Dubai English Speaking School
Also known as: DESS
Dubai English Speaking School is a private British curriculum school in Umm Hurair (Oud Metha in KHDA’s records), Dubai, for boys and girls from FS1 to Year 6. KHDA rated the school Outstanding in its 2023–24 inspection. Tuition for 2026–27 is AED 43,084 to AED 53,320 a year, depending on the year group.
Sources: KHDA inspection report 2023–24, p. 6; KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.
- rating
- Outstanding: level 6 of 6 on KHDA’s scale, from Very weak to OutstandingKHDA 2023–24, p. 6What Outstanding means
- fee
- AED 43,084 – 53,320a year, FS1 to Year 6, 2026–27Fees by year group at every school
- whole
- Which year group?See its fee and the cost to the end of school
- students
- 1,011 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 43,084 – 53,320a year, FS1 to Year 6, 2026–27
Not included: transport, uniform, books, trips, sibling discounts.
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.
- Year groups
- FS1 to Year 6Which year group for your child? → September 2027 intake →
- 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
- dessc.sch.ae+971 4 337 1457dess_headteacher@dessc.sch.aeTelephone and e-mail as KHDA's school directory lists them, checked 18 September 2026. 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 6
- Gender
- Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24Report wording: Boys and girls
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 1973
- Accreditation
- BSO Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Drama, confirmed
- Principal
- Tony Paul Clarkson
- Website
- dessc.sch.ae
- 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.
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
In the Early Years, children make better than expected progress. In the primary phase, students’ achievement in English, mathematics and science is outstanding. Their achievement in Islamic Education is good. Students have acceptable attainment, making good progress in Arabic as a first language. Their attainment and progress have slightly reduced In Arabic as an additional language.
Teaching, curriculum and care
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), teachers plan engaging and imaginative activities tailored to children’s needs and interests. A shared understanding of excellent teaching across the school leads to strong, consistent practices. Teachers skilfully build upon what students know, frequently re-grouping them for purposeful collaborative work and idea sharing.
Wellbeing
Well-being is central to the school's ethos, encompassing students, staff, and parents. An expert and perceptive well-being team ensures exceptional care and support. Trustees, leaders, and students across the board demonstrate a profound understanding of well-being necessities, excelling in the enactment and maintenance of enhancements. Staff members report substantial support for their personal well-being, with new staff receiving tailored inductions. A deeply ingrained sense of belonging pervades the school, contributing to its positive and inclusive atmosphere.
Inclusion
The school welcomes all students. Teachers have a well-developed understanding of their students and their needs. Very effective learning support assistants offer personalised support for learning and most students make sustained progress. Additional life skills classes have been added to support students with more complex needs. Student’s progress is effectively tracked and monitored using informal and formal measures. Assessments are regular and inform targets. Parents are highly positive and are well informed at all stages of their children’s progress.
Leadership and management
School leaders work together with a clear vision and commitment to continuous improvement. Their high expectations are reflected throughout the school. Relationships at all levels are highly professional and very supportive. Leaders review all aspects of the schools' work thoroughly and ensure that students’ well-being and academic achievement are at the heart of this inclusive school. Plans to raise standards are linked to close checks on the quality of teaching and learning.
- 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 2022–23 inspection report has no parents’ survey section. Inspectors mention parents’ views in it: Source A: Full Inspection Report 2022–23
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 B: Full Inspection Report 2018–19
Overall
Parents are overwhelmingly positive about every aspect of the school.
Safety and care
They are very satisfied with the quality of education, and the attention paid to care, welfare and their children’s safety.
Progress and learning
Parents recognise that this is an inclusive school and that their children are making the best possible progress.
Communication
Almost all are pleased with the way in which school leaders listen to their views, and with the information which they receive on their children’s progress.
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2022–23
Page 9
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Full Inspection Report 2018–19
Page 19
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees 2026–27
Dubai English Speaking School – Oud Metha tuition for 2026–27 is AED 43,084 (FS1) to AED 53,320 (FS2 to Year 6) across eight year groups, as published in the school's KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.Note 1Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Tuition is unchanged from 2025–26 in every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Dubai English Speaking School – Oud Metha, 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 43,084 | AED 43,084 |
| FS2 | AED 53,320 | AED 53,320 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 53,320 | AED 53,320 |
| Year 2 | AED 53,320 | AED 53,320 |
| Year 3 | AED 53,320 | AED 53,320 |
| Year 4 | AED 53,320 | AED 53,320 |
| Year 5 | AED 53,320 | AED 53,320 |
| Year 6 | AED 53,320 | AED 53,320 |
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 8 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 8 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.
Dubai English Speaking School – Oud Metha fees 2026–27 by year group Also the 2025–26 figures, fees since 2011–12 and other charges.
Other campuses of Dubai English Speaking School: Academic City
What a year costs, FS1, 2026–27
Showing FS1. Choose another year group above to see its costs.
- Tuition
- AED 43,084
- KHDA's total for the year
- AED 43,084
Required, but not in KHDA's total: uniform, books and the like, bought from the school or elsewhere
- Uniform
- AED 565 to AED 900
A year, before optional servicesAED 43,649 to AED 43,984
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
- Sibling 3
- 5%
- Sibling 4
- 10%
The sheet's sibling discounts start at «Sibling 3», as it names them.
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
Overall rating
Earlier reports
Wellbeing Dubai focus area
Inclusion Dubai focus area
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)
OverallOverall performance
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Outstanding in 2 reports, Very good in 3 reports and Good in 7 reports.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.
- «Quality of performance substantially exceeds the expectation of the UAE»23 schools in Dubai hold it now
- «Quality of performance exceeds the expectation of the UAE»47 schools in Dubai hold it now
- «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
- «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
- «Quality of performance is below the expectation of the UAE»No school in Dubai holds it now
- «Quality of performance is significantly below the expectation of the UAE»No school in Dubai holds it now
Dubai English Speaking School was rated Outstanding in 2023–24, one of 23 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
12 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of Dubai English Speaking 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.
- 2018–19Up from Very goodFull Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Same as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Same as 2015–16Report not online
- 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)
- 2009–10Same as 2008–09Full 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.
Findings
7 findings in the last report: 5 strengths, 2 development points, 1 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Leadership and self-evaluation
Note 11 strength
Strength
The clear vision of senior leaders.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
The very high quality of care and support.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Attainment and progress
1 strength
Strength
Students’ outstanding attainment and progress in English, mathematics and science.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The health and safety procedures.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Curriculum and challenge
1 strength
Strength
The innovative curriculum, which inspires and enthuses students to lead change.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Arabic
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Improve the quality of teaching and learning in Arabic.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Assessment
1 development point
Development requiredFS
Strengthen the procedures to establish children’s starting points in FS, to enable accurate monitoring of their progress.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Findings from 1 of 9 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, 2015–16 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Catherine Dando Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 1 Sep 2015, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Location.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 5 changes of principal Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- David Hammond, 2011–12 to 2013–14 → Mrs Catherine Davy, 2014–15 → Catherine Dando, 2015–16 to 2018–19 → CatherineDando, 2022–23 → Catherine Dando, 2023–24 → Tony Paul Clarkson, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Subjects
Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.
| Subject | Foundation Stage | Primary |
|---|---|---|
| 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 English Speaking SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | |||||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary |
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 | ||
| Overall, the school’s achievement of the standards in the National Agenda Parameter are | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- The school missed its target in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) by two points.
- Over time, the school has maintained a score in excess of 600 points, and can be judged as outstanding.
- Benchmark assessments have been outstanding over two years, although the results for Year 4 have been very good rather than outstanding.
- The most recent assessments in 2022-23 show Emirati students to have attained very good overall.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the schools progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
- 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — exceeds expectations
- 2015–16: no verdict read
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 6
Checked 16 September 2026.
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
- 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.
Theatre
- Drama · Theatrical workshops and productions
Facilities
- Art studio
- Music rooms
- Swimming pool
- Dance studio
- Theatre or auditorium
- Playing field
- Sports hall
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Swimming
- Modern & jazz dance
- Orchestra & bands
- Ballet
- Chess
- Netball
- Dance (other)
- Martial arts
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 10
Checked 16 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 · Arabic is introduced in FS through one weekly lesson of 30 minutes, taught by a team of three teachers.
Facilities
- Library
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Rigorous assessments on admission lead to the accurate identification of students of determination. This enables the prompt development of individual education plans (IEPs) and informs classroom support. p. 18
- The identification of students with gifts and talents is mostly accurate and provision is almost always effective. p. 18
- The highly qualified inclusion team assesses students using comprehensive screening to plan appropriate support. p. 19
- Very effective assistants offer personalised support. p. 19
- Additional life skills classes support those with more complex needs. p. 19
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 10
Checked 16 September 2026.
Students
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,011 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 69 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 64 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 21 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
- 0 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- 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.
Snapshots by year
Students and staff by academic year, Dubai English Speaking School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,011 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,017 | 69 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,010 | 68 | 1% |
| 2021–22 | 1,024 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,013 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,008 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 990 | 61 | 11% |
| 2017–18 | 998 | 60 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 962 | Not available | Not available |
| 2015–16 | 983 | 69 | 13% |
| 2014–15 | 971 | 69 | 18% |
| 2013–14 | 872 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 835 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 820 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 798 | Not available | Not available |
Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.
Location
- Address
- Oud Metha
- Phone and email
- +971 4 337 1457dess_headteacher@dessc.sch.aePrincipal: Tony Paul Clarkson
- 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.
- Al Rashid Al Saleh Private School
0.2 km · 2023–24 · MOE
- St. Mary's Catholic High School
0.2 km · 2023–24 · British
- Dubai Gem Private School
0.3 km · 2023–24 · British
- English Language Private School
0.3 km · 2023–24 · British
- The Indian High School – Oud Metha
0.4 km · 2023–24 · Indian CBSE
All 4 schools in Umm HurairAll British curriculum schools in Dubai
- 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.
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 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)
Not online: the 2016–17 report. The timeline takes that year’s rating from KHDA’s open data.
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)
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