Dubai British School
British curriculum, Emirates Hills, 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
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
- 2005
- External examinations
- A Level, AS, IGCSE, GCSE Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- BSO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Netball, Volleyball and more, 10 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,205 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 96 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 110 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 2 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
- Sarah Jane Reynolds Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 8 Jan 2022, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 3 changes of principal
- Mr. Mark Ford, 2011–12 to 2015–16 → Brendon Fulton, 2016–17 to 2018–19 → Sarah Jane Reynolds, 2022–23 to 2023–24 → Brett Steven Girven, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
Contact
- Address
- Emirates Hills
- Phone and email
- +971 4 361 9361principal@dubaibritishschool.aePrincipal: Brett Steven Girven
- 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: Outstanding in 3 reports, Very good in 2 reports, Good in 6 reports and Acceptable 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: Outstanding 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 | Post-16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Students' learning is very high and improving. Very high levels of attainment and rapid progress continues to be seen in English, mathematics and science. The whole-school focus on the Arabic subjects is leading to many improvements in teaching, assessment and the curriculum of these subjects, and is resulting in improved progress of those studying Arabic as a first language. The attainment of students in Post-16 mathematics is also improving.
Personal and social development
Students are well-rounded individuals, being prepared not only to play their part in the community, the UAE and the world beyond school but also to lead improvements in it. They are encouraged to love learning, to be diligent and resilient and to take ownership of their lives. Year on year, they are afforded greater responsibilities and are supported to understand and utilize their own strengths and identify and address their own areas for development.
Teaching, curriculum and care
High-quality teaching is increasingly consistent across subjects. Assessment in lessons accelerates student progress and raises attainment, leading to personalised lesson planning and challenges for all ability levels. Teachers diligently monitor learning, adapting lessons to ensure progress, and intervene as needed. The school offers a diverse curriculum that meets all students' needs. Students are well-prepared academically and personally for their next steps. The curriculum is enriched with resources, events, and a broad range of extracurricular activities, enhancing personal development and well-being across all phases.
Wellbeing
Well-being is a prioritised strand that runs through the school and is applied to students, staff and parents. Policy and practice informs most decisions. Staff, students and parents have a voice in the setting of the well-being climate in schooling, consequently, they feel valued. Students and their parents feel they belong and they look on the school as an extension of their own family. They have a strong sense of belonging.
Inclusion
The school is fully inclusive. It is staffed with high-quality teachers and leaders and they have designed a curriculum to meet the needs of all the children and students. Students of determination are identified at an early stage and personalised learning is planned and delivered. The students and their parents are fully involved in the process. The students are enabled to fully participate in the school's activities and prepared for their transition to further education or the workplace.
Leadership and management
Leaders, at all levels, know how students learn best. They know their school well and are able to effectively plan to improve further. They understand the important role parents have in the learning partnership and enable them to play a full part in their child's education and in the life of the school. Governors are well-informed. They play their part in the process by ensuring the school has the resources to fulfil its purpose.
- 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 | Post-16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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, Dubai British SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | ||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | ||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentPost-16 | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary | ||||||
| Islamic Education progressPost-16 |
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 | Not applicable | |
| Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | Not applicable | |
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- In the recent Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessment the school exceeded its target with an exceptional score of 662.
- In the National Agenda Parameter (NAP) tests, outcomes in English, mathematics and science, were outstanding in all phases.
- The school's most recent reading literacy skills profile, as measured by standardised age scores, reveals that a majority of students’ reading literacy levels are above age-related expectations.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessments — is above expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvements towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meet expectations
- 2015–16: Progress towards the National Agenda targets — not secure
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.
Ball sports
- Football
- Basketball
- Netball
- Volleyball
- Cricket
- Rugby
Water sports
- Swimming · swimming lessons · Primary and Secondary Swim squads
Racket sports
- Badminton
Individual sports
- Athletics · athletics events · cross country
- Gymnastics
Facilities
- Swimming pool
· - Sports hall
- Playing field
- Art studio
· - Theatre or auditorium
· - Music rooms
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Drama
Also mentioned: rounders, Emirati cultural events
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 24 September 2026
Checked 24 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.
Languages besides English
- Arabic · as a first language
External examinations
- A Level
- AS
- IGCSE
- GCSE
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The school has robust systems for identifying students of determination and ensuring that they are fully involved in the life of the school. p. 4
- There are robust systems for identifying students of determination and those who are gifted and talented. p. 18
- The inclusion leadership and teaching staff are committed to early identification and to designing interventions which are appropriately challenging in order to accelerate student progress. p. 18
- Rigorous procedures enable the identification of individual needs at an early stage and in-class support is provided, where necessary. p. 19
- Students of determination contribute to the design, implementation and review of their own educational programmes. p. 19
- For senior students, this includes the development of transition plans and alternative education pathways. p. 19
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 53,027 to AED 79,541Source 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, Dubai 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 53,027 | AED 53,027 |
| FS2 | AED 53,027 | AED 53,027 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 53,027 | AED 53,027 |
| Year 2 | AED 53,027 | AED 53,027 |
| Year 3 | AED 60,608 | AED 60,608 |
| Year 4 | AED 60,608 | AED 60,608 |
| Year 5 | AED 60,608 | AED 60,608 |
| Year 6 | AED 60,608 | AED 60,608 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 71,976 | AED 71,976 |
| Year 8 | AED 71,976 | AED 71,976 |
| Year 9 | AED 71,976 | AED 71,976 |
| Year 10 | AED 71,976 | AED 71,976 |
| Year 11 | AED 71,976 | AED 71,976 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 79,541 | AED 79,541 |
| Year 13 | AED 79,541 | AED 79,541 |
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: 5 strengths, 1 development point, 1 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 strength
Strength
The high aspirations of all leaders and the full support of governors
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Inclusion of students of determination
1 strength
Strength
The fully inclusive nature of the school and the excellent support and opportunities provided for all students
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Teaching
1 strength
Strength
The high quality teaching, use of assessment and curriculum
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Other
1 strength
Strength
The establishment of a vibrant and dynamic learning community.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
Students’ outstanding personal and social development
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Islamic Education
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Raise students’ attainment in Islamic Education and Arabic to match that in other subjects.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Findings from 1 of 10 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 5 reports, 2016–17 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
13 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of Dubai 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)
- 2022–23Same as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
- 2018–19Same as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Up from Very goodFull Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Same as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- 2015–16Up from GoodFull Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
- 2014–15Same as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- 2013–14Same as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)
- 2012–13Same as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- 2011–12Same as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- 2010–11Same as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- 2009–10Up from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- 2008–09First reportFull Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab)
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, Dubai British School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,205 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,189 | 96 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,181 | 94 | 20% |
| 2021–22 | 1,168 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,159 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,142 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 1,139 | 84 | 19% |
| 2017–18 | 1,136 | 84 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 1,116 | 79 | 27% |
| 2015–16 | 1,089 | 78 | 23% |
| 2014–15 | 1,045 | 84 | 13% |
| 2013–14 | 1,062 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 1,038 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 1,051 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 1,025 | 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
- Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab)
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)KHDA school directory 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2021–22 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2020–21 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)