Ranches Primary School

Ranches Primary School is located in Arabian Ranches 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It sits within the Arabian Ranches community, adjacent to the Ranches Souk. A large number of students walk, scoot, or cycle to school from nearby communities, with a Community Pass available to support independent travel for Years 4–6. For families traveling from farther afield, access to the school is by car or bus, and most families live within about a 15‑minute drive.

The school serves children aged 3 to 11 years, covering FS1 to Year 6. It provides the Early Years Foundation Stage and primary year groups, and offers a through‑school pathway to senior education.

Ranches Primary School follows a British curriculum and operates as a standalone primary school located in the Cognita family. It uses the National Curriculum of England and serves the Arabian Ranches community.

Ranches Primary School describes its community as inclusive and diverse. The school does not publish an official breakdown of pupil nationalities, but it emphasizes an inclusive, diverse student body.

The Inclusion Department supports learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Gifted & Talented (G&T). English Language Learners (ELL) receive ESL provisions, with assessment via the WIDA Online platform conducted by the Head of Inclusion to determine appropriate support.

No formal country affiliation is stated. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and is part of the Cognita family of schools.

No religious affiliation is stated for the school.

Morning drop-offs run from roughly 7:30am to 8:00am, with specific entry points by year group. Nursery to Year 1–2 drop-offs are usually from 7:30am to 7:45am, with later entry for some year groups. Pick-ups begin from 1:00pm for Nursery and range up to 2:40pm for Years 4–6, with Friday timings typically earlier; Extra‑Curricular Activities (ECAs) extend the day to around 3:45pm. The school day structure is complemented by an ECA programme.

The school partners with Guardian One Transport LLC to provide a school bus service. Buses meet RTA safety standards, drivers are trained and a bus helper travels with each vehicle, and routes cover surrounding communities. Details of available routes and enrollment are handled directly with Guardian One Transport LLC; contact Ms. Ashna Sara Binu for arrangements, or reach the school's transport team for guidance.

Ranches Primary School offers a British curriculum based on the English National Curriculum with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for children aged 3–11 (FS1–Year 6). The Nursery (18 months–3 years) and Foundation Stage follow EYFS with seven areas of learning, plus specialist input in Arabic, PE, Music and Library. In Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2) the programme covers English, Maths, Science, Phonics, Art, Computing, French, Arabic, PE, Swimming and Islamic Studies, supported by the school's Character Compass approach. Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6) continues core subjects and emphasises independent, self-directed learning with leadership opportunities to prepare pupils for secondary education. The curriculum includes a French program (Year 1–6) based on Chris Quigley's framework, Arabic taught to MOE standards, Islamic Studies for Years 2–6, and a Cognita pathway to secondary education (e.g., Horizon English School Town Square) within the Cognita family.

SEL is supported through strong pastoral care by teachers and the Cognita Be Well Charter, which promotes happy, resilient learners and healthy social engagement.

An Inclusion Department identifies learners requiring specialised support, including Gifted & Talented (G&T) and those with SEND, with all teachers addressing learning needs in the classroom in collaboration with the Inclusion Department; a SENDCo leads SEND provision, and English Language Learners receive ESL considerations as part of inclusion.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided through ESL provisions; students undergo the WIDA Online assessment on admission with the Head of Inclusion to determine the required language support.

Mental wellbeing is addressed through Wellbeing & Support, including the Cognita Be Well Charter with six pillars and a focus on emotional health, social engagement, and resilience; safeguarding measures help ensure a safe environment for all students.

Safeguarding is central to school policies, with universal safeguarding principles and designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) including named staff such as Mrs Carroll, Mrs Lamb, Mr Barratt, and Ms Synnott, to protect students.

1. Enquiry: Make an enquiry with the Admissions Team to discuss your child's needs and learn about Ranches Primary School. The team guides you through the next steps and answers initial questions. You can contact the Registrar at +971 4 442 9765 or submit an online enquiry form. 2. Visit us: Book a school tour to meet the team and visualize your child in our school. Tours are led by the Senior Leadership Team and the Head of Admissions and Parent Experience. Visits help you understand programs, facilities and daily routines. 3. Submit your application: Submit an online application form with supporting documents and the application fee (525 AED). The Admissions Team confirms receipt and outlines the required documents. You will receive next steps for the assessment phase. 4. Assessment and Offer: Arrange an in-person admissions assessment; online assessments can be arranged for families residing abroad. The school aims to share the assessment outcome within one week and families have a few days to respond. 5. Secure your place: Accept the enrolment offer and pay the registration fee (10% of annual tuition). The school then confirms enrollment and provides next steps. Year group placement aligns with KHDA guidelines for AY 2026-27, with Nursery FS1 (1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023), Reception FS2 (1 January 2022 – 31 December 2022), Year 1 (1 January 2021 – 31 December 2021), Year 2 (1 January 2020 – 31 December 2020), Year 3 (1 January 2019 – 31 December 2019), Year 4 (1 January 2018 – 31 December 2018), Year 5 (1 January 2017 – 31 December 2017), Year 6 (1 January 2016 – 31 December 2016).