Al Fanar School vs Dubai British School Jumeira

	A Al Fanar School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	D Dubai British School Jumeira Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 65,000 - 78,334	Fees / year AED 43,500 - 69,872
Age range	Age range 1 - 11 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,750
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Situated in Nad Al Sheba, Nad Al Sheba 4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The school is described as being located in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. The contact address lists Nad Al Sheba 4, Dubai, UAE.	Location Located in Al Wasl, Dubai, Dubai British School - Jumeira sits along the Dubai Canal on a large 22,227 square metre campus. The site is positioned to serve families in the Jumeira/Al Wasl area and is part of Taaleem's Dubai British School network. The campus is designed to integrate with the canal-side community and central Dubai transport routes.
Stages	Stages FS1–Year 6	Stages The school will initially educate students aged 3 to 11 (Foundation Stage 1 to Year 6). It will later expand to include older year groups, ultimately serving up to Year 13.
School type	School type primary school	School type Co-educational (mixed gender).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Publicly available data on pupil nationalities is not published.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Inclusive admissions with personalized support plans for students of determination.	Additional learning support SEN provision is supported by a dedicated team of SEN professionals across Taaleem's Dubai British School network, enabling inclusive education and targeted support as needed.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation England (National Curriculum for England)	Country affiliation National Curriculum for England (UK curriculum) is followed.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Islamic	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation is not listed or specified.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school day typically starts around 7:15–8:15 and ends around 3:15–3:45, with a shorter Friday day finishing around early afternoon; a mid-day break is included.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details A school bus service is available to support commuting families.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & enrolment fees - Application fee: AED 500 per application (assessment included). The application fee is refundable if you choose not to proceed after the tour or if the school is unable to offer a place. - Registration (new students): a non‑refundable registration deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition fee; this amount is deductible from the first term's tuition and must be paid within seven working days of accepting an offer. Re‑registration (returning students): a non‑refundable re‑registration deposit of 5% of the annual tuition fee (or up to AED 500, whichever is higher); this is also deductible from the first term's tuition. Tuition fees by year group (Academic Year 2026–2027) — annual and indicative per‑term split - Nursery (Early Childhood Centre / ECC) – Annual: AED 65,000. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 21,666.67. - FS1 – Annual: AED 67,086. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 22,362.00. - FS2 – Annual: AED 67,086. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 22,362.00. - Year 1 – Annual: AED 68,938. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 22,979.33. - Year 2 – Annual: AED 70,798. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 23,599.33. - Year 3 – Annual: AED 72,668. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 24,222.67. - Year 4 – Annual: AED 74,547. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 24,849.00. - Year 5 – Annual: AED 76,436. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 25,478.67. - Year 6 – Annual: AED 78,334. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 26,111.33. Note on per‑term figures: the school publishes the annual tuition for each year group and issues invoices against the academic year. The per‑term figures above are equal one‑third calculations of the annual tuition provided here and are shown for planning purposes; the school's billing schedule and any official term instalment amounts should be confirmed at enrolment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Academic calendar and term structure follow the standard KHDA three‑term year; invoices are organised around term dates (typically a Term 1 starting in August/September, Term 2 in January and Term 3 in April). Deposits (registration / re‑registration) are deducted from the first term's invoice. Non‑payment may result in withholding of reports and denial of re‑enrolment. - Payment timings: the registration deposit must be paid within seven working days of accepting an offer. The school treats the registration/re‑registration payment as non‑refundable except where KHDA or school policy allows otherwise (for example, in approved relocation cases). Boarding fees - Not applicable. The school is a primary school serving ages 3–11 (FS1 to Year 6) and does not offer boarding. Other costs and optional services - Uniforms and required supplies: budget ranges are published for required education supplies and uniforms (example ranges include Uniform: up to around AED 1,000; stationery and books amounts vary by year). Optional and variable costs include: transport, extracurricular activities, school trips, canteen and class photographs. These optional/ancillary service costs are charged in addition to tuition and vary by service and level. Typical ranges published for these items include: Transport AED 6,000–10,000; Extracurricular AED 500–20,000; School trips AED 200–10,000; Canteen AED 8,000–11,000; Class photograph AED 0–300; Special needs support ranges depending on required provision. - Discounts and concessions: available discount schemes include sibling discounts (percentage reductions on additional siblings), Emirati student concession (example: 10%), early payment discount (example: 2.5%), and staff/school management concessions (up to full fee waiver where applicable). One‑off "welcoming" discounts or similar promotional reductions may appear for specific intakes. Specific discount eligibility, values, and application rules are set by the school. Refunds and withdrawals - Application fee: refundable in defined circumstances (for example, if you choose not to proceed after a tour or if no place is offered). Registration and re‑registration deposits are generally non‑refundable, except where the school's published policy or KHDA regulations permit refund (for example, verified relocation outside the UAE before the start of the school year). Tuition fee refunds during the academic year are processed in accordance with KHDA rules and the school's published admissions and refund procedures. Written requests for refunds must be submitted to the Admissions Office and will be reviewed by senior leadership as per policy. Non‑refund conditions and time limits apply (for example, no refunds for registration/re‑registration requests made after the academic year has started). Fee payment methods - Online payment by credit or debit card is accepted for application and initial payments; the registration deposit is payable within the stated timeframe. For other payment methods or a specific payment schedule, contact the admissions/finance office at the school for the options that will be provided at offer and invoicing. Summary points for parents - Annual tuition is published per year group for the 2026–2027 academic year; enrolment requires an application fee (AED 500) and a registration or re‑registration deposit (10% for new students, 5% for returning students), both of which are deducted from the first term invoice under the school's policy. Optional services such as transport, canteen, extracurricular activities and special‑needs support are charged in addition to tuition within published ranges. Refunds and late/non‑payment consequences follow the school's admissions policy and KHDA guidelines.	Fee details Tuition fees (KHDA approved, Academic Year 2025/26) - Rising 3s: Term 1 AED 17,400; Term 2 AED 13,050; Term 3 AED 13,050; Annual AED 43,500. - Foundation Stage (FS1 – FS2): Term 1 AED 20,591; Term 2 AED 15,443; Term 3 AED 15,443; Annual AED 51,477. - Year 1 – Year 2: Term 1 AED 20,591; Term 2 AED 15,443; Term 3 AED 15,443; Annual AED 51,477. - Year 3 – Year 6: Term 1 AED 23,534; Term 2 AED 17,651; Term 3 AED 17,651; Annual AED 58,836. - Year 7 – Year 8: Term 1 AED 27,949; Term 2 AED 20,962; Term 3 AED 20,961; Annual AED 69,872. - Year 9 – Year 11: Annual AED 69,872 (these year groups will be added in future academic years). - Year 12 – Year 13: Annual AED 77,217 (these year groups will be added in future academic years). Application and registration fees - Application fee: one-time, non-refundable, non-transferable AED 525 (includes 5% VAT). Applies to new students only. - Registration fee: AED 4,000 payable by new students to secure a place; this amount is credited against the joining term fees. The registration fee is non-refundable. The deadline for Term 1 fee and registration arrangements is 2nd August (academic year deadlines are specified in the payment terms). KHDA charges and ancillary official tariffs - KHDA administration fee for transfers within Dubai: AED 120 per student (collected on behalf of KHDA). - Other KHDA-specified tariffs (examples): Education Continuation Certificate for visa renewal AED 120; student leaving form AED 120; student transfer within stipulated timeframe AED 120; student transfer after stipulated timeframe AED 520; attestation of student certificate/report card AED 120; ‘To whomsoever it may concern' certificates AED 120; student exam grade amendment AED 120. These fees are payable to the school accounts office when the service is requested. Billing schedule and payment terms - Termly billing: tuition is charged by term. A student may not start the academic year unless the first term fee has been paid in full. - Due dates for Academic Year 2025/26: Term 1 payable by 1 August 2025; Term 2 payable by 1 December 2025; Term 3 payable by 1 March 2026. - The registration fee (AED 4,000) reserves the seat until full tuition payment is made and is deductible against the first term tuition fees. - The school reserves the right to withhold school reports, final results, and transfer certificates until all fees are settled in line with Ministry of Education regulations. Payment options and procedures - Accepted payment methods: cash, credit card (MasterCard and Visa only), bank transfer, or cheque. - Credit card payments: MasterCard and Visa accepted; card payments are made using the payment link contained in the invoice. - Bank transfers: account details available from the school accountant (Mr Keith Villodres). All bank charges are the responsibility of the remitter; include student name and grade on transfer and confirm with the school. Contact: +971 4 612 1444 ext 2. - Cheque policy: company cheques preferred. Personal cheques for Term 1 are not accepted if presented within five working days of the academic year start; when paid by personal cheque the school requires payment at least three working days prior to the invoice due date. A returned/dishonoured cheque fee of AED 500 applies. Post-dated cheques for Term 2 may be lodged in advance. Boarding - Boarding facilities are not offered; school transport is available via an external RTA-approved provider (Arab Falcon). Transport arrangements, bookings and billing are handled directly by the transport provider. Other costs and typical additional charges - Uniforms: the school's uniform is supplied through the chosen provider Magrudy's. Specific uniform prices are set by the supplier. - Catering: the school's catering provider is Leela's Lunches; meal purchasing and pricing are arranged through that provider. - Transport: bus services are provided by Arab Falcon; parents deal directly with Arab Falcon for reservations and will be billed by the transport provider. Transport payment dates (example schedule) are: first payment due by 1 September for the September–January term and second payment due by 1 February for the February–June term (transport billing handled by the provider). - External examination fees: there may be additional charges for external examinations in secondary school; the school will notify families in advance of such charges. - Returned cheques: AED 500 charge for any returned or dishonoured cheque. Tuition refund and withdrawal policy (summary) - Registration/re-registration deposit is not refundable except in extenuating circumstances (examples: family/student relocation to another country/emirate or similar). Such cases may be submitted to KHDA for review. - Refund calculations (as applied by the school): - Tuition fees paid prior to the beginning of the academic year are refundable, minus the registration/re-registration fees. - If the student was enrolled for two weeks or less, one month's fees will be deducted. - If the student was enrolled for more than two weeks but less than one month, two months' fees will be deducted. - If the student was enrolled for more than one month, the full term's fees will be deducted. - Refunds are calculated from the start of the term and the date of the official written withdrawal request, not from the date of absence. Book fees are refundable if the student leaves prior to the beginning of the academic year. Registration or re-registration deposits may be refundable if a school quality rating drops and families choose to move, consistent with KHDA rules. Contact for accounts and clarification - School accounts e-mail: accounts@dubaibritishschooljumeira.ae; Finance contact telephone: +971 4 612 1444 Ext 2 (school accountant contact for bank details and payment confirmation). Notes - Exam, extracurricular, transport, uniform and catering providers may charge separately and set their own prices; these additional optional or third-party charges are billed or arranged outside the term tuition described above.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The uniform is compulsory and is designed for comfort, traditional yet modern for the local climate. Uniforms are available for purchase from Magrudy's at their Jumeira store or online, with opening hours 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Saturday to Thursday and 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Fridays.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The on-site canteen is run by Leela's Lunches, offering healthy and comprehensive meals, snacks and beverages, including a three-course healthy lunch. Students may bring their own lunchboxes.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Taaleem supports Dubai British School Jumeira and Taaleem's commitment to quality education underpins the school's leadership.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Grounded in the National Curriculum for England (NCfE) and aligned with KHDA and UAE Ministry of Education requirements, the programme runs from FS1 to Year 6. Early Years (FS1–Year 1) are play-rich and inquiry-led, with the Head–Heart–Hands model nurturing thinking through language and exploration, emotional wellbeing through caring relationships and rhythm, and creativity through movement, making, and purposeful play. The Primary (Years 2–6) curriculum blends NCfE with a relational, culturally rooted pedagogy, and learning is structured into 3–5 week inquiry blocks that connect subjects through real-world contexts. Assessment is human, holistic, and forward-thinking, using observation, dialogue and rich documentation aligned with EYFS and NCfE. The curriculum emphasizes learning beyond exams, with real-world inquiry, collaborative projects, and a focus on wellbeing and ethical action. It is inclusive and adaptable for diverse learners, including students of determination, EAL, and gifted and talented learners.	Curriculum details Dubai British School Jumeira (DBS Jumeira) is part of the Dubai British Schools group (Taaleem) and opened in September 2024 to offer a British curriculum from EYFS through Year 13. The curriculum is grounded in the National Curriculum for England, with English as the language of instruction. It provides the Early Years Foundation Stage and Primary through Year 6, followed by secondary through Year 13. Examinations offered include UK IGCSEs in Year 11 and A-Levels in Years 12-13. The DBS group describes its campuses as offering GCSEs and A-Levels as part of their UK curriculum pathways.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The curriculum includes gifted and talented learners within its inclusive education approach. Learning is adapted to meet diverse profiles, including those who are gifted and talented.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school places wellbeing at the center of learning and uses the Head, Heart, Hands model to develop thinking, feeling, and doing in every child. Emotional intelligence is fostered through relational practice, trauma-informed pedagogy, and developmentally attuned adult support. Circle time, gratitude rituals, peer conversations, and collaborative problem‑solving are daily practices that support emotional regulation, empathy, and resilience. Children are seen, heard, and valued in a safe, nurturing environment that prioritises connection and belonging. Emotional wellbeing is described as the soil from which deep learning grows, underpinning all academic and social development.	Social & emotional learning Dubai British School Jumeira recognises inclusion and well-being as core to its ethos. The school is led in inclusion by John Paton, Head of Inclusion, and an inclusion team that delivers high-quality provision to enhance every pupil's learning experience. The school uses a graduated approach to meet students' needs, including Quality First Teaching, targeted small-group support, and specialist interventions delivered by the inclusion team or external experts. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are developed for all students of determination and shared with all staff involved with the child. The inclusion framework supports social interactions and peer relationships through age-appropriate environments, with collaboration with parents and external specialists. The Dubai Inclusion Framework and a sensory room on campus support inclusive practice.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The Inclusion Policy defines SEND as a need that requires adaptation so the learner can access the environment equitably. The school uses a graduated approach (Universal, Targeted, Specialist) with IEPs and, when needed, outside professionals to support learning. Admission is not conditional upon diagnosis, and the school welcomes students with special educational needs. Learning Support Assistants facilitate inclusive participation and staff can engage external specialists (e.g., speech and language therapists, occupational therapists) as required. Provision is designed to ensure access for all within the common learning environment, with rhythm, differentiation, and ongoing collaboration with families.	Special educational needs (SEN) Dubai British School Jumeira provides support for students of determination within a mainstream setting. The school uses a graduated approach with Quality First Teaching, targeted small-group support, and specialist provision delivered by the inclusion team or external experts. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are developed for all students of determination and shared with all staff involved with the child. The school collaborates with external agencies, including educational psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, to deliver specialised interventions when needed. Facilities and policies support inclusion, including adherence to the Dubai Inclusion Framework, accessibility measures, and a sensory room for occupational therapy sessions. The school presents itself as an inclusive mainstream school rather than a dedicated SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The curriculum explicitly recognises and supports learners for whom English is an additional language (EAL). English, Mathematics, and Science are taught within a framework that adapts to diverse language needs, ensuring equity and access for all learners. The National Curriculum for England is blended with a relational, culturally rooted pedagogy to support language development in an inclusive setting. Adaptations for EAL are embedded in the curriculum to help students access content across subjects. The school emphasises inclusive practices that accommodate EAL learners within the Head, Heart, Hands approach.	English as an additional language The school's official materials do not publicly describe a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. The Inclusion page and related pages focus on inclusion for students with SEN and access, rather than EAL-specific services.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is a core component of student development, with safeguarding activities and curricula designed to support emotional health. The safeguarding framework includes a Mental Health Policy and ongoing staff training in wellbeing and safety. The approach is grounded in trauma-informed practices and co‑regulation to support emotional regulation, peer connection, and secure attachments. The Head, Heart, Hands model fosters emotional literacy and resilience as foundations for learning. The environment is structured to be safe, predictable, and nurturing to promote mental wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing Dubai British School Jumeira maintains a Counselling Policy that provides emotional and psychological support to students. The Inclusion team emphasises well-being as part of its inclusive approach, helping students access learning and participate socially. The policy framework for wellbeing is integrated with school policies and pastoral care as part of the overall wellbeing strategy. Wellbeing considerations are embedded in the school's inclusion and support practices.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is a collective responsibility across the school, with an environment that is safe and secure and where students are encouraged to speak to trusted adults. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child guides practice, and policies align with UAE safeguarding standards. A designated safeguarding leads team oversees procedures, training, case management, and annual reporting, with CPOMS used for records. Clear reporting, confidentiality, and information-sharing protocols are in place, along with crisis planning, anti-bullying, online safety, and missing child procedures. The safeguarding framework prioritises strong home–school partnerships and ongoing professional development for staff.	Safeguarding Dubai British School Jumeira upholds Anti-Bullying and Child Protection policies to ensure student safety. A Counselling Policy provides emotional and psychological support to students. The school lists a whistleblowing hotline as an avenue for safeguarding concerns through Taaleem. Safeguarding policies are publicly referenced within the School Policies content.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is a British-curriculum primary school located in Nad Al Sheba 4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The classrooms are warm, open spaces with flexible layouts and sensory-aware design, including outdoor classrooms. Learning environments are sensory-rich and designed to support imagination, focus, and wellbeing. Nature-based learning is central, with daily outdoor learning and gardening. The Head–Heart–Hands model shapes daily life and school rhythms, blending academic inquiry with UAE heritage, Arabic language, and Islamic education.	Facilities overview Dubai British School Jumeira provides state-of-the-art facilities designed to support student growth and development. The campus features modern indoor and outdoor sports areas, including swimming pools, football pitches, and sports halls, to encourage physical fitness and teamwork. Dedicated spaces include libraries, innovative learning hubs, and a well-equipped auditorium that nurture a love for learning and creativity. The campus includes a Primary Learning Hub and an Early Years Learning Hub, and canteens offer nutritious meals throughout the day.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Indoor and outdoor sports areas include swimming pools for both early years and primary/secondary students, a dedicated Sports Hall for Early Years, an outdoor football pitch, and roof courts for tennis and multi-sport activities. The roof tennis courts (01 and 02) and roof sport courts provide space for tennis and other athletic activities. An outdoor play area supports physical activity and social interaction.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Classrooms are curated spaces that support imagination, focus, and wellbeing. The curriculum blends the National Curriculum for England with UAE cultural heritage, Arabic language, and Islamic education, and is organized for Early Years (FS1–Year 1) and Primary (Years 2–6). Learning occurs through 3–5 week inquiry blocks in a hands-on, inquiry-based approach. The learning environments are sensory-rich and designed around the twelve senses to foster engagement and self-regulation. Assessment is human, holistic, and forward-thinking, using observation, dialogue, and documentation aligned with EYFS and NCfE frameworks.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include a Primary Learning Hub and an Early Years Learning Hub, designed to support interactive and engaging learning. The campus provides libraries and a Black Box / Auditorium with seating for 400, which supports assemblies, performances, and creative work.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Outdoor and nature-based learning; Arts, movement and making; Cultural identity and language; Supporting a low-tech, high-presence approach in the early years.	Extra curricular facilities The Black Box / Auditorium hosts performances and events, while the roof tennis courts, roof sport courts, swimming pools, and outdoor football pitch enable a range of after-school clubs and physical activities. Outdoor play areas support active social experiences as part of the broader school life.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Al Fanar School is Al Fanar by Zaya, a pioneering primary school in Dubai. It was founded by Nadia Zaal, who serves as founder and CEO. The school offers a British curriculum for FS1–Year 6 and uses a Head, Heart, Hands model. It is located in Nad Al Sheba 4, Dubai, UAE. The curriculum blends Emirati heritage, Arabic language, and Islamic traditions with global learning to prepare world-ready learners.	History Dubai British School Jumeira opened in September 2024 in Al Wasl as the fourth Dubai British School campus operated by Taaleem. It joined Emirates Hills and Jumeirah Park in Taaleem's Dubai British Schools portfolio as part of a wider growth plan that includes the DBS Mira campus. The initial provision focuses on primary education (FS1 to Year 6) with expansion planned to Year 13 to accommodate older students, and the campus is designed to enrol around 1,900 pupils at full capacity. The Dubai British Schools brand traces its origins to Taaleem's development of UK-curriculum campuses in Dubai since the mid-2000s.
Community	Community The Daily Experience describes daily rhythm and the Head, Heart, Hands flow, with calm mornings, deep learning blocks, outdoor movement, shared meals, and reflective endings. Learning environments feel like homes with flexible spaces, sensory-aware design, and outdoor classrooms. Relationships and community are prioritized, with educators as Soulful Guides and family partnerships valued, and emotional safety foundations of practice. Student voice and leadership are encouraged, with even youngest children helping shape the day through co-created agreements, Wonder Books, and assemblies.	Community Dubai British School Jumeira's community is part of the Dubai British Schools Group and centers on holistic development and family engagement. The school offers a broad Extra-Curricular Activities program, including After School Care, Breakfast Club, DJ Classes, Football, Swimming, Ballet, Basketball, Martial Arts, Yoga, Holiday Sports Camp, Volleyball, Tennis, Gymnastics, and Painting. The Centre for Musical Arts provides on-site instrumental and vocal lessons in partnership with the school to expand arts participation. State-of-the-art facilities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and a multi-purpose sports hall, support a vibrant campus life. Tours and sign-ups for activities are actively encouraged to involve families in school life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Public information does not describe a formal PTA for Dubai British School Jumeira. Parental involvement is supported through the school's extensive extra-curricular activities program, which includes After School Care, Breakfast Club, DJ Classes, Football, Swimming, Ballet, Basketball, Martial Arts, Yoga, Holiday Sports Camp, Volleyball, Tennis, Gymnastics, and Painting. The school partners with the Centre for Musical Arts to provide on-site instrumental and vocal lessons, expanding arts participation for families. Tours and sign-ups for activities are available, offering opportunities to visit the campus and meet staff. The Dubai British Schools brand emphasizes community involvement across its campuses, including DBS Jumeira as part of Taaleem's portfolio.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school teaches critical thinking and deep problem solving. The school uses a globally aligned curriculum and child-led inquiry to prepare learners to be world-ready—confident, open-minded, and connected to a larger purpose. The school emphasises a rigorous, relational, and joyful approach where every child feels seen, known, and inspired.	Academic & intellectual Dubai British School Jumeira follows the National Curriculum for England across Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary. The curriculum uses a concept-based, enquiry-driven approach that emphasises critical enquiry, collaboration, and independence.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school fosters creativity through arts, movement, and making. From clay and handwork to music and expressive movement, children develop skill, confidence, and voice. Creativity flows through our school.	Arts & creative A Performing Arts program is part of the Secondary Stage; a Performing Arts Teacher leads the subject.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school honours the heritage of the UAE. Arabic and Islamic Education are woven through song, story, and cultural ritual, helping children build pride in their identity while embracing diversity.	Cultural & language Arabic and Islamic studies are led by a Head of Arabic and Islamic; Spanish is taught at DBS Jumeira. The Primary Stage also emphasises exploring local UAE cultural norms to promote integration.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Relationships and community are prioritised; educators form strong, respectful bonds with each child. Family partnerships are valued, and emotional safety is foundational to all we do. Even our youngest children help shape the day, participating in assemblies and co-creating agreements to lead.	Social & hobbies A broad co-curricular program includes Performing Arts; the Treehouse Library supports reading and independent study.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The Dubai British Schools' legacy emphasises Enjoy, Aspire, Achieve; the school aims to foster a welcoming, inclusive community and holistic development.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school promotes Student Voice and Leadership. Even our youngest children help shape the day and are empowered to participate and lead. Leadership is developed through co-creating agreements, sharing ideas in Wonder Books, and assemblies.	Leadership & professional The founding principal is Lee Hole. Mary Donnelly is Head of Primary School, and Andy Goodliffe is Head of Secondary.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The daily rhythm follows a Head, Heart, Hands flow: calm mornings, deep learning blocks, outdoor movement, shared meals, and reflective endings. Each day begins and ends with intention, and routines balance focused inquiry, joyful play, and restorative pauses to help children regulate, engage, and thrive. Classrooms feel like homes with outdoor classrooms and natural design, inviting curiosity and deep engagement. Relationships and community are central, with educators as Soulful Guides and family partnerships valued to support wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral care and wellbeing are supported through a pastoral programme focused on emotional literacy and student welfare.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is a core subject within the NCfE-based curriculum. Arabic and Islamic Education are taught in alignment with MOE guidelines. The curriculum includes Arabic language and related subjects, and learning support is provided for students for whom English is an additional language (EAL).	Language provision English is the language of instruction in a British-curriculum setting. Arabic language and Islamic studies are taught under the leadership of the Head of Arabic and Islamic. Spanish is taught as a modern foreign language.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquiry: Your journey begins by getting in touch with the admissions team. You may contact by phone, email, or in person. An enquiry number is issued for reference. 2. Application: To move forward, families pay an AED 500 non-refundable application fee and fill an application form. The fee is refundable if you choose not to proceed after the tour or if we are unable to offer a place, and it can be transferred to the next academic year if needed. 3. Tour: School tours allow you to experience Al Fanar in action, understand the approach, and ask questions. Tours are an important step in moving forward with your admission. 4. Stay & Play: When spaces become available, children are invited to a Stay & Play session, a relaxed play-based experience with no formal tests. 5. Offer: If a place becomes available, an official offer is issued. To secure the place, a deposit is required within a set timeframe. At this stage, transition planning begins. 6. Admissions Update: Admissions for 2025–2026 are full. Admissions for 2026–2027 are also full, with limited availability only in Years 5 and 6. We are not able to accept inquiries at this time. 7. Registration and Re-Registration: New Students pay a non-refundable registration fee of 10% of the annual fees to confirm their place, deducted from the first term's tuition fees, and due within 7 working days. Returning Students pay a non-refundable re-registration fee of 5% of the annual fees to secure their place for the following academic year, deducted from the first term's fees. Failure to pay may result in the forfeiture of the place. 8. Withdrawals: Relocations and withdrawals; the application and registration/re-registration fee are non-refundable if families relocate or choose not to return. Refunds of deposits may be possible before the new academic year begins, subject to policy. KHDA guidelines apply for tuition refunds during the academic year. 9. Outstanding Fees: Non-payment of fees may lead to withholding of academic reports and denial of re-enrollment.	Admissions Step 1. Submit your application online through the Online Admissions Portal and check Admissions Availability to ensure the year group you are applying for is open. Prepare and upload all required documentation as part of the online application. Step 2. Pay the AED 525 application fee; the fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment can be made by bank transfer using the bank details provided by the admissions team. Step 3. Book an assessment with the Admissions Team. FS1 & FS2 use a Stay and Play assessment; Years 1 & 2 use a 1-on-1 assessment; Years 3 to 12 use a CAT4 assessment plus a written English assessment; overseas applicants may have alternative steps arranged. Additional assessments may be requested if learning support is considered beneficial. Step 4. The Academic Team reviews the assessment; if a place is offered, you receive an offer letter and an invoice for the joining term's non-refundable registration fee. Parents have five working days to return acceptance paperwork and pay the registration fee. If a place is not available, applicants may be placed on the waiting list. Step 5. KHDA registration is required for joining. A Transfer Certificate from the current school is required, and KHDA guidelines may require Emirates IDs and related attestations; the school coordinates transfer certificates through the admissions process.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waiting lists are capped at 20 students per grade level, with periodic-status updates provided to parents. Class sizes are capped at 15 students to ensure personalised learning. Priority for Waitlist Placement is: 1) Siblings of current students; 2) Children of staff members; 3) Emirati students. Parents must confirm their intention to remain on the waitlist within 7 days.	Waitlist The admissions definitions include Closed, Open, Waiting List and Limited Spaces. Closed means waiting lists are not open; Open means a waiting list exists but place availability is not guaranteed; Waiting List means applications are on the pool and offers may follow if spaces become available; Limited Spaces means a small number of seats are available and initial offers may be placed on a waiting list. For 2025/2026, year-group availability and waiting lists are shown to indicate current capacity and potential wait times.
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