Raffles International School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance

Instructs in English

Fees AED 34,055 - 86,815

Ages 3 - 18 years

Pupil numbers 1340

Type Co-educational, Day School

Bus Service Yes

Academic offering

Curriculum British Curriculum

Taught languages Arabic

Typical class size 12

Strengths Diverse international community, 100% university placement, Small student-teacher ratio, Comprehensive co-curricular programme

Stages Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form

Introduction

Raffles International School is a British curriculum school in Umm Suqeim, Dubai, serving around 1,340 students from almost 100 nationalities. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 11.6:1, the school delivers IGCSEs, A-Levels and BTEC pathways from FS1 to Year 13. It achieves 42% of GCSE grades at A or above and 100% university acceptance for Year 13 students. The 315,000 sq ft campus overlooks the Burj Al Arab.

www.rafflesis.com

Al Baghla Street, Umm Suqeim Third, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Location

Raffles International School is located in Dubai, in the Umm Suqeim 3 district opposite the Burj Al Arab on Al Baghla Street. The campus sits in a residential, coastal area near the beach with direct road access via Umm Suqeim Road. The area is served by private transport and taxi services, facilitating access from central Dubai.

Stages

The school runs Nursery through Year 13. The early years follow an EYFS pathway, while the Primary and Secondary curricula align with the English National Curriculum, leading to GCSE/IGCSE options, and the Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers A-Level or BTEC pathways.

Type

The school is co-educational. It operates as a day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

RIS represents students from more than 80 nationalities. The most common nationalities and the local-to-international pupil ratio are not publicly disclosed.

Additional learning support

RIS provides English as a Second Language support and is described as fully inclusive, with provisions to accommodate different learning needs and styles.

Country affiliation

The curriculum follows the English National Curriculum and UAE MOE Arabic and Islamic Education; RIS is accredited by UK bodies including the British Schools Overseas (BSO) and British Schools in the Middle East (BSME).

Religious affiliation

There is no explicit religious affiliation. UAE Arabic and Islamic Education are included as part of the UAE curriculum requirements, not as a school denomination.

School day structure

School timings are 7:30 am to 3:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, and 7:30 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays.

Bus service

A bus service is provided by Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC. Buses are equipped with seat belts, and safety procedures are followed for the collection and delivery of students to and from RIS.

Fees

Application & assessment fees

- Assessment test fee: AED 525 (including 5% VAT; non-refundable and payable at the time of assessment).
- Registration fee for new students: 10% of the applicable annual tuition (non-refundable but adjustable against Term 1 fee once admission is confirmed). Specific registration amounts are shown with the new-student fee schedule below.
- Re‑registration fee for returning students: 5% of the annual tuition (non-refundable but adjustable against Term 1 fee). Specific re‑registration amounts are shown with the existing‑student fee schedule below.

Tuition fees — existing students (2025–2026 academic year, amounts in AED)

- FS1 (age 3): Annual fee AED 34,055; Term 1 balance AED 13,621; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217; Re‑registration fee: not applicable for FS1.
- FS2 (age 4–5): Annual fee AED 34,055; Re‑registration fee AED 1,705; Term 1 balance AED 11,916; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217.
- Year 1 (age 5–6): Annual fee AED 42,092; Re‑registration fee AED 2,105; Term 1 balance AED 14,731; Term 2 AED 12,628; Term 3 AED 12,628.
- Year 2 (age 6–7): Annual fee AED 54,080; Re‑registration fee AED 2,705; Term 1 balance AED 18,927; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224.
- Year 3 (age 7–8): Annual fee AED 54,080; Re‑registration fee AED 2,705; Term 1 balance AED 18,927; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224.
- Year 4 (age 8–9): Annual fee AED 54,488; Re‑registration fee AED 2,725; Term 1 balance AED 19,071; Term 2 AED 16,346; Term 3 AED 16,346.
- Year 5 (age 9–10): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881 (KHDA approved shown higher); Re‑registration fee AED 3,195; Term 1 balance AED 22,358; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164.
- Year 6 (age 10–11): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881; Re‑registration fee AED 3,195; Term 1 balance AED 22,358; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164.
- Year 7 (age 11–12): Applicable annual fee AED 64,950; Re‑registration fee AED 3,250; Term 1 balance AED 22,730; Term 2 AED 19,485; Term 3 AED 19,485.
- Year 8 (age 12–13): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Re‑registration fee AED 3,615; Term 1 balance AED 25,292; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 9 (age 13–14): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Re‑registration fee AED 3,615; Term 1 balance AED 25,292; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 10 (age 14–15): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Re‑registration fee AED 3,615; Term 1 balance AED 25,292; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 11 (age 15–16): Applicable annual fee AED 76,619; Re‑registration fee AED 3,830; Term 1 balance AED 26,817; Term 2 AED 22,986; Term 3 AED 22,986.
- Year 12 (age 16–17): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Re‑registration fee AED 4,340; Term 1 balance AED 30,385; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045.
- Year 13 (age 17–18): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Re‑registration fee AED 4,340; Term 1 balance AED 30,385; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045.

Tuition fees — new students (2025–2026 academic year, amounts in AED)

- FS1 (age 3): Annual fee AED 34,055; Registration fee AED 3,405; Term 1 balance AED 10,216; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217.
- FS2 (age 4–5): Annual fee AED 34,055; Registration fee AED 3,405; Term 1 balance AED 10,216; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217.
- Year 1 (age 5–6): Annual fee AED 42,092; Registration fee AED 4,210; Term 1 balance AED 12,626; Term 2 AED 12,628; Term 3 AED 12,628.
- Year 2 (age 6–7): Annual fee AED 54,080; Registration fee AED 5,410; Term 1 balance AED 16,222; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224.
- Year 3 (age 7–8): Annual fee AED 54,080; Registration fee AED 5,410; Term 1 balance AED 16,222; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224.
- Year 4 (age 8–9): Annual fee AED 54,488; Registration fee AED 5,450; Term 1 balance AED 16,346; Term 2 AED 16,346; Term 3 AED 16,346.
- Year 5 (age 9–10): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881; Registration fee AED 6,390; Term 1 balance AED 19,163; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164.
- Year 6 (age 10–11): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881; Registration fee AED 6,390; Term 1 balance AED 19,163; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164.
- Year 7 (age 11–12): Applicable annual fee AED 64,950; Registration fee AED 6,495; Term 1 balance AED 19,485; Term 2 AED 19,485; Term 3 AED 19,485.
- Year 8 (age 12–13): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Registration fee AED 7,225; Term 1 balance AED 21,682; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 9 (age 13–14): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Registration fee AED 7,225; Term 1 balance AED 21,682; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 10 (age 14–15): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Registration fee AED 7,225; Term 1 balance AED 21,682; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 11 (age 15–16): Applicable annual fee AED 76,619; Registration fee AED 7,660; Term 1 balance AED 22,987; Term 2 AED 22,986; Term 3 AED 22,986.
- Year 12 (age 16–17): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Registration fee AED 8,680; Term 1 balance AED 26,045; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045.
- Year 13 (age 17–18): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Registration fee AED 8,680; Term 1 balance AED 26,045; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The academic year is divided into three Terms: Term 1 (September–December), Term 2 (January–March) and Term 3 (April–June). Payment due dates for the 2025–2026 fee schedules are shown on the schedules and include: Re‑registration date and Term payment dates (examples shown for 2025–2026: re‑registration payable 4 April 2025; Term 1 payable 22 August 2025; Term 2 payable 5 January 2026; Term 3 payable 27 March 2026).
- Payment may be made in full or by term. Parents may provide two dated cheques (one per term) or pay by bank transfer, cash or credit card; bank transfers must include student details and remittance evidence should be sent to accounts@rafflesis.com to enable timely reconciliation. Dishonoured cheques incur an administration fee of AED 200 and the school may suspend attendance for unpaid fees.
- For mid‑year admissions the school calculates fees pro rata: attending less than two weeks = one month's fee payable; more than two weeks but less than one month = two months' fee payable; attending more than one month in a term = full term fee payable. One month's fee is calculated as annual fee divided by ten.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not listed as an offering or fee at Raffles International School (Umm Suqeim). No boarding fees appear in the published fee schedules for RIS; fees shown are for day‑school tuition and associated services.

Other costs and commonly payable extras

- Stationery and educational materials.
- School uniform, team kits and sporting attire.
- External examination fees (IGCSE/A‑level/BTEC exam entry).
- Meals/cafeteria charges.
- Transportation (school bus) charges.
- Educational visits, voluntary excursions or tournament participation (charged case by case).
- Replacement student ID cards and incidental sundries.
- Textbooks for secondary pupils may be purchased from the school at cost price; parents may also buy externally but students must own all specified books.
- Insurance: parents are advised to maintain health, accident and liability insurance for their children; insurance costs are not included in tuition.

Refund information (key points)

- Registration and re‑registration fees are non‑refundable; these fees may be adjusted against Term 1 fees when admission is confirmed but cannot be carried forward or used for a sibling.
- If a family withdraws a student who has already presented term cheques for the new academic year, written notice must be received by the Admissions Office no later than the first day of the Term to permit refund calculations. Refunds for students who leave during a term are calculated pro rata by the school's published refund policy: less than two weeks' attendance = one month's fee payable and remainder refunded; more than two weeks but less than one month = two months' fee payable and remainder refunded; more than one month = full term fee payable. Refunds are calculated from the start of the term to the formal withdrawal request date, and 30 days' written notice is required to prepare documentation and refunds. Registration/re‑registration fee, educational materials fee, uniform and sundry items listed in Schedule C are not refundable.

Fee payment options and banking details (as published)

- Zenda online payment / Zenda app (school payment portal).
- Bank transfer to the school (published account): Account Name: Raffles International School LLC; Account No. 019000004615; IBAN AE720330000019000004615; Swift/BIC BOMLAEADXXX; Bank: Mashreq Bank, Branch: DIC, Dubai, UAE. Parents are requested to include the child's ID, name and school name on transfer and to send remittance advice to accounts@rafflesis.com.
- Cheque payable to Raffles International School LLC (cheques accepted in person; post‑dated cheques accepted for Term 2 & Term 3).
- Credit card payments at school premises.
- Cash payments (receipt to be collected).

Discounts

- Sibling discounts are published: 5% for the second and third child; 10% for the fourth child; 15% for the fifth child; 20% for the sixth child onwards.

Academics

Curriculum

Raffles International School Dubai follows the National Curriculum for England across all year groups, with Early Years (Nursery, FS1 and FS2) taught under the UK EYFS framework. The Primary years (Years 1–6) use the England NC, supplemented by the UAE Ministry of Education for Arabic and Islamic Education; from Year 3 Mandarin or French are available, Arabic is mandatory from Foundation, and EAL support starts from Year 1. In Secondary (Years 7–11), students continue the England NC at KS3 leading to GCSE/IGCSE options, with English, Mathematics and Science compulsory and Arabic required for Arab students; a wide range of electives is offered, including Art & Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, Economics, French, ICT, Mandarin, Music, PE, Spanish and various BTEC Level 2 subjects. Sixth Form (Years 12–13) provides 3–4 A Levels or a single BTEC Level 3 option, both over two years, with the possibility to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The GCSE/IGCSE approach emphasises learner-centred, enquiry-based learning to prepare students for higher education and international opportunities.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

RIS places student wellbeing at the core of its approach and aims to promote positive wellbeing and a voice for students. The school references Dr Martin Seligman's positive psychology framework and the PERMA model—Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishments. It emphasizes the social, emotional, spiritual, moral and cultural development and mental and physical wellbeing as central to students' attitudes to learning. The curriculum includes Personal, Social and Emotional Development as a key development area in Primary School. The overall approach supports helping students cope with setbacks, grow, build resilience and flourish, with an emphasis on giving students a voice.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

RIS provides support through the RISE team, offering in-class support and small-group withdrawal in RISE hubs to meet students' needs. RIS welcomes students of determination and does not refuse admission solely based on SEND. KHDA Inclusive Education Framework 2017 is referenced as a guiding standard for inclusion. The site does not publish a detailed list of specific SEN categories it can support. RIS is not described as a specialist SEN institution in the publicly available information.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

RIS welcomes English as an Additional Language (EAL) students, including those with little or no English, and provides support after entry. English is the medium of instruction; Arabic is mandatory for all students up to Year 12; EAL support is offered from Year 1. Starting in Year 3, students choose between French, Spanish or Mandarin as an additional language, with EAL providing language development. EAL applications for GCSE/IGCSE and A Level are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. EAL support is integrated from Year 1 to assist learners developing English language proficiency.

Mental Wellbeing

Wellbeing is a core part of RIS's student experience, with the belief that a happy, safe, welcoming student is more likely to flourish. The school draws on positive psychology and the PERMA framework to promote Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishments. RIS emphasises mental and physical wellbeing and aims to equip students with tools to handle setbacks, build resilience and grow. The curriculum recognises Personal, Social and Emotional Development as a learning framework. Regular collaboration among staff and students supports a voice-heard environment and wellbeing across the school.

Safeguarding

RIS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The staff profiles indicate safeguarding leadership roles, including a designated safeguarding lead and a wellbeing lead in the secondary section. Recruitment materials confirm safeguarding and child protection screening as part of hiring processes. KHDA inclusion practices are referenced in relation to safeguarding and inclusion. The school states a commitment to safeguarding within its recruitment and policies.

Admissions

RIS Dubai admissions intake is primarily in September, but spaces may be available throughout the year depending on capacity. To begin the process, complete the Online Application Form. An assessment/interview for FS1 to Year 13 is conducted 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Monday to Thursday, by appointment only. There is a non-refundable AED 525 assessment fee payable on the day of the assessment. After the assessment, a senior academic team member reviews the results and prior school reports; a formal offer letter is issued within 2 working days and is valid for five days from receipt. If no place is available at the time of application, the child is placed on a waiting list and notified when a place becomes available. The Admissions Office is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm on site.

Scholarships

The ACES Scholarship Programme provides merit-based scholarships across three categories: Sports, Academic and Co-curricular, and Emirati Distinction. It is open to students from Year 5 to Year 13 for the next academic year and is awarded as a percentage of KHDA approved annual school fees, up to 20%. The closing date for applications is July 1 each year, and successful applicants are informed at the start of term one of the following academic year. The scholarship may include tailored internships, targeted academic mentorship, personalized performance pathways, and student leadership opportunities.

Waitlist

If there are no places available, the student is placed on a waiting list and notified when a place becomes available.

FAQs

What curriculum does Raffles International School follow?

The school follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales. GCSE/IGCSE options are available in Years 10-11, with A-Level and BTEC pathways in Years 12-13.

What age range does Raffles International School serve?

The school serves students from age 2 to 18.

What are the tuition fees?

**Application & assessment fees** - Assessment test fee: AED 525 (including 5% VAT; non-refundable and payable at the time of assessment). - Registration fee for new students: 10% of the applicable ...

What type of school is Raffles International School?

Raffles International School is a co-educational school.

Where is Raffles International School located?

Located on Al Baghla Street in Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai.

Does the school offer a bus service?

Bus service is available.

Is the school religiously affiliated?

There is no explicit religious affiliation. UAE Arabic and Islamic Education are included as part of the UAE curriculum requirements, not as a school denomination.

What accreditations does the school hold?

KHDA accreditation. Part of Innoventures Education group.

Does the school provide learning support?

What languages are taught?

English is the primary language of instruction. Arabic and Islamic Education are taught per UAE Ministry requirements.

How many students attend the school?

Raffles International School has approximately 1340 students.

What is the admissions process?

1. Contact admissions at +971 4 427 1200. 2. Submit an application. 3. Complete any required assessments. 4. Receive an offer and complete enrollment.

Does the school offer scholarships?

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