Dubai International Academy Al Barsha vs GEMS Wellington International School

	D Dubai International Academy Al Barsha Dubai, United Arab Emirates	G GEMS Wellington International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 47,807 - 84,928	Fees / year AED 47,527 - 103,399
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,638	Pupils 2,904
Typical class size	Typical class size 11	Typical class size 13
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is located on Al Barsha Road in Al Barsha 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits on a centrally located 23-acre site with facilities for sport, arts and academics, and is accessible by car, metro and bus. The postal address is Al Barsha, Dubai, UAE, P.O. Box 118111.	Location GEMS Wellington International School is located in the Al Sufouh area of Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road near Interchange 4. The campus sits on eight acres of grounds. The school is in a central, well-connected part of the city.
Stages	Stages The school serves children aged 3 to 18, from Pre-KG through Year 13. It offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP).	Stages The school serves children from 3 to 18 years old (FS1 to Year 13). It uses a Lower School (FS1–Year 4), Middle School (Year 5–Year 8) and Upper School (Year 9–Year 13) structure with pathways through the British curriculum and the International Baccalaureate.
School type	School type Co-educational	School type Co-educational day school; there are no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The school represents students from over 90 nationalities. The inclusion programme explicitly recognises Emirati students among the student body. The most common nationalities and the local-to-international student ratio are not publicly published by the school.	Pupil nationality mix In the 2023–2024 DSIB inspection, the school roll was 2,904 students, with 71 Emirati pupils and the largest nationality group being Indian. The school represents a very diverse community with around 90 nationalities represented; local Emirati share is about 2% and international students about 98%.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Dubai International Academy Al Barsha runs an inclusive learning programme. The Inclusion team provides Learning Support Assistants, Learning Support Teachers and Social & Emotional Counsellors, with in-class support, small-group pull-out or one-to-one sessions as needed. The school offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, a formal Individual Education Plan (IEP) process for identified students, and works with external agencies when required. Primary and secondary provisions include targeted learning support and booster interventions, with regular progress reviews and close collaboration with parents and SEN coordinators.	Additional learning support GEMS Wellington International School has an Inclusion policy and supports students with diverse learning needs. The Inclusion Team includes a SENDCo for FS1–Year 6 and a SENDCo for Year 7–Year 13, with personalised targets and differentiated materials. Admission is not conditional on a medical diagnosis, and there are formal processes to involve parents in inclusion planning.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is published. The school operates as a private IB World School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.	Country affiliation The school operates as a British overseas school, offering the UK National Curriculum alongside the IB Diploma Programme.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No official religious affiliation; the school welcomes students of all religions and encourages inclusive participation.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation; admissions state that religion is not a barrier to entry.
School day structure	School day structure The school day typically begins around 7:30 am with morning bus arrivals. Lessons end around 3:00 pm, with after-school activities continuing until about 4:15 pm. Friday and weekend schedules may differ and are communicated through the school's admissions and calendar information.	School day structure Most school days start around 7:20–7:45 am and finish around 4:00 pm, with Friday timings shorter (around 12:00 pm). Variation by year group is expected.
Bus service details	Bus service details A comprehensive bus network is provided through Arab Falcon, with bus assistants on all vehicles. Buses run before school to have students arrive by 7:30 am, after-school arrivals around 3:00 pm, and after CCA activities around 4:15 pm. The bus service is offered at an additional cost and routes can vary year to year; transport registration is required.	Bus service details Transport is provided by STS Group. Buses are GPS-tracked and equipped with CCTV, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), RFID, and a 24/7 Operations Control Centre. To register, contact the school's Service Delivery Executive; a Transportation Rate List and Dubai School Transport Manual are available; bus route availability cannot be guaranteed for every request.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Entrance fees - Entrance test fee: AED 525 (includes 5% VAT). One-off, payable prior to taking the test; non‑refundable and adjustable against Term 1 fees. Registration / Re-registration fees - New students: Registration fee equals 10% of the annual tuition (listed as a specific amount per grade under the new-student schedule). The registration payment for new students is adjusted against Term 1 fees; it is not refundable. - Existing students: Re-registration fees are charged per grade (see amounts below) and are payable by the re‑registration due date; these are adjusted against Term 1 fees. Tuition fees – full detail per grade (Discounted annual tuition and term instalments for 2025–2026) Note: term due dates are listed in the Billing schedule section below. - Pre KG — Annual: AED 47,807. Existing-student term breakdown: Term 1 AED 19,123; Term 2 AED 14,342; Term 3 AED 14,342. New-student registration: AED 4,780; New-student Term 1 AED 14,343; Term 2 AED 14,342; Term 3 AED 14,342. - KG1 — Annual: AED 53,582. Existing-student re-registration fee: AED 2,680. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 18,752; Term 2 AED 16,075; Term 3 AED 16,075. New-student registration: AED 5,360; Term 1 AED 16,072; Term 2 AED 16,075; Term 3 AED 16,075. - KG2 — Annual: AED 56,237. Existing re-registration fee: AED 2,810. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 19,685; Term 2 AED 16,871; Term 3 AED 16,871. New registration: AED 5,625; Term 1 AED 16,870; Term 2 AED 16,871; Term 3 AED 16,871. - Grade 1 — Annual: AED 62,163. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,110. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 21,755; Term 2 AED 18,649; Term 3 AED 18,649. New registration: AED 6,215; Term 1 AED 18,650; Term 2 AED 18,649; Term 3 AED 18,649. - Grade 2 — Annual: AED 62,163. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,110. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 21,755; Term 2 AED 18,649; Term 3 AED 18,649. New registration: AED 6,215; Term 1 AED 18,650; Term 2 AED 18,649; Term 3 AED 18,649. - Grade 3 — Annual: AED 62,608. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,130. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 21,914; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782. New registration: AED 6,260; Term 1 AED 18,784; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782. - Grade 4 — Annual: AED 62,608. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,130. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 21,914; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782. New registration: AED 6,260; Term 1 AED 18,784; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782. - Grade 5 — Annual: AED 62,608. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,130. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 21,914; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782. New registration: AED 6,260; Term 1 AED 18,784; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782. - Grade 6 — Annual: AED 70,635. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,530. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 24,723; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191. New registration: AED 7,065; Term 1 AED 21,188; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191. - Grade 7 — Annual: AED 70,635. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,530. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 24,723; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191. New registration: AED 7,065; Term 1 AED 21,188; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191. - Grade 8 — Annual: AED 70,635. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,530. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 24,723; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191. New registration: AED 7,065; Term 1 AED 21,188; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191. - Grade 9 — Annual: AED 78,170. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,910. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 27,358; Term 2 AED 23,451; Term 3 AED 23,451. New registration: AED 7,815; Term 1 AED 23,453; Term 2 AED 23,451; Term 3 AED 23,451. - Grade 10 — Annual: AED 78,170. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,910. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 27,358; Term 2 AED 23,451; Term 3 AED 23,451. New registration: AED 7,815; Term 1 AED 23,453; Term 2 AED 23,451; Term 3 AED 23,451. - Grade 11 — Annual: AED 84,928. Existing re-registration fee: AED 4,245. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 29,727; Term 2 AED 25,478; Term 3 AED 25,478. New registration: AED 8,495; Term 1 AED 25,477; Term 2 AED 25,478; Term 3 AED 25,478. - Grade 12 — Annual: AED 84,928. Existing re-registration fee: AED 4,245. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 29,727; Term 2 AED 25,478; Term 3 AED 25,478. New registration: AED 8,495; Term 1 AED 25,477; Term 2 AED 25,478; Term 3 AED 25,478. KHDA‑approved tuition figures - The school also lists the KHDA‑approved annual tuition amounts per grade (as published for the regulator). These KHDA figures are shown on the same fee page. Billing schedule and payment terms - Re-registration (existing students) is payable by 4 April 2025. Term 1 payment date: 22 August 2025. Term 2 payment date: 5 January 2026. Term 3 payment date: 27 March 2026. New‑student registration is payable on 22 August 2025 with Term 1/2/3 dates matching the term dates above. - Post‑dated cheques for Term 2 and Term 3 are accepted. Registration/re‑registration payments are adjusted against Term 1 fees. Boarding fees - Boarding: not applicable. The published fee schedule does not list boarding accommodation or boarding fees. Other costs and optional charges - Stationery and learning materials. - Educational and field trips (local and overseas) charged case‑by‑case. - Voluntary excursions and sports tournament costs. - School uniform, team kits and sporting attire. - External examination fees and other examination‑related charges. - Meals and canteen costs. - Transportation / school bus fees. - Insurance (parents are advised to maintain health, accident and liability cover). - Textbooks for secondary students are available for purchase from the school at cost; parents may alternatively purchase independently but ownership of required books is mandatory. - Some items are sold by independent suppliers and are subject to the suppliers' own refund terms and conditions. Refund information - The entrance test fee (AED 525) and registration fee (10% of annual fees or the grade-specific registration amount for new students) are non‑refundable. - Additional items supplied by independent vendors (uniform suppliers, external providers) are subject to those suppliers' refund terms. The school's fees page references the school Terms & Conditions for the full position on refunds and returns. Fee payment options - Online payment via the Zenda payments platform (app.zenda.com / Zenda app). - Cheque payable to Dubai International Academy Al Barsha (please indicate child's ID, name and grade on the back). Post‑dated cheques for Term 2 and Term 3 are accepted. - Credit card payments accepted at the school. - Bank transfer. Account details published for transfers: Account Name Dubai International Academy Al Barsha; Account No. 01239753301; IBAN AE900440000001239753301; SWIFT SCBLAEADXXX; Standard Chartered Bank, Dubai Branch. Payment advices should include child's ID, name and school name and a copy of remittance should be sent to accounts@diabarsha.com. - Cash payments accepted (collect a signed and stamped receipt). Sibling discount - Sibling discount structure: 5% for the second and third child; 10% for the fourth child; 15% for the fifth child; 20% for the sixth child (applied to annual tuition). Notes - All figures above are presented in AED and correspond to the published fee schedules for the 2025–2026 school year as listed in the school's fee schedules and fee fact sheet.	Fee details Application fee - AED 525 payable at the time of applying (inclusive of VAT). - Refund / deduction conditions: refundable if no place is offered; non‑refundable if a place is offered but not taken; not deductible from total tuition if a place is accepted. Tuition fees (per term and annual, by year group) - FS1: Term 1 AED 19,011; Term 2 AED 14,258; Term 3 AED 14,258; Annual AED 47,527. - FS2: Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959; Annual AED 59,862. - Year 1: Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959; Annual AED 59,862. - Year 2: Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959; Annual AED 59,862. - Year 3: Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959; Annual AED 59,862. - Year 4: Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959; Annual AED 59,862. - Year 5: Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959; Annual AED 59,862. - Year 6: Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959; Annual AED 59,862. - Year 7: Term 1 AED 33,016; Term 2 AED 24,762; Term 3 AED 24,762; Annual AED 82,540. - Year 8: Term 1 AED 33,016; Term 2 AED 24,762; Term 3 AED 24,762; Annual AED 82,540. - Year 9: Term 1 AED 33,016; Term 2 AED 24,762; Term 3 AED 24,762; Annual AED 82,540. - Year 10: Term 1 AED 37,151; Term 2 AED 27,864; Term 3 AED 27,864; Annual AED 92,879. - Year 11: Term 1 AED 37,151; Term 2 AED 27,864; Term 3 AED 27,864; Annual AED 92,879. - Year 12: Term 1 AED 41,359; Term 2 AED 31,020; Term 3 AED 31,020; Annual AED 103,399. - Year 13: Term 1 AED 41,359; Term 2 AED 31,020; Term 3 AED 31,020; Annual AED 103,399. Billing schedule and payment terms - School year is divided into three term invoices: Term 1 (September–December), Term 2 (January–March) and Term 3 (April–June). - Tuition fees are due in advance of attendance and payable at the start of each term; fees are invoiced from the time of admission so payment can be processed before term start. - To secure an offered place, a non‑refundable registration deposit of 10% of the yearly fee for that grade must be paid within 7 days; the first term's invoice is reduced by this amount. - To secure a seat for the next academic year, a re‑registration deposit of 5% of the annual school fee is required; this is non‑refundable but adjustable against the first term's fees. Refund information and withdrawals - Tuition refund rules (applied as invoiced and processed on receipt of a written request by the admissions office): - If a student attends 2 weeks or less: charged one month's tuition. - If a student attends more than 2 weeks and less than one month: charged two months' tuition. - If a student attends one month or more: charged three months' tuition. - Tuition refunds are provided to the original payee. School management may make exceptions for compassionate reasons at its discretion. - Formal withdrawal requires submission of a Transfer Certificate (TC) request via the parent portal; there is a TC processing fee of AED 120 where applicable for transfers within Dubai or outside the Emirate. Boarding fees - Boarding: not applicable. The school operates as a day school and does not charge boarding fees. Other costs and optional charges - Uniform: a full uniform policy and guidance is in place; specific uniform item prices are not listed on the uniform guidance page and are charged separately via the supplier or school procurement process. - Transport: school bus service is offered through the appointed transport provider; transport fees are charged separately and a transport rate list is available for download. - Additional optional charges commonly invoiced separately include extra‑curricular activities, external trips, examination fees and canteen/meal accounts; these optional services are charged in addition to tuition and may be invoiced separately by the school or service provider. Registration / re‑registration - Registration (to accept an offered place): non‑refundable deposit of 10% of the annual fee for the offered grade, payable within 7 days; this reduces the first term invoice. - Re‑registration for the next academic year: non‑refundable deposit of 5% of the annual fee, adjustable against the first term's fees. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods: Cash; Cheque (payable to GEMS Wellington International School); Online payment; Wire transfer to the school bank account (bank transfer details are provided by the school/accounts team). - Payments can be made in person at the school or by wire transfer/online channels; bank transfer details and an online payment option are provided for parents.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school does not offer boarding and operates as a day school. KHDA/IB records list boarding facilities as DAY, confirming there is no on-site residential provision. Families relocating should plan for day attendance and local housing options.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniform is mandatory for all students. Post-16 students wear a black, dark navy or grey smart suit with a white shirt, while younger students follow the school's uniform guidelines including tucked-in shirts, skirts below the knee or with tights, and full-length trousers with smart black shoes. Head coverings must be plain black, white, or navy, and a PE kit is worn for physical education.
Food options	Food options The school provides on-site catering through Kalo Hospitality with healthy and nutritious food. Daily offerings include a live egg station for breakfast, live fresh smoothie counters, freshly baked bakery products, and fresh salads and sandwiches with multigrain bread; vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. Primary school students can order pre-packaged meals delivered daily, and students may bring their own meals.	Food options On-site catering is provided via a large cafeteria with a kitchen serving lunches and snacks. The on-site facilities indicate the kitchen serves a variety of lunch and snack options and Year 7–11 have access to refreshment services in the cafeteria.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership DIA Barsha is governed by the Board of Directors and an Advisory Council. The Board includes the owners and an independent member. Founding partners are Abdulla Majed Al Ghurair; H.E. Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash; Avishesha (Avi) Bhojani; Poonam Bhojani; Michael Stephen; James Roberts.	Governance and ownership GEMS Wellington International School is part of the GEMS Education group, which owns, operates and manages a global network of private schools. The Dubai page for GEMS Wellington International School situates it within the GEMS Education network, and GEMS Education describes itself as the largest operator of private education.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Dubai International Academy Al Barsha offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: PYP, MYP, DP, and CP, for students from age 3 to 18 (Pre-KG to Grade 12). The Primary Years Programme (PYP) runs from Pre-KG through Grade 5, with a Programme of Inquiry that blends elements from UK Early Years Development Matters for Pre-KG and KG1 and the UK National Curriculum for KG2–Grade 5, alongside UAE Moral, Social and Cultural Studies. In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), students in Grade 6–10 follow eight subject groups, with a Grade 10 Personal Project and Service as Action, culminating in the MYP Certificate. For post-16, the options include the IB Diploma Programme (DP) full pathway, DP Courses as a tailored pathway, the IB Career-Related Programme (CP) as a hybrid academic-vocational pathway, and a BTEC vocational pathway. The language of instruction is English, and a Mother Tongue Programme is offered. The campus serves over 1,800 students from more than 90 nationalities on a 23-acre site, with a 100% IB Diploma pass rate reported.	Curriculum details GEMS Wellington International School delivers the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage through Year 11, with GCSEs taught in Years 10–11. In Years 12 and 13, the school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the IB Career-related Programme, complemented by a careers programme. Middle School (Years 7–9) follows the National Curriculum for England with subject specialists, and Year 8 includes elective subjects such as Design Technology, Food and Nutrition, Art, Music, Drama, Entrepreneurship, Emerging Technology and Sustainable Design. Upper School provides GCSE study in Key Stage 4, with Year 10 marking the start of a two-year GCSE course. The curriculum emphasizes a mastery approach, inclusion, and a broad range of subjects across English, Mathematics, Science, Languages, Humanities, Arts, and Physical Education.
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 DIA Al Barsha supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a dedicated Wellbeing Team that includes Student Ambassadors, Parents, School Counsellors, Teachers, Senior Leaders and Governors, and by running wellbeing initiatives throughout the year such as stakeholder surveys, social activities, charters and wellbeing-tracking software.	Social & emotional learning The Counselling Department provides a wellbeing support system for students, parents, and staff, following International School Counselling Association (ISCA) practices. There are three school counsellors: Lower School (FS-Year 4), Middle School (Year 5-9), and Upper School (Year 10-13) who offer support to students experiencing difficulties. They provide individual and group counselling, classroom sessions, resilience-building, social-emotional support, mindfulness, and support for exam-stress and friendship/relationship issues. They also support families and teachers through webinars on parenting skills and wellbeing topics, and address trauma and bullying issues. The counselling team collaborates with staff and families to ensure students are academically, socially and emotionally prepared to be empathetic and balanced global citizens.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The Inclusion Programme provides support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), English as an Additional Language (EAL), Gifted and Talented (G&T), Emirati students and sporting students, with an Inclusion Team comprising Learning Support Assistants, Learning Support Teachers and Social & Emotional Counsellors; plans are developed with input from students, parents, teachers and counsellors, and progress is tracked via Individual Education Plans and regular reviews; the school is not a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) The Policy of Provision for Students of Determination implements a whole-school, inclusive education approach with early identification and a graduated support system. The school uses a Wave framework (Wave 1–3) to determine provision levels, with Wave 3 involving an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) and potential specialist input. KHDA recognises 12 categories of SEND, including Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Developmental Delay, and English as an Additional Language (EAL). The Inclusion Team includes the Governor for Inclusive Education, the Director of Inclusion/SENDCo for different year bands, an ASD Specialist, and Inclusion Language Development Specialists, and coordinates with external professionals as needed. Admission is not refused based solely on SEND, and staff use provision maps and IEPs to plan and monitor individual support; there is an emphasis on partnership with parents and ongoing staff development.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language EAL support is provided under the Inclusion Programme as part of the school's inclusive learning approach.	English as an additional language EAL/ELL policy defines EAL as students whose first language is not English, and notes that over 60% of the student body are EAL; the EAL classification is independent of English proficiency level. The aims are to enable EAL/ELL students to access the curriculum fully, to provide a safe, welcoming environment, and to ensure attainment appropriate to individual abilities. Learning and teaching include outside-class listening, speaking, reading, and writing support, with teachers and learning support assistants, plus extensive use of visuals, key vocabulary, and contextual clues; home-language considerations and bilingual resources are promoted. Ongoing assessment and data-tracking monitor language development and academic progress, with progression decisions based on multiple factors beyond test scores. The ELL provision strategy includes interventions (Tier 3 specialist lessons where needed), personalised Learning Profiles, scaffolded teaching, extracurricular support such as the Watch Me Fly EEE Club, Home Language Support, and collaboration among staff, parents, and external agencies; students exit ELL when they demonstrate independence and age-appropriate English proficiency.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through the Wellbeing Team and School Counsellors, with ongoing wellbeing initiatives addressing physical, mental and emotional health across the student community.	Mental wellbeing The wellbeing framework is anchored in the Counselling Department, which provides dedicated support for mental health, including resilience-building, mindfulness, trauma support, and social-emotional development. Wellbeing is explicitly referenced as a core consideration within the EAL policy's inclusive aims, highlighting the school's commitment to students' mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Student voice and leadership initiatives foster wellbeing by promoting agency, confidence, and peer support, including a senior leadership team and student councils. Safeguarding policies reinforce mental wellbeing by ensuring safe environments, safeguarding training, and access to counselling as part of safeguarding provisions. The school emphasizes collaboration among students, families, and staff to support holistic wellbeing and the development of healthy, balanced lives.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding A Safeguarding Policy governs child protection at the school, detailing reporting procedures, roles (Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Safeguarding Officers), staff responsibilities and training, with disclosures to be handled promptly and confidentially; the policy was last reviewed in September 2024.	Safeguarding Safeguarding is an overarching policy with modules covering Child Protection, Attendance, Behaviour Management, Anti-bullying (including cyberbullying), Counselling, IT Acceptable Usage, First Aid, Health and Safety, Safer Recruitment, Code of Conduct, Whistleblowing, SEND, Missing Child Policy, and Intimate Care. The policy aligns with UAE Children's Rights Law and UK Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, based on Working Together to Safeguard Children frameworks. All staff have a responsibility to provide a safe environment, be alert to signs of abuse, identify children who may need extra help, and work with external services as needed. An emphasis on e-safety, safeguarding procedures, and staff training underpins daily practice to protect students. Parents and students are involved where practicable, and concerns are shared with appropriate agencies as part of safeguarding practice.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Dubai International Academy Al Barsha sits on a 23-acre campus in Dubai with facilities that support academics, sport and performance. Academic facilities include a library, science laboratories, product design laboratories, digital design laboratories, a Diploma Programme study centre, and dedicated spaces for technology-enabled learning. Creative and performing spaces include music and drama rooms and an auditorium for performances. Outdoor and social spaces comprise KG play areas, shaded play areas, social benches, a greenhouse and beehives. The campus also features an athletics track, a field, a pool and a gymnasium, with tennis courts and cricket nets for sport.	Facilities overview The campus spans eight acres in Dubai and is designed for flexible indoor and outdoor learning. Classrooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards and full internet connectivity to support students' use of their own devices. Lower School provides EYFS outdoor zones—construction, water, music, sand and gardening—and specialised spaces including a food technology kitchen, science lab, art workshops, green screen, 3D printers and robotics. Middle and Upper School offer break-out learning spaces and subject-specific teaching areas, with science laboratories and technology workshops. Creative and performing arts facilities include a 472-seat theatre, specialist music rooms and a media suite with a green screen, two library rooms, the Falcon Centre for Sixth Form IT and social spaces, a large cafeteria, and extensive sports facilities including a 25m indoor pool, outdoor pool, a full-size 3G floodlit turf, gym, a large multi-purpose hall, tennis/basketball/netball/volleyball courts and a dance studio.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The sports facilities at the DIA Al Barsha campus include an athletics track, a field, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, tennis courts and cricket nets.	Sports facilities The sports facilities include a full-size 3G floodlit astro turf, a health and fitness studio, a large multi-purpose sports hall and a gymnasium with a viewing gallery. Tennis, basketball, netball and volleyball courts, plus a 25m indoor swimming pool and an outdoor pool, support a wide range of PE and extracurricular sports. Additional outdoor play areas and a dance studio complete the sports and activity spaces.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include a library, science laboratories, product design laboratories and digital design laboratories, a Diploma Programme study centre, and spaces for technology-enabled learning such as an innovation room.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include classrooms with interactive whiteboards and reliable Wi‑Fi to support student device use. The Lower School features a food technology kitchen, science laboratory, art workshops, green screen, 3D printing and robotics facilities for hands‑on learning. Middle and Upper School provide subject‑specific teaching spaces and fully equipped science laboratories and technology workshops to support practical work.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Co-Curricular Activities Programme includes sport, performance activities and trips; the Duke Of Edinburgh Award is offered, along with Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Service Learning initiatives as part of Holistic Learning.	Extra curricular facilities Creative and performing arts facilities include a 472-seat theatre, specialist acoustic music rooms and 1:1 music tuition rooms, and a media suite with green screen facilities, supported by two library rooms for study. The Falcon Centre provides a Sixth Form hub with dedicated IT spaces and social areas, while the campus includes a large cafeteria to support dining and learning activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Dubai International Academy Al Barsha opened in 2018 as the second DIA campus. The original Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills, was established on September 10, 2005. DIA is part of Innoventures Education, the group that operates the DIA network. The Al Barsha campus sits on a 23-acre site in central Dubai and offers the IB continuum across four programmes. The DIA Barsha community numbers around 1,800 students representing more than 90 nationalities.	History GEMS Wellington International School was established in 2005 and is part of the GEMS Education network. It is located in the Al Sufouh area of Dubai, on Sheikh Zayed Road near Interchange 4. The school operates a combined British National Curriculum and International Baccalaureate programme for students from Foundation Stage to Year 13. The eight-acre campus features facilities including a theatre (WIS Theatre) and an observatory. GEMS Wellington International School has held KHDA Outstanding ratings since the 2009-2010 academic year.
Community	Community Dubai International Academy Al Barsha hosts a truly international community with around 1,800 students from more than 90 nationalities. Student wellbeing is a priority in a warm, nurturing environment supported by a dedicated wellbeing team and pastoral care. The co-curricular program offers a broad range of activities, including sports, arts, and local and international trips. DIA Barsha also emphasizes holistic learning with structured pastoral care and wellbeing provisions.	Community The community extends beyond current students, and the school values its parents and alumni. WIS hosts a range of events and cultural activities that bring the school family together, with programs such as International Day, the Winter Fair, and Ramadan and Diwali celebrations. The school emphasizes ongoing engagement with families through parent groups and alumni networks.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association PADIAB is a group of volunteer DIA Barsha parents who organize events and services for the school community. The group is led by a Core Group committee that meets regularly with senior academic staff, and any DIA Barsha parent can join. PADIAB runs events and fundraisers to build community spirit and provide graduation gifts at milestones in students' education. It is responsible for community-building activities (welcoming new parents and hosting annual events and social activities) and for supporting learning through Service Learning, Sustainability, Sports, Arts and Events. Funds raised support school-approved projects and PADIAB also runs the second-hand uniform and bookshop. Membership is open to all DIA Barsha parents, and the Core Group keeps the school leadership informed via monthly meetings.	Parent teacher association WIS Wellington International School Parents' Association (WISPA) is a proactive parental body that supports the school in social, academic, performance, sporting and fundraising activities. WISPA organizes guest speakers, social events, coffee mornings, and meet-and-greet sessions for new families, and provides volunteering opportunities across school life. The association maintains parent support networks through its Facebook page and IncludeME groups. For students, WISPA coordinates events such as International Day, the Winter Fair, and Ramadan and Diwali activities. WISPA also runs adult sporting events and fundraising initiatives to support school projects. These activities help connect families, staff and students, strengthening the sense of community at WIS.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers the International Baccalaureate continuum for learners aged 3 to 18, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). English is the instructional language for all subjects. The IB curriculum is delivered in a 12-grade structure with an entry age of 3 years at Pre-KG. The campus spans 23 acres and supports an academically rigorous, inquiry-based approach with broad opportunities for skills development and character education.	Academic & intellectual The school follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales. It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), and IB Courses, with 26 DP subjects and 2 CP Pathways. GCSE-style skills are mapped to the Diploma Programme as students progress from the Lower School (FS1–Year 4) through Middle School to Upper School. The school serves students aged 3 to 18 across Lower, Middle and Upper School.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Centre for Musical Arts is the exclusive provider of instrumental and vocal music lessons for Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha. CMA offers lessons on piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, woodwind, brass and drumkit.	Arts & creative Explore Enrich Excite (EEE) provides a fully inclusive extracurricular programme across six domains: Sports, STEM, Creative, Language and Literature, Music and Performing Arts, and Wellbeing. Weekly residencies with Urdang International and Gemma McMeel West End provide specialist music, dance and drama instruction and culminate in performances at a Gala. Termly concerts and opportunities such as the Music Council support student performance and leadership in the arts.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is the instructional language for all subjects. Arabic is compulsory for all students in Grade 1 to Grade 9. From Grade 2, students can learn French or Spanish as part of the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) programme. The school runs a Mother Tongue Programme to support home languages, with options including Dutch, Hindi, Swedish, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, Portuguese and German. English is the instructional default for all lessons, with MT offerings conducted in the mother tongue where possible.	Cultural & language The school has a Modern Foreign Languages department led by Georgina Hart. The language of instruction is English. The department supports language learning as part of the school's overall curricula.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies DIA Barsha offers a Co-Curricular Activities Programme with a 'Something for Everyone' aim. Most CCAs are free of charge and run by school staff using in-house facilities; paid CCAs are offered by external providers when necessary. Students register directly with the activity providers, and spaces are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. CCAs support social skills, wellbeing and broader personal development beyond the classroom.	Social & hobbies Explore Enrich Excite (EEE) covers six domains, including Sports, STEM, Creative, Language and Literature, Music and Performing Arts, and Wellbeing. Sports squads include basketball, football, netball, swimming, rugby, athletics, tennis, gymnastics and cricket, with opportunities to compete in local leagues. Music provisions include choirs and instrument groups, termly concerts and broader performance opportunities.
Community & service	Community & service Service Learning is a central part of IB learning, with students conducting service activities, logging and reflecting on their experiences. The programme also includes trips at Dubai, UAE and international levels, each with specific learning outcomes. Trips are integrated with academic, social or personal development goals.	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is offered, with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS) is a core IB Diploma Programme element undertaken by Year 12 and Year 13. The school also participates in global initiatives and competitions such as TEDx, Model United Nations, and the World Scholars Cup.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school offers the Duke Of Edinburgh International Award with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, each requiring four components: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition (Gold includes a five-day residential). The programme is open to everyone aged 14–24 and focuses on personal growth, resilience and community involvement. Entrepreneurship opportunities exist through the Entrepreneurs programme, exposing students to enterprise activities, internships and real-world projects such as classroom Shark Tank pitches.	Leadership & professional Sixth Form students in Year 12 and Year 13 may apply for Head Boy and Head Girl, with Deputy positions and leadership responsibilities. There are additional leadership opportunities through the Explore Enrich Excite programme and other student leadership activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is a core priority, defined as a sense of community, purpose and fulfilment, with balance and good health. A dedicated Wellbeing Team — including Student Ambassadors, Parents, School Counsellors, Teachers, Senior Leaders and Governors — ensures student voices are heard and wellbeing goals are advanced. The school runs wellbeing initiatives throughout the year and uses dedicated measures to monitor and improve wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Counselling Department provides wellbeing support for the whole community, with Lower, Middle and Upper School counsellors offering individual and group sessions, mindfulness, and social-emotional support. The wellbeing programme includes resources for parents and webinars. The Dubai 30x30 Initiative is incorporated to promote daily physical activity across the school community.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches in English. Dubai International Academy Al Barsha offers all four IB programmes: PYP, MYP, DP, and CP. The school serves students from Pre-KG to Grade 12.	Language provision The school follows The National Curriculum for England and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It operates an English as an Additional Language (EAL) and English Language Learners (ELL) framework to support learners acquiring English. The EAL/ELL policy recognises students' home languages and supports developing English alongside their first language, including the use of bilingual dictionaries to aid language acquisition. ELL provision includes targeted interventions, and in some cases ELL specialist lessons may replace Modern Foreign Languages (MFL); Arabic Exemption can be sought for Tier 3 ELL students, with such students attending MFL during Arabic lesson times. There is an explicit Arabic EAL/ELL policy, and Arabic language leadership is present in the school, including a Deputy Head for Arabic and Islamic Lead.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards KHDA Outstanding for many years; the school highlights its accreditation and honors across multiple bodies.
Accreditations	Accreditations KHDA rating Very Good (January 2024). The school is an authorised IB World School offering the full continuum of four IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, CP) for students aged 3–19/18, serving a diverse community of over 90 nationalities.	Accreditations The school is KHDA accredited with Outstanding ratings and holds additional accreditations including COBIS, COBISCouncil of British International Schools, and UK-based recognition such as BSO. It is a member of international accreditation networks.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions DIA Barsha is an international IB school in Dubai for children aged 3 to 18 and offers PYP, MYP, DP and CP. Applications are accepted year-round and must be completed online. If no places are available, the application is placed on the registration list. When a place becomes available, the first eligible applicant is invited to assessment, either on site or abroad. For PKG, a questionnaire; for KG and Grade 1, a general English and math test (non-verbal clues may be used); for Grades 2 and above, CAT4 digital testing. For abroad applicants, assessments can be arranged; an assessment fee of AED 525 applies. Documents required for assessment include passport copy, valid UAE residence visa, birth certificate in English or Arabic, immunisation record, two passport photos, last two years' reports, confidential school report, and transfer certificates as applicable. On enrolment, Emirates IDs are swiped and KHDA approval leads to signing the Parent School Contract. The admission process should be completed within 5 working days of the assessment for Dubai-based students. The school aims to respond within 1-2 working days, provide test results within 3 working days, and communicate the outcome within 5 working days from the test. Final admission decisions follow KHDA guidelines. SEND placements follow UAE law and the Dubai Inclusive Policy Framework; placements depend on space. EAL support is available for primary students.	Admissions 1. GEMS Wellington International School follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales and the International Baccalaureate. The academic year runs from August to June. Admission may occur during the academic year if a place is available and KHDA guidelines permit. The school currently has limited availability across year groups. 2. Complete online application and pay a AED 525 (inclusive of VAT) application fee. Application fees are accepted in the form of AED cheque, cash, bank transfer or an online payment. The Admissions Team provides next steps after submission. 3. Prepare and submit supporting documents: birth certificate copy (in English or Arabic), student passport copy, student visa copy, Emirates Card ID copy (both sides), immunisation certificate copy, most recent school report/nursery (past 2 years) copy, Medical Declaration and Mandatory Information Forms, sponsor passport copy, sponsor visa copy, sponsor Emirates ID copy, and a personal statement for Year 5 upwards. To start the evaluation process, email the most recent school/nursery reports to the Academic Team for review. For Year 5 upwards, include a personal statement (no more than 400 words) about the student's hobbies, talents and achievements. 4. For Year 5 upwards, provide a personal statement (no more than 400 words) describing the student's hobbies, talents and achievements. 5. Entry criteria state the school does not discriminate against any child or family and that it is a truly international institution with limited spaces for children with additional learning needs. 6. Foundation Stage/Lower/Middle/Upper School reports will be reviewed by the academic teaching staff and, if deemed necessary, may be followed by an assessment or interview. 7. Places for new students, especially in Foundation Stage and Lower School, may be limited; parents are advised to contact the Registrar to understand current enrolment availability. 8. Students wishing to undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) must have achieved a minimum standard in their GCSEs or equivalent to take the Diploma. IB courses and the Careers Programme are also offered. Enrol Online is available for applicants.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships GEMS Scholarships are the largest merit-based scholarship opportunity in the UAE. The candidates benefit from a concession amount determined on a case by case basis and the scholarships are awarded for a single academic year with the possibility of renewal based on academic progress. The school is currently not accepting scholarship applications.
Waitlist	Waitlist Applications are accepted year-round; if no places are available, the application is placed on the registration list.	Waitlist —
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