Where to Find the Best British Schools in Dubai

Dubai is home to a wide range of world-class schools, with many offering British-based curricula for families seeking top-quality education. The city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, alongside its excellent infrastructure, makes it an attractive destination for expats, especially those looking for familiar and reputable educational systems like the British curriculum. 

Best British Schools in Dubai for Quality Education 

For families prioritizing a well-rounded, academic-focused education for their children, Dubai’s British schools offer a comprehensive and structured learning environment. From early years to GCSE and A-levels, these schools provide a blend of academic rigor and extracurricular activities, helping to prepare students for both university and future career success. 

1. GEMS Wellington Academy 

GEMS Wellington Academy in Dubai Silicon Oasis offers a world-class education for students from FS1 to Year 13. Recently, the school celebrated the success of its IBDP students, with many securing impressive diploma scores and heading to top universities around the world, including London, Toronto, and Amsterdam. With fees ranging from AED 39,414 to AED 89,001, the academy boasts a purpose-built outdoor learning classroom, a 750-seat auditorium, student restaurants, and parent cafes, ensuring a well-rounded and supportive learning environment for all. 

2. Dubai British School Emirates Hills 

Dubai British School Emirates Hills has built a remarkable reputation since 2005 for delivering premium British education. With a focus on “Enjoy, Aspire, and Achieve,” the school offers a well-rounded approach that nurtures academic excellence and personal growth. Serving over 60 nationalities, it provides students with critical thinking, creativity, and character development. The school prepares students for future success while fostering a love for learning. Offering education from FS1 to Year 13, the school’s fees range from AED 51,809 to AED 77,715, ensuring an exceptional education in a diverse and inclusive environment. 

3. Cambridge International School 

In addition, Cambridge International School, located on Damascus Street, Al Twar 1, integrates the prestigious UK curriculum with the excellence of GEMS Education. Divided into two sections—Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) and Secondary (Year 7 to Year 13)—the school provides outstanding teaching and excellent facilities. It offers IGCSE courses, preparing students for AS and A-Level exams from the Universities of Cambridge and London. The school consistently achieves results above the UK national average, equipping students with the skills to tackle both present opportunities and future challenges. Fees range from AED 2,850 to AED 4,118. 

4. PACE Modern British School 

PACE Modern British School (PMBS) in Al Rashidiya offers a caring and supportive environment where each pupil is valued. The school aims to meet the needs of all students through inclusive education, providing additional support when necessary through Individual Education Programs (IEPs) or Individual Learning Plans (ILPs). Gifted and talented students are identified and provided with enriched opportunities. PMBS emphasizes high-quality teaching and differentiation in the classroom. The school encourages prospective pupils to visit and experience the school environment firsthand. Fees range from AED 19,802 to AED 29,100, covering FS1 to Year 10. 

5. Nord Anglia International School Dubai 

Moreover, Nord Anglia International School Dubai, located in Al Barsha 3, offers a modern and dynamic learning environment designed to foster creativity and innovation. The school promotes collaboration across Primary and Secondary levels, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to work together. With world-class facilities such as spacious classrooms, 20 science labs, a dedicated Early Learning area, dance studios, and music practice rooms, NAS Dubai provides a comprehensive education. The school also boasts impressive sports facilities, including competition-level pools, indoor sports halls, and outdoor pitches. Students can explore their artistic side in art rooms, photography labs, and a recording studio. Additionally, NAS Dubai offers a hydroponic farming space to teach environmentally friendly practices, as well as comfortable areas like the Lunchbox Canteen and Wellbeing Terrace for relaxation. Fees range from AED 68,026 to AED 102,871 for FS1 to Year 13. 

6. Safa British School 

Nestled in Al Safa 1, Safa British School celebrates 20 years of excellence in education in 2025. Committed to unlocking the potential of every child, the school has remained dedicated to its core values throughout the years. By offering a creative and challenging learning environment, Safa British School fosters lifelong learning skills and instills a sense of responsibility, tolerance, and empathy in its students. With a focus on maximizing each child's learning potential, the school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including drama, music, and arts programs. Fees range from AED 44,385 to AED 71,861 for FS1 to Year 13. 

7. Newlands School 

Newlands School, located in Al Warqa 1, offers a dynamic learning environment for students from FS1 to Year 12, with fees ranging from AED 20,881 to AED 36,936. The school encourages students to tackle open-ended challenges, experience problem-solving, and engage in innovative solutions within the subject curriculum. They contribute as digital authors, using mixed media presentations and editing tools to build 'digital essays' on contemporary issues. Students are also invited to participate in various competitions, team challenges, and activities that enhance the school environment. With a focus on leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurial activities, Newlands School ensures every student is exposed to global communication and diverse cultures. The school provides spacious classrooms with individual attention, a large playground, and well-equipped laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Sports facilities include a standard football field for house matches and coaching. 

8. Hartland International School Dubai  

Hartland International School, located in Nad Al Sheba, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, offers a world-class education for students from FS1 to Year 13, with fees ranging from AED 43,328 to AED 82,429. The school boasts specialist facilities, including a state-of-the-art 650-seat theatre, a professional recording studio, a music tech room, and practice rooms, along with dedicated spaces for design technology, science, and art. The September 2023 expansion introduced new classrooms and additional specialist provisions. The Senior Leadership Team brings over 20 years of experience in leading outstanding schools in both the UK and Dubai, ensuring academic excellence. Highly qualified and experienced teachers from exceptional schools worldwide support students’ academic, social, and emotional development, making Hartland a nurturing environment for all. 

9. Dubai English Speaking School 

Finally, located on Oud Metha Road, Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) offers a nurturing environment for students from FS1 to Year 11, with fees ranging from AED 41,427 to AED 81,082. In the early years, the school uses the Continuous Provision approach, allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace. As they move into Year 2, they experience a blend of Continuous Provision and the Invent, Explore, Inspire (I.E.I.) curriculum. DESS places a strong emphasis on holistic education, focusing on both academic excellence and the emotional, physical, and social well-being of students. The 'Developing Character: The 6Cs' program is central to fostering essential skills like collaboration, communication, and critical thinking for success in the 21st century. 

To wrap up, Dubai offers a wide selection of British schools, each providing excellent academic programs, world-class facilities, and a nurturing environment for students. With a focus on holistic development, extracurricular activities, and international exposure, these schools prepare students for future success while ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.