The Top 10 International Schools in Dubai

Moving to Dubai offers an exciting lifestyle for families. Its international community, excellent educational opportunities and high standard of living encourages families from all over the world to relocate. For more information on moving to Dubai from the UK, please read our guide. 

As a hub for international business, and now schooling, Dubai welcomes students from across the globe. Our guide below provides expert insight into the top ten international schools in Dubai. At SLT we know it is impossible to definitively list a top ten that is right for every child – so the list below is rather a collection of schools that have consistently stood out to us over the years. There are of course many other equally good schools and we would be delighted to help you find exactly the right one for your child. 

Jumeriah English Speaking School

  • Founded 1975
  • Ages 3-11
  • Co-ed
  • British curriculum

A not-for-profit school opened in the 1970s to serve the new expat community, it is now one of Dubai’s most respected and best-established primary schools.

Find out more about Jumeriah English Speaking School

 

Nord Anglia International School Dubai

  • Founded 2014
  • Ages 3-18
  • Co-ed
  • British / IB curriculum

NAS is part of the Nord Anglia global education behemoth with more than 80 schools worldwide. An academic school with a drive beyond classroom learning, the school prides itself on its partnerships with MIT, Juilliard, IMG Academy and more.

Find out more about Nord Anglia International School Dubai 

Repton School Dubai

  • Founded 2007
  • Ages 3-18
  • Co-ed
  • British curriculum with IB Diploma in Sixth Form

Repton Dubai is an international ‘partner’ school of the renowned UK public school of the same name and one of only two schools in the UAE to offer a full boarding option.

The for-profit Cognita schools group bought Repton Dubai and its sister schools in 2023.

Find out more about Repton School Dubai

 

Dubai College

  • Founded 1978
  • Ages 11-18
  • Co-ed
  • British curriculum

One of the originals and the best, Dubai College is an independent, not-for-profit school founded to provide a British-style modern secondary education. It is one of the oldest UK curriculum schools in the city and has an outstanding academic reputation.

Find out more about Dubai College

 

Dubai English Speaking School

  • Founded 1963 (senior school opened 2005)
  • Ages 11-18
  • Co-ed
  • British curriculum

DESS primary school is the oldest British school in Dubai. It is popular with families for its emphasis on an all-round education. Run as a not-for-profit school, it is now an all-through school with the opening of DESS College.

Find out more about Dubai English Speaking School

 

Gems Wellington International School

  • Founded 2009
  • Ages 3-18
  • Co-ed
  • British curriculum, IB diploma in Sixth Form

Part of GEMS Education, WIS has been rated outstanding by the KHDA in its last ten inspections, one of very few achieve this level of consistency. It has global ambitions, achieving COBIS accreditation in 2023 and winning the Independent School of the Year Award for best British International School in the same year.

Find out more about Gems Wellington International School

King’s School Dubai

  • Founded 2004 (two sister schools opened 2014)
  • Ages 3-11
  • Co-ed
  • British curriculum

Kings’ School Dubai, known as Kings’ Dubai, was the first of the Kings Education group of schools, opening as a primary-only school by founder Mr Tayeb Al Baker. It has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating every year since inspections began.

Find out more about King’s School Dubai

Dubai British School Emirate Hills

  • Founded 2005
  • Ages 3-18
  • Co-ed
  • British curriculum

DBS is part of the Taleem schools group and one of the first to open in the Emirate Hills area. It success has led to two new sister schools, in Jumeirah Park (opened in 2024) and in Mira (opened September 2025)

Find out more about Dubai British School Emirate Hills

 

Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches

  • Founded 2005
  • Ages 3-18
  • Co-ed
  • British / International

Highly sought after for it academic results, this not-for-profit school is described as a ‘gem’ by the Good Schools Guide. The JESS name is synonymous with excellence in education in Dubai.

Find out more about Jumeriah English Speaking School 

 

Jumeriah College

  • Founded 1999
  • Ages 11-18
  • Co-ed
  • British curriculum

Another of the GEMS Education UAE schools, Jumeirah College is strong academically and has a spring in its step with new leadership and expansion of the school’s existing buildings and facilities.

Find out more about Jumeriah College

How Simply Learning Tuition Can Help 

At Simply Learning Tuition, we offer expert, personalised support at every stage of the move to a new county and schooling system. Our services include:

  • Schools shortlisting to ensure you find the best fit school for your children

  • Support through the entire application process including preparation for school admissions tests

  • Mock interviews and interview coaching

  • Introductions to trusted legal, financial, and property specialists.

 

We have extensive experience in helping parents find the right school in Dubai. Browse our success stories to find out more.

To discover how we can help with entrance requirements, schools shortlisting and applications, please contact us today.

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