Arcadia British School

Arcadia British School is a private British curriculum school in Jumeirah Village Triangle (Jabal Ali First in KHDA’s records), Dubai, for boys and girls from FS1 to Year 13. KHDA rated the school Very good in its 2023–24 inspection. Tuition for 2026–27 is AED 67,687 to AED 96,209 a year, depending on the year group.

Sources: KHDA inspection report 2023–24, p. 6; KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.

rating
Very goodKHDA 2023–24, p. 6What Very good means
fee
AED 67,687 – 96,209a year, FS1 to Year 13, 2026–27Fees by year group at every school
whole
Which year group?See its fee and the cost to the end of school
students
1,173 students2024–25, KHDA school directory

The map shows the streets and places around the school. The same places are counted in «Within 1 km» below.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Fees at this school, 2026–27

AED 67,687 – 96,209a year, FS1 to Year 13, 2026–27

Year group

Not sure? Work it out from a birth date

Not included: transport, uniform, books, trips, sibling discounts.

See all fees

KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.

Overview

Admissions

Places
KHDA does not publish how many places are free at a school or its waiting list. Ask the school directly, and early.
Age on entry
Counted on 31 December of the year of entry, for a child registering in a UAE school for the first time from 2026–27 (31 August before that).Source UAE Ministry of Education, 17 December 2025
Apply
arcadia.sch.ae+971 4 552 2600principal@arcadia.sch.aeTelephone and e-mail as KHDA's school directory lists them, checked 18 September 2026. What its own website says about admissions → How admission works across Dubai →
Fees on entry
«New Students — Application Fees : AED 500 (Assessment fees included)»«New Students — Enrolment Fees : Up to 10% of the tuition fees non refundable & deductible from the 1st term fees»Source KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27, FS1
Inspections
This school's latest full inspection report is 2023–24. KHDA’s visits resume in 2026–27. A full inspection brings a new rating; a shorter monitoring visit does not. Ratings and reports →Source KHDA, 3 June 2026

The school

Curriculum
British
Year groups
FS1–Year 13
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English
Founded
2016
Principal
Giles David Pruett
  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2024–25

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B

KHDA in brief

KHDA’s own one-page summary of its 2023–24 inspection, written for parents, word for word. The full inspection report remains the reference. Source A: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only

Students’ achievement

Attainment and progress are strong across English, mathematics and science with outstanding attainment in mathematics in the primary phase and outstanding progress in mathematics in the primary and secondary phases. Attainment and progress in Islamic education and Arabic ranges from weak to good. There is a positive learning ethos across the school especially in the FS. Cooperation, collaboration and engagement are strong features.

Personal and social development

Students demonstrate excellent behaviour and attitudes. They are kind, considerate and happy. Relationships are strong throughout the school. Students, especially those in the primary phase, have a clear understanding of Islamic values and a growing awareness of Emirati culture. They understand and appreciate their own and other cultures. Students demonstrate high levels of commitment to conservation and environmental issues.

Teaching, curriculum and care

Teachers’ strong subject knowledge is used well to develop expertise and help students make links between previous and future learning as well as links across different subjects. Lesson planning and the use of data are positive features. Student-teacher relationships are exceptionally strong. Assessment is coherent and consistent. Subjects make good use of external benchmarking to influence teaching and shape the curriculum.

Wellbeing

Leaders prioritise well-being embodying the "Happiness First" vision. Well-being policies clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of both staff and students. Open communication and purposeful support for students and families in need is highly valued by parents. Staff appreciate the commitment of leaders in ensuring their well-being. The school offers various initiatives to support its well-being provision, but the mapping of this provision has not been completed.

Inclusion

Leaders are strongly committed to inclusion and provide an exceptionally welcoming environment for all students. The identification of students' learning barriers is effective, Parents are actively involved in the school's activities and appreciate the support they receive. Exceptional learning experiences, particularly in alternative provision classes, inspire students to succeed and thrive. Progress data shows that most students exceed expectations.

Leadership and management

Leaders are strongly committed to cultivating each child as a lifelong learner. . School leaders have an accurate understanding of the school, but self-evaluation and strategic planning need further rigour. Staff morale is high. Welfare and well-being are exceptionally well supported. Parents are happy and the school commits considerably to the education community. Governance is strong, Buildings, facilities and resources are exceptional.

  1. Back to text, source A

    Parent Report 2023–24

    Summary only

    Page 1

    Checked 16 September 2026.

    Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.

What parents told KHDA (survey, 2018–19)

The 2023–24 inspection report has no parents’ survey section. Inspectors mention parents’ views in it: Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  • Parents say that this is a happy and safe school. p. 20
  • They actively participate, encouraged by regular feedback and frequent meetings. p. 20
  • Their views are appreciated, and their concerns acted upon. p. 20
  • They benefit from effective communication through newsletters, social media and informal meetings with staff. p. 20
  • Parents’ views are gathered through surveys and input from the chair of the parents’ association at board meetings. p. 20

The 2022–23 inspection report has no parents’ survey section. Inspectors mention parents’ views in it: Source B: Full Inspection Report 2022–23

  • Parents greatly appreciate the school's contribution to their children's wellbeing. p. 9

Before each inspection, KHDA surveys parents; this is how the 2018–19 inspection report, 7 years ago, sums up their answers in the inspectors’ words, and parents’ opinions may have changed since.

2018–19 inspection Source C: Full Inspection Report 2018–19

Overall

  • Almost all parents responding to the survey are satisfied with the quality of education provided by the school.
  • They describe the school as ‘a lovely friendly school with a community feel.
  • All staff are approachable and make us feel welcome’.

Safety and care

  • They feel that their children are happy and safe at school.

Communication

  • They are provided with the information and support they need to help their children.

Leadership

  • Parents feel that school leaders and staff listen to them and act on their views.

Fees 2026–27

Arcadia British School tuition for 2026–27 is AED 67,687 (FS1 and FS2) to AED 96,209 (Year 12 and Year 13) across 15 year groups, as published in the school's KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.Note 1Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

Year group

Fees for Arcadia British School
Compare with

Tuition is unchanged from 2025–26 in every year group.

Annual tuition by year group, Arcadia British School, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26

Year group2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–272025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Foundation Stage
FS1AED 67,687AED 67,687
FS2AED 67,687AED 67,687
Primary
Year 1AED 77,839AED 77,839
Year 2AED 77,839AED 77,839
Year 3AED 77,839AED 77,839
Year 4AED 77,839AED 77,839
Year 5AED 77,839AED 77,839
Year 6AED 77,839AED 77,839
Secondary
Year 7AED 82,893AED 82,893
Year 8AED 88,419AED 88,419
Year 9AED 88,419AED 88,419
Year 10AED 93,945AED 93,945
Year 11AED 93,945AED 93,945
Post-16
Year 12AED 96,209AED 96,209
Year 13AED 96,209AED 96,209

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. Back to text, note 1

    The range names the lowest and highest tuition on one Fees Fact Sheet. Fees are never averaged across year groups.

  2. Back to text, source A

    Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

    Tuition for 15 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source B

    Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26

    Tuition for 15 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  4. Back to text, note 2

    Change compares the same year group in the two fact sheets. Fees are never averaged across year groups.

Arcadia British School fees 2026–27 by year group Also the 2025–26 figures, fees since 2022–23 and other charges.

What a year costs, FS1, 2026–27

Showing FS1. Choose another year group above to see its costs.

Tuition
AED 67,687
KHDA's total for the year
AED 67,687

Required, but not in KHDA's total: uniform, books and the like, bought from the school or elsewhere

Uniform
AED 1,000 to AED 2,000
School ID Card ReplacementOnly when needed; not paid every year
AED 50

A year, before optional servicesAED 68,687 to AED 69,687

Optional services: tick what your child will use

KHDA prints most of these as a range the school may charge up to; the total keeps the whole range.

  • AED 5,000 to AED 10,500
  • AED 1 to AED 50
  • AED 50 to AED 500
  • AED 100 to AED 1,000
  • AED 50 to AED 3,000
  • AED 1,500 to AED 10,000
  • AED 35 to AED 100
  • AED 1,500 to AED 75,000
  • AED 3,000 to AED 15,000
  • AED 25 to AED 2,500

Joining and re-enrolling

Re-enrollment fees · Existing Students
Up to 5% of the tuition fees or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non-refundable and deductible from the 1st term fees
Application Fees · New Students
AED 500 (Assessment fees included)
Enrolment Fees · New Students
Up to 10% of the tuition fees, non-refundable and deductible from the 1st term fees

Other discounts the school states

New Students
25%
Corporate
up to 30%
Sibling 1
5%
Sibling 2
10%
Siblings 3 to 4
15%
Sibling 5
20%
Founders
30%

The school requested not to increase the tuition fees for the academic year 2026–⁠27. Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

Ranges are shown as KHDA prints them, never as a single middle figure.

Inspection

2023–24

Earlier reports

  1. 2022–23, Very good, Full Inspection Report
  2. 2019–20 to 2021–22, no inspection
  3. 2018–19, Good, Full Inspection Report

Wellbeing Dubai focus area

Very good

2023–24

Inclusion Dubai focus area

Outstanding

2023–24

Checked 16 September 2026.

KHDA ratings

KHDA ratings in the Full Inspection Report 2023–24. Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

KHDA’s visits resume in 2026–27. A full inspection brings a new rating; a shorter monitoring visit does not.Source KHDA, 3 June 2026 (opens in a new tab)

  1. OverallOverall performance

    Very good

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 1 report and Good in 1 report.

  2. WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing

    Very good

    First rated in 2023–24

  3. InclusionProvision for students of determination

    Outstanding

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 1 report.

  4. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Very good

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 1 report.

Checked 16 September 2026.

Ratings by phase, 2023–24KHDA rates these in each phase, with no single rating for the whole school. Phases are named as the report names them.

AreaFoundation StagePrimarySecondary
TeachingTeaching for effective learningVery goodVery goodVery good
AssessmentVery goodVery goodVery good
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationVery goodVery goodVery good
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationVery goodVery goodVery good
SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protectionOutstandingOutstandingOutstanding

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

What the KHDA scale means

KHDA rates schools on six levels. Good is the level KHDA expects of every school; Acceptable is the minimum level it requires.

Outstanding
«Quality of performance substantially exceeds the expectation of the UAE»23 schools in Dubai hold it now
Very goodThis school
«Quality of performance exceeds the expectation of the UAE»47 schools in Dubai hold it now
Good
«Quality of performance meets the expectation of the UAE»«This is the expected level for every school in the UAE»85 schools in Dubai hold it now
Acceptable
«Quality of performance meets the minimum level of quality required in the UAE»«This is the minimum level for every school in the UAE»52 schools in Dubai hold it now
Weak
«Quality of performance is below the expectation of the UAE»No school in Dubai holds it now
Very weak
«Quality of performance is significantly below the expectation of the UAE»No school in Dubai holds it now

Arcadia British School was rated Very good in 2023–24, one of 47 schools at this level.

Reports before 2015–16 used four levels, not these six. 21 of Dubai's 228 open schools hold no six-level rating yet. Counted the way Market Statistics counts ratings, for the schools open today.

Source UAE School Inspection Framework 2015–16, p. 19 (KHDA)

History

3 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2018–19 to 2023–24.

History of Arcadia British School
Rating

Overall rating by academic year, newest first

  1. 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
  2. 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
  3. 2023–24Very goodSame as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2022–23Very goodUp from GoodFull Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  5. 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
  6. 2018–19GoodFirst reportFull Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  7. 2016–17 and 2017–18No inspection.

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. Back to text, note 1

    Change compares each report with the school’s previous report. Years with no inspection are skipped, never counted as a change.

Findings

6 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 2 development points, 2 recurring across the last 3 reports.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Leadership and self-evaluation

Note 1

1 strength, 1 development point

  • Strength

    Dedicated leaders committed governors and engaged parents, all of whom contribute significantly to the schools’ ethos and success.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3

  • Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 3 reportsNote 2

    Improve self-evaluation and development planning by making sure that practices are rigorous and systematic, leading to precise evaluative statements.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9

Personal development and wellbeing

1 strength

  • Strength

    Students’ exceptionally positive attitudes, behaviour and relationships, as well as their understanding of Emirati culture and environmental sustainability.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4

Health, safety and safeguarding

1 strength

  • Strength

    The health, care, support and safety promoted by the school.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5

Inclusion of students of determination

1 strength

  • Strength

    The school’s commitment to inclusion and wellbeing, which are embedded across the school, ensuring that all students thrive and achieve.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6

Arabic

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 3 reports

    Improve attainment and progress in Islamic Education and Arabic by focusing on the quality of teaching and learning, raising the level of challenge and ensuring that assessment is more accurate.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8

Findings from 1 of 3 reports

  1. Back to text, note 1

    Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.

  2. Back to text, note 2

    Recurring counts the school’s last 3 reports, 2018–19 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.

Leadership

Principal at the 2023–⁠24 inspection
Giles David Pruett Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Appointed 7 Jan 2020, as the report prints it.
Principals since 2018–⁠19
1 change of principal
Graham Beale, 2018–19 → Mr. Giles David Pruett, 2022–23 to 2023–24
  1. Back to text, source A

Subjects

Academic outcomes, Arcadia British School

Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondary
Islamic EducationNot in this reportGoodGood
ArabicNot in this reportAcceptableWeak
EnglishVery goodVery goodVery good
MathematicsVery goodOutstandingVery good
ScienceVery goodVery goodVery good

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

Arabic at every school in Dubai: at least 4 lessons a week from Year 2 to Year 10 for a child of non-Arab nationality. Arab children have 4 to 6 lessons to Year 13; Muslim children also study Islamic Education.Source KHDA, Guidelines on National Mandatory Subjects, page 14 (opens in a new tab)

Subjects over the years

KHDA's words in every Full Inspection Report since 2015–16, each row and phase as the reports print them.

Subjects over the years, Arcadia British School

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2018–192022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentPrimaryAcceptableAcceptableGood
Islamic Education attainmentSecondaryNot in this reportAcceptableGood
Islamic Education progressPrimaryAcceptableGoodGood
Islamic Education progressSecondaryNot in this reportGoodGood

International and benchmark tests

The National Agenda section of each Full Inspection Report since 2015–16: the school's results in PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS and benchmark tests against KHDA's targets. The only results in the reports that are not an inspector's judgement.

KHDA's verdicts, 2023–24

AspectWhole schoolEmirati cohort
International and Benchmark AchievementOutstandingVery good
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementGoodNot in this report
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyGoodAcceptable

Registration requirements: Met Fully

  • The school did not take part in 2016 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).
  • In 2021, with a whole school score of 619, it exceeded its school target by 72 points.
  • No Emirati students took part in the assessment.
  • Whole school progression in standardised benchmark assessments over a two-year period saw an outstanding judgement in mathematics and very good in science.
  • English rose from good to very good.

Earlier reports

  • 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
  • 2018–19: The impact of leadership — meets expectations

Recognised by UAE universities?

UAE universities ask for the Ministry of Education’s equivalency of the Grade 12 certificate. For this school’s curriculum, the student needs:

  • British: five IGCSE or GCSE passes (grade E or 3) and one A level or two AS levels (grade E).

Arab students also need Arabic, and Muslim students Islamic Studies, in each of the last three years.
KHDA attests the certificate first. Ask the school which body accredits it.Source Ministry of Education, equivalency service, read 24 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)

  1. Back to text, source A

Calendar 2026–27: term dates and holidays

31 Aug 2026 to 2 Jul 2027 · 185 school days

First midterm break
12 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20265 days
National Day
2 Dec 2026 to 3 Dec 20262 days
Winter break includes New year’s day
14 Dec 2026 to 1 Jan 202719 days
Eid al-Fitr
8 Mar 2027 to 11 Mar 20274 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
Spring break
5 Apr 2027 to 9 Apr 20275 days
Eid al-Adha
17 May 2027 to 18 May 20272 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting

Public holidays are tentative and subject to official government announcements (KHDA).

Source Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27

Fridays: every private school in Dubai finishes by 11:30, since 9 January 2026.Source The National, 19 Dec 2025 (opens in a new tab)

During Ramadan, whose dates follow the moon, KHDA caps the school day at five hours; each school confirms its own times.Source Gulf News (opens in a new tab)

How these dates compare with other Dubai schools: holidays 2026–27, break by break

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 18 September 2026.

Activities

Sports and activities

What the school lists on its own website and what KHDA’s inspectors mention in their reports. An activity missing here may still be offered.

Dance

  • Cultural dance · Irish Dancing · Irish dancing
    ·

Music

  • Choir & singing · Choir

Art & design

  • Art · Creative arts including drawing, painting and crafts · Play-dough sculpture

Science & technology

  • Robotics · build and program robots

Debate & strategy

  • Chess · Chess Club

Award programmes

  • Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP · Duke of Edinburgh

Facilities

  • Swimming pool
  • Music rooms
  • Art studio
  • Sports hall
  • Theatre or auditorium
  • Dance studio

Also mentioned: Junior Dukes, Junior MBA, sewing, puppetry, story-telling

Source Source A: School website, read 2026-09-23

  1. Back to text, source A

    School website, read 23 September 2026

    Checked 23 September 2026.

What the school offers

As the 2023–24 inspection report mentions them. Inspectors name these in passing, so this is not the school's full list: something not named here may still be offered. A line's page opens the report's sentence.

Courses after 16

  • A blend of academic and vocational courses

External examinations

  • IGCSE

Facilities

  • Laboratories

Support for students of determination and the gifted

  • The school has secure systems to identify and support students of determination as well as gifted and talented learners. p. 4
  • Students have quick access to knowledgeable and trained staff, including qualified counsellors, for academic and emotional support. p. 18
  • The school has very effective procedures for identifying students of determination and those who are gifted and talented. p. 18
  • Effective identification of barriers to students’ learning includes diagnostic assessments and referrals to external specialists. p. 19
  • Once identified, personalised programmes are carefully designed to address these barriers. p. 19
  • Specialist classes and individual or small group tuition provide highly effective support for learners, including those with the greatest needs. p. 19

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

On the school's website

What the school says about itself on arcadia.sch.ae, read on 22 September 2026. The school's own words, not checked by KHDA; a figure here is the school's own count. Bus routes and bus fees can change each year, so confirm with the school. The site's name beside a line opens that page.

Admissions

School bus and transport

Source Source A: School website, read 2026-09-22

  1. Back to text, source A

    School website, read 22 September 2026

    Checked 22 September 2026.

Students

From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.

Students, 2024–⁠25
1,173 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
Students of determination
117 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Largest nationality group
British Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2024–25

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B

Snapshots by year

Students and staff by academic year, Arcadia British School

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–251,173Not availableNot available
2023–241,06798Not available
2022–23790845%
2021–22575Not availableNot available
2020–21428Not availableNot available
2019–20490Not availableNot available
2018–193463614%
2017–18222Not availableNot available
2016–1783Not availableNot available

Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.

Location

Address
Jabal Ali First
Phone and email
+971 4 552 2600principal@arcadia.sch.ae
As KHDA's directory listed it on 2026-09-18. Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27

Around the school

Schools nearby

Within 10 km, by straight-line distance, not a route.

  1. Sunmarke School

    1.1 km · Very good 2023–24 · British, IB

  2. Dubai British School

    1.6 km · Outstanding 2023–24 · British

  3. Dubai British School Jumeirah Park

    2.5 km · Outstanding 2023–24 · British

  4. JSS International School

    3.1 km · Very good 2023–24 · Indian ICSE

  5. Emirates International School – Meadows

    3.4 km · Very good 2023–24 · IB

All 2 schools in Jumeirah Village TriangleAll British curriculum schools in Dubai

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 18 September 2026.

Sources

Every document behind this page. Official documents open on the KHDA site in a new tab.

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