10 Best Elementary Schools in Dubai 2026-27 — Fees, Admission & KHDA Reviews

Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) is a KHDA Outstanding-rated, not-for-profit British curriculum school in Oud Metha, Dubai, offering Foundation Stage 1 through Year 6 education to approximately 1,400 students, with annual fees ranging from AED 43,084 (FS1) to AED 53,320 (FS2–Year 6) for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Dubai English Speaking School — What You Need to Know

• Dubai English Speaking School has held a KHDA Outstanding rating since 2019–2020, demonstrating sustained academic excellence across both the Foundation Stage and Primary phases.
• Dubai English Speaking School was founded in 1973 and is operated as a not-for-profit institution, which keeps its fees among the most accessible for an Outstanding-rated British primary school in central Dubai.
• Dubai English Speaking School delivers Outstanding attainment and progress in English, Mathematics, and Science across both Foundation Stage and Primary — all rated Outstanding in the 2023–2024 DSIB inspection.
• Dubai English Speaking School is rated Outstanding for both Wellbeing and Inclusion focus areas, giving parents confidence that their child's overall development is actively supported.

Dubai English Speaking School — School Performance

Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

Dubai English Speaking School — Annual Fees 2025–2026

Dubai English Speaking School — Admission Process

1. Apply → Online via the school's official website at dessc.sch.ae
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate academic assessment for all year groups
3. Interview → Parent and child meeting with school leadership as part of the process
4. Decision → School notifies parents of the outcome, typically within a few weeks
5. Enrol → Non-refundable registration deposit (10% of tuition) required on acceptance; standard documentation required

GEMS Jumeirah Primary School is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British curriculum school in Al Safa 1, Dubai, serving approximately 1,470 students from FS1 to Year 6, with annual fees ranging from AED 44,200 (FS1) to AED 55,714 (Year 6) for 2025–2026, and holding a continuous Outstanding rating for over a decade.

GEMS Jumeirah Primary School — What You Need to Know

• GEMS Jumeirah Primary School has achieved an Outstanding KHDA rating for over 11 consecutive years, making it one of the most consistently high-performing primary schools in Dubai.
• GEMS Jumeirah Primary School follows a bespoke version of the National Curriculum for England, enriched with a High Performance Learning framework that supports every child in reaching their full potential regardless of starting point.
• GEMS Jumeirah Primary School was the first school in the GEMS group to establish an Achievement Centre, earning an Outstanding rating specifically for inclusion provision — a rare distinction.
• GEMS Jumeirah Primary School has strong feeder links with GEMS Jumeirah College next door, with the majority of Year 6 leavers offered places there, giving your child a clear, Outstanding-rated educational pathway from age 3 to 18.

GEMS Jumeirah Primary School — School Performance

Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

GEMS Jumeirah Primary School — Annual Fees 2025–2026

GEMS Jumeirah Primary School — Admission Process

1. Apply → Online application via jumeirahprimaryschool.com; application fee of AED 500 + VAT
2. Tour → School actively encourages families to book a weekday school tour (Mon–Fri, 10am) before applying
3. Assessment → Age-appropriate assessment; Foundation Stage relies on play-based observation
4. Decision → School contacts parents with the outcome and offer of place
5. Enrol → Registration deposit of 10% of total annual fees required upon acceptance of offer; standard documentation required

Kings' School Dubai is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British curriculum school in Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, serving approximately 1,100 students from FS1 to Year 6, with annual fees ranging from AED 47,179 (FS1–FS2) to AED 71,801 (Year 5–Year 6) for 2025–2026, and the distinction of being the only school in Dubai to have held an Outstanding rating since inspections first began in 2008.

Kings' School Dubai — What You Need to Know

• Kings' School Dubai is the only school in the UAE to have achieved a KHDA Outstanding rating at every single inspection since Dubai's regulatory inspections began in 2008 — a record that no other school in the emirate has matched.
• Kings' School Dubai follows the ethos of "The Best By Every Child," combining the National Curriculum for England with a strong arts programme that includes dedicated facilities for music, drama, and visual arts.
• Kings' School Dubai uses CAT IV testing for all new entrants to establish individual baseline standards, enabling teachers to monitor and support each child's unique progress from the very beginning.
• Kings' School Dubai is part of the Kings' Education group, with sister campuses in Al Barsha and Nad Al Sheba; Year 6 leavers from Kings' Dubai have strong access to excellent secondary options across the city, including Dubai College and Kings' Al Barsha.

Kings' School Dubai — School Performance

Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

Kings' School Dubai — Annual Fees 2025–2026

Kings' School Dubai — Admission Process

1. Apply → Online via kings-edu.com/dubai; registration deposit required on acceptance
2. Assessment → Play-based observation for Foundation Stage; age-appropriate academic assessment for Year 1 upward, including CAT IV baseline testing
3. Interview → Parent and child meeting with school staff forms part of the process
4. Decision → School notifies parents of the outcome; waiting lists exist for most year groups
5. Enrol → Sibling priority applies; early registration strongly advised (12–18 months ahead for FS1); non-refundable deposit required on acceptance

Victory Heights Primary School is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British curriculum school in Dubai Sports City, serving approximately 1,000 students from FS1 to Year 6, with annual fees ranging from AED 40,138 (FS1) to AED 54,733 (Year 6) for 2025–2026, making it one of the most affordable Outstanding-rated primary schools in Dubai.

Victory Heights Primary School — What You Need to Know

• Victory Heights Primary School achieved its first KHDA Outstanding rating in 2022–2023 and retained it in 2023–2024, also holding an Outstanding rating from British Schools Overseas — the inspectorate that mirrors the UK's Ofsted framework.
• Victory Heights Primary School is rated Outstanding specifically for Wellbeing and Inclusion by the KHDA, with approximately 10% of students identified as having special educational needs who receive dedicated specialist support within the classroom.
• Victory Heights Primary School maintains a teacher turnover rate of around 5% — a fraction of the Dubai average of 20–22% — which means your child benefits from stable, long-serving teachers who know the school community deeply.
• Victory Heights Primary School is operated by Interstar Education, which also runs South View School in Remraam, giving Year 6 leavers access to an established secondary pathway; the school won Top Schools Awards for Happiest School and Best Primary School in the UAE.

Victory Heights Primary School — School Performance

Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

Victory Heights Primary School — Annual Fees 2025–2026

Contact Victory Heights Primary School directly to confirm the latest published fee schedule.

Victory Heights Primary School — Admission Process

1. Enquire → Submit an enquiry via vhprimary.com or contact the admissions team directly
2. Apply → Complete the online application form; application fee applies
3. Assessment → Age-appropriate entry assessment; play-based for Foundation Stage
4. Decision → School informs parents of the outcome; places are competitive for most year groups
5. Enrol → Enrolment deposit and standard documentation required on acceptance of place

Horizon English School is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British curriculum school in Umm Al Sheif (near Al Safa), Dubai, serving students from FS1 to Year 6, with annual fees ranging from AED 43,849 (FS1) to AED 58,825 (Year 1–Year 6) for 2025–2026, and a reputation as one of Dubai's happiest primary school communities.

Horizon English School — What You Need to Know

• Horizon English School has maintained a KHDA Outstanding rating continuously since 2018–2019, and was named "Happiest School in the UAE" at the Top School Awards — a reflection of the warm, inclusive community that parents consistently describe.
• Horizon English School's teacher retention rate exceeds 90%, meaning your child's teachers are experienced in the school's specific culture and systems, providing the kind of year-on-year stability that supports genuine long-term development.
• Horizon English School has invested in a dedicated STEMM Lab complete with a 3D printer and hydroponics, giving children hands-on experience with science and technology in a purpose-built environment.
• Horizon English School is part of the Cognita group, which brings international investment in leadership development and curriculum resources while the school maintains its distinct community identity and character.

Horizon English School — School Performance

Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

Horizon English School — Annual Fees 2025–2026

Fees include tuition, medical fees, stationery, and a digital device.

Horizon English School — Admission Process

1. Apply → Online via horizonschooldubai.com; application fee of AED 500 (AED 525 inclusive of VAT) required, non-refundable and non-deductible from tuition
2. Tour → School encourages families to book a personalised school tour before applying
3. Assessment → Age-appropriate assessment; play-based for Foundation Stage
4. Decision → School contacts parents with the offer of a place
5. Enrol → Non-refundable deposit of 10% of annual tuition for new pupils; returning pupils pay 5%; deposit deducted from first term fees

GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail is a KHDA Very Good-rated all-through British curriculum school in Dubai Hills Estate (Al Khail), Dubai, serving students from Foundation Stage 1 to Year 13, with primary-stage fees ranging from AED 46,435 (FS1) to AED 58,488 (Year 6) for 2025–2026, and an Outstanding rating from British Schools Overseas for its educational quality.

GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail — What You Need to Know

• GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail has held a KHDA Very Good rating since 2019–2020, and inspectors have consistently noted that the school performs at a level very close to the Outstanding threshold, with an Outstanding accreditation from British Schools Overseas.
• GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail adopts the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework, developed by Professor Deborah Eyre, which is built on the principle that attainment is not fixed and that every child can reach a high level of performance with the right support.
• GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail offers a seamless educational journey from Nursery to Sixth Form (Year 13), meaning your child can remain in the same school community from age 3 all the way through to A-Levels and BTEC qualifications.
• GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail is part of the GEMS Education group, which provides access to extensive resources, well-qualified British teachers, and a proven pastoral care framework that supports student wellbeing at every stage.

GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail — School Performance

Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail — Annual Fees 2025–2026 (Primary Stage)

Secondary fees rise to AED 80,645 from Year 7. Contact school for full fee schedule and Nursery options.

GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail — Admission Process

1. Apply → Online registration at gemswellingtonacademy-alkhail.com; application fee of AED 525 required
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate entry assessment for all year groups applying beyond FS1
3. Offer → School issues a formal offer letter upon successful assessment
4. Deposit → Non-refundable registration deposit of 10% of annual tuition fee required to secure the place
5. Enrol → Standard documentation required; returning students pay re-registration deposit of 5% at re-enrolment

Jumeirah English Speaking School is a KHDA Outstanding-rated, not-for-profit British curriculum school with campuses in Arabian Ranches (FS1–Year 13) and Jumeirah (FS1–Year 6), serving over 2,589 students across three schools, with primary-stage fees starting from AED 54,129 (FS1) rising to AED 65,097 (Year 6) at Jumeirah, and up to AED 105,607 at the Arabian Ranches all-through campus for 2025–2026.

Jumeirah English Speaking School — What You Need to Know

• Jumeirah English Speaking School has maintained a KHDA Outstanding rating since 2008 and is consistently ranked among the leading IB Diploma Programme scorers in the UAE, giving primary-stage families confidence in a long-term academic pathway.
• Jumeirah English Speaking School operates as a not-for-profit organisation, which means all income is reinvested into the school community — including ongoing campus improvements such as the renovation of all Science labs planned for September 2026 and a new Performing Arts auditorium by 2027.
• Jumeirah English Speaking School has a teacher turnover rate of approximately 9.6%, around one-third of the Dubai average, reflecting a stable and experienced staff body committed to the school's long-term development.
• Jumeirah English Speaking School currently has more teams competing in school sports leagues than any other school in Dubai — making it a particularly strong choice for families where sport, arts, and holistic development are a priority alongside academics.

Jumeirah English Speaking School — School Performance

Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

Jumeirah English Speaking School — Annual Fees 2025–2026

Jumeirah Campus (Primary only)

Arabian Ranches campus primary fees are similar; secondary fees rise significantly. A debenture scheme is in place at Arabian Ranches — contact the school for full details.

Jumeirah English Speaking School — Admission Process

1. Apply → Online via jess.sch.ae; demand is very high and waiting lists exist for most year groups at both campuses
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate academic and play-based assessment; Foundation Stage assessment is observational
3. Interview → Meeting with school team as part of the process; class sizes capped at 22 (Foundation Stage) and 24 (Years 1–6)
4. Decision → School notifies parents of the outcome; Arabian Ranches campus operates a debenture scheme — confirm details with the school
5. Enrol → Standard registration documentation required; early application strongly advised

Nord Anglia International School Dubai is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British curriculum and IB school in Al Barsha South, Dubai, serving students from FS1 to Year 13, with primary-stage fees starting from AED 69,625 (FS1) rising to AED 105,288 (Year 13), and rated Outstanding for both Inclusion and Wellbeing by the KHDA in 2023–2024.

Nord Anglia International School Dubai — What You Need to Know

• Nord Anglia International School Dubai achieved its first KHDA Outstanding rating in 2022–2023 and retained it in 2023–2024, also receiving Outstanding ratings specifically for Inclusion and Wellbeing — two of the KHDA's key focus areas.
• Nord Anglia International School Dubai offers exclusive learning collaborations with MIT (for STEM), The Juilliard School (for performing arts), and UNICEF (for global citizenship) — programmes that are built into the school timetable rather than offered as optional extras.
• Nord Anglia International School Dubai has a teacher turnover rate of just 4%, one of the lowest in Dubai, ensuring a stable and experienced teaching body and strong year-on-year consistency for your child's learning journey.
• Nord Anglia International School Dubai delivers languages instruction in five languages — Arabic, French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish — providing your child with genuine multilingual exposure from the earliest years of primary school.

Nord Anglia International School Dubai — School Performance

Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

Nord Anglia International School Dubai — Annual Fees 2025–2026 (Primary Stage)

Contact NAS Dubai directly to confirm the most current per-grade fee breakdown; fees include tuition and many co-curricular activities.

Nord Anglia International School Dubai — Admission Process

1. Enquire → Submit an enquiry via nordangliaeducation.com/nas-dubai or book a personalised school tour or virtual visit
2. Apply → Complete the online application form; non-refundable application fee covers the cost of the age-appropriate entrance assessment
3. Assessment → Age-appropriate entry assessment for all year groups
4. Decision → School informs parents of the outcome; applications accepted throughout the school year depending on availability
5. Enrol → Standard documentation and enrolment deposit required; Inclusion team available to support students of Determination from the outset

Repton School Dubai is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British curriculum and IB school in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, serving students aged 3 to 18 (FS1 to Year 13), with primary-stage fees ranging from AED 57,178 (FS1) to approximately AED 77,000 (Year 6) for 2025–2026, and the distinction of being one of the very few schools in Dubai offering both day and boarding options.

Repton School Dubai — What You Need to Know

• Repton School Dubai has maintained a KHDA Outstanding rating continuously since 2014–2015, and is ranked among the 150 best private schools in the world by The Schools Index — a rare distinction for a school outside the United Kingdom.
• Repton School Dubai is one of only two schools in Dubai to offer a boarding option (from Year 7), set within a striking 1.3 million square foot campus in Nad Al Sheba that includes purpose-built performing arts, sports, and Sixth Form facilities.
• Repton School Dubai recently invested significantly in campus development, adding a new Performing Arts Centre, a Sports Village, and reimagined Early Years spaces — infrastructure upgrades that directly benefit primary-age children.
• Repton School Dubai is part of the Cognita group and carries a 450-year heritage from the original Repton School in the UK, providing an education rooted in tradition, intellectual curiosity, and high personal values alongside rigorous academics.

Repton School Dubai — School Performance

Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

Repton School Dubai — Annual Fees 2025–2026 (Primary Stage)

Year 3 onward fees are indicative; contact Repton School Dubai directly for the full 2025–2026 fee schedule per grade. A 5% discount applies for full upfront annual payment; 5% sibling discount from third child onward.

Repton School Dubai — Admission Process

1. Apply → Online via reptondubai.org; application fee of AED 500 (AED 525 incl. VAT), non-refundable
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate academic assessment; school contacts parents to arrange following the application
3. Decision → School informs parents within three business days of the assessment outcome
4. Deposit → New pupils pay 10% of annual tuition as a non-refundable deposit on acceptance; returning pupils pay 5%
5. Enrol → Standard KHDA documentation required; boarding option available separately from Year 7 onward

The Indian High School Al Garhoud is a KHDA Good-rated CBSE curriculum junior school in Al Garhoud, Dubai, serving approximately 4,256 students from Pre-KG to Grade 4, with annual fees ranging from AED 5,276 (KG1–KG2) to AED 5,525 (Grade 1–Grade 4) for 2025–2026, making it one of the most affordable primary schools in the city.

Indian High School Al Garhoud — What You Need to Know

• Indian High School Al Garhoud is operated as a not-for-profit institution and has been part of the IHS organisation since 1988, serving as the junior feeder school to the main Indian High School in Oud Metha (rated Very Good by KHDA), with automatic progression for students from Grade 4 onward.
• Indian High School Al Garhoud is one of the most affordable elementary schools in Dubai, with annual fees of AED 5,276–5,525 payable across ten monthly instalments, making it exceptionally accessible for Indian expatriate families managing their household budgets.
• Indian High School Al Garhoud has a particularly strong KG stage, where inspection outcomes rate student achievement and teaching as Very Good — giving children in the early years a solid academic and social foundation before primary grades begin.
• Indian High School Al Garhoud offers a robust extracurricular programme including badminton, basketball, cricket, football, chess, yoga, swimming, and a Wellbeing framework for students — providing your child with opportunities for physical and personal development beyond the classroom.

Indian High School Al Garhoud — School Performance

Source: KHDA DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Note: KG stage performance is rated largely Very Good; Primary section is rated Good overall.

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

Indian High School Al Garhoud — Annual Fees 2025–2026

Fees payable in 10 monthly instalments. A Pre-KG programme is also available at AED 21,000 per year. Contact the school to confirm the latest published fee schedule.

Indian High School Al Garhoud — Admission Process

1. Apply → Online via the admissions portal at ihsadmissionag.ihsdubai.org; download the user guide from the school website to complete the form correctly
2. Documents → Submit all required documents including birth certificate, passport copies, UAE residence visa, previous school reports, and transfer certificate
3. Assessment → Age and eligibility criteria apply (confirm grade cutoff dates with school)
4. Decision → School reviews application and informs parents of placement; demand is consistently high and early applications are strongly advised
5. Enrol → Fee payment via online portal, bank transfer, or cash deposit; monthly payment schedule applies

Frequently Asked Questions

Which elementary school in Dubai has the lowest annual fees? Indian High School Al Garhoud is by far the most affordable school on this list, with annual CBSE curriculum fees of just AED 5,276 for KG1 and AED 5,525 for Grades 1–4. Among British curriculum schools, Victory Heights Primary School in Dubai Sports City offers the lowest entry fee for Outstanding-rated education, starting at AED 40,138 for FS1.

Which Dubai elementary school has the highest fees? Among primary-stage years specifically, Nord Anglia International School Dubai charges the highest primary-stage fees, starting at AED 69,625 in FS1 and rising to approximately AED 87,000 by Year 5–6. For all-through schools, JESS Arabian Ranches and Repton Dubai both exceed AED 100,000 in secondary years.

What age does my child need to be to start FS1 at a British curriculum school in Dubai? Most British curriculum schools in Dubai require your child to turn 3 years old by 1 September of the academic year they are joining for FS1. For Year 1, children are typically required to turn 5 by 1 September. Always confirm the exact age cutoff with the individual school, as there can be minor variations.

When should I apply for admission at these Dubai elementary schools? For Outstanding-rated schools — particularly Kings' School Dubai, JESS, and GEMS Jumeirah Primary School — applications should be submitted 12 to 18 months in advance of your child's desired start date, especially for FS1. Victory Heights Primary School and Horizon English School are also popular and have competitive entry. For Indian High School Al Garhoud, apply as early as possible in the academic cycle given the very high demand for CBSE places.

Which school on this list is best for British families relocating to Dubai? Seven of the ten schools on this list follow the British National Curriculum — DESS, GEMS JPS, Kings' School Dubai, Victory Heights, Horizon English School, GEMS Wellington Al Khail, JESS, NAS Dubai, and Repton Dubai all deliver a British education fully aligned with the National Curriculum for England, making the academic transition seamless for children arriving from UK schools. Kings' School Dubai is the only school in Dubai to have held an Outstanding KHDA rating since inspections began in 2008, making it a particularly reassuring choice for families seeking the highest level of independent verification.

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Conclusion

Dubai offers a genuinely diverse range of elementary schools across multiple curricula, fee levels, and communities. Seven schools on this list carry the KHDA's highest Outstanding rating, one holds a Very Good rating, and one delivers exceptional value at the Good level with remarkably affordable CBSE fees. Primary-stage annual fees range from AED 5,276 at Indian High School Al Garhoud to over AED 69,000 at Nord Anglia. Use this guide to shortlist schools that fit your family's values, location, and budget, and schedule school tours by April 2026 to prepare for 2026–2027 admission. Entry-point year groups — particularly FS1 — fill quickly at the most sought-after schools.