GEMS Founders School Dubai South and GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar are both in Dubai, about 33 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are close, at AED 30,940 - 40,460 for GEMS Founders School Dubai South and AED 28,900 - 37,400 for GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar. GEMS Founders School Dubai South takes pupils from 3 to 14, and GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar from 3 to 13.
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GEMS Founders School Dubai South
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Fees / year
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Fees / year AED 30,940 - 40,460 | Fees / year AED 28,900 - 37,400 |
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Age range
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Age range 3 - 14 years | Age range 3 - 13 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum British Curriculum | Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) |
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Pupils
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Pupils 700 | Pupils — |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 28 | Typical class size — |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened — | Opened 2026 |
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Bus service
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Bus service Yes | Bus service Yes |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location GEMS Founders School – Dubai South is located in Dubai South, alongside Expo Road and near Expo City Dubai. Dubai South is the large master-planned development focused on aviation, logistics and real estate, with surrounding residential communities. The campus is accessible from the Dubai South area and is positioned to serve families relocating to the district. | Location Nad Al Hamar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Nad Al Hamar is centrally located within Dubai, providing easy access to neighboring communities such as Al Warqa, International City, Ras Al Khor, Dubai Festival City, Al Rahidya and Mirdif. Proximity to major roads like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Ras Al Khor Road (E44) ensures seamless connectivity. |
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Stages
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Stages The school is organised into Early Years (EYFS), Primary and Secondary. It opened with FS1 to Year 8 and is planned to extend to Year 13 by 2029, broadening the upper-key-stage coverage over time. Current secondary provision covers Years 7-8, with expansion anticipated to include higher year groups in the future. | Stages Foundation Stage (FS1) to Year 8 |
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School type
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School type The school is co-educational (gender of entry is mixed). It operates as a British-curriculum, international school within the UAE. No boarding facilities are indicated for the Dubai South campus. | School type Co-educational |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix Nationalities represented are broad, with public postings indicating up to 82 nationalities on roll in recent years, and other sources listing around 60 nationalities with Indian as the most common nationality. The local-to-international ratio is not publicly disclosed. | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support Inclusive Education is a core part of GEMS Founders School – Dubai South. The school welcomes students with a range of learning needs, including students with disabilities, gifted and talented learners, and English Language Learners, with adjustments and targeted strategies to support diverse learners. Parents are asked to share full details of any SEN plans or reports to tailor educational provisions; admission is not conditional solely on a medical diagnosis. | Additional learning support Inclusion and wellbeing are part of the learning framework. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation The school follows the National Curriculum for England and is recognised as a British School Overseas (BSO). This reflects a UK-affiliated curriculum and international accreditation rather than a national UAE-only framework. | Country affiliation United Arab Emirates |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation There is no separate religious denomination affiliation stated for the Dubai South campus. UAE-specific subjects include Islamic Studies as part of the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum where applicable, but the school itself is not described as affiliated with a particular religion. | Religious affiliation Islamic values are part of the school's ethos. |
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School day structure
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School day structure Foundation Stage timetables start with doors open at 07:10, lessons begin at 07:40, and the day ends at 12:50 (11:20 on Fridays). Primary timetables have doors open around 07:20 with lessons from 07:40 onward and a midday break structure; Fridays show reduced sessions. Secondary timetables begin earlier, with gates open around 07:00 and lessons running from 07:40 through the afternoon, with a shorter Friday day. Ramadan hours may adjust the daily schedule during the holy month. | School day structure The school week runs Monday to Friday (half-day on Friday). Early Years (FS1-FS2): Monday 7:30–8:15 SLA; start 8:15; End of Day FS1 12:15, FS2 12:30. Tuesday–Thursday FS1/FS2 start 7:40; End 12:15 (FS1) and 12:30 (FS2). Friday 7:40 start; End of Day To be confirmed. Year 1–Year 8: Monday 7:30–8:15 SLA; start 8:15; End of Day 2:30. Tue–Thu start 7:40; End 2:30. Friday 7:40; End 11:30. Gates open from 7:30 AM. Ramadan timings: 8:15 AM to 1:00 PM (Mon–Thu, subject to KHDA approval). |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details School Transport Services (STS) LLC operates the bus service for GEMS Founders School – Dubai South. STS is an ISO-accredited provider and handles all transport arrangements and payments directly with families. They offer a large fleet, trained drivers and guardians, and can consider out-of-area requests, though routes are not guaranteed. For inquiries, contact Abishek P at +971-563693171 or [email protected] | Bus service details STS Group provides school transport with a fleet of CCTV-enabled Smart Buses, ADAS cameras, GPS tracking and RFID systems; to register, contact the Service Delivery Executive at [email protected]. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts, AED) - FS1: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 36,400; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 30,940. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 12,376; Term 2 AED 9,282; Term 3 AED 9,282. - FS2: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 39,900; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 33,915. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 13,567; Term 2 AED 10,174; Term 3 AED 10,174. - Year 1: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 43,400; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 36,890. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 14,756; Term 2 AED 11,067; Term 3 AED 11,067. - Year 2: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 43,400; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 36,890. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 14,756; Term 2 AED 11,067; Term 3 AED 11,067. - Year 3: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 43,400; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 36,890. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 14,756; Term 2 AED 11,067; Term 3 AED 11,067. - Year 4: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 44,800; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 38,080. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 15,232; Term 2 AED 11,424; Term 3 AED 11,424. - Year 5: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 44,800; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 38,080. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 15,232; Term 2 AED 11,424; Term 3 AED 11,424. - Year 6: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 44,800; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 38,080. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 15,232; Term 2 AED 11,424; Term 3 AED 11,424. - Year 7: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 47,600; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 40,460. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 16,184; Term 2 AED 12,138; Term 3 AED 12,138. - Year 8: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 47,600; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 40,460. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 16,184; Term 2 AED 12,138; Term 3 AED 12,138. - Year 9: Annual tuition (KHDA approved) AED 47,600; discounted tuition for AY 2025-2026 AED 40,460. Term breakdown (discounted): Term 1 AED 16,184; Term 2 AED 12,138; Term 3 AED 12,138. Application, enrolment and registration-related fees - Application fee: AED 500 (assessment included). - Enrolment (registration) deposit for new students: up to 10% of the total tuition fees, non-refundable and deductible from the first-term fees. Existing student re-enrolment fees: up to 5% of tuition fees or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non-refundable and deductible from the first-term fees. The school's admissions guidance also sets a registration deposit at the point of offer (stated in admissions material). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition invoices are issued to the fee sponsor on record two months prior to the start of the academic year. Tuition may be paid in full or in termly instalments. Termly due dates are on or before the 10th working day of: August for Term 1, December for Term 2, and April for Term 3. Term 1 is typically billed at 40% of the annual tuition and Terms 2 and 3 at 30% each. Refunds and student withdrawals - The registration/enrolment deposit is non-refundable. Tuition fee refunds follow the Ministry of Education policy; refund requests must be submitted in writing to the school admissions office and refunds are returned to the original payee. A 30-day written notification period is required for student withdrawals. Non-payment of fees may result in withholding of reports, exclusion from examinations, or loss of place. Other costs and optional charges - Required education supplies and typical ranges: school uniform AED 600 to AED 2,000; laptop/digital device approximately AED 515; school ID card replacement AED 20. Optional service ranges include transport AED 6,600 to AED 9,000; extracurricular activities AED 50 to AED 2,000; canteen AED 20 to AED 3,600; class photographs AED 100 to AED 500; local educational trips AED 50 to AED 2,000; overseas trips (where applicable for older years) from AED 8,000 to AED 30,000; enrichment activities and learning support ranges are published with their own scales. Uniform items must be purchased from the school's approved vendor, Threads. Transport services are provided by an external operator and transport fees are paid directly to that operator. | Fee details Application / Registration - Registration deposit: 10% of the total tuition fee. This deposit is payable after an offer is made, is deductible from the total tuition for the academic year and is non‑refundable. Tuition fees — Academic year 2026/2027 (KHDA approved and Founding Family discount & term instalments) - FS1: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 34,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 28,900; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 11,560, Term 2 AED 8,670, Term 3 AED 8,670. - FS2: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 38,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 32,300; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 12,920, Term 2 AED 9,690, Term 3 AED 9,690. - Year 1 to Year 6: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 41,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 34,850; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 13,940, Term 2 AED 10,455, Term 3 AED 10,455. (Applies to Years 1–6). - Year 7 and Year 8: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 44,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 37,400; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 14,960, Term 2 AED 11,220, Term 3 AED 11,220. Billing schedule and payment terms - Parents may pay annual tuition in full or follow the term payment schedule. Tuition invoices are issued to the fee sponsor on record on request. - Term due dates for 2026/27: 1st term fee due 11 August 2026 (school advises payment before 5 August to avoid delays); 2nd term fee due 1 January 2027; 3rd term fee due 1 April 2027. - Non‑payment consequences: failure to pay tuition may result in loss of place, withholding of reports/references/examination results, and temporary or permanent suspension or exclusion. Timely payment is required. Discounts and card promotion - A Founding Family (15%) discount is shown in the published fee schedule (discounted annual and instalment figures are listed above). - Use of the FAB GEMS World Credit Card to pay annual tuition in advance is promoted; benefits listed include savings of up to 3% and additional rewards on school expenses (terms and conditions apply). School transport (optional) and related fees - School bus fees for 2026/27 are charged by area; each route has an annual fee and corresponding per‑term amounts. Example entries from the transport rate list (2026/27): Nad Al Hamar annual AED 6,000 (per‑term splits shown AED 2,400 / AED 1,800 / AED 1,800); several other areas have higher annual rates (for example routes listed at AED 7,300, AED 7,750, AED 8,000) with corresponding per‑term amounts. Booster pads/child seats are charged separately at AED 300 per seat per student. Full payment for each term must be made irrespective of number of days used; transport fees are required in advance to activate student ID for bus travel. Uniform and catering (other regular costs) - School uniform is required and is available from THREADS (The Uniform Store). Specific uniform item prices are set by the supplier. - School meals are provided via a cashless Slices catering system. Parents top up student accounts (via GEMS Connect) and students use a card/ID for purchases. Catering credit is a recurring cost separate from tuition. Refunds and student withdrawals - Registration deposit: non‑refundable. Tuition refunds follow the UAE Ministry of Education policy; tuition refunds are processed only after a written request to the admissions office and are returned to the original payee. - Student withdrawals: a written notification to the registrar is required; a 30‑day notification period is specified to allow processing of documents. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable for this school; published information and age range indicate day‑school provision for FS1–Year 8 without boarding facilities. How payments are processed - Transport payments can be made online via GEMS Connect; the school notes a range of straightforward payment options and issues tuition invoices to the fee sponsor on request. The FAB GEMS World Credit Card is specifically referenced for advance annual tuition payments and associated card benefits. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement Uniforms are sold exclusively through Threads, the school's approved vendor. The uniform must be worn in school and while travelling to and from school, and at formal events; boys wear a tie and girls wear a scarf, with shirts kept tucked in. Shoes must be black leather, hoodies are not permitted, and there are rules on hair, jewellery, and labeling. | Uniform requirement The school has a clear uniform policy. All students wear the correct school uniform from the time they join GFH; non-uniform clothing may be challenged and parents may be contacted where necessary. The uniform is available from THREADS, The Uniform Store. |
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Food options
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Food options Slices provides the lunch service; Slices is a home-grown real food company focusing on fresh, wholesome meals. There is a cashless system: parents top up funds via the GEMS Connect app and students use their Slices Card to pay. A Slices parent café offers healthy dining and snack options for parents and visitors. | Food options Slices Lunch Service: GFH is proud to partner with Slices, the school food provider. Slices offers fresh, wholesome and nutritious meals with a cashless system across the dining spaces, and parents can top up credits via the GEMS Connect app. Students use their Slices Card to pay, and a Slices Café is available for parents and visitors. |
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House system
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House system The school uses a house system with House Captains who promote school spirit and organise house events, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie. The student leadership programme also includes a Student Council, Prefects and Head Students, with leadership workshops, mentorship, and clubs. | House system House System assigns every student to a House, creating a smaller, supportive community within the school. House events include sports days, charity activities, music, dance, singing and art competitions, plus community projects; house points are awarded for participation, achievement and conduct, with the winning House celebrated at year-end. |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership The school is owned and operated by GEMS Education as part of the GEMS Founders School network. An agreement to operate GEMS Founders School – Dubai South with Dubai South was signed in May 2024, confirming GEMS Education as the campus governance provider. | Governance and ownership — |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details GEMS Founders School Dubai South delivers a British curriculum aligned to the National Curriculum for England, integrated with UAE MOE requirements (Arabic and Islamic Education) and inclusive education. Early Years FS1–FS2 follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with one teacher and one teaching assistant in every class. Primary School Years 1–6 uses a UK curriculum with core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science) and a broad range of foundation subjects—Art & Design, Computing, Design and Technology, Geography, History, Languages, Music, and PE—alongside MOE Arabic and Islamic Education in a cross-curricular, skills-based approach. Secondary School follows the National Curriculum for England, currently focusing on Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8), with plans to expand to Year 13 by 2029 to provide broader GCSE/alternative pathways, alongside wellbeing, leadership development, and real-world connections, including aviation, aerospace, and logistics. The curriculum is complemented by co-curricular activities, inclusive education, literacy initiatives such as Read Like a GEM, and sustainability and industry-aligned projects. | Curriculum details National Curriculum for England (British Curriculum). Year Groups: Foundation Stage (FS1) to Year 8, growing year by year to Year 13. Curriculum Enrichment: UAE Ministry of Education subjects integrated into the curriculum. Subjects include English, mathematics, science, computing, humanities, languages (Arabic A and B), physical education, music, art and design. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression GCSEs and A Levels are future pathways. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning GEMS Founders School – Dubai South prioritises social and emotional learning, with the EYFS emphasising the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of every child, and the Principal explicitly placing mental and emotional health at the forefront of practice, while the Strategic Plan lists wellbeing as an outcome to be actively supported. | Social & emotional learning The school is committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of pupils and staff in a caring, respectful environment where every individual and contribution is valued. It fosters a sense of belonging which strengthens students' competence, engagement and intrinsic motivation to learn. It recognises the importance of emotional health and teaches students to recognise and manage emotions and to resolve conflicts. A whole-school approach promotes a healthy lifestyle as part of the curriculum, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep and time management, which supports mental well-being. Counsellors are available to all students, staff and parents to help with mental health problems or crises. The school aims for students to Be healthy, Stay safe, Enjoy and achieve, Make a positive contribution, and Achieve economic and mental health well-being. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) Inclusive Education at GEMS Founders School – Dubai South states it welcomes Students of determination (special education needs and disabilities), Gifted and talented students, and English Language Learners, with staff making adjustments and employing tailored teaching strategies in a common learning environment; parents are asked to share detailed information such as IEPs and professional reports to tailor support, and admission is not conditional on a medical diagnosis, indicating the school is not a specialist SEN institution. | Special educational needs (SEN) GFH provides for learners with additional needs through an inclusive, broad and balanced curriculum using the National Curriculum as a starting point. The school supports English as an Additional Language Learners (EAL), Lower Ability learners, Learners with ‘special needs', More Able and Gifted and Talented. GFH admits students irrespective of gender, race or disability, provided the school can meet their needs. The Head of Inclusion coordinates assessments and screenings, and identifies students with additional learning needs through thorough screening strategies. Where needs are identified, the programme is amended and enhanced with appropriate strategies to enable progress and success. Admission is not conditional on a medical diagnosis, and there are effective transition processes for all children. Share full details of any special educational needs, IEPs and any relevant reports to ensure staff can provide appropriate assessment and resourcing. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language English Language Learners are listed among the groups supported under Inclusive Education, but specific EAL programmes or staffing details are not disclosed publicly. | English as an additional language English as an Additional Language Learners (EAL) are addressed within GFH's Inclusion framework. EAL learners are identified through thorough screening, with assessments coordinated by the Head of Inclusion. The programme is amended and enhanced to support their learning needs, as part of the school's inclusive practices. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is a core focus, evidenced by the EYFS emphasis on the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of every child, and by the Principal's statement that mental and emotional health is at the forefront of practice, with the Strategic Plan explicitly listing wellbeing as a key outcome. | Mental wellbeing GFH promotes mental health and well-being as a core part of its curriculum and ethos. The emotional health and wellbeing of pupils and staff is supported in a caring environment where individuals are valued. The school emphasises belonging and positive emotional security as factors in motivation and engagement. Healthy lifestyle choices, physical activity, adequate sleep and time management support overall mental well-being. Counsellors are available to help with mental health concerns or crises for students, staff and parents. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding Safeguarding is formalised and cross-cutting, with COBIS-aligned safeguarding policies, a Designated Safeguarding Lead and deputy DSLs, staff safeguarding training, the 'I Care, I Listen' ethos, ongoing student wellbeing support via trained school counsellors, and a Digital Security Awareness programme to protect students online. | Safeguarding The school is committed to the safety and well-being of all students, staff and visitors. Visitors sign in and wear identification badges, and parents wear yellow lanyards on site. Visitors are expected to maintain professional behaviour and comply with child protection policies. Safeguarding policies align with local regulations in Abu Dhabi, and concerns should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads. Online safety is a priority, with safeguarding practices and policies in place to protect students in digital environments. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview GEMS Founders School – Dubai South sits on a 250,000 square-foot campus designed for students aged 3 to 18. The facilities include spacious classrooms, STEAM laboratories, fully equipped food technology and ICT labs, and dedicated language and Islamic studies classrooms, with an indoor play area for Foundation Stage. It features a 25-metre competition-standard swimming pool, a football pitch, and multi-purpose sports halls for basketball, netball, badminton, and gymnastics, set among extensive green spaces. An Innovation Hub supports project-based learning and real-world connections through partnerships with local businesses. The campus emphasizes outdoor spaces and a holistic approach to education. | Facilities overview The campus spans 250,000 square feet and serves students aged 3 to 18. It includes spacious classrooms, well-equipped STEAM laboratories, and art and music rooms. Dedicated classrooms support language learning and Islamic studies, and there is an indoor play area for Foundation Stage. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities Facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a football pitch, and multi-purpose sports halls for basketball, netball, badminton and gymnastics, all set within extensive green outdoor spaces. | Sports facilities Sporting provisions include a football pitch, multi-purpose sports halls, basketball courts and netball courts, and outdoor spaces for a variety of activities. The spaces support PE lessons and school sport programs. They enable both individual and team-based activities throughout the week. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities The academic facilities include state-of-the-art STEAM laboratories and dedicated labs for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, along with fully equipped food technology and ICT labs. There are dedicated language and Islamic studies classrooms to support the curriculum. | Academic facilities Academic facilities include well-equipped STEAM laboratories. There are dedicated classrooms for language learning and Islamic studies, as well as art and music rooms. The indoor play area supports Foundation Stage activities within the academic program. These facilities support practical experiments and creative work across year groups. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities An Innovation Hub supports project-based learning and links with local businesses for internships and mentorships, expanding learning beyond the classroom. The school also provides a broad range of sports and arts activities as part of its co-curricular programme. | Extra curricular facilities — |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History GEMS Founders School – Dubai South opened in August 2024 as the fourth school in the Founders brand. GEMS Education signed an agreement with Dubai South on May 30, 2024 to operate a British-curriculum school in the Dubai South residential district. The initial intake covers FS1 to Year 8, with around 500 students at opening. The 250,000-square-foot campus is designed to support growth, with plans to offer Year 13 by 2029. As part of the Founders family, the Dubai South campus joins other Founders schools in the UAE, reflecting GEMS Education's expansion of this brand. | History The Nad Al Hamar GFH is the fifth GEMS Founders School in the UAE and is part of the Founders family of schools. The Founders network has operated in the UAE for about a decade and serves more than 14,000 students. The campus opens in August 2026 and enrolls FS1–Year 8. The school combines a British curriculum with foundations in Arabic and Islamic learning, and is guided by The Founders Way (Grow, Flourish, Honour) with a vision to Grow, Flourish, Succeed Together and a mission to inspire creative, mindful learners who value diversity and collaboration. |
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Community
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Community The school engages beyond the classroom by involving parents and the wider community through workshops and collaborative events. It partners with local organizations to enrich the curriculum and provide real-world learning experiences. The school community is multilingual and multicultural, representing more than 100 nationalities. Sustainability and aviation-related themes are woven into community activities and projects. | Community The Nad Al Hamar campus sits at the heart of Nad Al Hamar, near Mirdif, Al Warqa and Mushrif communities. The Founders Way shapes how learners learn and connect, emphasizing kindness, inclusion, collaboration and respect. The Founders Journey emphasizes leadership and the development of the whole child, and the network serves over 14,000 students, reflecting a broad school community. As the new campus prepares to welcome students in August 2026, the school offers a temporary admissions centre and one-on-one tours to families. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association GEMS Founders School Dubai South has a Parent Association (GFPA) that operates within the Founders School network. Close communication with guardians is central, including consultation evenings and written progress reports. An open-door policy ensures parents can speak with teachers at any stage. The GFPA supports a partnership approach to education and encourages parental involvement in school life and decision-making. The For Parents section describes workshops, calendars, and other resources to help families engage with the school. GFPA operates alongside the broader Founders community, reinforcing shared aims of transparency and community involvement. | Parent teacher association — |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual Science, Maths, Robotics, Debate, and Chess clubs are part of the academic and enrichment programme. These CCAs inspire curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation beyond the classroom. They foster critical thinking, collaboration, and analytical skills. Internal CCAs are free of charge, with additional paid activities available through external providers. | Academic & intellectual — |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative Arts offerings include art, drama, music, photography, and creative writing. Students express themselves, build confidence, and showcase their talents. Participation enhances creativity and performance opportunities. | Arts & creative — |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language Culture & Global Awareness includes cultural celebrations, International Day, and social events that promote diversity, teamwork, and global citizenship. The activities encourage cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Students engage with peers from different backgrounds through school events. | Cultural & language — |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Sports & Wellbeing includes football, basketball, padel, badminton, yoga, and dance. The programme promotes fitness, teamwork, and active lifestyles with options for recreational and competitive play. Students develop resilience and healthy habits through regular practice. | Social & hobbies The enrichment programme offers a range of free and paid activities delivered in partnership with ESM and other trusted providers. Every Monday morning, students participate in enrichment from 7:30am to 8:15am, ensuring accessibility for all. Additional after-school activities are available throughout the week. The enrichment is designed to be balanced, inclusive and aspirational, giving students opportunities to explore interests, develop skills, and engage with peers in a variety of settings. |
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Community & service
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Community & service Leadership & Community includes Student Council, MUN, Eco Club, charity projects, and peer mentoring to nurture responsibility, leadership, and a sense of community. These opportunities foster civic-mindedness and collaboration. Students contribute to school life and the wider community through service initiatives. | Community & service Beyond the taught curriculum, students access an enrichment programme designed to develop character, confidence and leadership. The activities are rooted in the school's mission and values and encourage students to serve others and contribute positively to the school community. Enrichment and leadership experiences aim to help learners become compassionate, courageous and responsible contributors within a global community. Participation in service-oriented activities helps students apply learning to real-world contexts. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional Student leadership is cultivated through ongoing opportunities and programmes that develop confidence, responsibility, and collaborative skills. Membership in student councils and other leadership roles provides practical experience in decision-making and teamwork. The school's CCAs connect leadership activities with real-world contexts. | Leadership & professional Leadership and service are central to the enrichment programme; Years 1–8 focus on enrichment, leadership and service. Enrichment activities are delivered by dedicated professionals who guide participants to lead with confidence and act with integrity. The programme seeks to develop students as future-ready leaders within a global community. Participation in enrichment experiences supports the development of personal and professional skills alongside academic learning. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing The sports and wellness elements prioritise fitness and well-being, with activities that support a healthy, active lifestyle. The CCAs offer both recreational and competitive avenues to maintain balance and mental health. Ongoing participation promotes social connection and personal growth. | Lifestyle & wellbeing Facilities include a football pitch, multi-purpose sports halls, basketball courts and netball courts, with spaces for outdoor activities. The campus spans 250,000 square feet and includes STEAM labs, art and music rooms, and language and Islamic studies classrooms, supporting a holistic approach to wellbeing and activity. The Early Years Foundation Stage emphasises the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of children. These features support physical fitness, teamwork and creative expression as part of daily school life. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision The school follows the National Curriculum for England integrated with UAE MOE requirements. English is a core subject in Key Stages 1–3. Arabic Language and Islamic Education are UAE MOE subjects taught across the school. A foreign language is introduced in Key Stage 2, and students achieve proficiency in a modern foreign language by Key Stage 3, with emphasis on communication. | Language provision Arabic A and Arabic B are taught as part of the curriculum. Arabic is included among the languages offered within the programme. UAE Ministry of Education language requirements are integrated into the curriculum. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions New students follow four steps: online application, assessment, enrolment and registration deposit. The online application provides an acknowledgement with an online reference number for further communications. For the assessment, the School Registrar invites the child for an assessment or interview by email or phone; observation is used for Foundation Stage 1 and 2 (FS1/FS2), written assessments for Year 1 and Year 2, and CAT4 with a written assessment for Year 3 to Year 8; results are notified by email or phone. Enrolment is offered to successful applicants, subject to seat availability. The registration deposit is 5% of total tuition fees, payable after an offer is accepted; it is non-refundable and deductible from the total tuition fees. The Finance department will email the schedule of tuition fee payments. Required documents include passport copies for the child and both parents, residency visa pages, birth certificate in English or Arabic, recent passport-size photographs, copies of the last two school reports for all children entering Year 1 and Year 2 (in English) or last two reports and CAT4 for children entering Year 3 and above, nursery reports for FS1 and FS2 if available, a six-month validity medical or therapy report if applicable, immunization/vaccination card, Emirates ID cards (front and back) for child and parents, the original Emirates ID if the child is accepted, and a transfer certificate or leaving certificate (original required on the first day if accepted). The transfer certificate must include the student's full name, date of birth, enrolment date and year group, present class, year/grade completed and promoted to, and the school curriculum, plus the principal's signature and stamp. If transferring from a GCC country or another UAE Emirate, the transfer certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Education; if transferring from countries other than USA, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, Japan and New Zealand, the original transfer certificate must be attested by Educational Authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE Embassy. The documents marked with an asterisk are the minimum mandatory requirement to process the application. For existing students, a Re-Registration Deposit of 5% of total tuition is required to guarantee a place for the following academic year. The school follows the National Curriculum for England and prepares students for a UK education in the future. | Admissions STEP 1 – ONLINE APPLICATION: Complete the Online Student Enquiry & Registration. After submission, you receive an acknowledgement with an online reference number and guidance on the next steps. Admissions are open for FS1 through Year 8 for the 2026-27 academic year. STEP 2 – ASSESSMENT: The School Registrar invites the child for an assessment or interview via email or phone. Results are notified by email or phone. Observations are used for Foundation Stage 1 and 2; Written assessments for Year 1 and 2; CAT4 and written assessments for Year 3 to Year 8. STEP 3 – ENROLMENT: The Registrar sends offer letters to successful applicants, subject to seat availability. STEP 4 – REGISTRATION DEPOSIT, DOCUMENTS AND TRANSFER CERTIFICATE GUIDELINES: The registration deposit is 10% of total tuition, payable after an offer is accepted, non-refundable and deductible from the total tuition. After completion, enrollment is confirmed and the tuition payment schedule is emailed by the Finance department. Required documents include passport copies for the child and parents, residency visa, birth certificate (English or Arabic), recent photographs, the last two school reports for Year 1 and Year 2 (or Last two years school reports and CAT4 for Year 3 and above), nursery reports if available for FS1/FS2, immunization card, Emirates IDs, and a transfer certificate. Transfer certificates must be on official letterhead and include the student's full name, date of birth, enrolment date and year group, present class, year/grade completed and promoted to, school curriculum, and principal signature and stamp; attestation applies for transfers from GCC/UAE and for some international cases. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships — | Scholarships — |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist — | Waitlist — |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
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