GEMS School of Research and Innovation vs Queen Elizabeth's School Dubai Sports City

	G GEMS School of Research and Innovation Dubai, United Arab Emirates	Q Queen Elizabeth's School Dubai Sports City Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 92,800 - 161,000	Fees / year AED 93,500 - 154,420
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Day School
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2025	Opened 2025
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The GEMS School of Research and Innovation is located in Dubai Sports City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It sits within the Dubai Sports City development, a neighbourhood known for its sports facilities and residential communities. The campus is a purpose-built site designed to support its focus on research, innovation, and future-ready learning. The school opened in August 2025.	Location Queen Elizabeth's School is located in Al Hebiah Fourth within Dubai Sports City. This placement situates the campus within a well-established neighbourhood and provides students with direct access to the community's extensive sports and wellness infrastructure.
Stages	Stages Initial year groups run from Foundation/Pre-Prep through Year 6. Year 7–Year 13 are planned for addition in subsequent academic years.	Stages The school is structured to provide a continuous learning journey from Nursery through to Senior School (Year 13). For its initial opening year (2026–2027), the school is currently accepting admissions for Nursery up to Year 8.
School type	School type Private, co-educational school. The school operates within the GEMS Education network and follows a British curriculum framework.	School type This is a co-educational day school where boys and girls learn alongside one another in an inclusive and collaborative environment. There is no mention of boarding facilities on the campus.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Public materials for SRI do not publish specific on-site SEN provisions. The GEMS Education network provides a Children's Services program that covers SEN, EAL, wellbeing, and related supports across its schools; families should contact the school for current on-site provisions.	Additional learning support The school provides specialist support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) as well as those requiring English as an Additional Language (EAL). This provision includes dedicated support staff, tailored interventions, and inclusive teaching strategies to ensure all students can access the curriculum.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The curriculum is the English National Curriculum (British Curriculum), linking the school to the United Kingdom.	Country affiliation The school is strongly affiliated with the United Kingdom, delivering the National Curriculum for England and drawing its heritage from its founding institution, Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no explicit religious affiliation published for the school; it follows a secular, values-led British curriculum framework.	Religious affiliation The school does not state a specific religious affiliation. It operates as an inclusive environment focused on core values like community and integrity, welcoming families of all backgrounds.
School day structure	School day structure The teaching day runs from 7:30 to 16:30, with the campus typically open from 08:00 for student arrival. Breaks and lunch arrangements are not publicly detailed in the core materials.	School day structure The standard school day runs from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, though exact timings can vary slightly depending on a student's specific year group. Extended co-curricular activities are also offered both before and after the main school hours.
Bus service details	Bus service details Transport is provided through private bus providers; the school coordinates routes via its transport team. Area coverage includes Dubai Sports City and surrounding communities, with typical arrangements handled by external operators (e.g., STS Group in the Gems network).	Bus service details A dedicated transport service is available, covering all major residential areas across Dubai using energy-efficient vehicles. For added peace of mind, the buses are equipped with real-time GPS tracking and advanced safety features, including CCTV for student check-in.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and registration fees - An application processing fee is charged at the time of online registration; GEMS schools commonly charge AED 525 (inclusive of VAT) for the application stage. - A registration deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition fee is collected once an offer is accepted; this deposit is deducted from the total tuition for the year and is normally non-refundable except in specified extenuating circumstances. Tuition fees (KHDA‑approved) — Academic Year 2025/26 (annual and per‑term where published) - FS1 – Annual tuition: AED 116,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 92,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 37,120; Term 2 AED 27,840; Term 3 AED 27,840. - FS2 – Annual tuition: AED 116,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 92,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 37,120; Term 2 AED 27,840; Term 3 AED 27,840. - Year 1 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160. - Year 2 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160. - Year 3 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160. - Year 4 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160. - Year 5 – Annual tuition: AED 152,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 121,600. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 48,640; Term 2 AED 36,480; Term 3 AED 36,480. - Year 6 – Annual tuition: AED 152,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 121,600. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 48,640; Term 2 AED 36,480; Term 3 AED 36,480. - Year 7 – Annual tuition: AED 161,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 128,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 51,520; Term 2 AED 38,640; Term 3 AED 38,640. - Year 8 – Annual tuition: AED 161,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 128,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 51,520; Term 2 AED 38,640; Term 3 AED 38,640. - Year 9 – KHDA‑listed annual tuition: AED 161,000. Term instalments are collected in three instalments at the start of each term (standard GEMS instalment split is 40% / 30% / 30%); applying that instalment split to the annual figure gives: Term 1 AED 64,400; Term 2 AED 48,300; Term 3 AED 48,300. (Term instalments shown are the standard GEMS 40/30/30 split applied to the annual fee.) - Year 10–11 – KHDA‑listed annual tuition: AED 197,000. Standard 40/30/30 instalment split yields: Term 1 AED 78,800; Term 2 AED 59,100; Term 3 AED 59,100. - Year 12–13 – KHDA‑listed annual tuition: AED 206,000. Standard 40/30/30 instalment split yields: Term 1 AED 82,400; Term 2 AED 61,800; Term 3 AED 61,800. Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is split into three terms with the following term periods shown: Term 1 (Sept – Dec), Term 2 (Jan – Mar), Term 3 (Apr – June). Term dates are published on the school schedule. Term instalments for tuition are billed at the start of each term; the standard instalment structure used by GEMS is 40% payable in Term 1, 30% in Term 2 and 30% in Term 3. Examples of term dates and instalment amounts appear in the published tuition schedule. - The application fee is payable at the time of application. A registration deposit (10% of the annual tuition) is payable once an offer is accepted and is normally non‑refundable except in specified cases; the registration deposit is deducted from the year's tuition. Other costs and mandatory charges - Additional mandatory or one‑off charges commonly applied across GEMS schools include: school ID card, school diary, annual activity fees (KG and Years 1–5 examples), examination fees where relevant, and a re‑registration deposit for returning students (commonly 5% of the annual fee when re‑enrolling). Specific items and amounts vary by school and year group. - Typical extras that families should budget for include: school uniform, transport (bus) services, optional extracurricular clubs, specialist equipment or materials for certain subjects, and examination or external assessment fees. Exact charges for uniform, transport routes and extracurricular activities are set separately and applied in addition to tuition. Refunds and withdrawal terms - Refunds and the calculation of refundable amounts follow published GEMS fee policies: application fees are refundable if the school does not offer a place (unless the application is carried forward); registration deposits are normally non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances such as relocation; tuition refunds for withdrawals are calculated according to the length of enrolment with staged deductions (examples used across GEMS: tuition paid prior to the academic year may be refundable less registration/re‑registration fees; shorter enrolments incur deductions of one or more months' fees depending on time on roll). Refund rules and the required written withdrawal notice period are applied in line with KHDA and GEMS payment policies. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods across GEMS schools include in‑person payments at the school accounts office, bank/wire transfer, cheque and card payments. Credit card payment facilities are commonly available; some GEMS partner cards or promotions (for example, GEMS World/FAB card offers) may provide payment benefits. Refunds for card payments are usually returned to the same card; cash refunds are normally issued by cheque.	Fee details Application Fees A one-time, non-refundable application fee of AED 525 (inclusive of VAT) is required. To secure a place, a non-refundable tuition fee deposit of AED 7000 applies, which is deducted from the first term's fees. Tuition Fees (2026-2027) Annual approved fees are listed below. Payments are split per term (40% for Term 1, 30% for Term 2, and 30% for Term 3): Nursery: AED 93,500 FS1: AED 103,344 FS2 to Year 3: AED 112,847 Year 4 to Year 6: AED 116,410 Year 7 and Year 8: AED 136,604 Year 9 and Year 10: AED 142,542 Year 11 to Year 13: AED 154,420 Note: A 25% discount currently applies for founding families. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Tuition is divided into three instalments. Term 1 is due August 1st, Term 2 is due December 1st, and Term 3 is due March 1st. A 5% discount is applied if the annual fee is paid in full upfront. Boarding Fees The school does not offer boarding. Other Costs Tuition fees do not cover lunches, transportation, educational trips, additional inclusion/EAL support, or external extra-curricular activities. A KHDA transfer fee of AED 126 applies for local school transfers. Refund Information Pre-start withdrawals are refunded minus registration fees. If enrolled for two weeks or less, one month’s fee is deducted. Between two weeks and one month, two months' fees are deducted. Enrolment over a month incurs a full term’s fee deduction. Fee Payment Options Families can choose between full annual advance payments or three termly instalments.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Formal Academic Uniform includes a blazer, shirt or blouse, trousers or skirt, tie, and formal shoes. Seasonal options use lighter fabrics in warmer months, with a PE & sports kit included; Threads is the official uniform provider with on-site fittings and a pop-up store at the school. Uniforms are available for purchase from mid-August.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The Family First Café offers on-site meals prepared in a fully equipped kitchen, with vegetarian and allergy-conscious options daily. The school enforces a no-nuts policy and does not permit pork products. Meals are available via subscriptions: Annual AED 8,500 (early-bird discount), or Termly AED 60 per day, with FS1/FS2 meals served in bento boxes.	Food options Lunches not included in tuition fees
House system	House system —	House system QE House programme fosters community and belonging
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership GEMS School of Research and Innovation is part of GEMS Education, which governs and owns the school as part of its global network of private schools.	Governance and ownership International campus of Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet (est. 1573)
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details GEMS School of Research and Innovation follows the National Curriculum for England, with three learning stages: Pre-Prep FS1–Year 4, Prep Year 5–Year 8, and Senior Year 9–Year 13. The Core Curriculum emphasizes English, Mathematics, and Science while also covering Humanities, Arabic, Islamic studies, and Moral Education, with specialist language pathways in French, Spanish, and Mandarin. Digital skills are embedded across learning, including coding, AI, data literacy, and responsible online behaviour, supported by AI-driven personalisation and access to subject specialists. From Year 9 onward, GCSEs are offered across about 35 subjects, with up to 30 A-Levels to support diverse university pathways. In Senior years, elective pathways in innovation and technology are available, with industry partnerships in Computing, Engineering, Design, Enterprise, and Business, alongside sport, arts, and a portfolio-based approach to demonstrate achievements. Wellbeing, character development, and strong parent partnerships are integral to the Pioneer Curriculum, which also features inquiry-driven and real-world learning, research skills, and holistic growth.	Curriculum details British National Curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage through to GCSEs and A-Levels, delivered through QE Programmes including QE Flourish, QE House, QE Futures and QE Connect.
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 GEMS School of Research and Innovation supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through a dedicated wellbeing provision, peer mentoring, mindfulness sessions, and student leadership roles, helping students develop resilience and emotional intelligence. The school emphasises belonging and being seen, heard, and supported within a culture that weaves wellbeing into everyday life. These elements are part of a whole‑school approach to wellbeing, reflected in policies and practices aimed at fostering safe, inclusive, and supportive relationships across the student body. The wellbeing framework is designed to complement academic development by promoting mental, emotional, and social skills alongside classroom learning.	Social & emotional learning QE Flourish programme for student wellbeing
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) GEMS SRI is described as an inclusive school that serves students with mild learning challenges and is not a specialist SEN institution. The Inclusion Policy specifies the kinds of SEN provided, including communication and interaction needs (such as mild autism spectrum disorders and speech/language difficulties), cognition and learning needs (e.g., dyslexia, dyspraxia), social and emotional needs (e.g., ADHD), and sensory/physical needs (e.g., processing difficulties, epilepsy). Day‑to‑day SEN provision is led by the Director of Inclusion, with School Support or Specialist Teachers overseeing specific supports and Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The policy also details how SEN provision is identified, planned, and reviewed, including classroom differentiation and, if needed, short‑term out‑of‑class support. It also states the school uses an inclusion/co‑teach model to enable access to learning for students with diverse needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The Inclusion Policy defines ELL (English Language Learners) as students who are new to learning English or require additional support with English. The policy confirms that English language learners receive appropriate support within the school's provision, including structures for identifying and addressing very limited English proficiency, with out‑of‑class support available when needed. The school emphasizes inclusive teaching approaches, ensuring that ELL students are supported in mainstream classroom settings with targeted strategies as part of SEN/inclusion planning. The policy also indicates that staff provide professional guidance and coordinate with families and external agencies to support students with SEND, including those with language needs.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Wellbeing Policy sets out a holistic framework for mental, emotional, social, and physical well‑being across the school community, stating that wellbeing and happiness are central to student growth. It promotes a whole‑school approach, with clear roles, responsibilities, and resources to support wellbeing, and it aligns wellbeing practices with safeguarding and health policies. The policy emphasises inclusivity, collaboration among stakeholders, and evidence‑based practices, including dedicated wellbeing lessons, assemblies, and activities. Wellbeing leads and champions coordinate school‑wide initiatives, ensuring that wellbeing is embedded in daily practice and curriculum. The policy also distinguishes wellbeing from mental health, while outlining how both areas are addressed in a coordinated, proactive manner.	Mental wellbeing Access to health centre and dedicated support staff
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The GEMS Safeguarding Policy assigns clear governance and operational responsibilities, including a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who oversees safeguarding and child protection within the school and ensures staff training and case recording. Staff are trained to document concerns on the Guard safeguarding platform and escalate high‑risk cases to the DSL or Deputy DSL, with the Central Safeguarding Team providing guidance and external referrals as needed. There are dedicated roles such as the Allegations Manager and Deputy, who handle safeguarding allegations against adults and coordinate with HR, with whistleblowing and complaints procedures aligned to safeguarding standards. The policy also covers safer recruitment, safeguarding training, and safeguarding of online safety, as well as procedures for responding to disclosures and protecting students. The policy is effective August 1, 2025, with a planned review date of August 1, 2026.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Dubai Sports City campus spans 47,600 square metres and is designed to integrate academic spaces with extensive sport, arts, and innovation facilities. At the heart is the Research Hub, a three-storey vertical learning space that replaces the traditional library and connects students through immersive research zones, robotics labs, Extended Reality studios, and 360° digital lounges. The campus includes AR and VR-enabled learning centres, a Disruption Lab and Research Centre, and specialist STEM laboratories to support project-based learning. A 600-seat auditorium and dedicated spaces for music, drama, and visual arts enable performances and creative work, complemented by a professional-grade media suite for broadcasting and productions. The LEED Gold-certified campus uses solar energy for part of its power and emphasizes sustainability in learning environments and outdoor spaces.	Facilities overview Campus within Dubai Sports City providing access to world-class sports and wellness infrastructure alongside dedicated academic and recreational facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Athletic facilities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a FIFA-standard football pitch, and a 400m athletics track. A custom-built fencing facility supports fencing as part of the athletic program. The sports infrastructure is paired with multi-purpose spaces designed to accommodate a range of athletic activities as part of the school's holistic approach.	Sports facilities Access to Dubai Sports City facilities including world-class sports venues. Outdoor education programme.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The central Academic Hub centers on the Research Hub, a three-storey vertical learning space that replaces the traditional library and provides collaborative spaces for reading, research, and innovation. A Disruption Lab and Research Centre fosters entrepreneurial thinking and real-world problem solving. The campus houses specialist robotics and science laboratories, along with engineering facilities such as an F1 and Karting Engineering Lab and a FoodTec Lab equipped with hydroponics and 3D food printing technology. AR and VR-enabled learning centres and immersive research zones expand technology-rich teaching across the curriculum. A 600-seat auditorium and dedicated spaces for music, drama, and visual arts support interdisciplinary learning and creative practice.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities A 600-seat auditorium and dedicated spaces for music, drama, and visual arts support performance-based activities as part of the co-curricular program. A professional-grade Media Suite enables students to produce live broadcasts, podcasts, and other media projects. The campus also hosts an Esports and Game Design Academy, complementing its arts and media facilities and offering opportunities in digital creativity and competition.	Extra curricular facilities Performing arts, innovation curriculum, outdoor education programme
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History GEMS Education announced the launch of GEMS School of Research and Innovation in January 2025, with plans to open in Dubai Sports City. The school is designed as a global hub for educational research, combining hand-picked specialist teachers, AI-enabled technologies, and an extended British curriculum. The project involved a build cost of about USD 100 million and a campus spanning roughly 47,600 square metres in Dubai Sports City. The mission centers on wellbeing and family engagement, including a Family First initiative to foster close collaboration with parents. It was planned to open in August 2025 and subsequently opened in November 2025, with Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed officially inaugurating the campus.	History International campus of Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet (est. 1573), bringing 450 years of British educational tradition to Dubai Sports City.
Community	Community The school places parental involvement at the center of its culture through the Family First initiative, designed to engage families in school life. Family First fosters close collaboration between families and staff and focuses on wellbeing and values-led education. Through the GEMS For Life programme, families can connect with partner schools worldwide, participate in UNESCO conferences, and access opportunities at universities and employers. The campus supports a wide range of future-focused programs and facilities that cultivate a sense of community among students, families, and staff.	Community Modern campus within the dynamic setting of Dubai Sports City
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association GEMS SRI uses a formal parent engagement framework named Family First to involve parents in school life. Family First fosters close collaboration between families and the school and emphasizes wellbeing and values-led education. Through the GEMS For Life programme and UNESCO conference opportunities, families can participate in a global learning ecosystem. Family First also links parents to broader school ambitions, including joint activities and feedback channels that influence curriculum and co-curricular planning. Public materials present Family First as the school's primary mechanism for parent involvement rather than a separate PTA structure.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school is located in Sport City, Dubai. It opened in August 2025 and is part of GEMS Education.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The curriculum includes specialist spaces for music, drama, and visual arts, with partnerships in music and performing arts such as Steinway and West End Stage.	Arts & creative Performing arts programmes
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The Pioneer Curriculum is rooted in the National Curriculum for England, with core subjects including English, Mathematics, and Sciences, and Arabic, Islamic studies, and moral education; specialist language pathways are offered in French, Spanish, and Mandarin.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Students engage in inquiry-driven, real-world learning with a focus on student agency, research skills, and values in action through a community-oriented approach.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Strong parent partnerships are emphasized, with a portfolio and mentoring framework designed to involve families in the learning journey.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Older students mentor younger peers; the school highlights leadership development, wellbeing programmes, and partnerships with industry and education experts.	Leadership & professional QE Futures career programme
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is central to the curriculum, with spaces and counsellors to support social development, resilience, and healthy habits; sport and physical development are integrated through Olympic-standard facilities.	Lifestyle & wellbeing QE Flourish wellbeing programme, outdoor education
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches English and Arabic as part of the curriculum. Specialist language pathways are offered in French, Spanish, and Mandarin.	Language provision Arabic taught as an additional language as required by UAE Ministry of Education
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards Draws on the 450-year legacy of Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet (est. 1573)
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations KHDA approved (approval number 1530027)
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initiate contact and learn about SRI. Families can book a one-on-one meeting with an admissions representative to discuss fit and next steps. Information sessions are available to provide an overview, and admissions information can be requested. The admissions process is designed to be clear and supportive. 2. Tours and visits. The School Tours program offers Pre-Prep visits (FS1 to Year 4) on Tuesdays and Prep visits (Year 5 to Year 8) on Thursdays during term time. Visiting provides a firsthand view of learning spaces and facilities. You can book a tour through the admissions pathway. 3. Application and enrollment. Submit an enrolment application to begin the journey; the site provides an enrollment invitation and encourages you to start the process. Year groups from Year 9 to Year 13 will be introduced in future academic years. 4. Fees and confirmation. Tuition is published by year group: FS1–FS2 116,000 AED; Year 1–4 134,000 AED; Year 5–6 152,000 AED; Year 7–9 161,000 AED; Year 10–11 197,000 AED; Year 12–13 206,000 AED. The enrollment invitation and fee details are presented on the admissions and information pages.	Admissions Admissions open for 2026-2027.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships 25% founding families discount. Sibling discounts: 5% second child, 10% third child onwards.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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