should be no shorter than 1 inch above the knee; shoes must be black and practical.

RGSGD is part of the Cognita family of schools, a global group that owns and operates Cognita-branded schools. Governance and strategic direction come through the Cognita network.

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.

RGSGD frames social and emotional learning (SEL) within its pastoral care, aiming to nurture happy, resilient, and adaptable learners. Pastoral care operates through a close partnership with parents and treats each pupil as an individual, with older students encouraged to support younger ones. The Deputy Head oversees the pastoral care program, ensuring dedicated leadership for wellbeing and student development. Wellbeing is underpinned by the Cognita Be Well Charter, which RGSGD actively implements with six pillars, including healthy food choices and regular physical activity. The Be Well approach also fosters social engagement and community involvement, such as the Sparkle Foundation partnership that enriches students' lives.

RGSGD is committed to inclusive education, welcoming all pupils and tailoring the environment to individual needs. It aligns with the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017) and follows the Directives and Guidelines for Inclusive Education (2020) and the Handbook for Schools (2019) to ensure quality instruction and support for SEND. The inclusive policies recognise pupils of determination and gifted learners, enabling them to grow and participate in school life. The school does not publicly disclose the exact types of SEN it can support, nor whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. Inclusive policies meet the standards of the above frameworks to ensure comprehensive support for each pupil's success.

There is no explicit EAL program described on RGSGD's public pages. The Inclusion page emphasizes inclusive education and access to quality instruction for all pupils, including those with SEND, but does not mention EAL specifically. No dedicated EAL staffing or language-support program is publicly disclosed on the site. The absence of EAL details means readers should seek direct confirmation from school admissions if EAL support is a requirement.

Mental wellbeing is integral to the school's pastoral approach, described as effective pastoral care and a culture of wellbeing to support thriving learners and compassionate citizens. RGSGD implements the Cognita Be Well Charter with six pillars, including promoting healthy lifestyles through nutrition and regular physical activity. Social connection and community engagement are also emphasised, with the Sparkle Foundation partnership enabling giving and service activities. The pastoral care framework is overseen by the Deputy Head and involves strong partnership with parents to support each pupil's wellbeing. The overall aim is a supportive, inclusive environment that helps students build resilience and positive relationships.

Safeguarding is a stated priority, with safeguarding measures designed to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. A Safeguarding Policy outlines the school's commitments, and all staff are trained in the latest safeguarding practices while new staff undergo extensive background checks prior to appointment. The Safeguarding Policy is accessible via the policy documentation provided on the site. The safeguarding framework operates within the broader pastoral care context to ensure a safe environment for all students.

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.

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.

Located in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus serves pupils from FS1 through Sixth Form. It follows a British curriculum.

FS1 to Sixth Form

United Kingdom

The school has a House system that creates a sense of belonging and leadership. Every pupil is known, supported, and guided to grow in character, courage, and compassion.

British curriculum from FS1 to Sixth Form. Blends academic rigour with curiosity and care to shape intellect, integrity, and imagination. It includes academics, science, sport, performing arts and music, and leadership and service, with pastoral care and House Life supporting every pupil.

Scholarships are available from Year 7 across Academic, Arabic, Sport, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and All-Rounder disciplines. Successful candidates receive up to 20% of annual tuition as fee assistance; the Ruwad al Emarat Scholarship offers 50% of tuition for Emirati pupils from Year 4 to Year 13.

The school has Pastoral Care & House Life, with a House system that creates a sense of belonging and leadership; every pupil is known, supported, and guided to grow in character, courage, and compassion.

Step 1: The Admissions Team guides you from first conversation to first day, providing a warm, personal experience. Enquiries begin with the Enquire Now option or by contacting admissions@rugbyschooldubai.ae and +971(0)4 3180700 for personalised guidance. Step 2: The Digital Parent Prospectus opens the door to Rugby School Dubai's 450-year legacy and includes information on philosophy, curriculum and admissions. Step 3: Start the application by clicking Apply Now and submitting the online form to begin the process.

Scholarships are available from Year 7 onwards across Academic, Arabic, Sport, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and All-Rounder disciplines. Successful candidates will receive fee assistance of up to 20% of annual tuition. The Ruwad al Emarat Scholarship offers 50% of tuition for Emirati pupils from Year 4 to Year 13.