Arcadia British School
British curriculum, Jabal Ali First, FS1–Year 13
Latest documents: Full Inspection Report 2023–24Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24, Parent Report 2023–24Source B: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only, Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27Source C: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Overall rating
Earlier reports
- 2022–23, Very good, Full Inspection Report
- 2019–20 to 2021–22, no inspection
- 2018–19, Good, Full Inspection Report
Wellbeing Dubai focus area
Inclusion Dubai focus area
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Parent Report 2023–24
Summary only
Checked 16 September 2026.
Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.
- Back to text, source C
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Overview
The school
- Curriculum
- British
- Year groups
- FS1–Year 13
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2016
- External examinations
- IGCSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Cultural dance, Choir & singing, Art, Robotics and more, 6 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,173 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 98 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 117 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 4 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.
- Guidance counsellors
- 2 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Giles David Pruett Source B: 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
Contact
- 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 C: KHDA school directory 2026–27
Around the school
The map shows the streets and places around the school. The same places are counted in «Within 1 km» below.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2024–25
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source C
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Quality
KHDA ratings in the Full Inspection Report 2023–24. Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA visits schools again from 2026–27. A full inspection gives a new rating; a shorter monitoring visit does not.Source KHDA, 3 June 2026 (opens in a new tab)
OverallOverall performance
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 1 report and Good in 1 report.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
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.
| Area | Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TeachingTeaching for effective learning | |||
| Assessment | |||
| CurriculumCurriculum design and implementation | |||
| Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptation | |||
| SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protection |
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
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.
- 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.
School year
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).
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Academics
Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.
| Subject | Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education | Not in this report | ||
| Arabic | Not in this report | ||
| English | |||
| Mathematics | |||
| Science |
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 SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | |||
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | Not in this report | ||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | Not in this report |
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
| Aspect | Whole school | Emirati cohort |
|---|---|---|
| International and Benchmark Achievement | ||
| Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy |
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)
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
School life
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
- 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
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
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. The site's name beside a line opens that page.
Admissions
- «The admissions team contacts the applicant to make an appointment.» arcadia.sch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «Parents who wish their children to use the school bus transport service must complete the required registration form provided by the transport provider.» arcadia.sch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Jumeirah Park | IMPZ | Mudon | The Palm, Jumeirah (pick up at Shoreline only) | DIFC (Rolex Tower only) | JVT | JVC | Arabian Ranches 1 | Serena, Casa Dora | Akoya, Damac Hills 2 (drop off only)» arcadia.sch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «Jumeirah Islands/Heights | Arabian Ranches 2 | Serena, Bella Casa | Villanova (max 6:30am pick up)» arcadia.sch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «JLT | Remraam | Serena, Casa Viva | Arabian Ranches 3» arcadia.sch.ae on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 22 September 2026
Checked 22 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 67,687 to AED 96,209Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
FS1 to Year 13, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Arcadia British School, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26
| Year group | 2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27 | 2025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | ||
| FS1 | AED 67,687 | AED 67,687 |
| FS2 | AED 67,687 | AED 67,687 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 77,839 | AED 77,839 |
| Year 2 | AED 77,839 | AED 77,839 |
| Year 3 | AED 77,839 | AED 77,839 |
| Year 4 | AED 77,839 | AED 77,839 |
| Year 5 | AED 77,839 | AED 77,839 |
| Year 6 | AED 77,839 | AED 77,839 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 82,893 | AED 82,893 |
| Year 8 | AED 88,419 | AED 88,419 |
| Year 9 | AED 88,419 | AED 88,419 |
| Year 10 | AED 93,945 | AED 93,945 |
| Year 11 | AED 93,945 | AED 93,945 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 96,209 | AED 96,209 |
| Year 13 | AED 96,209 | AED 96,209 |
Checked 16 September 2026.
- 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.
- Back to text, source A
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Tuition for 15 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 15 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, note 2
Change compares the same year group in the two fact sheets. Fees are never averaged across year groups.
What a year costs, 2026–27
Choose a year group above to see KHDA's total for it, what the school requires you to buy, and the services you can add.
Findings
6 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 2 development points, 2 recurring across the last 3 reports.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 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
- Back to text, note 1
Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.
- 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.
History
3 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2018–19 to 2023–24.
History of Arcadia British SchoolOverall rating by academic year, newest first
- 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
- 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
- 2023–24Same as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- 2022–23Up from GoodFull Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
- 2018–19First reportFull Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17 and 2017–18No inspection.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- 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.
Snapshots by year
Students and staff by academic year, Arcadia British School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,173 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,067 | 98 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 790 | 84 | 5% |
| 2021–22 | 575 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 428 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 490 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 346 | 36 | 14% |
| 2017–18 | 222 | Not available | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 83 | Not available | Not available |
Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.
Sources
Every document behind this page. Official documents open on the KHDA site in a new tab.
Full Inspection Reports · PDF, English
Parent Reports · PDF, English
A shorter summary for parents. Findings and answers use the Full Inspection Report.
Fees Fact Sheets · web page, English
KHDA school directory · web page, English
KHDA school directory 2026–27 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2024–25 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)