Deira Private School

The school offers the National Curriculum for England as the core framework, taught in English, with UAE requirements integrated into the program. Foundation Stage through Year 9 progress through the National Curriculum for England, with Arabic, Islamic Studies, UAE Social Studies and Moral Education included to meet UAE MoE requirements. The Primary Stage (Year 1 to Year 6) covers English, Maths, Science, Arabic for Arabs and Non-Arabs, Islamic Studies for Arabs and Non-Arabs, Moral Education and UAE Social Studies for Arabs and Non-Arabs, PSHE for non-Muslim students, Humanities, ICT, Music, Art, Physical Education, and French. The Secondary Stage (Year 7 to Year 9) includes English, Maths, Science, Arabic for Arabs and Non-Arabs, Islamic Studies for Arabs and Non-Arabs, Moral Education and UAE Social Studies for Arabs and Non-Arabs, PSHE for non-Muslim students, Humanities, ICT, Music, Art, Physical Education, French, and Design and Technology. The curriculum integrates STEAM, coding, and International Curricula (IEYC, IPC and IMYC) across the Foundation Stage to Year 8, with emphasis on language development in English and Arabic, cultural and global awareness, inclusive learning, and character development. STREAM@DePS and Digital Learning are embedded in the learning approach.

The Pastoral Care programme supports personal development by helping students build confidence, resilience and self-esteem. It enables them to recognise, accept and shape their identities, understand and embrace diversity, and manage emotions while communicating constructively. Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) is part of the wellbeing framework and includes UAE Moral Education, complemented by Attitude and Attribute lessons and the Thunk of the Week. The school uses an Attitudes and Attributes system with 18 targeted behaviours, a daily points chart, and a rewards structure to promote positive conduct. Character Education underpins the school ethos, teaching empathy, integrity and leadership, and involving parents in ongoing development and regular assessment of school culture.

The school is inclusive and caters for all students with special educational needs and/or disabilities. It aims to remove barriers to inclusion and provides a safe, stimulating environment for students with mild to moderate SEND, supporting teachers to enable access to the curriculum. Support begins at admission with identification and continues with ongoing identification and support, including the use of IEPs, Learning Support Plans and Behavioural Intervention Plans, with parental involvement in the process. A graduated approach is used: Wave 1 Quality First Teaching, Wave 2 Additional Support, and Wave 3 Individualised Provision with external agency support, including an IEP written in collaboration with parents. The school also provides provisions for Gifted and Talented students via an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) and maintains a SEND leadership team and dedicated staff.

The school offers English Language Learning (ELL) support as part of its inclusion provisions. The ELL program is designed to empower students with strong English language skills and broad communication abilities. It provides a comprehensive curriculum covering listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a multilingual approach that acknowledges diverse linguistic backgrounds. Cultural enrichment, technology integration and a focus on holistic development accompany language learning. Regular progress monitoring and active parental involvement support students' English language development.

Happiness and Wellbeing places student mental health at the centre of school life, with dedicated counselling services and initiatives for mindfulness, kindness, and positive mental health. The KHDA AY 22-23 results rate the school as very good for health, safety and safeguarding, reflecting ongoing attention to wellbeing, safety checks and staff training. Class teachers focus on wellbeing by listening to students, building personal support networks, and running Wellbeing Week, parent workshops, assemblies, and peer-support programs such as buddy and listener initiatives. The Pastoral Care programme includes Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) with UAE Moral Education and Attitude and Attribute lessons to develop resilience, social-emotional skills and responsible citizenship. The Merint Determination Centre provides counselling for students, staff and parents, with aims to promote positive mental health, identify at-risk individuals and offer short-term or crisis support when needed.

The school is committed to protecting every child's safety, wellbeing and rights. All staff are trained in child protection and safeguarding policies are aligned with UAE regulations. Designated Safeguarding Leads are available to respond to concerns, and students are encouraged to speak up; the school works closely with parents and authorities to ensure a safe and supportive environment. The safeguarding framework includes the Child Protection Policy, Positive Behaviour Management, Health and Safety Policy, Safeguarding Policy and E-Safety Policy.

1. Submit the Application Form and participate in an interview and assessment. After the Application Form is received, the admissions team will contact you to schedule an interview with the Principal or EYFS Coordinator or to set an Assessment date. You must bring a copy of the current school report. The assessment tests English and Maths and lasts about one hour; a 500 AED assessment fee is payable and non-refundable.

2. Results and offer. Acceptance depends on the assessment results, the student interview, and previous school history. Places are offered where spaces are available and the school can meet the child's needs. Decisions are communicated by phone, by email, or in person.

3. Siblings and discounts. Siblings of current pupils receive priority if the year group is at capacity. Sibling discounts apply to school fees only: 5% for the first sibling and 10% for subsequent siblings. Additional discounts are available through partner programs and humanitarian aid as listed.

4. Waiting lists and next steps. If a year group is at capacity, a child may be placed on the waiting list. Parents are contacted if and when a place becomes available. If a place is offered, it must be accepted or declined within one week. Applications for the next academic year can be made at any time, and admissions assessments begin in Term 1.

5. Medical records. The school requires current and accurate medical information and that you update the school if circumstances change. Records of previous medical treatments, allergies, and vaccination status are required at registration.

6. Placement after enrolment. Pupils are placed in the correct year group in accordance with age on 31 August, or per KHDA policy. Class placement also considers nationality, language ability, gender, friendship, and additional learning needs to support development.

7. Gender and nationality. Deira Private School is a co-educational school and maintains a fair, non-discriminatory approach to pupil selection to enable diversity.

8. Admissions deadlines. Admissions are currently open for pupils in FS1 to Year 6 for the 2025-2026 academic year; all enquiries are accepted. Assessments begin in Term 1 for next steps.

9. Re-admissions. Pupils are eligible for re-registration for the next academic year; re-admissions fees are due in April.

10. Leaving certificates for moves within or outside the UAE. Families moving from other private schools in Dubai must provide a Leaving Certificate from the previous school. Families coming from outside the UAE must provide a Leaving Certificate that includes specified information, on the previous school letterhead, stamped and signed by the Principal.

11. Location and contact. The school is located at 32 Street, Al Twar 3, Dubai, UAE; telephone hours are Mon–Thu 7:30 AM–4:00 PM and Fri 7:30 AM–1:00 PM.

Discounts and financial aid are available: Sibling Deduction: 5% for the first sibling and 10% for subsequent siblings (applied to school fees only). Partner discounts include Emirates Platinum 25%, Esaad 20%, Fazza 15%, CCN Students 15%, CCN Staff 15%, and Humanitarian Financial Aid up to 15%.

Where a year group is at capacity, a child may be placed on the waiting list. The parent will be contacted if and when a place becomes available. If a place is offered it must be accepted or declined within one week.