The Aquila School
The Aquila School is a private British and IB curriculum school in Dubailand, Dubai, for boys and girls from FS1 to Year 13. KHDA rated the school Good in its 2023–24 inspection. Tuition for 2026–27 is AED 48,673 to AED 77,876 a year, depending on the year group.
Sources: KHDA inspection report 2023–24, p. 6; KHDA Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27.
Corrected 29 September 2026: the map showed the school 440 m from where it stands; the point is now on the school's own grounds. All corrections
- rating
- Good: level 4 of 6 on KHDA’s scale, from Very weak to OutstandingKHDA 2023–24, p. 6What Good means
- fee
- AED 48,673 – 77,876a 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
- 1,281 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 48,673 – 77,876a year, FS1 to Year 13, 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 13Which 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
- theaquilaschool.com+971 4 586 2700principal@theaquilaschool.comTelephone 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, IB
- Year groups
- FS1–Year 13
- Gender
- Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24Report wording: Boys and girls
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2018
- External examinations
- IGCSE and 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, 28 confirmed
- Principal
- Wayne Howsen
- Website
- theaquilaschool.com
- 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
Following improvements, students' progress at FS in English, mathematics and science is now very positive. Students' progress in Arabic as an additional language has improved significantly. Progress and attainment at Secondary are well developed. Attainment in Arabic as a first language is now better. Overall, students' attainment in the core subjects is good. Learning skills are very well developed in FS and Primary, less so in Secondary.
Personal and social development
Across all phases, students show very well-developed attitudes towards their work and other people. Understanding of Islamic values, Emirati and world cultures has improved. Students continue to demonstrate care for the local environment and understanding of global environmental issues. Enterprise and innovation skills are very well developed.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teaching and assessment quality at the Foundation Stage (FS) has significantly improved, now achieving a high standard. Questioning is particularly effective, with teachers adeptly applying their comprehensive understanding of optimal child learning strategies. In Primary and Secondary , while teachers have strong subject knowledge and often tailor assessments to individual and group needs, some variability in this approach exists.
Wellbeing
The school improves well-being very effectively. Students have access to adults for guidance. Teachers provide students with support and care. The school’s approach includes curricular and extra-curricular activities. Parents like the school's responsiveness to any concerns. Staff well-being is a positive feature in the school. Targeted programmes support students to face challenges. Students demonstrate independence and digital responsibility and they report feeling valued.
Inclusion
Leaders have a strong commitment to inclusion. Effective support mechanisms help in ensuring an inclusive environment for all students. Staff successfully identify and address students' learning difficulties. The school is committed to addressing complex needs. The school has established strong partnerships with parents. Staff are flexible in using the curriculum to support students of determination. They monitor progress carefully. They usually achieve positive outcomes. There are some differences in this across subjects and phases.
Leadership and management
The principal successfully encourages staff to seek improvements in the school atmosphere and academic outcomes. Teamwork among leaders is a strength. Staff have a generally well-developed knowledge of the school's strengths and areas for development. Support from governors has been effective. Partnerships with parents is strong. Very good levels of staffing, facilities and resources create a positive environment in which students reach good levels of attainment.
- 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.
Fees 2026–27
The Aquila School tuition for 2026–27 is AED 48,673 (FS1) to AED 77,876 (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
Tuition is unchanged from 2025–26 in every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, The Aquila 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 48,673 | AED 48,673 |
| FS2 | AED 51,917 | AED 51,917 |
| Primary | ||
| Year 1 | AED 54,081 | AED 54,081 |
| Year 2 | AED 54,081 | AED 54,081 |
| Year 3 | AED 56,244 | AED 56,244 |
| Year 4 | AED 56,244 | AED 56,244 |
| Year 5 | AED 59,489 | AED 59,489 |
| Year 6 | AED 59,489 | AED 59,489 |
| Secondary | ||
| Year 7 | AED 64,897 | AED 64,897 |
| Year 8 | AED 64,897 | AED 64,897 |
| Year 9 | AED 71,386 | AED 71,386 |
| Year 10 | AED 71,386 | AED 71,386 |
| Year 11 | AED 71,386 | AED 71,386 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Year 12 | AED 77,876 | AED 77,876 |
| Year 13 | AED 77,876 | AED 77,876 |
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.
The Aquila School fees 2026–27 by year group Also the 2025–26 figures, fees since 2018–19 and other charges.
What a year costs, FS1, 2026–27
Showing FS1. Choose another year group above to see its costs.
- Tuition
- AED 48,673
- KHDA's total for the year
- AED 48,673
Required, but not in KHDA's total: uniform, books and the like, bought from the school or elsewhere
- Uniform
- AED 1,000 to AED 2,300
- Books
- AED 100 to AED 2,000
- School ID Card ReplacementOnly when needed; not paid every year
- AED 50 to AED 100
A year, before optional servicesAED 49,773 to AED 52,973
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 1
- 5%
- Sibling 2
- 15%
- Sibling 3
- 25%
- Sibling 4
- 100%
- Siblings 5 to 6
- 25%
- Referrals
- AED 1,000
- Corporate
- up to 20%
- School Management Concession
- up to 75%
- School Employees
- up to 100%
- Early Payment
- up to 7%
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: Good in 3 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Up from Good Earlier: Good in 1 report and Acceptable in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 2 reports.
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.
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
The Aquila School was rated Good in 2023–24, one of 85 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, 2021–22 to 2023–24.
History of The Aquila 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 2021–22Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2021–22Same as 2020–21Full Inspection Report 2021–22 (opens in a new tab)
- 2020–21First reportReport not online
- 2018–19 and 2019–20No inspection.
- Opened in 2018–19. No reports before this year.
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: 4 strengths, 3 development points, 2 recurring across the last 3 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 12 strengths
Strength
The inclusive and caring family ethos of the school in which wellbeing is promoted successfully and students thrive
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Strength
Students' very well-developed personal and social skills, knowledge of Emirati and world cultures and their understanding of environmental issues
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Leadership and self-evaluation
1 strength, 1 development point
Strength
Teamwork and educational leadership which is driving improvements in many aspects of the school’s provision
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 3 reportsNote 2
Improve the capacity of leaders to monitor and evaluate provision accurately and take appropriate action to address underachievement where it occurs.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Early years
1 strength
StrengthFS
Strong provision at FS which is leading to children's very positive progress in English, mathematics and science
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 3 reportsSecondary, Higher-attaining students
Ensure greater consistency in the quality of teaching, particularly in relation to use of assessment data to challenge higher-attaining students and especially in Secondary.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Curriculum and challenge
1 development point
Development requiredPost-16
Prepare for the development of the Post-16 phase by improving the secondary curriculum and learning approaches to align them with the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) principles.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
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, 2021–22 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Wayne Howsen Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 1 Jan 2018, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2021–22
- No change of principal
- Wayne Howsen, 2021–22 to 2023–24
- 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 | 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, The Aquila SchoolIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentPrimary | |||
| Islamic Education attainmentSecondary | |||
| Islamic Education progressPrimary | |||
| Islamic Education progressSecondary |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| A. Registration Requirements | Met Fully | Not in this report |
| B. International and Benchmark Achievement | Not applicable | |
| C. Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| D. Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy | ||
| Overall school standards in the National Agenda Parameter | Not in this report |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- Performance in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessments in 2021 was strong.
- The school exceeded its target and is performing at the high international benchmark level.
- Comparison between students’ results in the 2023 NAP assessments and the 2022 results show that students sustained a very good level of performance in English and mathematics.
- Science results improved to outstanding.
- The implementation of the New Graded Reading Test (NGRT) has begun to enhance students’ reading comprehension skills.
- Results in those tests vary across year groups but are good overall.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is above expectations
Recognised by UAE universities?
UAE universities ask for the Ministry of Education’s equivalency of the Grade 12 certificate. For this school’s curricula, the student needs:
- British: five IGCSE or GCSE passes (grade E or 3) and one A level or two AS levels (grade E).
- IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.
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.
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.
Ball sports
- Football
- Basketball
- Netball
- Volleyball
- Cricket
Water sports
- Swimming · morning swimming · 6.40am to 7.20am Monday to Thursday
Racket sports
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Table tennis
Individual sports
- Athletics
- Gymnastics
- Yoga & fitness · Zumba
Dance
- Modern & jazz dance · Secondary Dance · Jazz
- Dance (other) · Dance Club · explore a rich variety of dance styles
Theatre
- Drama · Primary School Production · Secondary School Production
- Musicals · musical theatre · from Early Years to Post-16 Pathways
Music
- Choir & singing · Singing Club · choirs
- Orchestra & bands · bands · band exhibitions
- Instrument lessons · traditional instruments including piano, drums and guitar · one-on-one or group sessions
Art & design
- Art · Arts & Crafts · Drawing & Colouring
- Photography & film · ISP Filmmakers
Science & technology
- Robotics · First Lego League · drone arena and robotic tables
- Coding · Computing Club
- Science & engineering club · ISP Scientists
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · Public Speaking · LAMDA Speaking in Public exams
- Model United Nations · ISP Model United Nations · MUN Organisers
- Chess · ISP Chess Masters
Award programmes
- Duke of Edinburgh / IAYP · Duke of Edinburgh
Facilities
- Art studio
· - Music rooms
- Swimming pool
· - Theatre or auditorium
- Dance studio
- Sports hall
- Sports courts
- Playing field
Also mentioned: Cheerleading, Rounders, urban farm, public speaking
- 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 an additional language
Courses after 16
- IB programmes
External examinations
- IGCSE
- GCSE
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- The school employs rigorous methods to identify students of determination including those who are gifted and talented. p. 18
- Timely creation of helpful individualised education plans (IEPs) is standard practice. p. 18
- Robust support mechanisms, including dedicated specialist teachers and learning support assistants (LSAs), help in ensuring an inclusive environment for all students. p. 19
- Student’s IEPs are detailed and backed by teacher training in various specialised areas. p. 19
- The differentiated curriculum and support include specialist educational pathways for students with more complex learning profiles. p. 19
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
Students
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,281 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 84 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 102 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 16 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Arab 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
- 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, The Aquila School
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,281 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,131 | 84 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,029 | 79 | 14% |
| 2021–22 | 807 | 65 | 10% |
| 2020–21 | 598 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 324 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | 112 | Not available | Not available |
Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.
Location
- Address
- Dubai Land
- Phone and email
- +971 4 586 2700principal@theaquilaschool.com
- 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.
- GEMS First Point School
0.7 km · 2023–24 · British
- Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou – Academic City
2.2 km · 2023–24 · French
- Dubai English Speaking College
2.4 km · 2023–24 · British
- Dubai English Speaking School – Academic City
2.7 km · No rating yet · British
- German International School Dubai
2.8 km · 2023–24 · Other, German
All 7 schools in DubailandAll British curriculum schools in DubaiAll IB 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 2021–22 (opens in a new tab)
Not online: the 2020–21 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)
School website · web page, English
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