United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD) is a co-educational day school located in the Tilal Al Ghaf community. Welcoming pupils from ages 3 to 18, the school delivers the British Curriculum through a structured progression from Early Years to Senior School, culminating in GCSEs and A-Levels. The campus is equipped with specific amenities, including a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, a dedicated learner pool, and a full-size football pitch to support physical education lessons. Technology is integrated throughout the school day; pupils utilize iPads and PC laptops starting in Key Stage 1, alongside dedicated weekly computing classes. A unique feature of RGSGD is the authentic House System, which is directly linked to its 500-year-old sister school in the UK. Pupils are sorted into six historic houses—such as Austen and Beckingham—allowing them to participate in inter-house competitions while benefiting from structured, multi-layered pastoral care.
Tilal Al Ghaf, Hessa St, Al Hebiah Fourth, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai has 1,240 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.
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.
Annual tuition at Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai ranges from AED 78,758 to AED 119,713 for 2026/27.
Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
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.