GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail vs GEMS Wellington International School

	G GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail Dubai, United Arab Emirates	G GEMS Wellington International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 46,436 - 94,406	Fees / year AED 47,527 - 103,399
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,006	Pupils 2,904
Typical class size	Typical class size 27	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 GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail is located in Dubai Hills, Dubai, UAE. The central Dubai Hills campus provides access from popular communities such as Dubai Hills, Al Barsha, Downtown Dubai, and surrounding areas. It is reachable via Al Khail Road (E44, Exit 18) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), with on-site parking and a dedicated drop-off zone. A school bus service operates with GPS-tracked buses for safety and convenience.	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 offers education from Nursery through Year 13. It includes Early Years Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2), Primary, Secondary, and Post-16 pathways, with programmes aligned to a British curriculum and progression from early years to sixth form.	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 The academy is co-educational (mixed gender). It is part of the British Schools Overseas network and follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales.	School type Co-educational day school; there are no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The academy describes itself as highly diverse, with representation from over 80 nationalities. The most common nationality is Arab, and a large majority of students are international rather than local Emirati. Local students are reported to be around 2% and international students around 98% in some third-party summaries.	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 GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail is an inclusive school with an Inclusion Team that includes Directors of Inclusion, SENCOs, specialist teachers, ELL staff, and counsellors. Teaching Assistants support FS1 to Year 6, and some students receive one-to-one Learning Support Assistant support funded by parents, with other levels receiving classroom or small-group support at no extra cost. The school follows KHDA guidance for inclusion and supports a range of learning needs, including English language learners and Students of Determination.	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 The school is a British international school overseas, following the National Curriculum for England and Wales. This aligns with its designation as a British curriculum school overseas.	Country affiliation The school operates as a British overseas school, offering the UK National Curriculum alongside the IB Diploma Programme.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation. KHDA/UK-origin listings describe the school as not having a specific religious ethos.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation; admissions state that religion is not a barrier to entry.
School day structure	School day structure Primary day starts at 7:45 am and ends at 3:00 pm, with doors opening at 7:15 am; Fridays finish at 11:50 am. Nursery offers flexible attendance options (2, 3, or 5 days) with multiple pick-up times (12:30 pm, 3:00 pm, or 4:00 pm) and a bus service.	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 The school provides a comprehensive bus service across a wide range of communities. All buses comply with RTA regulations and are GPS-tracked for safety. Nursery transport is available with a dedicated pick-up and handover process, including a bus guardian for each child.	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 fees - New student application fee: AED 525. - Application fee is refundable if the school does not offer a place (unless the child's registration is carried forward to the following academic year). It is non‑refundable if the school offers a place and the family chooses not to accept it. The application fee is not deductible from the total tuition if the place is accepted. Registration and re‑registration deposits - Registration deposit (payable after an offer is accepted): 10% of the total tuition fees for the academic year. This deposit is deductible from the total tuition but is non‑refundable. - Existing student re‑registration deposit (to guarantee a place for the following year): 5% of the total tuition fees for the academic year. This deposit is deductible from the total tuition but is non‑refundable. Tuition fees (annual and per‑term breakdown by year group) - Nursery: AED from 19,469 per year. - Foundation Stage 1 (FS1): Annual AED 47,527 — Term 1 AED 19,011; Term 2 AED 14,258; Term 3 AED 14,258. - Foundation Stage 2 (FS2): Annual AED 59,862 — Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959. - Year 1: Annual AED 59,862 — Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959. - Year 2: Annual AED 59,862 — Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959. - Year 3: Annual AED 59,862 — Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959. - Year 4: Annual AED 59,862 — Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959. - Year 5: Annual AED 59,862 — Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959. - Year 6: Annual AED 59,862 — Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,959; Term 3 AED 17,959. - Year 7: Annual AED 82,540 — Term 1 AED 33,016; Term 2 AED 24,762; Term 3 AED 24,762. - Year 8: Annual AED 82,540 — Term 1 AED 33,016; Term 2 AED 24,762; Term 3 AED 24,762. - Year 9: Annual AED 82,540 — Term 1 AED 33,016; Term 2 AED 24,762; Term 3 AED 24,762. - Year 10: Annual AED 92,878 — Term 1 AED 37,152; Term 2 AED 27,863; Term 3 AED 27,863. - Year 11: Annual AED 92,878 — Term 1 AED 37,152; Term 2 AED 27,863; Term 3 AED 27,863. - Year 12: Annual AED 93,959 — Term 1 AED 37,583; Term 2 AED 28,188; Term 3 AED 28,188. For Year 12 students with date of joining (DOJ) Sep 2024 onwards, the annual fee listed is AED 96,624 — Term 1 AED 38,650; Term 2 AED 28,987; Term 3 AED 28,987. - Year 13: Annual AED 93,959 — Term 1 AED 37,583; Term 2 AED 28,188; Term 3 AED 28,188. For Year 13 students with DOJ Sep 2024 onwards, the annual fee listed is AED 96,624 — Term 1 AED 38,650; Term 2 AED 28,987; Term 3 AED 28,987. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition fees are due prior to the start of the academic year and are payable in advance of attendance. Tuition is invoiced from the time of admission to ensure payments are processed before the start of the term. - The school collects annual tuition fees in three instalments, due before the start of each term. Instalment schedule: Term 1 — 40% of annual tuition; Term 2 — 30%; Term 3 — 30%. If a student enrols during the year, tuition may be charged starting from the beginning of the month of enrolment. Boarding fees - Not applicable. GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail operates as a day school and does not provide boarding accommodation; there are no boarding fees. Other costs and typical additional charges - Uniforms: School uniform is available for purchase from Threads stores (Times Square Center and Cityland Mall). Parents purchase uniform items directly from Threads; uniform costs are charged by the retailer. Contact details for Threads are provided for purchases and enquiries. - School transport (bus): Transport is provided through School Transport Services (STS). Transport registration and route availability are managed by STS; transport fees are charged separately by STS and are payable through the STS portal or at the STS counter. Fees and payment schedules for bus services are set by STS. - Extra‑curricular activities (ECAs): Internal after‑school clubs run by school staff are provided free of charge for many activities. External or premium clubs and external provider activities (paid ASAs) incur additional charges; those charges are set by the external providers and are payable separately. - Other potential additional costs: specialist external provider charges, exam/assessment fees, off‑site trips and some external coaching or holiday camps may incur separate charges as set by the provider; amounts are not detailed in the standard tuition schedule. Refund policy and withdrawals - Registration and re‑registration deposits are not refunded except in extenuating circumstances (for example relocation to another country/Emirate or other unforeseen circumstances). - Refunds of tuition paid prior to the beginning of the academic year are possible but the registration/re‑registration deposit will be deducted. If the student was enrolled for two weeks or less, one month's fees will be deducted. If enrolled between two weeks and one month, two months' fees will be deducted. If enrolled for more than one month, the full term's fees will be deducted. Refund calculations run from the start of the term and from the parent's official withdrawal request date (being on the register counts as days in school). - Refund method: card/online payments are refunded to the original card; cash payments are refunded by cheque. A written notice of one month is required for withdrawal to ensure documentation is prepared. Fee payment options and bank details - Accepted payment methods include in‑person payments at the school, wire transfer to the school bank account, and online/credit/debit card payments. The school also details promotional card options for fee payment (credit card offers may be available through banking partners). - Bank transfer details for school payments (currency: AED): - Account name: GEMS WELLINGTON ACADEMY AL KHAIL LLC. - Account number: 097520206557401. - Bank name: Dubai Islamic Bank (Dubai, UAE). - SWIFT code: DUIBAEADXXX. - IBAN: AE180240097520206557401.	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 Uniforms reflect the school's values of pride, unity, and professionalism and are designed to be smart and comfortable for all age groups from Nursery to Post-16. The uniform is available for purchase from Threads Stores located in Times Square Center and Cityland Mall, with Threads' opening hours 10:00 am to 10:00 pm seven days a week.	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 Students in Primary have three lunch options: bring a packed lunch from home, pre-order a packed lunch from the catering company Slices, or purchase lunch with Slices using cash or by adding funds to a student ID. The campus includes an on-site cafeteria to support meals and snack options.	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 GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail is part of the GEMS Education network. The school has a Local Advisory Board that includes GEMS leadership and parent representatives, indicating governance oversight from the network and parent community.	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 GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail delivers an enhanced British National Curriculum (NCfE) from Nursery through Sixth Form, with progression from Key Stage 3 to personalised Key Stage 4 and Post-16 pathways offering GCSEs, A-levels, and BTEC qualifications. Nursery runs for 2–3 years with a Reggio Emilia‑inspired approach, Foundation Stage covers 3–5 years with purposeful play, and Primary (5–11 years) delivers core subjects alongside UAE Arabic A/B, Islamic, UAE Social Studies, and specialist subjects such as Physical Education, History, Music, and languages French and Spanish. The Primary curriculum includes STEAM education from Year 1 and Projects for Change, plus LAMDA opportunities and a broad enrichment program including the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. In Secondary (11–16), Key Stage 3 provides breadth across subjects and Key Stage 4 enables personalised pathways with GCSEs, BTECs, and ASDAN qualifications. Post‑16 (16–18) offers a wide range of A-levels and BTECs with personalised pathways, plus Elite Sports Programmes, a Global Futures Curriculum, and performing arts qualifications such as LAMDA.	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 GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through an inclusive education framework. The dedicated Inclusion Team includes Directors of Inclusion, SENCOs, specialist teachers, ELL staff, and counsellors who provide tailored support across the school. The school welcomes English Language Learners, Students of Determination, and gifted students, and aims to develop social, emotional, and academic growth in every pupil. Teaching Assistants support FS1 to Year 6, with Level Three pupils receiving one-to-one Learning Support Assistant support funded by parents, and Level One and Two pupils receiving classroom or small-group support at no extra cost. Families are encouraged to share relevant documents to tailor planning, and the team collaborates with external specialists and runs parental engagement sessions to strengthen home–school partnerships.	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) GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail is an inclusive school rather than a specialist SEN institution. It welcomes students with a wide range of learning needs, including English Language Learners, Students of Determination, and gifted students. The Inclusion Team—involving Directors of Inclusion, SENCOs, specialist teachers, ELL staff, and counsellors—delivers tailored SEN support across the school. Teaching Assistants support FS1–Year 6, and Level Three pupils receive one-to-one Learning Support Assistant support funded by parents, while Level One and Two pupils receive classroom or small-group support at no extra cost. Admission is not conditional on a medical diagnosis, and the school collaborates with external specialists; parental engagement sessions help plan provision.	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 English Language Learners are included in the school's inclusive education approach. The Inclusion Team includes ELL staff who work across the school to support language development and access to the curriculum. The site describes ELL support as part of the inclusive framework, but does not publish detailed, separate EAL programmes beyond this staff role.	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 GroWell is embedded as the wellbeing curriculum across Foundation Stage to Year 6 and is a core part of the school's wellbeing approach. The Happy Confident Company's personal development and mental wellness programme is integrated into GroWell. GroWell lessons focus on self-belief, resilience, empathy, and emotional literacy, linking to social-emotional learning and life skills. The Upstrive app and daily emotional check-ins support ongoing wellbeing habits and self-reflection.	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 KHDA inspection 2023-2024 rates GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail as Very Good, noting safeguarding as a strength and citing procedures ensuring students are safe, cared for, guided, and supported. The school is National Online Safety Certified, indicating compliance with UK Keeping Children Safe in Education duties. A GEMS Careers posting confirms safeguarding is a high priority for staff recruitment.	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 GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail provides a comprehensive mix of academic, sports, and creative facilities across a modern campus. The school includes a Nursery and Early Years Centre, a Year 6 Transition Hub, and a Sixth Form Centre to support progression and age-appropriate learning. Creative spaces include an Auditorium/Theatre, a Black Box Theatre, and specialist rooms for Music, Art, Languages & Design, plus recording and film facilities. The sports complex features two large indoor sports halls, a climbing wall, multiple swimming pools, and full football, rugby, basketball and tennis facilities, complemented by a dance studio and fitness studio. A cafeteria, Medical Centre, libraries, and study zones complete the student support and social spaces.	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 Two large indoor sports halls (three storeys high) provide extensive space for PE and team games. A climbing wall enhances indoor sporting activity. The campus includes a 25-metre competition swimming pool, a 25-metre practice pool, and a dedicated pool for Early Years swimmers. Full football and rugby pitches, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a netball court support a wide range of team sports. A dance studio and a fitness studio complement physical education, with outdoor covered play areas available for all key stages.	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 Science and Technology Labs and dedicated ICT suites for computing and digital work. Libraries and study zones offer space for independent study and collaborative learning. A Recording and Film Studio and Food Technology classrooms support practical subjects and creative projects. A STEM Lab provides hands-on science, engineering and project work. Specialist rooms support Music, Art, Languages and Design, while the Sixth Form Centre and Year 6 Transition Hub back pathways to post-16 study.	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 Facilities support a broad range of extracurricular activities, including performing arts and media work in the Auditorium/Theatre, Black Box Theatre, and Recording/Film Studio, with dedicated spaces for Music, Art, Languages and Design that enable clubs and productions. Libraries and study zones support after-school clubs and group study. The well-equipped sports facilities enable after-school programs in swimming, football, rugby, tennis, basketball and netball, complemented by a dance studio and fitness studio. Outdoor spaces, a cafeteria, and on-site Medical Centre support daily life during extended school hours and events.	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 GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail opened in September 2013. It is part of the GEMS Wellington family of schools within GEMS Education, a Dubai-based private education group founded by Sunny Varkey. The school follows a British curriculum and is aligned with the Wellington model across Early Years to Post-16. GEMS Education was founded in Dubai in 2000 by Sunny Varkey and has grown into a large international operator with a global network of schools.	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 The WEK community is diverse, with students from over 80 nationalities. The school offers a broad enrichment and co-curricular program, including elite sports, STEAM, and leadership opportunities that run alongside the academic curriculum. Real stories from students and parents illustrate the school's community and its focus on wellbeing and personal growth. Community life is highlighted by sport and enrichment events, such as DASSA aquathlons and the development of facilities like an indoor tennis centre.	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 GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail organizes parent involvement through formal structures rather than a standalone PTA. A Local Advisory Board (LAB) provides parent representation and governance input, and the LAB includes a Parent Council Chair (Amira Barakat). The LAB Chair is Rachel Higgins, Principal of Jumeirah Primary School, and she chairs the LAB alongside other senior leaders and parent representatives. The Parent Council Chair and LAB members work together to coordinate parent input on school matters, with an explicit ‘Events' section visible in LAB governance pages and ongoing parent engagement through WEK communications. Real-world examples of parent involvement appear in school communications and blogs, including parent perspectives in Real Stories and updates on community activities such as sports and enrichment programs.	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 provides a British curriculum and delivers an enhanced version of the National Curriculum of England. It supports academic achievement through Key Stages, with GCSEs, A-levels, and BTECs available for pathways after Year 11, and a life-skills program in Year 12. It also includes STEAM, Global Futures, Projects for Change, and enrichment opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom.	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 curriculum emphasizes personalised pathways and higher-order thinking to prepare students for higher education and future careers. It includes leadership and enrichment opportunities as part of the program, with a university-oriented outcomes focus.	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 —	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 follows the National Curriculum of England, with English as the language of instruction. In Primary, Arabic A is taught to native Arabic speakers and Arabic B to non-native learners. French and Spanish are taught in Primary as language subjects. English Language Learner (ELL) support is provided across the school through the Inclusion Team and ELL staff, and the Early Years environment supports English development for learners learning English as an additional language; Nursery includes weekly specialist visits in Arabic, PE, and Music.	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 —	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 The school serves Nursery through Year 13 and is located in Dubai Hills, Dubai, UAE. Address: Exit 18, Al Marabea Street East, Dubai Hills.	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 null	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 —	Waitlist —
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