Open all
Our View
This is an academically rigorous, modern British international school that caters to the expat community in Dubai, as well as globally minded UAE families.
Where?
The school is situated in central Dubai, on a contained campus. The school’s grass playing fields are a five-minute walk away.
Head
Soft-spoken Marc Morris was previously chief education officer at Dulwich College International in Singapore, where he was responsible for nine international schools in China, South Korea, Myanmar and Singapore. An avid mountain climber, he has led World Challenge expeditions to Bolivia and Tanzania.
Admissions
Prospective pupils are required to sit a CAT test and submit their most recent school report. Applications can also be supported by evidence of excellence in sport, drama, music and the arts, as well as potential in global citizenship, leadership and innovation. The main entry point is Year 7.
Places are awarded in order of priority, with Emirati nationals first, followed by pupils coming up from Jumeirah Primary School and siblings. If applications exceed the number of places available, pupils are ranked in order of test result and projected Key Stage 2 levels. Every new arrival is required by UAE Ministry of Education law to provide a leaving/transfer certificate from their last school.
The school’s parent company GEMS has a broad scholarship scheme offering awards in academics, sport, Arabic studies, performing arts and innovation and digital technology.
Academic
The school follows the English national curriculum, preparing pupils for IGCSEs and A-levels – and it's intense, with a heavy focus on academic progress and results. Every classroom has an interactive whiteboard, and there are currently more than 400 computers for students to use. They can also bring in their own laptops or iPads.
There is support for pupils with special needs, EAL and those who are exceptionally able.
Co-curricular
Great performing-arts facilities include a pair of drama studios, a music technology laboratory and recording studio, and a trio of art studios for painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, textiles, architecture and ceramics. Everyone studies art and design up to the end of Key Stage 3.
Sport isn’t a priority but is offered as part of the extracurricular programme, which also includes academic (languages, remedial classes in geography), special interest (robotics, debating, drone flying) and physical (rock climbing, Pilates) options.
School community
There’s a real emphasis on parents being vital to the progress of a student and working in collaboration with the school. Communication is good and the college has regular parent consultations, both individual and group, as well as parent meetings and a comprehensive reporting cycle. The pastoral system is organised in year groups and form tutors are the first point of contact for any issues that may arise (pupils stay in the same tutor group throughout their time at the school).
And finally....
For those wanting a British curriculum and high academic standards, this is a serious contender but be aware: results are the top priority.