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The Aquila School has 1,154 pupils, typical class sizes of 26, instruction in English.
Location
The Aquila School is located in Wadi Al Safa 5, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits within the Dubailand Residential Complex and is near communities such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, The Villa, VillaNova, Al Barari, Academic City, Nad Al Sheba and Arabian Ranches. It is connected to major roads including E66, E610 and E310 for straightforward travel.
Stages
The school serves Foundation Stage (FS) through Year 13, with a Sixth Form opened in 2024 to offer post-16 pathways such as ASdan, BTech, IBDP and IBCP.
Type
The Aquila School is co-educational and operates as a day school (no boarding facilities).
Pupil Nationality Mix
The school represents about 92 nationalities. The most common nationality and the local-to-international student ratio are not publicly disclosed by the school.
Additional learning support
Hemam Learning Support Centre provides SEN support; the school describes itself as fully inclusive and holds the SENDIA award for provision for students of determination.
Country affiliation
United Arab Emirates. The school operates in Dubai under UAE education regulations and participates in international accreditations (BSO, Cambridge) as part of ISP.
Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation. Arabic and Islamic studies are integrated with the UAE MOE curriculum.
School day structure
Start times vary by phase, with morning drop-off around 7:25–7:40am. Foundation Stage finishes around 1:45pm on weekdays; Primary finishes around 2:45pm (Friday 11:40am); Secondary finishes around 3:30pm (Friday 11:40am).
Bus service
The school runs its own dedicated bus service with separate buses for Early Years, Primary and Secondary, plus a late bus after ECAs. Routes cover areas including DLRC, The Villa, DSO, Academic City and other areas, with three price bands. Details are available from the transport team at bus@theaquilaschool.com.
Fees
Annual tuition at The Aquila School ranges from AED 48,673 to AED 77,876 for 2026/27.
Application and assessment fees
- Application fee: AED 500 per new student (assessment fee included).
Enrolment / deposit / re‑enrolment
- Enrolment fee (on acceptance): up to 10% of the annual tuition fee; this amount is non‑refundable and is deductible from the first term invoice. - Re‑enrolment fee for existing students: up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher); this is non‑refundable and is deductible from the first term invoice.
Tuition fees (2025–2026 academic year) — annual and per‑term breakdown
Tuition is billed in three term instalments: Term 1 = 40% (Aug–Dec), Term 2 = 30% (Jan–Mar), Term 3 = 30% (Apr–Jun). The published KHDA‑approved annual tuition and the three‑term split for each year group are:
- FS1: AED 48,673 per year — Term 1: AED 19,469; Term 2: AED 14,602; Term 3: AED 14,602. - FS2: AED 51,917 per year — Term 1: AED 20,767; Term 2: AED 15,575; Term 3: AED 15,575. - Year 1 & 2: AED 54,081 per year — Term 1: AED 21,632; Term 2: AED 16,224; Term 3: AED 16,224. - Year 3 & 4: AED 56,244 per year — Term 1: AED 22,498; Term 2: AED 16,873; Term 3: AED 16,873. - Year 5 & 6: AED 59,489 per year — Term 1: AED 23,796; Term 2: AED 17,847; Term 3: AED 17,847. - Year 7 & 8: AED 64,897 per year — Term 1: AED 25,959; Term 2: AED 19,469; Term 3: AED 19,469. - Year 9, 10 & 11: AED 71,386 per year — Term 1: AED 28,554; Term 2: AED 21,416; Term 3: AED 21,416. - Year 12 & 13 (Post‑16 Pathways): AED 77,876 per year — Term 1: AED 31,150; Term 2: AED 23,363; Term 3: AED 23,363.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard billing schedule: three term invoices using the 40% / 30% / 30% split across Term 1 (Aug–Dec), Term 2 (Jan–Mar) and Term 3 (Apr–Jun). - Early‑payment discount: pay the full annual tuition in one payment by 30 April and receive a 7% reduction on fees (Early Bird). - Discounts: sibling discounts apply to younger children (Second child 5%; Third child 15%; Fourth and subsequent children 25%); corporate discounts are offered (named corporate partners are listed). Sibling discounts apply to the youngest child in the school.
Boarding
- Boarding is not provided; the school is a day school.
Other compulsory and optional costs
- Uniforms: AED 1,000 to AED 2,300 (mandatory; purchased separately). - Transport (optional): AED 5,980 to AED 8,337, depending on route. - Canteen / meals: typical charges shown in range AED 25 to AED 4,550 (varies by usage). - Extra‑curricular activities: per‑activity charges typically range AED 25 to AED 300. - School trips: typical per‑trip charges AED 25 to AED 500 (local and overseas trips vary). - Learning support / specialist provision: ranges are shown (examples: learning support assistants and special needs support are shown with broad ranges reflecting individual need and assessment). Specific support fees can vary widely (examples published in the fact sheets include ranges such as AED 120 up to AED 75,000 for some types of support; special needs support shown with wider ranges). - School photographs, costume or performance costs and other incidental items are listed with typical price ranges (e.g., photos AED 100–1,500; event costumes AED 40–650). - Board/examination fees: charged by the external examination boards where applicable (these are additional as charged by the boards themselves).
Refund information
- Enrolment fees are non‑refundable (the fact sheets state enrolment fees are "non‑refundable" and deductible from the first term invoice). Re‑enrolment fees for returning students are also non‑refundable. - Application fee: the published fact sheets list the application fee amount and note the assessment is included; no separate refund rule for the application fee is published on the fact sheets. Where additional refund rules are required for specific circumstances (withdrawal deadlines, prorating, etc.), the finance office provides formal terms.
Fee payment options and contact for finance
- The published fee fact sheets do not list specific payment channels (for example, a stated list of accepted card types, bank account details or an online payment portal URL is not shown in the fact sheets themselves). For accepted payment channels, invoice details and to arrange payment, contact the school's finance/admissions team at +971 (0) 4586 2700 or info@theaquilaschool.com.
Important notes and published policies
- The published fact sheets include a KHDA‑approved tuition total and show that a regulated tuition increase (2.35% for 2025–2026 under the KHDA framework) is included in the published figures. - Early payment, sibling and some corporate discounts are applied according to the published conditions; corporate partners are listed in the fact sheets.
Academics
The Aquila School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The Aquila School in Dubai offers a British international curriculum with English as the language of instruction and is an IB World School delivering the Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) in the Sixth Form from 2024–2025. In the lower years, the curriculum follows the English National Curriculum (FS1–Year 9) with core subjects and additions such as Arabic, Islamic Studies for Muslim pupils, and languages; Year 7 includes eco-literacy. GCSE/IGCSE provision was established after Pearson Education accreditation, enabling Year 10 entry in 2022 and examinations in Year 11. The school emphasizes multilingual learning with English Language Learning (ELL) support and language certifications for English, Arabic, French, and Arabic, plus home-language qualifications in over 30 languages. It holds international accreditations from British School Overseas (BSO) and Cambridge Assessment International Education, reflecting its global standards. For the 2024–2025 academic year the school serves FS1 to Year 12, expanding to Sixth Form with IB DP/CP.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Aquila School integrates social and emotional learning (SEL) into daily life and the PSHE curriculum in Dubai, UAE. It emphasises a strong personal development programme that covers PSHE, wellbeing education and pastoral care to build confidence, resilience and social skills. The Zones of Regulation process is used to help students identify, name and regulate their emotions. The Safe Space is supported by a Head of Inclusion who oversees inclusion and targeted interventions when needed. Families participate via the Family Portal, and students engage in wellbeing discussions through initiatives such as the student Wellbeing Forum. The school has also hosted a Wellbeing Forum that brings together students and educators from multiple Dubai schools to discuss wellbeing.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Aquila School provides inclusion and individual needs support within a mainstream school setting in Dubai, UAE. It has a Specialist Inclusion Team and Hemam Learning Support Center delivering tailored interventions to meet individual needs. Academic support includes personalised learning plans and access to specialist services to support progress. The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support through personalised English plans, small-group instruction and targeted support. The school is not a dedicated SEN institution; instead it offers inclusive, personalised interventions within its mainstream framework.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support at The Aquila School is delivered through tailored English plans, small-group instruction and targeted support to develop fluency, confidence and vocabulary. Non-native English speakers receive language interventions as part of the school's inclusive approach rather than through a separate EAL department. The school describes this provision as exceptional English support designed to equip students with comprehensive language competencies.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through counselling and trained Mental Health First Aiders, with many staff members trained as Mental Health First Aiders (Adult to Teen). In addition, each secondary tutor group includes two Teen-to-Teen Mental Health First Aiders, creating multiple layers of support. Families can access wellbeing guidance via the Family Portal, which provides psycho-education and wellbeing tips. The school has earned the National Mental Health & Wellbeing Accreditation for prioritising wellbeing for staff and pupils. Student wellbeing is reinforced through forums and dedicated wellbeing initiatives aimed at fostering resilience and positive mindsets.
Safeguarding
The Aquila School places safeguarding at the foundation of Safe, Happy Learning. All staff, including external activity providers, complete mandatory safeguarding training, and the designated Safeguarding Lead is Pauline Lamond. The school maintains a fully monitored campus with 24/7 security, controlled entry points and CCTV, and staff wear color-coded lanyards for easy identification. It renews its National Online Safety accreditation annually and has comprehensive safeguarding and e-safety policies. A dedicated safeguarding team supports students, with regular wellbeing surveys and student empowerment through leadership roles.
Admissions
Admissions
01 Contact us. Begin by filling out the online enquiry form. The admissions team will reach out to organise the next steps. This initial contact connects families with admissions guidance and sets expectations for the subsequent stages. 02 Schedule a school tour. Book a tour to explore The Aquila School, meet teachers and staff, and experience the learning environment. For families overseas, an online call and a Virtual Tour are available. The tour provides first-hand insight into classrooms and facilities. This step helps families decide if the environment aligns with their child's needs. 03 Meet and greet. For EYFS and primary, students have a personalised meeting with the Head of Primary. For secondary, students complete a CAT4 cognitive ability test and have an interview with the Head of Secondary. Inclusion support is provided when a need is identified. This step assesses readiness and identifies any additional learning needs that may require support. 04 Offer and acceptance. Successful applicants receive an official offer. Acceptance must be confirmed within five working days. The process continues with next steps to prepare for enrollment. 05 Welcome to The Aquila School. Before the first official day, families are invited to meet at school to learn what they need to know for a smooth start. Our admissions tours are personalised to reflect each family's interests and needs. The school provides guidance to help families settle and begin the new journey.
Scholarships
ISP scholarships at The Aquila School offer up to 75% off tuition for students entering Years 10 and 12. The scholarships provide access to global programmes, cultural experiences, personal mentorship and community opportunities.
Waitlist
Admissions are first come, first served. Siblings of current students receive priority. If a year group is full, a waiting list may be used and families are contacted when a space opens; acceptance or decline should be indicated within one week.
FAQs
What curriculum does The Aquila School follow?
The Aquila School follows the British curriculum enriched with UAE context. Post-16 options include the IB Diploma Programme, IB Career-related Programme, BTEC Level 3, and ASDAN, providing multiple university pathways.
What are the tuition fees at The Aquila School?
Annual tuition fees range from AED 48,673 to AED 77,876 depending on year group. An application fee of AED 500 applies with an enrolment fee of up to 10% of annual tuition.
How diverse is the student body?
The school serves over 1,154 students from 90+ nationalities, creating a vibrant multicultural community in Wadi Al Safa 5, Dubai.
Does The Aquila School provide SEN support?
Yes, the Hemam Learning Support Centre provides tailored interventions with a Specialist Inclusion Team. The school holds the SENDIA award for provision for students of determination and describes itself as fully inclusive.
Does the school offer EAL support?
Yes, English as an Additional Language support is delivered through tailored English plans, small-group instruction, and targeted vocabulary and fluency development for non-native English speakers.
What performing arts programmes are available?
The school offers a specialised performing arts programme with LAMDA qualifications, enabling students to develop skills in drama, public speaking, and performance with internationally recognised certification.
What sports facilities does The Aquila School have?
Facilities include multipurpose halls, courts, pools, an astro pitch, gym, and football pitches. Outdoor spaces support athletics and outdoor learning activities.
Is The Aquila School part of a school group?
Yes, The Aquila School is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP) network, which provides access to international opportunities including ISP Model United Nations, filmmaking, chess, and cultural exchange.
What are the school hours?
Start times vary by phase with morning drop-off around 7:25-7:40 a.m. Foundation Stage finishes around 1:45 p.m., Primary around 2:45 p.m., and Secondary around 3:30 p.m. Fridays have earlier finishes.
Is there a school bus service?
Yes, the school runs its own dedicated bus service with separate buses for Early Years, Primary, and Secondary, plus a late bus after ECAs. Routes cover areas including DLRC, The Villa, DSO, and Academic City.
What accreditations does The Aquila School hold?
The school holds BSO, BSME membership, IB World School authorisation, LAMDA and ASDAN accreditation, ISEB accreditation, and examination board accreditations from AQA, Cambridge, Pearson, and Oxford AQA.
Does The Aquila School offer Duke of Edinburgh?
Yes, the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme is available as part of the school's commitment to developing leadership, resilience, and personal growth beyond the classroom.
How do I apply to The Aquila School?
Submit an application with the AED 500 fee. New students pay an enrolment deposit of up to 10% of annual tuition, which is deductible from the first term's invoice.
What food options are available on campus?
On-site dining includes a canteen and two cafes: Parrot Cafe and Senior's Cafe. Foundation Stage students receive healthy packed lunches or hot meals during scheduled lunchtime.
