Dubai British School Emirates Hills vs Safa British School

	D Dubai British School Emirates Hills Dubai, United Arab Emirates	S Safa British School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 53,027 - 79,541	Fees / year AED 44,385 - 71,861
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,190	Pupils 1,600
Typical class size	Typical class size 27	Typical class size 12
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location DBSEH is located in The Springs and Meadows area of Dubai's Emirates Hills. The main campus sits at Springs 3, Emirates Hills, and the Islands Campus is on Meadows Drive in Jumeirah Islands. The Islands Campus serves Rising 3 to Year 2, while the Main Campus serves Year 3 to Year 13, providing two distinct learning environments on adjacent sites. The Springs area is a residential community near Springs Town Centre, with the campus situated behind Spinneys.	Location Safa British School is located in Al Safa 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus is in the Jumeirah area near Safa Park and other residential neighbourhoods. The school moved in 2020 to a purpose-built Al Safa 1 campus to consolidate facilities for Foundation Stage through to the sixth form. The area is well served by roads and is accessible by car with nearby main routes.
Stages	Stages DBSEH serves children from Rising 3 (approximately age 3) through Year 13 (age 18). The Islands Campus houses Rising 3 to Year 2, and the Main Campus houses Year 3 to Year 13, reflecting a two-campus model that separates the youngest learners from older students.	Stages The school provides an all-through education from Foundation Stage 1 through Year 13, covering early years, primary, secondary and sixth form.
School type	School type The school operates as a co-educational British international school, part of the Taaleem group. It offers a two-campus model for different age groups and follows the English National Curriculum with GCSE, BTEC and A-Level pathways.	School type The school is co-educational (gender of entry is Mixed) and follows an all-through British curriculum from FS1 to Year 13, with a dedicated Sixth Form area on campus.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The school lists 60+ nationalities among its students, with the largest group historically being British. Independent guides have noted that the British cohort is a substantial share of the student body (and that the school is largely international in makeup). Official materials also show a broad linguistic footprint with 170+ spoken languages represented.	Pupil nationality mix The school represents students from more than 80 nationalities and cultures, with around 1,600 students in the 3–18 age range. The most common nationalities are not published, and no official local-to-international ratio is provided.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Inclusion at DBSEH provides high-quality support for a diverse learner group, including students of determination, English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, and those requiring additional social or emotional support. Support is implemented within an inclusive framework across the school.	Additional learning support Inclusion is central to Safa British School. The Inclusion Team coordinates personalised interventions, curriculum adaptations and environmental adjustments. The Bridge Learning Centre partners with the school to support Students of Determination (e.g., ASD, ADHD, Down Syndrome) with on-site ABA therapy, speech and occupational therapy, and integrated specialist input, delivered alongside the British curriculum.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school follows the British curriculum, positioning itself as a British international school. This is reflected in its curriculum, inspections and accreditation, including KHDA recognition and British accreditation pathways.	Country affiliation British Schools Overseas status (UK-aligned international school outside the United Kingdom).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation is non-denominational; DBSEH operates as a secular, inclusive school without a faith-based programme.	Religious affiliation No explicit religious affiliation; the admissions policy states the school accepts students regardless of religion.
School day structure	School day structure School days vary by year group: Rising 3s to FS2 run roughly 7:40am to 1:30–1:45pm (Fridays 11:45am). Year 1–Year 6 typically start around 7:20–7:40am and finish around 2:15–2:45pm (Fridays 12:00pm). Years 7–13 start about 7:55am and finish around 3:30pm (Fridays 12:00pm).	School day structure School days run on weekdays with Monday–Thursday schedules and ECAs on Fridays. Morning drop-offs begin around 07:15 for most year groups, with end times typically ranging from around 14:30 to 15:30 depending on year group; FS may have earlier dismissal times.
Bus service details	Bus service details DBSEH offers a transportation service; details and routes are arranged by the school and coordinated through Admissions. The Inclusion and Support Services pages reference transportation services in the school's provisions, and the school provides contact details for inquiries.	Bus service details Bus transportation is provided by School Transport Services (STS). STS buses are equipped with safety features (GPS, CCTV, child check button, etc.), and parents can track journeys via an app. The published timetable shows Foundation Stage arrivals around 07:25 with afternoon departures around 12:45, Year 1–6 around 07:25–14:30, and Year 7–11 around 07:25–16:10; a separate schedule indicates later pickups for some groups. Bus fees are billed termly and service is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - One-time application fee: AED 525 (non-refundable, non-transferable; includes 5% VAT where applicable). - Registration (new-student) fee: AED 4,000 (payable to secure a place; credited against the first term tuition for new students). Tuition fees (per term) and annual totals — academic year shown by term breakdown - Foundation Stage 1 – Foundation Stage 2 (FS1–FS2) - Term 1: AED 20,591 - Term 2: AED 15,443 - Term 3: AED 15,443 - Annual total: AED 51,477. - Year 1 – Year 2 - Term 1: AED 20,591 - Term 2: AED 15,443 - Term 3: AED 15,443 - Annual total: AED 51,477. - Year 3 – Year 6 - Term 1: AED 23,534 - Term 2: AED 17,651 - Term 3: AED 17,651 - Annual total: AED 58,836. - Year 7 – Year 11 - Term 1: AED 27,949 - Term 2: AED 20,962 - Term 3: AED 20,962 - Annual total: AED 69,872. - Year 12 – Year 13 - Term 1: AED 30,887 - Term 2: AED 23,165 - Term 3: AED 23,165 - Annual total: AED 77,217. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school operates a three-term billing cycle. Term fees are invoiced by term and parents must pay term fees by the published due dates before the start of each term; the first term fee must be paid before a student starts the academic year. Typical due-date timing follows an early-August deadline for Term 1 and mid/late dates for Terms 2 and 3 in the school year. - The new-student registration fee (AED 4,000) is deducted from the first term invoice for new students. Post‑dated cheques are commonly used for later-term payments where accepted. - The school reserves the right to withhold school reports, final results, and transfer documentation until all outstanding fees are settled. Returned/dishonoured cheques are subject to a penalty charge. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. Dubai British School Emirates Hills operates as a day school; transport services are offered as an optional paid service. Other costs and optional fees - Transport: optional school transport is charged separately; typical annual transport ranges are published in optional-fee summaries and commonly fall within the AED 6,000–10,000 range depending on route and service level. - Extracurricular activities, canteen, photographs, costumes, local and international educational trips, and overnight camps are charged separately where applicable; ranges for these optional services are published as KHDA-style optional-fee ranges (examples: excursions and international trips can range from a few hundred to several thousand AED, depending on the trip). - KHDA administrative charges (for transfers, certificate requests and other official paperwork) are payable where applicable (examples: AED 120 for certain standard KHDA documents). - Uniforms and stationery: uniforms are supplied separately through the school's approved supplier(s) and are an additional cost; specific uniform price lists are not published in the fee schedule. Other consumables, such as some specialist equipment or optional course materials, may also be charged separately. Refund and withdrawal policy - The registration/re-registration deposit is generally non-refundable except in clearly defined extenuating circumstances (for example verified relocation). Tuition refunds, when permitted, are calculated according to the published refund/withdrawal rules: tuition paid before the academic year may be refundable minus registration/re-registration deposit; partial-term deductions apply for withdrawals during the term (for example, specific deductions measured in months or full-term amounts depending on the date of withdrawal and length of enrolment). These refund calculations follow Ministry/KHDA and school policy. Fee payment options and banking details (accepted methods and practical notes) - Accepted methods include bank transfer (IBAN/SWIFT), credit card payments (Visa and MasterCard accepted), cash, and cheque (company cheques preferred for some payments). Credit card payments can be made via the invoice link or by completing the school's credit‑card authorisation form where provided. Post‑dated cheques are commonly lodged for later-term payments where required. Returned/dishonoured cheques incur a penalty (example: AED 500). Discounts, concessions and adjustments (summary) - The school applies standard discounts and concessions in line with its policies (examples include sibling discounts, corporate concessions and employee concessions) and will advise eligible families of applicable reductions during the admissions or invoicing process. Optional scholarships and fee concessions are also offered under published school schemes. Notes on figures and charges - The figures above are stated in United Arab Emirates dirhams (AED) and are presented as the school's published term-by-term amounts and typical optional-fee ranges for the current academic year. The school issues invoices that list due dates, any VAT/charges where applicable, and the accepted payment methods for each invoice.	Fee details School fees — Academic year September 2025 to August 2026 Annual tuition (by year group) and equivalent termly amount (school issues term invoices; re-registration is charged in the third-term invoice): - FS1 — Annual AED 45,428. Termly (annual divided across three term invoices): AED 15,143 per term. - FS2 — Annual AED 49,754. Termly: AED 16,585 per term. - Year 1 — Annual AED 49,754. Termly: AED 16,585 per term. - Year 2 — Annual AED 54,081. Termly: AED 18,027 per term. - Year 3 — Annual AED 54,081. Termly: AED 18,027 per term. - Year 4 — Annual AED 58,407. Termly: AED 19,469 per term. - Year 5 — Annual AED 58,407. Termly: AED 19,469 per term. - Year 6 — Annual AED 60,571. Termly: AED 20,190 per term. - Year 7 — Annual AED 62,733. Termly: AED 20,911 per term. - Year 8 — Annual AED 64,897. Termly: AED 21,632 per term. - Year 9 — Annual AED 67,060. Termly: AED 22,353 per term. - Year 10 — Annual AED 70,305. Termly: AED 23,435 per term. - Year 11 — Annual AED 70,305. Termly: AED 23,435 per term. - Year 12 — Annual AED 73,550. Termly: AED 24,517 per term. - Year 13 — Annual AED 73,550. Termly: AED 24,517 per term. Application fee - A one-time application fee of AED 500 is charged for new applications. The application fee is refundable if the school does not offer a place; it is non-refundable if the school offers a place and the family chooses not to accept it. The application (assessment) fee is not deductible from tuition if a place is accepted. Enrolment / re-registration / deposit rules - New-student enrolment (admission) fee: the school may charge an enrolment/admission fee up to a percentage of tuition as a deposit; the fact sheets note enrolment fees may be charged (up to 10% of the tuition fee) and are non-refundable but deductible from the first term fees. Re-enrolment (existing students) re-registration fees are stated as up to 5% of tuition or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non-refundable and deductible from first term fees. For existing students, a re-registration fee of AED 2,000 is charged in the third-term invoice and is then offset against the following academic year's Term 1 invoice. Places are secured only once the deposit has been provided to the school. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are issued on a term basis (school issues term invoices; the re-registration fee appears on the third-term invoice). Annual tuition is shown above; standard practice for the school is to invoice across the three academic terms. - Payment terms: accepted methods include cash, cheque (payable to Safa British School) and bank transfer to the school's AED account (RAK Bank). Bank account details and the remittance email (accountant@safabritishschool.com) are provided for transfers. Credit-card acceptance is not listed among the standard options. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school for FS1 through Year 13. No boarding fees are listed. Other costs and optional charges (typical ranges shown on KHDA fact sheets) - Uniform: AED 800 to AED 1,500. - Stationery: AED 35 to AED 300. - Laptop / digital device: AED 1,000 to AED 4,000. - School ID card replacement: AED 150. - Transport (optional): AED 2,000 to AED 10,000 depending on route and year group. - Extracurricular activities and clubs (optional): ranges given from roughly AED 100 up to AED 45,000 for the broad set of activities and trips; individual items (competitions, costumes, camps, theatre, photography, school magazine, etc.) have smaller specified ranges. - Medical / school clinic contributions (optional range): AED 500 to AED 2,000. - Local field trips, canteen, special activities and consumables: variable individual charges typically ranging from AED 10 up to a few thousand AED depending on activity. Sibling discount - A sibling discount of 15% is applied from the third child onwards towards tuition fees. Additional employee or other discount schemes may apply as noted in the fact sheets. Refund information (tuition and deposits) - Application fee: refundable only if the school does not offer a place; non-refundable if a place is offered and declined. - Deposits, enrolment or re-registration fees follow the KHDA school-fees framework: deposits or admission/re-registration fees are generally non-refundable if the student chooses not to return or not to take up an offered place, except under specified circumstances (for example, family relocation). When a tuition refund applies, the KHDA framework provides the calculation method (deductions based on attendance duration; the fee-per-month value is calculated by dividing the annual tuition by 10). The school references the KHDA fee framework for its refund policy. Summary of payment channels and bank details - Accepted payment methods: cash, cheque (to ‘Safa British School'), bank transfer to the school's AED account at RAK Bank. The RAK Bank account name, account number, SWIFT and IBAN are provided for fee transfers; remittance notifications are requested to the school's accounts email. Note: all figures above are stated for the academic year September 2025 – August 2026 and are presented as published for that year.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement DBS Emirates Hills requires a compulsory school uniform. The official uniform is available from Magrudy's, with online ordering and in-store purchases at Circle Mall (open daily 08:00–22:00). Foundation 1 to Year 6 wear a striped shirt with navy pinstripe shorts/trousers/skirt (striped dress optional); Years 7–11 wear a pale blue shirt with navy pinstripe trousers or skirt; the PE kit includes a DBS polo, black shorts, and a house-colour transfer. Kukri supplies the approved swimwear.	Uniform requirement Uniforms are purple and white. Foundation Stage and Primary uniforms consist of a purple-and-white striped dress or skirt for girls and a purple-and-white striped shirt for boys, with a navy jumper; older pupils wear plain white shirts with a purple inner collar (and logo) and navy trousers, with a navy jumper as needed. The uniform is supplied by Stitches (Al Quoz, UAE) and the sports kit by Surridge Sport (JLT Cluster X).
Food options	Food options Foundation and Year 1 to Year 3 students bring packed lunches. From Year 4 upwards, students may choose between packed lunches or using the on-site cafe. The canteen promotes a healthy, balanced diet and prohibits nuts, pork, chocolate products, sweets, crisps and fizzy drinks in packed lunches.	Food options The school promotes a healthy balanced diet and has a nut-free policy. FS1–Year 4 can bring packed lunches or have lunch provided by the canteen delivered as a packed snack and lunch; Year 5 onwards can choose packed lunch or use the online top-up catering service. The canteen operates cashless and meals are prepared on-site with options including hot and vegetarian dishes; menus are updated online and allergies highlighted.
House system	House system A house colours scheme exists, indicated by house-colours iron-on transfers on the PE kit. The site does not publish the specific house names or the details of house competitions.	House system There are four houses: Air (Yellow), Water (Blue), Earth (Green), and Fire (Red). The house system supports community, enterprise, sustainability and sports, with house events, a House Cup and student House Captains leading activities. Points are tracked via ClassPoint for wellbeing elements and ClassCharts for learning gears, with rewards across year groups.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Dubai British School Emirates Hills operates as a Taaleem school, i.e., it is part of the Taaleem group of schools. Taaleem is a large education provider in the United Arab Emirates.	Governance and ownership The Safa British School is governed by a Board of Directors that advises the principal and oversees policy and finances. The board comprises nine members, including a parent representative and the principal, with Proprietors Louay Khatib and Sameer Merchant, the latter listed as owner. The Safa group also includes Safa Community School and The Bridge Learning Center.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Dubai British School Emirates Hills delivers the English National Curriculum from Rising 3s through Sixth Form, across two campuses: the Islands Campus for Rising 3s to Year 2 and the main campus for Year 3 to 13. Rising 3s follow UK EYFS Development Matters and Birth to Five Matters in a play-based Early Years programme, with seven areas of learning and English as the language of instruction alongside Arabic exposure, plus a Singing for Learning programme. Foundation Stage extends the EYFS approach and explicitly integrates UAE priorities with the National Curriculum of England. The Secondary Stage (Years 7–11) follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales, with core English, Maths and Science, plus Geography/History, modern languages, and a broad range of Expressive Arts, ICT and Social Sciences; GCSE option blocks for 2024/25 include Business Studies, Geography, History, Arabic, Spanish, Psychology, French, Drama, Art, Music, Media Studies and BTEC, with Triple Science by invitation. Sixth Form offers A-Level and BTEC courses, complemented by Oxford IPQ and university/careers guidance to support higher education placements. The school has KHDA Outstanding status since 2017.	Curriculum details Safa British School is an all-through UK national curriculum school serving pupils from Foundation Stage 1 to Year 13, with a progression pathway toward GCSEs, BTEC, ASDAN, and A-Level qualifications. In Key Stage 3, the core subjects are English, Mathematics, Science, and Arabic, with Islamic Studies two weekly sessions for Muslim students; Humanities include Geography and History, and languages include French and Spanish. In Key Stage 4, GCSE core subjects include English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science (Double Award), Core PE, Core Arabic, Moral, Social & Cultural Studies, and Islamic Education (Muslims only), with Geography, History, and language options available. Other KS4 offerings include Triple Science, Psychology, Art, Design Technology, Food Technology, Drama, Music, Textiles, Business, and IT as part of GCSE/BTEC/ASDAN pathways. The Primary Curriculum is aligned with UK expectations, focusing on progressive skill development across year groups and involving families and the local community.
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 —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Dubai British School Emirates Hills places social and emotional wellbeing at the center of its educational approach. The school describes itself as fostering a fully inclusive learning community with wellbeing at its heart, guided by positive education. KHDA's 2023-2024 inspection rated the school's Wellbeing as Outstanding, indicating strong provision for student welfare. The Dubai British Schools Group states that DBS Emirates Hills promotes wellbeing through a positive-education ethos and an inclusive culture. Public materials emphasise that student and staff wellbeing are core to the school's ethos.	Social & emotional learning Safa British School implements a whole‑school Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) approach with wellbeing embedded in daily life, a DiverCity Curriculum that fosters empathy and resilience, and a Wellbeing & Pastoral Care team led by Tarana Khatri (School Counsellor & Head of Wellbeing).
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Dubai British School Emirates Hills supports inclusive education, as reflected by the Inclusion rating in KHDA DSIB 2023-2024. The school operates as a mainstream British curriculum school rather than a specialist SEN institution, and KHDA documentation does not designate it as a dedicated SEN facility. Dubai British School Emirates Hills' materials emphasise an inclusive ethos, but public disclosures do not specify which Special Educational Needs are supported or the exact scope of dedicated SEN staff. EAL provision is acknowledged as part of the inclusion approach, with English-language support available through designated Student Support staff in some public sources. Details on specific SEN categories (e.g., dyslexia, autism spectrum conditions) are not publicly disclosed.	Special educational needs (SEN) The Inclusion Team provides personalised interventions within a fully inclusive framework, with early identification of Students of Determination, curriculum adaptations, collaboration with parents and external specialists, and alignment to the Dubai Inclusion Framework.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Dubai British School Emirates Hills provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to students who require additional English language assistance. EAL support is delivered by Student Support staff as needed, as part of the school's inclusion approach. External sources note that EAL provision is integrated with the mainstream curriculum to enable students to access lessons. KHDA DSIB inclusion ratings confirm a focus on inclusive education, which includes language support for learners not fluent in English. Public disclosures do not specify a dedicated EAL department beyond these general support arrangements.	English as an additional language EAL is included in Safa British School's inclusion framework, with learners acquiring English as an Additional Language supported within the school's inclusive approach and data tracked under Through School Percentages for EAL/ELL/SEND.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is a stated priority at Dubai British School Emirates Hills, aligned with its positive-education ethos and inclusive culture. The school's approach is described as wellbeing-focused and embedded within the school's overall ethos. KHDA's 2023-2024 Wellbeing rating for the school is Outstanding, reflecting strong provision for student welfare across the school. DBS Emirates Hills communicates that wellbeing for students and staff is central to its ethos, including wellbeing-related initiatives and assemblies. These sources collectively support a robust emphasis on student mental wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is central to school life, with regular wellbeing checks using the Komodo platform from Year 3 to Sixth Form (and age‑appropriate methods for FS/KS1), a Wellbeing team including a School Counsellor and Head of Wellbeing, and Wellbeing Ambassadors plus wellbeing‑themed events and guest speakers.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Dubai British School Emirates Hills is described as safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students in public recruitment materials, with staff safeguarding checks highlighted. Recruitment information indicates that an ICPC or equivalent enhanced police check is a prerequisite for all appointments. KHDA DSIB wellbeing and inclusion indicators imply attention to safeguarding as part of the student support framework, though detailed safeguarding policies are not publicly itemized in the available summaries. The school places safeguarding at the core of its staff vetting and welfare commitments as part of its broader safeguarding culture.	Safeguarding Safa British School places safeguarding at the top of its priorities: all staff receive annual safeguarding and child protection training, there are trained Designated Safeguarding Leads to coordinate safeguarding actions, and a clear reporting system for concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Dubai British School Emirates Hills operates on two modern campuses in Emirates Hills: the main campus for Years 3–13 and the Islands Campus in Meadows Drive for Rising 3 to Year 2. The campuses offer a range of learning spaces including a Fit Pit gym, Secondary and Primary Libraries, a Café, a Foundation Outdoor Learning Play Area, AstroTurf, a Sports Hall, a Swimming Pool, an Auditorium, a Music Room, an Art Room, a Science Lab, a STEAM Garden, and additional teaching spaces. The facilities are designed to support science, arts, and physical education across the Foundation Stage to Sixth Form. The Islands Campus provides spaces tailored to younger learners, while the main campus serves the older year groups.	Facilities overview Safa British School operates a purpose-built, all-through campus with FS to KS3 housed in four buildings—Endeavour Building, Discovery Building, Challenger Building and the Global Learning Centre. Safa Senior School is located on a dedicated pre-university campus for Years 10–13. Academic facilities include four libraries, eight art rooms, two STEAM labs, fourteen science labs, a dance studio, three drama rooms, seven music rooms, six design technology rooms, five computer science labs and two food technology rooms. Sports and outdoor facilities include two 25-meter swimming pools, two indoor sports halls, four netball courts, two basketball courts, two 4G rugby pitches, a CrossFit outdoor conditioning zone and a seven-a-side football astroturf field. There is an on-site canteen and a parent and visitor experience hub.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The sports facilities include a multi‑purpose Sports Hall for gymnastics and ball games, an AstroTurf area, and an outdoor, fully shaded, temperature‑controlled swimming pool used for lessons and competitions. The Fit Pit provides a gym space for Secondary and Sixth Form, equipped for PE and BTEC activities and used during Sports Weeks.	Sports facilities Two indoor sports halls, four netball courts, and two basketball courts support a wide range of PE and team sports. The campus includes two 25-meter swimming pools, two 4G rugby pitches, a CrossFit outdoor conditioning zone and a seven-a-side football astroturf field to accommodate both training and competition. Outdoor spaces and specialized facilities are complemented by multiple indoor spaces designed for performance and physical education.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic spaces include a newly refurbished Science Lab, a STEAM Garden for cross‑curricular projects, an Art Room for visual arts, a Music Room for instrument practice, and Primary and Secondary Libraries to support reading and research. A Foyer serves as a central space for gatherings and events. These facilities support the full range of the British curriculum from Foundation Stage through Sixth Form.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include four libraries, fourteen science labs, two STEAM labs, eight art rooms, three drama rooms, seven music rooms, six design technology rooms, five computer science labs and two food technology rooms. The FS to KS3 campus is housed in four purpose-built buildings (Endeavour, Discovery, Challenger and the Global Learning Centre) providing age-appropriate spaces, while Safa Senior School provides a dedicated pre-university environment with a multipurpose exam hall.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Music and performing arts are supported on campus with a Music Room for instrument study and regular performances. Live Music Thursdays in the Foyer showcase student and staff musical talent. The STEAM Garden and Art Room provide creative spaces that complement curricular learning, and the sports facilities support a broad PE and sports programme.	Extra curricular facilities Star Club provides after-school activities with 60+ ECAs spanning sports, arts and academics. Examples include arts and crafts, puzzles and board games, indoor and outdoor play, storytelling, dress-up, construction, team games, singing and dancing, reading and homework support, and movie days. ECAs are delivered through a structured after-school program to support broader development across age groups.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Dubai British School Emirates Hills opened in 2005 as part of the Taaleem Dubai British Schools group. It serves students aged 3 to 18 and sits in the Springs and Meadows area of Emirates Hills. The campus has grown to educate over a thousand students and operates within Taaleem's Dubai British Schools network. The school emphasizes wellbeing and inclusive learning as core aspects of its approach.	History Safa British School was founded in 2004 and began operating in September 2004. In 2020 the school moved to a brand new campus in Dubai as part of a major expansion. The school marks twenty years in education in 2025. The governance is provided by a Board of Directors with proprietors including Mr. Louay Khatib and Mr. Sameer Merchant. The Board includes representation from parents and staff, and meetings are held each term.
Community	Community Dubai British School Emirates Hills describes its community as warm and inclusive, with wellbeing at the heart of its ethos. Arts and culture are supported through partnerships with the Centre for Musical Arts and Dubai Performing Arts, bringing in in‑school instrumental lessons and visiting performances. The school's parent community is active through the Dubai British School PTA, which runs events such as Car Boot Sale & Family Fun Day and Winter Wonderland, as well as regular coffee mornings. The school participates in sustainability initiatives as a member of The Alliance for Sustainable Schools, led by a student Eco Committee.	Community Safa British School uses a four house system (Fire, Air, Earth, Water) to foster belonging and leadership, with staff House Leaders guiding activities and student House Captains leading teams. House events occur across the year linked to the strands of Community, Enterprise, Sustainability and Sports, with the House Cup awarded at the end of the year and Sports Day a highlight. The House system involves primary and secondary pupils and staff in leadership roles and cross year collaboration. The school also celebrates cultural and global events such as International Day and UAE National Day as part of its calendar.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Dubai British School Emirates Hills has a Parent‑Teacher Association (PTA) that coordinates with school leadership to support students' learning and community life. The PTA organizes events and fundraising activities throughout the year, including Car Boot Sale & Family Fun Day and Winter Wonderland, which involve parental volunteering and community engagement. Notable PTA events include the DBS PTA Car Boot Sale and Family Fun Day. Community gatherings such as coffee mornings provide forums for parent involvement and discussion, and bookings/volunteer sign‑ups are directed to PTA channels (for example, pta@dubaibritishschool.ae). The PTA activities are designed to foster collaboration between families and educators to enhance the learning environment.	Parent teacher association The Safa British School governance includes a Board of Directors with a mandate to advise and support school leadership; the board represents parents, staff and the local community. The board is composed of nine members including the Principal, with roles spanning strategic oversight and financial stewardship. There is a parent representative on the board; Isabelle Fee is listed as a parent member. Parent engagement is supported through formal channels and programs such as Mingle Monday and a You Said, We Did feedback loop, used to gather parent input and inform school decisions. ISAMS is the official channel for newsletters, calendars and parent communications. The calendar highlights cultural and global events such as International Day and UAE National Day, which involve families as part of Safa's community.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The ECA Programme identifies, develops, and refines students' interests, skills, and talents in sports, the performing and expressive arts, and critical thinking. Primary students select activities via a platform, while secondary students choose for themselves.	Academic & intellectual The school follows the UK national curriculum and operates as an all-through school with Foundation (EYFS), Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form. The school serves students aged 3 to 18. The principal teaching staff are UK trained, highly qualified and experienced.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Specialist music teaching supports instrumental and musicianship, with primary performances and showcases throughout the year. Instrumental skills include voice, tuned percussion, recorder, ukulele and keyboard; performance-based ECAs include Cheerleading, Musical Theatre, Choir, Music and Movement, and Rock Band; the secondary production brings Year 7–13 together for shows such as West Side Story, High School Musical, or Grease.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The ECA Programme includes sports-based and arts-based activities led by PE and specialist staff, with squads formed for competition and performance across the year. Primary students select ECAs via a parental platform, while secondary students choose for themselves.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Community at DBSEH is strengthened by regular events for staff, parents, and students, including the Festival of Light, International Day, and an annual iftar. The PTA organizes fundraising and community activities such as Pinktober, the annual Car-Boot Sale, Secret Santa, and the Spring Fair.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered to secondary students to develop leadership, resilience, and teamwork through skill-building and expeditions. The ECA Programme also provides leadership opportunities through sport and performing arts groups.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport at DBSEH is exciting, fun and engaging, promoting physical and mental wellbeing with inclusive competition across year groups. The school also runs international trips, including a Ski Trip from Year 5 and overseas visits for secondary students.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing and inclusion are rated Outstanding by KHDA, and the school holds an Outstanding rating from the British Schools Overseas (BSO). The campus offers 60+ extracurricular activities from sports to arts to academics.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The language of instruction is English, with additional exposure to Arabic. The school aims to encourage children to enjoy and appreciate a variety of languages from an early age.	Language provision The school follows the National Curriculum of England. French and Spanish are taught as languages in Key Stage 3. Arabic (First Language) and Arabic (Second Language) are offered in Key Stage 4. The Inclusion Team provides support for learners acquiring English as an additional 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 Applications are accepted for year groups that are open or have a waiting pool, and offers depend on vacancies. Upload documents: two recent school reports, the child's passport and Emirates ID, copies of both parents' passports and Emirates IDs, birth certificate, a photo, and pay a 525 AED application fee. For overseas families, residency visas are not required at application but must be submitted by the KHDA deadline; a Transfer Certificate is required for transfer. All children are assessed prior to entry; if offered, there is a 10 working days to accept and pay a non-refundable deposit; waitlisted applicants may be contacted if a place becomes available.	Admissions 1. Enquire and book a tour. The Registrar is available to answer admissions inquiries. Enquiries can be made online or by calling 04 388 4300. A school tour can be booked through the admissions area. 2. Enrol Online. Complete the online application form to begin the admissions process. Enrol Online is available for submitting the application. 3. Submit required documents. Provide a copy of the child's passport plus UAE entry visa or residency, copies of Emirates IDs for the child and both parents, two recent passport photos, and copies of the last two school reports for entry to Year 1 and above. A transfer certificate is required for students transferring from another school and, where applicable, documentation of any special educational needs or IEPs. The application fee is AED 500 and is refundable if Safa British School does not offer a place. 4. Assessments and interviews. Assessments basel ine students before entry: FS1–Year 1 use Stay & Play observations; Years 2–6 involve basic mathematics, reading and writing or a computerised assessment; Secondary baselining typically lasts about 90 minutes and may include an interview with the Inclusion and Pastoral Heads. Parents may be invited to discuss their child's needs as part of the process. 5. Offers, deposits and transfers. If offered a place, the school may consider scholarship opportunities; decisions for scholarships are made by the school's governing body and an acceptance must be returned within ten days. A deposit is required to secure a place. For transfer, UAE law requires a transfer certificate from the previous school; original certificates may need to be attested (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE Embassy) for overseas transfers. Placement and any transfer requirements are coordinated with the Registrar.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Academic Scholarships are offered with three entry points (Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and Key Stage 5). Each entry point provides up to five scholarships and can grant up to 50% off the KHDA-advertised fees. Applications are open to internal and external candidates and require submission of recent reports, CAT4/Progress tests, and a scholarship assessment. Conditions include that applicants must also gain a place at Safa British School through the normal admissions route, and offers are subject to the school's governing body decisions. The scholarship process also covers both Academic Excellence and Sporting Excellence, with timelines and terms published in the scholarship section. Applications for Sporting Excellence require evidence of national-level performance where applicable, and the offer must be accepted in writing within ten days.
Waitlist	Waitlist Waiting Pool is an unranked group of students assessed and ready to be offered a place when a seat becomes available; places are offered to siblings and staff first per admissions policy. Waiting List definitions: Closed means waiting lists are kept open until the cap is reached; Open means we are accepting applications into the waiting list; Open, Waitlist Only means all year group places have been offered and spaces may still become available, with applicants invited for assessment if spaces arise.	Waitlist —
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