Dubai’s private education sector offers one of the most diverse secondary-school landscapes in the region. From British and IB pathways to American, Indian, and French systems, families can choose from the best secondary schools in Dubai offering globally recognised curricula backed by structured inspection standards.
This guide focuses on secondary education (Years 7–13 / Grades 7–12), highlighting fees, KHDA ratings, and the practical considerations parents should factor in when planning their senior school years.
- Overview of secondary education in Dubai
- Curriculum types and pathways
- Top British secondary schools
- Top IB and dual-curriculum schools
- Other notable curricula
- Tuition fees, comparison, and extra costs
- How to choose the right school
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Overview of Secondary Education in Dubai
Secondary education in Dubai generally covers Years 7 to 13 in British schools and Grades 7 to 12 in American, IB and Indian systems. Students typically range from 11 to 18 years old, depending on the curriculum.
All private schools are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and assessed through inspections carried out by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB). Inspection outcomes play a major role in school reputation and fee-increase eligibility.
KHDA and DSIB Ratings Explained
KHDA evaluates schools using six performance bands: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak and Very Weak. These ratings are based on more than exam results.
Schools are assessed on student progress, teaching quality, leadership, wellbeing, inclusion, safeguarding and learning environment. Higher-rated schools tend to attract stronger demand and enjoy greater flexibility in fee adjustments, within KHDA guidelines.
Curriculum Types and What They Mean for Students
Curriculum choice shapes how students learn, how they are assessed, and which universities they can attend later.
- British curriculum: Follows GCSEs and A-Levels, offering subject depth and strong recognition across the UK, Australia, and many international universities.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Includes the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma, known for academic breadth, critical thinking, and global mobility.
- American curriculum: Awards a High School Diploma, often alongside Advanced Placement (AP) courses, making it well-suited to US university pathways.
- Indian curriculum: CBSE or ICSE programmes emphasise structured academics, exam discipline, and continuity with the Indian education system.
- French curriculum: Follows the French National Curriculum, leading to the Baccalauréat and strong access to French and European universities.
Top British Curriculum Secondary Schools
British curriculum schools remain a popular choice for families seeking academically rigorous programmes, clear assessment pathways and strong preparation for UK and international universities, particularly through GCSEs and A-Levels.
Dubai College
Dubai College is widely regarded for academic excellence, selective admissions, and outstanding A-Level results, with a strong track record of global university placements.
Approximate senior-year fees: AED 110,000 per year
Location
It’s located in Al Sufouh – Al Sufouh 2 – Dubai
Contact information
Phone: 04 399 9111
Repton School Dubai
Repton offers both British and IB pathways, combining academic rigour with extensive facilities and a broad co-curricular programme.
Approximate senior-year fees: AED 102,000 per year
Location
It’s located in Nad Al Sheba 3 – Dubai
Contact information
Phone: 800 737 866
Dubai British School – Emirates Hills
Dubai British School delivers a balanced British curriculum, with strong pastoral care and consistent academic performance, through the secondary and sixth forms.
Approximate senior-year fees: AED 79,500 per year
Location
It’s located in Emaar Town Centre – Springs 3, Emirates Hills (Behind Spinneys/Springs – Dubai
Contact information
Phone: 04 361 9361
Nord Anglia International School Dubai
Nord Anglia offers a premium British education supported by global partnerships, enrichment programmes and strong university preparation.
Approximate senior-year fees: AED 105,000 per year
Location
It’s located in Al Barsha 3 – Dubai
Contact information
Phone: 04 219 9999
IB and Dual-Curriculum Secondary Schools
IB and dual-curriculum schools appeal to families seeking internationally recognised qualifications, flexible subject pathways, and a balanced academic approach that supports global university admissions.
GEMS Dubai American Academy
A well-established school offering both the American High School Diploma and IB Diploma Programme, known for academic depth and international recognition.
Approximate senior-year fees: AED 93,000 per year
Location
It’s located in Hessa Street – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Barsha First – Al Barsha – Dubai
Contact information
Phone: 04 704 9777
Deira International School
Deira International School follows the British curriculum through GCSEs, with the option to transition to the IB Diploma Programme in the senior years.
Approximate senior-year fees: Up to AED 89,800 per year
Location
It’s located in Dubai Festival City – Al Badia Blvd – near Orient Insurance Building – Al Kheeran
Contact information
Phone: 04 232 5552
Dubai International Academy
A fully accredited IB World School delivering MYP and IB Diploma pathways with strong academic and extracurricular offerings.
Approximate senior-year fees: Around AED 79,500 per year
Location
It’s located in Al Barsha Rd – Al Barsha First – Al Barsha – Dubai
Contact information
Phone: 04 524 4800
Other Notable Secondary Schools
Beyond British and IB pathways, Dubai is home to several high-performing secondary schools offering alternative curricula, often combining strong academic outcomes with more competitive fee structures.
GEMS Modern Academy
GEMS Modern Academy offers both the Indian curriculum and the IB streams, appealing to academically focused families seeking strong results at competitive fees.
Approximate fees:
- Indian curriculum: Around AED 56,000 per year
- IB stream: Around AED 73,000 per year
Location
It’s located in Nad Al Sheba 3 – Dubai
Contact information
Phone: 04 326 3339
Lycée Français International
A leading French-curriculum school offering the Baccalauréat, with comparatively lower senior-year fees among top-rated institutions.
Approximate senior-year fees: AED 49,000 – AED 62,000 per year
Location
It’s located in Al Rowaiyah Second – Academic City – Dubai
Contact information
Phone: 04 379 5002
Tuition Fees and Additional Costs
Secondary-school fees in Dubai vary significantly depending on curriculum, facilities and school reputation. Senior years are typically the most expensive.
Parents should also budget for:
- Registration fees
- Deposits
- Uniforms
- Transport
- Textbooks
- Examination fees
- Extracurricular activities.
These additional costs can significantly increase annual education spending.
Fee Comparison by Curriculum
Secondary school fees in Dubai vary widely depending on the curriculum, facilities, and KHDA rating, with senior-year costs typically increasing as students progress toward university pathways.
| Curriculum Type | Typical Senior Year Fee Range (AED) |
| British | AED 70,000 – 110,000+ |
| IB (International Baccalaureate) | AED 75,000 – 105,000 |
| American | AED 79,000 – 93,000 |
| Indian (CBSE / ICSE) | AED 50,000 – 74,000 |
| French | AED 41,000 – 62,000 |
How to Choose the Right Secondary School
Choosing the right secondary school goes beyond fees and location; it requires careful consideration of academic fit and long-term outcomes.
- Align the curriculum with long-term university goals, learning style and family budget.
- Review KHDA inspection reports to understand each school’s academic strengths and areas for improvement.
- Visit shortlisted schools to assess teaching quality, leadership approach and student support systems.
- Factor in total costs, including fees, transport, uniforms and examination charges.
- Look beyond facilities alone; student wellbeing, inclusion and pastoral care play a key role in long-term success.
Key Takeaways
- Dubai offers a wide range of high-quality secondary schools across multiple curricula.
- Senior-year fees vary widely depending on curriculum and school profile.
- KHDA ratings provide valuable insight into quality and governance.
- French and Indian curricula often offer strong academic value at lower fees.
- Understanding total costs beyond tuition is essential for long-term planning.
FAQs
Yes. Higher-rated schools may request larger fee increases, subject to KHDA approval.
In most cases, yes, due to specialised staffing and assessment structures.
IB and British A-Levels are the most globally flexible, while American and Indian systems suit specific destinations.
