Jumeirah English Speaking School

JESS was founded in 1975 to meet the demand for high-quality, affordable British education for expatriate families in Dubai. It began in a small apartment near the Deira Clock Tower with 17 pupils. A year later, land was gifted by HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and JESS moved to a villa in Jumeirah, where it expanded into a leading primary school. In 2005, the Arabian Ranches campus opened to accommodate growing demand, establishing two campuses and three schools. Today, JESS operates two campuses and three schools (Jumeirah Primary, Arabian Ranches Primary, Arabian Ranches Secondary) with over 2,300 students from around the world.

JESS describes its community as diverse and close-knit, with a packed calendar of events and activities that bring students, families, and staff together for charitable initiatives and cultural celebrations. Parents Groups (JPGs) are a central part of the community, open to all parents and active at both the Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches campuses. An active Alumni network keeps former pupils connected with current students and school life. International Day celebrations at both campuses showcase cultural diversity through performances, parades, and food experiences.

JESS structures parent involvement through Parents Groups (JPGs), a major part of the school community and open to all parents. JPGs operate at both campuses and coordinate a wide range of events throughout the year that involve students, families, and staff. Parents volunteers play an active role in planning and delivering activities, fundraising, and supporting school initiatives. JPGs provide opportunities for parents to gain insight into daily school operations and to model civic engagement for their children. In addition to JPGs, the school maintains an Alumni network and a range of after-school providers that extend parent engagement beyond classroom hours.