Dubai British School Jumeira vs Jumeirah English Speaking School – Arabian Ranches

	D Dubai British School Jumeira Dubai, United Arab Emirates	J Jumeirah English Speaking School – Arabian Ranches Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 43,500 - 69,872	Fees / year AED 54,129 - 104,544
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (DP), BTEC Qualification
Pupils	Pupils 1,750	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1976
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Two campuses in Dubai: JESS Jumeirah and JESS Arabian Ranches. The Arabian Ranches campus is the largest site, housing Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form. Bus routes connect JESS Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches with routes including Al Wasl Road, Springs, Meadows, Lakes, Meydan Heights and Meydan South, operated by STS Group.
Stages	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.	Stages Ages 3 to 11: Early Years and Primary; Ages 11 to 18: Secondary and Sixth Form.
School type	School type Co-educational (mixed gender).	School type Co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Publicly available data on pupil nationalities is not published.	Pupil nationality mix Staff and students from over 70 countries.
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support Inclusion and wellbeing supports in place; The Oasis Learning Support department coordinates in-class support, personalised learning programmes and, where needed, external specialist services; Counselling is provided by a dedicated team.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation National Curriculum for England (UK curriculum) is followed.	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation is not listed or specified.	Religious affiliation —
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.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details A school bus service is available to support commuting families.	Bus service details JESS offers bus transport to secondary students only. Bus routes include Route 1 JESS Jumeirah, Route 2 Al Wasl Road, Route 3 Springs, Meadows, Lakes, Route 4 Meydan Heights, Meydan South. STS Group is the transport provider; buses feature CCTV, GPS tracking and other safety measures. For more information contact Shawn David (STS) at STS@jess.sch.ae or 056-3693149.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application fee - A non-refundable application fee of AED 500 is charged at the time of application. Tuition fees by year group (per term and per year) - Foundation 1 (FS1): AED 18,043 per term / AED 54,129 per year. - Primary (Foundation 2 / FS2 through Year 6): AED 21,699 per term / AED 65,097 per year. - Secondary (Years 7–11): AED 30,641 per term / AED 91,923 per year. - Sixth Form (Years 12–13): AED 34,848 per term / AED 104,544 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are published as per-term amounts alongside the annual total and are presented on a three-term academic-year basis. Exact invoice dates, payment deadlines and any registration or deposit timings are issued with the formal offer and invoice. - When a Personal Debenture place is offered the school deposit must be paid within five days of the offer and the Personal Debenture amount is payable in full prior to the child starting. If less than the required one term's notice of withdrawal is given, the Personal Debenture will not be refunded until the end of the following term. Debentures / deposits - A Personal Debenture of AED 20,000 is required when a personal-debenture place is offered; it is payable within the timeframe specified in the offer, remains with the child while enrolled and is refunded when the child leaves subject to the school's debenture rules. Corporate debentures exist under separate rules. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school and does not charge boarding fees. Other costs and optional charges - Uniform and uniform kit costs: charged separately when applicable; parents should budget for standard uniform purchases. - Co-curricular and extracurricular clubs: membership or activity fees may apply and are billed separately. - Educational visits and local/international trips: charges vary by trip and are billed separately. - Devices / laptop charges: where a device is required, costs or device-lease arrangements may apply. - Canteen / meal costs, photographs and optional school services: charged as incurred or via separate invoices. - School transport (bus) service: transport is provided (noting routes and availability vary and a separate transport charge applies for users of the service); the bus service is operated to specified year groups and routes. Refund information - The application fee is non-refundable. Registration and re-registration deposit treatment and any tuition refunds after the start of the academic year follow the applicable KHDA Schools Registration and Refund Policy; registration/re-registration deposits are deductible from tuition up to the allowable amounts and refunds after the academic year begins are processed in line with the KHDA refund schedule. Personal Debentures are refunded when the child leaves in accordance with the school's debenture rules (subject to notice provisions). Fee payment options (methods and details) - Bank transfer: bank name, account number, IBAN and SWIFT details are supplied for bank payments; a copy of payment confirmation should be sent to accounts@jess.sch.ae and the account reference, invoice number and child's name must be included on payment documentation. - Cheque: cheques should be made payable as instructed (payable to Jumeirah English Speaking School Br) with the required reference details written on the back; payment procedures for cheque submission are specified by the school accounts team. - Other accepted methods: schools typically accept electronic bank transfer and cheque; any additional accepted methods (for example card payments) are confirmed by the school accounts team in payment instructions. Practical notes for planning - Expect tuition to be invoiced on the three-term structure shown above; additional optional services are invoiced separately. Plan for the Personal Debenture (AED 20,000) and any registration/re-registration deposits that may be required when an offer is made.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
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.	Uniform requirement —
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.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Taaleem supports Dubai British School Jumeira and Taaleem's commitment to quality education underpins the school's leadership.	Governance and ownership The school is not-for-profit. It is governed by governors.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details The secondary curriculum is the National Curriculum for England. The Arabian Ranches campus houses the three schools—primary, secondary and sixth form—on one site. GCSE examinations are taken at the end of Year 11 as part of a two-year study programme. In Sixth Form, students choose between the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme or the BTEC Plus programme. The curriculum is complemented by a broad range of extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, sport, music and performing arts programmes. Individual learning is a focus within this framework.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results GCSE results show a high proportion of top grades with A/Grade 9-8 ranging from 40.6% (2019) to 41% (2024), A/A/Grade 9-7 between 64% and 70.9%, and A-C/Grade 9-4 between 98% and 100%. IB results show average points around 37-39 across years. BTEC results indicate attainment described as DD*D on historical summaries.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression JESS graduates are admitted to universities around the world.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented A Gifted and Talented programme exists for primary and secondary students, with enrichment opportunities, targeted extension activities and competitions; teachers identify gifted or talented learners and tailor the learning and beyond-the-classroom experiences to stretch their abilities.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	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.	Social & emotional learning The school prioritizes social-emotional learning through Student Wellbeing and Counselling. The Counselling Team seeks to understand student mental health needs and offers short-term therapeutic support and throughcare to enhance personal growth and resilience. JESS Life emphasises resilience, reflectivity and empathy, with learning and enrichment environments designed to help students flourish and lead change.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has an Inclusion policy and a Provision for Students of Determination Policy. It provides Occupational Therapy Services and Speech and Language Services, and runs a Gifted and Talented Programme for primary and secondary students. Identification and communication processes enable collaborative support among staff, parents and specialists for students requiring curriculum adaptation or personalised assistance.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language If English is not the applicant's first language, or the applicant is multilingual, an English as an Additional Language Policy exists to support language development and access to the curriculum.
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.	Mental wellbeing The school is dedicated to nurturing mental health and wellbeing across the community. The Student Wellbeing page affirms this commitment, and the Counselling service provides short-term therapeutic support and throughcare to build resilience.
Safeguarding	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 Safeguarding is a priority; inspection reports on JESS highlight safeguarding and wellbeing as a key focus and the school maintains safeguarding practices to protect students and promote welfare.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview Two sites host JESS Arabian Ranches and JESS Dubai Jumeirah. Three schools operate within JESS across two sites. JESS educates students aged 3 to 18 across Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form. The environments include academic, sport, performing arts and enrichment. JESS is a not-for-profit school and has been consistently rated Outstanding by the Dubai School Inspection Bureau. Contacts are available for Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches at +971 4 3619019.
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.	Sports facilities Sport is a core component of life at JESS Life, with programmes designed to engage students in physical education and wider enrichment. Sport is highlighted as one of the key life areas on the JESS Life platform.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities JESS provides education for ages 3 to 18 across Early Years and Primary and Secondary and Sixth Form. The school emphasizes Individual Learning and innovative programmes to support student development.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities Co-Curricular offerings include sport, performing arts and enrichment activities; the House System and Student Leadership provide opportunities, and the Al Ajyaal Programme is part of the school community.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History JESS began in 1975 in a small apartment near the Deira Clock Tower with 17 children and two teachers. A plot of land gifted by HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum enabled JESS to move to a villa in Jumeirah within a year. JESS Jumeirah evolved into a prominent primary school in Dubai. In 2005, demand for school places led to the opening of the Arabian Ranches campus, which houses both a primary and a secondary school. Together, the two campuses form two sites with three schools under the JESS umbrella.
Community	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.	Community JESS describes its community as diverse and close-knit, with a packed calendar of events and activities that support charitable initiatives and cultural celebrations to help everyone belong and make a difference. JESS Parents Groups (JPGs) are a large part of the community and operate at both campuses, bringing students, parents and staff together for events throughout the year. Being involved in JPGs provides opportunities to be a role model for children, stay connected to the school, contribute skills, and gain a closer understanding of how the school operates. Alumni and after-school providers are also integral parts of the JESS community.
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.	Parent teacher association JESS Parent Groups (JPGs) are a major part of the JESS community and operate at both JESS Jumeirah and JESS Arabian Ranches campuses, bringing students, parents and staff together at a variety of events throughout the year. Being involved in JPGs provides opportunities to be a role model for your children, stay actively connected to the school, contribute your skills and see the school in operation. The JESS Parent Partnership Council (PPC) ensures parents are central to decision-making and school improvement; the PPC is composed of the Headteacher and elected parent representatives and meets six times a year. The PPC works with JPGs to channel parent voices into strategic planning and community initiatives. A Leading Parent Partnership Award process verified that the school, PPC and JPG demonstrated exemplary use of the awards process to reflect on and refine good practice.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual The school offers the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award for Secondary students (ages 14–25). The MaD Award supports Primary students to develop life skills outside the classroom. Academic ECAs include languages, public speaking, and debate on current affairs. Trips and visits form part of the Extracurricular Programme to broaden learning beyond the classroom.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative A Performing Arts program is part of the Secondary Stage; a Performing Arts Teacher leads the subject.	Arts & creative Dance includes lunchtime and after-school clubs with Ballet, Contemporary and Street/Commercial. Drama and Performing Arts provide a range of co-curricular opportunities, including drama productions and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations in Acting and Public Speaking. Music offers individual and group lessons on orchestral instruments, with ensembles across the school and more than 100 concerts each year. Students gain production and technical skills through lighting, sound, projection mapping, stage management and props design.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language Academic ECAs include language learning, with opportunities to pursue new languages. Public speaking and debate on current affairs are also part of Academic ECAs. Trips and visits provide cross-cultural learning experiences, enriching students' awareness of different cultures. Language development and cultural exploration are supported through the ECA programme.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A broad co-curricular program includes Performing Arts; the Treehouse Library supports reading and independent study.	Social & hobbies The Extracurricular Programme includes Sports ECAs, Performing Arts ECAs and Creative ECAs. Creative ECAs include Origami, Salt Dough, Minecraft, coding and robotics. Academic ECAs include social games such as Board Games, Chess and Card Sharks, and well-being-focused ECAs include Yoga and mindfulness activities like mindful colouring and Flourish club. There are opportunities to perform in concerts and events such as JESStravaganza and annual showcases.
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.	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award includes service to the community. The MaD Award emphasizes making a difference and care, with community and global service. The Extracurricular Programme also features service-oriented opportunities through KHDA's Philanthropic Schools Award. Trips and experiences are used to engage with local and international communities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The founding principal is Lee Hole. Mary Donnelly is Head of Primary School, and Andy Goodliffe is Head of Secondary.	Leadership & professional Head Students are selected in Year 6 and Year 12. Leadership opportunities exist across school life, and student leadership is encouraged at all levels. The House System and formal student leadership roles provide pathways for developing leadership and collaboration. The school's approach fosters leadership in a range of contexts beyond academics.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral care and wellbeing are supported through a pastoral programme focused on emotional literacy and student welfare.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is embedded across school life, with a focus on safety, health, achievement, inclusion and personal growth. The Wellbeing programme supports mental and physical health through various initiatives. The Extracurricular Programme includes wellbeing ECAs such as mindful colouring, Flourish club and Yoga. Sport and Physical Education emphasize wellness and fitness as integral to education, and trips and community involvement contribute to students' wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision English is the language of instruction. Arabic is taught as a subject; Emirati Nationals are required to take Arabic A. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for non-native English speakers.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions Step 1. Complete the Online Application Form for the child's current year group. JESS Dubai operates waiting lists in most year groups, and FS1 and Year 7 are the main entry points into the school; other year groups may have occasional vacancies only when a current student leaves. Apply for the year group your child is currently in to ensure the correct waiting list placement. Step 2. You will receive an email with details on how to pay the Application Fee (AED 500 – non-refundable). After payment is received, the child is placed on the waiting list. The school notes that demand is high and waiting lists are in operation, particularly for 2025–26. Step 3. Open Entry is a route for candidates who meet specific criteria. If eligible, apply to openentry@jess.sch.ae; applicants meeting criteria may be invited to assessments, performances and interviews. Step 4. If a place is offered, follow the offer procedure outlined in the offer letter andAdmissions Policy. Registration and admission require the Transfer Certificate (TC); attendance cannot proceed without the TC.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	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.	Waitlist JESS Dubai uses waiting lists for most year groups. The school is currently full for 2025-26 with over-subscribed waiting lists. Main entry points into JESS Dubai are FS1 and Year 7, and occasional seats may become available in other year groups only if a current student leaves; overall movement depends on departures. After completing the online application and paying the AED 500 fee, applicants are placed on the waiting list for the relevant year group.
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