11 Best Schools in Dubai 2026–2027 — Fees, Admission & KHDA Reviews

GEMS Modern Academy is a KHDA Outstanding-rated school in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, offering a unique dual Indian/IB curriculum for students from KG1 to Grade 12, with annual fees ranging from AED 30,983 (Indian pre-primary) to AED 73,876 (IB Grade 11–12) for the 2025–2026 academic year.

What You Need to Know

• GEMS Modern Academy is one of only a handful of schools in Dubai to offer a fully integrated dual curriculum pathway, allowing your child to switch between CISCE and IB streams from Grade 6 onwards.
• GEMS Modern Academy holds accreditation from CISCE, IB, and CIS — three internationally recognised bodies — providing confidence that your child's qualifications will be recognised globally.
• GEMS Modern Academy's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated it Outstanding overall, with students achieving outstanding learning skills across all phases, from KG through to Grade 12.
• GEMS Modern Academy has been a fixture in the Dubai education landscape since 1986, making it one of the oldest continuously operating outstanding-rated private schools in the emirate.

School Performance

Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: KHDA Profile. Indian pathway (left) / IB pathway (right) where fees differ.

Admission Process

1. Apply → Online via the GEMS Education portal at gemsmodernacademy-dubai.com
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate academic assessment for most year groups
3. Review → School reviews application, assessment results, and previous school reports
4. Offer → Decision typically communicated within 2–3 weeks of assessment
5. Enrol → Registration deposit and standard documentation required to secure the place

Dubai College is a KHDA Outstanding-rated, not-for-profit British curriculum school in Al Sufouh, Dubai, offering GCSE and A-Level programmes for Years 7–13, with annual fees of AED 97,415 (Years 7–11) to AED 110,305 (Years 12–13) for the 2025–2026 academic year.

What You Need to Know

• Dubai College operates on a not-for-profit basis, meaning all surpluses are reinvested directly into the school for the benefit of its students — a model shared by very few schools in Dubai.
• Dubai College's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection found students' academic results in English, mathematics, and science to be outstanding, with students making excellent progress in Islamic Education and Arabic as well.
• Dubai College has held an Outstanding KHDA rating every year since inspections began, making it one of the most consistently high-performing secondary schools in the emirate.
• Dubai College requires a personal debenture of AED 30,000 for all new students joining in 2025–2026; this is returned when the student leaves, less any outstanding sums.

School Performance

Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

Annual Fees 2025–2026

Admission Process

1. Apply → Online application via dubaicollege.org; applications for 2026–2027 open in autumn 2025
2. Assessment → Cognitive ability and subject-specific academic assessment
3. Interview → Selected applicants may be invited for an interview with senior staff
4. Offer → Decisions communicated after the assessment round
5. Enrol → Debenture of AED 30,000 and first term's fees required to secure the place

Dubai International Academy is a KHDA Outstanding-rated IB World School in Emirates Hills, Dubai, delivering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) for students from KG1 to Grade 12, with annual fees ranging from AED 44,979 (KG1) to AED 79,696 (Grade 12) for the 2025–2026 academic year.

What You Need to Know

• Dubai International Academy achieved a PIRLS score of 653 in 2022 — 78 points above its set target — placing it at the advanced international benchmark for reading literacy.
• Dubai International Academy's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated Teaching & Assessment as Outstanding in all phases (KG, PYP, MYP, and DP), reflecting the strength of its IB-trained teaching staff.
• Dubai International Academy offers an extensive co-curricular programme spanning sports, the arts, and community service, which the DSIB inspection specifically highlighted as a school strength.
• Dubai International Academy students in the IB Diploma Programme achieve scores significantly above world averages in English, mathematics, and science, supporting strong university placement outcomes.

School Performance

Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Summary Report | Full Inspection Report

Annual Fees 2025–2026

Contact Dubai International Academy directly to confirm the latest per-grade fee structure for 2025–2026.

Admission Process

1. Apply → Online application via diadubai.com; submit supporting documents including most recent school reports
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate academic assessment and cognitive testing for most year groups
3. Review → Admissions team reviews application alongside assessment results and prior attainment
4. Offer → Decision communicated within 2–3 weeks; places are offered in order of eligibility
5. Enrol → Enrolment deposit and required documentation to be submitted to confirm the place

Deira International School is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British/IB school in Al Badia, Dubai Festival City, offering education from FS1 to Year 13 following the English National Curriculum to IGCSE and the IB Diploma in Sixth Form, with annual fees from AED 43,592 (FS1) to AED 87,825 (Years 12–13) for 2025–2026.

What You Need to Know

• Deira International School is owned and operated by the not-for-profit Al Futtaim Education Foundation, which reinvests all surplus into the school's development and facilities.
• Deira International School's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated every single criterion as Outstanding across all phases — a rare achievement that reflects consistent, high-quality provision from FS1 through to Year 13.
• Deira International School has one of the largest Emirati student cohorts among outstanding-rated schools (233 students), reflecting a genuinely inclusive and diverse school community.
• Deira International School's state-of-the-art campus in Dubai Festival City spans 70,000 sqm and includes temperature-controlled swimming pools, a 6-court sports hall, and specialist science and arts facilities.

School Performance

Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Full Inspection Report

Annual Fees 2025–2026

Contact Deira International School to confirm the current KHDA-approved fee fact sheet for each year group.

Admission Process

1. Apply → Online via the school's parent portal at iparents.disdubai.ae; a non-refundable booking fee of AED 3,000 is required on acceptance
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate assessment; CAT4 cognitive ability test for secondary applicants
3. Review → Applications reviewed by the admissions team alongside school reports and references
4. Offer → Decision communicated by the admissions team; booking fee is deductible from first term fees
5. Enrol → Standard documentation and term fees required to complete enrolment

GEMS Wellington International School is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British/IB school in Al Sufouh, Dubai, educating students from FS1 to Year 13 following the English National Curriculum to GCSE (Year 11) and the IB Diploma in Years 12–13, with annual fees from AED 47,527 (FS1) to AED 103,399 (Years 12–13) for 2025–2026.

What You Need to Know

• GEMS Wellington International School has held an Outstanding KHDA rating every year since 2009 — 12 consecutive Outstanding results — placing it among the most consistently high-performing all-through schools in Dubai.
• GEMS Wellington International School's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated all six domains Outstanding across all four phases, reflecting the depth and consistency of provision from Foundation Stage through to Post-16.
• GEMS Wellington International School offers Sixth Form students three IB pathways — the full IB Diploma Programme, the IB Courses Programme, and the IB Career-related Programme — to ensure the right route for every learner.
• GEMS Wellington International School's wellbeing programme, including the 'GroWell' curriculum and 'Upstrive' initiative, was specifically commended by DSIB inspectors as an Outstanding feature of the school.

School Performance

Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Full Inspection Report

Annual Fees 2025–2026

Admission Process

1. Apply → Online application at wellingtoninternationalschool.com; a non-refundable application fee of AED 525 applies
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate academic assessment; CAT4 testing for secondary year groups
3. Review → Admissions team reviews application, prior school reports, and assessment outcomes
4. Offer → An admission fee of 10% of annual tuition is required to accept a place; this is non-refundable but adjustable against first term fees
5. Enrol → Term fees invoiced before the start of each term; payment by cheque, card, or bank transfer

Kings' School Dubai is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British primary school in Umm Suqeim, Dubai, educating children from FS1 to Year 6 following the English National Curriculum, with annual fees from AED 47,179 (FS1–FS2) to AED 71,801 (Year 5–6) for the 2025–2026 academic year.

What You Need to Know

• Kings' School Dubai has achieved an Outstanding KHDA rating in every inspection since the inspections programme began — the only school in the UAE to hold this distinction.
• Kings' School Dubai's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated students' achievement in English, mathematics, and science as Outstanding in both the Foundation Stage and Primary phases.
• Kings' School Dubai's provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage was described by DSIB inspectors as being "extremely responsive to children's needs," with children highly engaged and staff expertly supporting individual progress.
• Kings' School Dubai serves as the founding school of the Kings Education group, which also operates Kings' Al Barsha and Kings' Nad Al Sheba — providing a clear secondary school pathway for graduating Year 6 students.

School Performance

Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Full Inspection Report

Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: Kings' School Dubai official website (kings-edu.com/dubai)

Admission Process

1. Apply → Online application at kings-edu.com/dubai; the school advises applying well in advance, particularly for FS1 and Year 1 due to high demand
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate assessment for most year groups; Foundation Stage assessments are informal and play-based
3. Review → Admissions team reviews all applications; school reports and references required for Year 2 and above
4. Offer → Decision communicated by the admissions team following assessment
5. Enrol → Registration and deposit fees required to confirm the place; uniforms and supplementary materials arranged separately

Jumeirah College is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British curriculum school in Al Safa, Dubai, educating students from Year 7 to Year 13 through GCSE and A-Level programmes, with annual fees from AED 78,496 (Year 7) to AED 98,681 (Year 13) for the 2025–2026 academic year.

What You Need to Know

• Jumeirah College's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated Teaching & Assessment as Outstanding in both Secondary and Post-16 phases, with inspectors noting particular strength in Year 13.
• Jumeirah College does not accept new admissions into Years 11 or 13, as these are the second year of two-year examination programmes; all families should plan to apply for entry into Years 7 or 12 only.
• Jumeirah College's wellbeing programme — which includes a therapy dog, over 75 extra-curricular activities, and student-led mental health weeks — was rated Outstanding by DSIB inspectors in 2023–2024.
• Jumeirah College students from over 63 nationalities benefit from a highly international school community, and the school is registered as a British Overseas School with the UK Department for Education.

School Performance

Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Full Inspection Report

Annual Fees 2025–2026

Contact Jumeirah College directly to confirm the current KHDA-approved fee fact sheet for each year group.

Admission Process

1. Apply → Online via gemsjc.com; an application fee of AED 525 is charged at time of application; due to high demand, applications for 2026–2027 closed in October 2025
2. Assessment → Online CAT4 Cognitive Ability Assessment (Verbal, Non-verbal, Quantitative, Spatial Reasoning) — takes approximately 1.5–2 hours
3. Review → Admissions team and SLT review all applications; prior school reports and a confidential reference are required
4. Offer → A registration deposit of 10% of annual tuition is required to accept an offer; non-refundable but adjustable against fees
5. Enrol → Term fees invoiced in advance of each term; uniform, transport, and exam fees invoiced separately

Dubai English Speaking School is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British primary school in Umm Hurair, Dubai, educating children from FS1 to Year 6, with annual fees from AED 43,084 (FS1) to AED 53,320 (Year 6) for the 2025–2026 academic year.

What You Need to Know

• Dubai English Speaking School's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated every domain Outstanding in both phases, with particular praise for the school's clear vision, very high quality of care and support, and its innovative 'Inspire, Explore and Invent' curriculum.
• Dubai English Speaking School achieved an outstanding overall result in its most recent PIRLS reading literacy assessment, maintaining scores above 600 — among the highest in Dubai's primary sector.
• Dubai English Speaking School's wellbeing provision was rated Outstanding by DSIB inspectors, who noted the school's highly qualified wellbeing team and comprehensive data-driven approach to monitoring and improving outcomes for individual students.
• Dubai English Speaking School's strong ratio of 52 teaching assistants to 1,017 students reflects a genuine commitment to personalised support and inclusive learning, particularly for students of determination.

School Performance

Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Full Inspection Report

Annual Fees 2025–2026

Contact Dubai English Speaking School directly to confirm the latest KHDA-approved fee schedule for 2025–2026.

Admission Process

1. Apply → Online application via dessc.sch.ae; the school advises applying early as demand is high
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate assessment for FS1 entry; school reports and references for primary year groups
3. Review → Admissions team reviews application and supporting documentation
4. Offer → Decision communicated by the admissions team; deposit required to secure the place
5. Enrol → Standard documentation, deposit, and term fees required to complete enrolment

Horizons English School is a KHDA Outstanding-rated British primary school in Al Wasl, Dubai, providing education from FS1 to Year 6 following the English National Curriculum, with annual fees from AED 43,849 (FS1) to AED 58,825 (Year 6) for the 2025–2026 academic year.

What You Need to Know

• Horizons English School's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated every domain Outstanding across both Foundation Stage and Primary phases — and specifically commended the quality of provision and outcomes in the Foundation Stage as a school highlight.
• Horizons English School has been providing British primary education in Dubai since 1989, making it one of the longer-established outstanding-rated schools in the emirate and a trusted choice for many multi-generational families.
• Horizons English School achieved an Outstanding result in its most recent PIRLS reading assessment, with a score well over 600, and was praised by inspectors for its rigorous use of reading data to support individual students.
• Horizons English School's total fees include tuition, medical fees, stationery, and a digital device — making the published fee a more complete representation of your costs than at many comparable schools.

School Performance

Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Full Inspection Report

Annual Fees 2025–2026

Contact Horizons English School to confirm the latest KHDA-approved fee schedule and confirm per-grade breakdown.

Admission Process

1. Apply → Online application at horizonschooldubai.com; an application fee of AED 525 (inclusive of VAT) is required
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate assessment for all year groups above FS1
3. Review → Admissions team reviews application alongside school reports from the previous year
4. Offer → A non-refundable deposit of 10% of annual tuition is required for new pupils on acceptance; returning pupils pay 5%
5. Enrol → Fees payable in full at the start of the year, or in three instalments (40% in August, 30% in December, 30% in March)

GEMS Dubai American Academy is a KHDA Outstanding-rated American/IB school in Al Barsha, Dubai, educating students from KG1 to Grade 12 through a US curriculum, AP courses, and the IB Diploma Programme, with annual fees from AED 66,185 (KG1–KG2) to AED 93,300 (Grades 1–12) for the 2025–2026 academic year.

What You Need to Know

• GEMS Dubai American Academy is the only Outstanding-rated American curriculum school on this list, making it the top choice for families seeking a US educational framework with AP and IB Diploma options in Grades 11–12.
• GEMS Dubai American Academy's 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated outstanding outcomes in English, mathematics, and science in almost all phases, with students achieving above world averages in international benchmark assessments.
• GEMS Dubai American Academy's US High School Diploma programme includes 34 electives — a remarkable breadth — alongside a full college-preparatory track and Advanced Placement courses, preparing students for university admissions worldwide.
• GEMS Dubai American Academy has 12 guidance counsellors for 3,088 students — among the highest counsellor-to-student ratios in Dubai — supporting students' wellbeing, university preparation, and personal development throughout their school journey.

School Performance

Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Full Inspection Report

Annual Fees 2025–2026

Contact GEMS Dubai American Academy to confirm the latest KHDA-approved fee fact sheet for 2025–2026.

Admission Process

1. Apply → Online via gemsaa-dubai.com; applications accepted year-round for mid-year and September intake
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate academic assessment; cognitive ability testing for secondary grades
3. Review → Admissions team reviews application alongside school reports and references
4. Offer → Decision communicated by the admissions team; registration deposit required to accept
5. Enrol → Enrolment deposit and standard documentation required to secure the place

Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches is a KHDA Outstanding-rated, not-for-profit British/IB school in Arabian Ranches, Dubai, educating students from FS1 to Year 13 with the English National Curriculum to GCSE and IB Diploma or BTEC in Sixth Form, with annual fees from AED 54,129 (FS1) to AED 104,544 (Years 12–13) for 2025–2026.

What You Need to Know

• Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches achieved the highest overall IB Diploma points score in the UAE in July 2025 — an average of 38 points — with 33% of the cohort scoring 40 or above out of 45.
• Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches operates as a not-for-profit school, meaning all surpluses are reinvested directly into the school's educational provision and facilities.
• Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches' 2023–2024 DSIB inspection rated Teaching & Assessment as Outstanding in the Foundation Stage, upper Secondary, and Post-16 phases, with strong outcomes in English, mathematics, and science throughout.
• Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches is set within the Arabian Ranches community, meaning many school families live within walking or cycling distance of the school gates — a distinctive feature that fosters a strong community ethos.

School Performance

Source: DSIB Inspection 2023–2024

Full Inspection Report

Annual Fees 2025–2026

Admission Process

1. Apply → Online application via jess.sch.ae; a non-refundable registration fee of AED 500 applies; apply 12–18 months ahead for FS1 and Year 7 due to high demand
2. Assessment → Age-appropriate assessment for all year groups; a formal interview and GCSE grade requirements for Sixth Form entry
3. Review → Admissions team and school leadership review applications; sibling and corporate debenture holders receive priority
4. Offer → A deposit of AED 5,000 is required within five days of receiving an offer letter; personal debentures of AED 20,000 are requested after a place is confirmed
5. Enrol → Standard documentation and term fees required to complete enrolment; fees are KHDA-approved and aligned across the Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches campuses

Frequently Asked Questions

Which school on this list has the lowest fees?

GEMS Modern Academy offers the most accessible entry point, with Indian pathway fees starting at AED 30,983 in pre-primary. If your family is looking for an Outstanding-rated school at the lower end of the fee range, GEMS Modern Academy and Dubai English Speaking School (from AED 43,084 in FS1) are the two most affordable options on this list.

Which school has the highest fees?

Dubai College charges the highest fees of all 11 schools, at AED 97,415 for Years 7–11 and AED 110,305 for Years 12–13. Dubai College also requires a personal debenture of AED 30,000 for all new students. Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches (AED 104,544 for Years 12–13) and GEMS Wellington International School (AED 103,399 for Years 12–13) are also at the premium end.

What age can my child start school at these Outstanding-rated Dubai schools?

Most schools accept children from age 3 (FS1) for their foundation stage programmes. This applies to GEMS Wellington International School, Deira International School, Kings' School Dubai, Dubai English Speaking School, Horizons English School, JESS Arabian Ranches, Dubai International Academy, and GEMS Modern Academy. Dubai College and Jumeirah College are secondary-only schools, accepting students from age 11 (Year 7), while GEMS Dubai American Academy begins at age 4 (KG1).

When should I apply for the 2026–2027 academic year?

For most schools on this list, applications for September 2026 entry should ideally be submitted between October and February 2026. High-demand schools such as Kings' School Dubai, JESS Arabian Ranches, and Dubai College typically have waiting lists, and families should apply 12–18 months in advance. Jumeirah College closed applications for 2026–2027 in October 2025. If you are relocating to Dubai mid-year, most schools accept rolling admissions subject to availability.

Which school is best for families following a British curriculum all the way through to A-Levels?

Dubai College and Jumeirah College are the two dedicated Outstanding-rated British secondary schools offering GCSE and A-Level programmes in full. Both are secondary-only (Years 7–13) and are recognised by the UK Department for Education as British Overseas Schools. JESS Arabian Ranches and Deira International School offer a British curriculum through to GCSE before transitioning to the IB Diploma in Sixth Form. GEMS Wellington International School follows the same British-then-IB model, with a Sixth Form offering the full IB Diploma, IB Courses, or IB Career-related Programme.

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Conclusion

Dubai's 11 KHDA Outstanding-rated schools in this guide span every major curriculum — British, IB, American, and Indian — with annual fees from AED 30,983 to AED 110,305. Whether your child is starting FS1 or entering Sixth Form, this guide gives you the verified data you need to make a confident decision. Schedule school tours by June 2026 for September 2027 entry, and start applications as early as possible — places at these schools, especially in high-demand year groups, move quickly.