Engel & Völkers
  • 5 min read
  • Updated: 23 Oct 2025

Top 10 British Curriculum Schools in Dubai

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Key Takeaways:

  • British curriculum schools in Dubai follow the UK’s National Curriculum and are regulated by the KHDA

  • Leading institutions include Dubai College, JESS, Kings’ School, RGS Guildford, and Brighton College Dubai

  • Consider KHDA ratings, curriculum options, and location proximity when choosing a school for your family

Dubai offers a diverse range of world-class British curriculum schools, making it a prime destination for expat families seeking high-quality education. Regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), these schools follow the National Curriculum for England and cater to students from Foundation Stage through to Sixth Form.

Whether you're relocating to Dubai or planning long-term residency, here are 10 top-rated British curriculum schools to consider, including new additions for 2025.

Table of Content

  1. Top British Schools in Dubai

  2. Factors To Consider When Choosing A School

  3. Finding The Perfect Home Near Schools

  4. Conclusion

Top British Schools in Dubai

Kings’ School Dubai

  • Location: Umm Suqeim, Nad Al Sheba, Al Barsha

  • Ages: 3 to 18

  • KHDA Rating: Outstanding
    Kings’ School has three campuses, each excelling in academics and personal development. The Al Barsha campus includes a Sixth Form and is known for its state-of-the-art facilities.

Dubai College

  • Location: Al Sufouh

  • Ages: 11 to 18

  • KHDA Rating: Outstanding
    Founded in 1978, Dubai College is one of the most prestigious non-profit secondary schools, known for academic rigour and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)

  • Location: Arabian Ranches and Al Safa

  • Ages: 3 to 18

  • KHDA Rating: Outstanding
    JESS offers both GCSE and IB programmes, making it ideal for families seeking curriculum flexibility. The Arabian Ranches campus houses the secondary and Sixth Form programme.

Dubai English Speaking School & College (DESSC)

  • Location: Oud Metha and Academic City

  • Ages: 3 to 18

  • KHDA Rating: Outstanding
    Established in 1963, DESSC offers a traditional British curriculum with modern teaching practices. DESC (the college campus) offers A-Level and BTEC pathways.

Jumeirah Primary School / Jumeirah College

  • Location: Jumeirah 1 and Al Safa

  • Ages: 3 to 18

  • KHDA Rating: Outstanding
    Part of GEMS Education, these schools are popular among families looking for continuity from early years through Sixth Form, with excellent academic results.

GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail

  • Location: Al Khail

  • Ages: 3 to 18

  • KHDA Rating: Very Good
    This modern campus offers a full British curriculum from FS to A-Levels and includes a wide variety of sports and creative arts programmes.

The English College, Dubai

  • Location: Al Safa

  • Ages: 3 to 18

  • KHDA Rating: Very Good
    Established in 1992, this non-profit school blends tradition with innovation and offers a strong Sixth Form programme and diverse extracurriculars.

South View School

  • Location: Remraam

  • Ages: FS1 to Year 13

  • KHDA Rating: Good (2024)
    Opened in 2018, this newer British curriculum school has quickly built a reputation for community engagement and academic growth, particularly in newer residential zones.

Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai

  • Location: Tilal Al Ghaf

  • Ages: FS1 to Year 13

  • KHDA Rating: Very Good

    This prestigious UK school has expanded to Dubai and offers premium education with a focus on pastoral care, inquiry-based learning, and academic excellence.

10. Brighton College Dubai

  • Location: Al Barsha South

  • Ages: FS1 to Year 13

  • KHDA Rating: Very Good
    Part of the renowned Brighton College group, this school has rapidly grown in popularity for its British academic rigour and commitment to student well-being.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A School

When selecting a British curriculum school in Dubai, keep the following in mind:

  • KHDA Rating: Schools rated Outstanding or Very Good generally deliver the highest standards.

  • Curriculum Pathways: Check if the school offers GCSE, A-Level, IB or BTEC options in secondary years.

  • Campus Location: Consider commute times from home or work.

  • Class Size & Community: Smaller class sizes can offer more individual attention. Some schools foster strong parental involvement.

  • School Culture: Each school has its own ethos — from traditional academic environments to modern, inquiry-based learning.

Finding The Perfect Home Near Schools

Choosing the right school often influences where families choose to live. These residential areas are popular for their proximity to top British curriculum schools:

  • Arabian Ranches & Al Safa: Convenient for JESS and GEMS Wellington.

  • Tilal Al Ghaf: Home to RGS Guildford Dubai.

  • Al Barsha South & South View Vicinity: Ideal for Brighton College, South View School, and GEMS Al Khail.

  • Jumeirah & Umm Suqeim: Close to Jumeirah College, JPS, and Kings’ School Dubai.

Conclusion

Dubai continues to lead the way in offering world-class British curriculum education. From historic institutions like Dubai College and JESS to newer entrants like RGS Guildford and Brighton College, families are spoilt for choice.

Whether you're planning your move to Dubai or looking to upgrade your child’s education, these schools provide exceptional academic standards and strong community values.

For tailored property advice near your chosen school, get in touch with Engel & Völkers Dubai today.

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