Cambridge International School vs MSB Private School - Secondary
Cambridge International School and MSB Private School - Secondary are both in Dubai, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary) programmes. Cambridge International School also offers British, and MSB Private School - Secondary also offers EYFS, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are AED 23,795 - 36,775 at Cambridge International School and AED 11,816 - 27,681 at MSB Private School - Secondary, which puts Cambridge International School roughly 53% higher. Cambridge International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and MSB Private School - Secondary from 3 to 17.
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
850
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
10
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
2004
Bus service
Bus service
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Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Al Twar 1, near Al Twar Library, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits on Damascus Street in Al Twar 1. The area is well-connected by road and nearby public transport options serve the neighbourhood.
Location
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Stages
Stages
The school is divided into two sections: Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) and Secondary (Year 7 to Year 13).
Stages
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School type
School type
Co-educational; day school; follows the UK curriculum as part of GEMS Education.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Data on the exact number of nationalities and local/international ratios is not publicly published; the school serves a diverse Dubai community with representation from multiple nationalities.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school provides inclusive education with a dedicated Inclusion team. It supports Students of Determination with individualized plans (IEPs), access to Educational Psychologists and other specialists, and provides modification and differentiation where needed; it also offers alternative pathways such as BTEC and ASDAN where appropriate.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Affiliation: British overseas; follows the UK curriculum and is designated as a British school overseas.
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation: None stated; Dubai's context and the curriculum include Islamic values as part of wellbeing and cultural education.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
CIS opens at 7:20 am. FS1–FS2 run 07:40–12:10; Years 1–13 run 07:40–15:00. The Friday schedule is 07:30–11:15; weekends are Saturday and Sunday. Enrichment activities occur within the school day.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
The school contracts with STS Group to provide transport with an extensive fleet of Smart Buses (CCTV, GPS, RFID, etc.). Registration details, safety features, and route options are published by the provider; regional routes and fees are listed, and a dedicated Service Delivery Executive handles arrangements.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fee
- Application fee: AED 525 payable at the time of application. This fee includes VAT, is non-transferable, and is refundable only if the school does not offer a place.
Registration / enrolment deposits (payable at acceptance)
- Registration deposit: a non-refundable deposit equal to 10% of the total annual tuition is payable when accepting an offer. The registration deposit is deductible from the total tuition for the year. Example registration deposit amounts (payable at acceptance) are: FS: AED 2,380; Years 1–2: AED 2,704; Years 3–4: AED 2,812; Years 5–6: AED 2,920; Years 7–9: AED 3,245; Years 10–11: AED 3,461; Years 12–13: AED 3,678. The application fee and registration deposit combined at the time of admission are shown as: FS AED 2,905; Years 1–2 AED 3,229; Years 3–4 AED 3,337; Years 5–6 AED 3,445; Years 7–9 AED 3,770; Years 10–11 AED 3,986; Years 12–13 AED 4,203.
Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual total)
- Foundation Stage (FS) - Term 1 (September): AED 9,519. - Term 2 (January): AED 7,138. - Term 3 (April): AED 7,138. - Annual total: AED 23,795.
- Years 1–2 - Term 1 (September): AED 10,817. - Term 2 (January): AED 8,112. - Term 3 (April): AED 8,112. - Annual total: AED 27,041.
- Years 3–4 - Term 1 (September): AED 11,248. - Term 2 (January): AED 8,437. - Term 3 (April): AED 8,437. - Annual total: AED 28,122.
- Years 5–6 - Term 1 (September): AED 11,682. - Term 2 (January): AED 8,761. - Term 3 (April): AED 8,761. - Annual total: AED 29,204.
- Years 7–9 - Term 1 (September): AED 12,980. - Term 2 (January): AED 9,734. - Term 3 (April): AED 9,734. - Annual total: AED 32,448.
- Years 10–11 - Term 1 (September): AED 13,846. - Term 2 (January): AED 10,383. - Term 3 (April): AED 10,383. - Annual total: AED 34,612.
- Years 12–13 (Post-16) - Term 1 (September): AED 14,711. - Term 2 (January): AED 11,032. - Term 3 (April): AED 11,032. - Annual total: AED 36,775.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment frequency: annual tuition may be collected in three instalments at the start of each term. The standard split is 40% due in the first term, 30% in the second term, and 30% in the third term. Fees are invoiced and payable in advance of attendance. All cheque payments must be made payable to "Cambridge International School" preferably on a bank based in Dubai.
- Term due dates (payment schedule as published): First term due 31/08/2025; Second term due 31/12/2025; Third term due 31/03/2026. Non-payment may result in withholding of reports, examination results, references and/or suspension or exclusion.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed as an available option and no boarding fees are published for this school.
Other costs and typical additional charges
- Transport (school bus): transport fees are charged separately. Example annual transport fees and term breakdown by area/route are published; example ranges include annual fees such as AED 5,480 (with per-term breakdown AED 2,192 / AED 1,644 / AED 1,644) up to AED 6,930 (with per-term breakdown AED 2,772 / AED 2,079 / AED 2,079) depending on route. Transport is a separate optional charge and must be registered for with the school's transport team.
- Uniforms: uniform items and guidance are published and uniforms are expected to be purchased from the designated supplier (Threads). Specific uniform item lists are provided, though retail prices are set by the supplier and not listed on the school's fee pages.
- Optional subjects / exam-related charges: certain subjects (for example Computer Science / ICT in some years) may be optional and any external exam or qualification fees are handled according to standard examination billing; specific examination fees or per-subject charges are not published on the tuition-fees summary page.
- Re-enrolment deposit: for returning students a re-registration (re-enrolment) deposit of 5% of total tuition is payable to secure a place for the following academic year; this deposit is non-refundable and is deducted from the first semester fees for the next year.
Refunds and withdrawal charges
- Application and registration deposits are non-refundable once a place is accepted. Tuition refunds follow Ministry of Education / KHDA bylaws: if a student withdraws before the academic year begins, the balance of the first semester fees paid will be refunded (less registration and admission fees). If a student withdraws during the school year, refund calculations follow the Ministry/KHDA rules: attendance of two weeks or less results in one month's fee charged; attendance of more than two weeks but less than one month results in two months' fee charged; attendance of more than one month results in the entire semester's fees being charged. Refunds are returned to the original payee. A one-month written notice of withdrawal to the Registrar is required.
Fee payment options and methods
- Accepted payment methods: online via the parent portal for existing families, bank transfer (bank details available from the school), in person at the Accounts Department by debit card, credit card, cheque or cash. Transport fees have a separate online payment link. The school participates in co-branded credit card discount programs (GEMS FAB / GEMS World Credit Card) that provide discounts or cashback on fees/bus/uniform purchases under the bank's terms.
Notes on policy and fee review
- All tuition fees are payable in advance of attendance and are set in accordance with the fee framework established by GEMS and KHDA. Published fees are subject to KHDA approval and may be reviewed in line with applicable regulations. The school's accounts office receives payments during normal office hours and also offers limited holiday payment hours.
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Uniforms are supplied by Threads and follow the Cambridge Uniform Guide. FS1–Year 2 wear burgundy polo shirts with grey shorts or trousers, black shoes and socks, a black belt and a logoed schoolbag; Years 3–13 wear white shirts with grey trousers (girls may wear knee-length skirts) and year-specific ties (burgundy for Years 7–11, striped for Years 12–13). PE and winter uniforms are unisex (navy track pants, navy shorts, polo shirts, pullover and cap) and guidelines specify tucked-in shirts, knee-length skirts, neat hair, and limited jewelry.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
School canteen offers healthy snacks and drinks during breaks. The canteen is operated by SLICES, with a cashless purchasing system; registration with Slices is available.
Food options
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House system
House system
Four Houses named after Middle Eastern birds—Eagles, Falcons, Hawks and Kestrels. Each student belongs to a House, led by a House Captain and a House Vice-Captain; inter-house competitions and house points form part of school life.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The Cambridge International School is part of the GEMS Education group, a private education provider. A Local Advisory Board oversees the school's strategic aims within the GEMS network.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Cambridge International School Dubai follows the National Curriculum for England, organized into Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) and Secondary (Year 7 to Year 13) sections, with a Foundation Stage for ages 3–4 (FS1–FS2). Foundation Stage serves 3- and 4-year-olds (FS1–FS2); Key Stages 1–5 correspond to Years 1–13, mapping the NCfE progression. The Cambridge pathway is offered from Year 10–11 with IGCSE, followed by Cambridge AS and A Levels in Years 12–13, and the school is an approved examination centre for Cambridge International Examinations and the University of London. Core subjects include English, Mathematics and Science, with Arabic and other languages, plus Humanities, ICT/Computing, Art, Design & Technology, Music, Drama, Physical Education and PSHE, with optional subjects available in upper secondary. The curriculum also includes digital citizenship and dedicated student care and support as part of its Cambridge framework.
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school embeds Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) within a comprehensive wellbeing framework. The Student Mental Health and Well-being Policy commits to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing for all students, families and staff in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. It uses Martin Seligman's Positive Psychology approach via Curriculum For Life (PEEC/VIA) to build coping skills, resilience and emotional awareness across the curriculum. Leadership Gemstones provide monthly themes that cultivate character and leadership and connect to the Stand Up, Speak Out anti-bullying framework. Beyond100 is a school wellbeing and longevity programme with five daily pillars (Move Beyond, Nourish Beyond, Rest Beyond, Think Beyond, Align Beyond) that are embedded in daily life, aligning with the Be a GEM ethos and Family First initiatives.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Inclusion is a central, inclusive approach at the Cambridge International School Dubai, aiming to meet the diverse intellectual, social, emotional and physical needs of all students. The school does not filter admissions by disability and provides priority admission for a Student of determination who has a sibling on roll. Students with a range of needs—including gifted and talented pupils, those with special educational needs (SEND), and those facing physical, emotional, cultural or language challenges—are welcome. Full disclosure of any SEND, IEPs and specialist reports is requested before a place is offered so staff can assess needs and plan appropriate resourcing. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and targeted supports—often within a graduated approach—are used, including small-group or one-to-one strategies and, where appropriate, alternative pathways such as BTEC or ASDAN. The Inclusion team works closely with parents, offering regular workshops and review meetings and maintaining an open-door policy; external specialist resources are engaged when needed.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school recognises English as an Additional Language (EAL) and provides a formal EAL policy to ensure equal access to education and progression in English. The policy defines EAL, outlines roles and responsibilities (including an EAL Lead and Head of Inclusion), and sets out identification and referral processes, including screening and standardized assessments. It describes a graduated support model with Level 1 in-class support, Level 2 small-group pullouts, and Level 3 more intensive support with an individualized program (often including an Educational Plan and tools such as Flash Academy). Identification occurs during admission and throughout the year via testing and teacher observations, with parents notified and involved in decisions. An EAL Coordinator leads the programme, and teachers are expected to support EAL learners as part of their classroom practice.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is addressed through the same Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy, which prioritises early identification of needs and timely intervention. The policy embraces a Positive Psychology framework and the Curriculum For Life (CFL) approach, including PEEC/VIA lessons, to teach coping skills and resilience. It also integrates wellbeing into daily routines, with the Beyond100 pillars and Leadership Gemstones supporting a structured wellbeing curriculum. The Family First initiative provides parents with practical strategies to support wellbeing at home, ensuring a consistent approach between school and home.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is governed by the GEMS Safeguarding Policy (Policy POLCSG001V5), effective August 1, 2025, with a scheduled review date of August 1, 2026. The policy designates a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a Deputy, with responsibilities for safeguarding, child protection and staff training, and it relies on a Central Safeguarding Team to guide case management and strategy. Staff are required to record safeguarding concerns on the Guard platform and to follow formal procedures for disclosures and investigations. The policy covers whistleblowing, complaints, safer recruitment, and safeguarding training, and it aligns with UAE regulatory guidance and local appendices. The school provides safeguarding contacts and guidance to staff, families and the Local Advisory Board to ensure a consistent, safety-first culture.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Cambridge International School – Dubai offers a comprehensive campus designed to support the British curriculum and a broad range of learning experiences. Key academic spaces include science laboratories and technology labs, a dedicated library, and three computer labs with up-to-date touchscreen PCs. Creative spaces feature an Auditorium/Theatre and a Performing Arts Centre/Studios, along with dedicated art and music facilities. For sport and physical education, the campus provides an Indoor Sports Hall, Games & Sports Field/Pitches, and a Swimming Pool. Additional on-site facilities include a cafeteria, a Medical Centre, and a Secure Campus with outdoor play spaces and school transport services.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The school offers on-campus sport facilities that include an Indoor Sports Hall and Games & Sports Field/Pitches for a variety of activities. A Swimming Pool is available on site to support aquatic programs and swimming training. These facilities, together with outdoor play spaces, support the school's emphasis on active learning and inter-school sporting involvement.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Academic facilities include a Library, Science Laboratories, and Technology Labs. The school emphasizes technology-rich learning with three Computer labs updated to all-in-one touchscreen PCs, a range of ICT resources (desktops, interactive panels, boards, Swivl cameras, data projectors, iPads, and touch-screen laptops), and secure Wi-Fi to enable BYOD learning. The campus participates in technology education initiatives and operates as a Microsoft Showcase Centre and a Cisco Academy, reflecting a strong commitment to digital literacy.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
A broad program of extra-curricular activities includes swimming, basketball, cricket, badminton, football, netball, athletics, rounders, dance, volleyball, and handball. The school supports arts and drama through dedicated spaces such as an art studio and drama activities, and it runs a House System to foster inter-house competitions across sports and the arts. Outdoor Education features trips to Fujairah, Oman, and Mauritius, and there are debate and speech activities including a Debate Society with related competitions.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Cambridge International School, Dubai was established on October 18, 1983 with 34 students from 20 nationalities. It began as Cambridge High School in Karama, moved to Al Garhoud in 1986, and later relocated to its current Al Twar site. The school's name was changed to Cambridge International School in 2003. It was designated a Cambridge International Fellowship Centre by the University of Cambridge International Examinations, recognizing excellence in examination practice and results. The school is part of the GEMS Education network.
History
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Community
Community
The Cambridge International School, Dubai has an active alumni network with graduates pursuing higher education and professional careers worldwide. A House System with four Houses—Eagles, Falcons, Hawks and Kestrels—drives inter-house competitions and student leadership. Extra-curricular activities include outdoor education trips to Fujairah, Oman, and Mauritius, as well as Arts, Drama, and Debate programs, with participation in inter-school competitions such as the Dubai Debate League and World Scholars' Cup. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards programme operates at CIS as an Independent Award Centre, enabling students to pursue Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
Cambridge International School, Dubai uses a formal Parent Partnership program to involve families in their child's education. Communication is central, with consultation evenings, written progress reports, and an open-door policy that allows guardians to speak with staff at any time. The program is supported by research on parental engagement, including findings cited by John Hattie and Desforges about its impact on learning. GEMS promotes three daily engagement strategies—talk, share and encourage—to support learning at home and strengthen home–school links. Parents are encouraged to set high aspirations and to take an active role in supporting their children's learning, including helping with study routines and discussing progress. The partnership aims to strengthen learning outcomes by maintaining ongoing dialogue between families and staff.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school uses a House System with four Houses: Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Kestrels. Each student belongs to a House and is led by a House Captain and a House Vice-Captain. The Houses drive sporting, artistic and intellectual challenges through inter-house competitions and a points system that recognises achievement. This structure supports teamwork and healthy competition among students.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Art and Design are offered across painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and ceramics. Students explore a wide range of techniques and develop artistic skills within a dedicated, well-equipped studio. Art and Design is studied up to the end of Key Stage 3, after which it becomes an external examination option. The arts provision includes Drama and Dance as separate strands that support creative expression.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Debate is a key activity for Year 5 and above, organized by the CIS Debate Society. It offers Debate Training, Model United Nations, World Scholars' Cup, and Politics, Problems and Ethics. The school hosts and participates in debates and competitions, including the Dubai Debate League, Gulf Debates, and Cambridge International Primary MUN. Inter-house competitions and performance opportunities also provide social and creative outlets.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Outdoor Education provides a planned progression of experiences in Fujairah, Oman, and Mauritius, including rafting, mountain biking, camping, rock climbing and canoeing. All students from Year 1 upwards participate in the Environment Club. These activities aim to develop universal values for society, leadership skills and stronger relationships with peers and teachers.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Under the House System, students assume leadership roles as House Captain and House Vice-Captain, helping to organise and lead house activities. The Debate Admin is a student-led team that coordinates debate activities. Participation in clubs and societies develops organisational and teamwork skills. These leadership opportunities foster responsibility and collaboration.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
A broad on-campus sports program is taught by specialist teachers and includes Swimming, Basketball, Cricket, Badminton, Football, Netball, Athletics, Rounders, Dance, Volleyball and Handball. Inter-house sport and league matches with other Dubai and Gulf schools are held regularly. Dance is integrated in the primary PE program and offered in the Arts program in secondary. Outdoor experiences and the Environment Club also contribute to physical and mental well-being.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The school follows the National Curriculum of England. Foundation Stage instruction uses English for communication and language, with Arabic and French included at introductory levels. In Key Stage 4, English is a core subject and Arabic and French are among the offered courses. In Key Stage 5, AS and A-Levels are available with Arabic among the subject options.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
Leading Parent Partnership Award; KHDA rating: Good (2019).
Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
British School Overseas; Cambridge Assessment International Education; Duke of Edinburgh International Awards; ASDAN; Pearson Edexcel; Pearson BTEC; SAT College Board; IELTS; DASSA; Dubai School Games; TASS; Common Sense School; Microsoft Showcase; BSME; SENDIA.
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1. Registration for the 2026-2027 academic year is open for all Year Groups (FS1–Year 13). The Admissions team can be contacted for further information. To begin the process, fill the online enquiry form to generate a student enquiry ID.
Step 2. An application fee of AED 525 (inclusive of VAT) is due at the time of application. The fee is refundable if the school does not offer a place, but non-refundable if the school offers a place and the family declines it. The fee is not deductible from tuition and is not applicable for students currently enrolled at a GEMS School.
Step 3. Please visit the school with the above documents and the student enquiry ID number. Documents may include UAE ID, passport and visa copies, vaccination card, passport-sized photograph, and, for certain year groups, the last final school report.
Step 4. Once registered the applicant will be placed on the waiting list and called for an assessment, depending on space availability.
Step 5. All admissions will be confirmed subject to the child's assessment results.
Step 6. FS 1 – FS 2: Visit the school with the student's documents on completion of Online Enquiry. Year 1 – Year 11: Entrance test in English (reading & writing) and Mathematics (addition & subtraction). Year 3–Year 11: CAT4 test. Year 12–Year 13: Submit the relevant Post 16 Admissions form; admissions are confirmed based on board results.
Step 7. Minimum age: FS1 requires 3 years by December 31 of the academic year; FS2 requires 4 years by December 31 of the academic year.
Step 8. Re-enroll: to secure a place for the following school year, a 5% of tuition fee deposit is due by the third week of March; the deposit is non-refundable if the offer is rejected, but is creditable against the first term's fees. Re-enrolment is handled through the PARENT PORTAL.
Step 9. Withdraw: to withdraw, complete the online withdrawal process via the PARENT PORTAL; a 30-day notification period is required to prepare documents and process refunds where applicable. Transfer Certificates and KHDA attestation processes apply as needed.
Step 10. Transfer certificates: the original Transfer Certificate must be provided; for moves from outside the UAE, the certificate must be English or Arabic and attested by the relevant authorities. Admissions offers for Year 12–Year 13 are also influenced by board results.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
A waiting list is used after registration; applicants are called for assessment depending on space availability and admissions are confirmed based on assessment results.
