GEMS Wellington International School vs Kings' School Al Barsha

	G GEMS Wellington International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	K Kings' School Al Barsha Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 47,527 - 103,399	Fees / year AED 57,999 - 105,873
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,904	Pupils 2,971
Typical class size	Typical class size 13	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Kings' School Al Barsha is located in Al Barsha 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Umm Suqeim Road. The campus sits close to Mall of the Emirates and other residential areas, with convenient road access and on-site parking. The nearest Dubai Metro station is Mall of the Emirates (Red Line), and bus routes 84 and F30 stop near the school.
Stages	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.	Stages The school provides Foundation Stage (FS1) through Year 13 (Sixth Form), serving students aged about 3 to 18.
School type	School type Co-educational day school; there are no boarding facilities.	School type The school is co-educational. It operates as a day school, with a typical school day from 7:00 AM to 4:45 PM on most days and a shorter day on Fridays ending at 12:00 PM.
Pupil nationality mix	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%.	Pupil nationality mix The school attracts students from around 70 nationalities. The largest nationality group is the United Kingdom, with Emirati students numbering in the low hundreds (the KHDA data notes around 203 Emirati students) and a notable portion of students identified as being of determination (about 259).
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support The school offers care and support for students with Additional Learning Needs (SEN). There is a robust provision for students of determination, with a significant number of such students enrolled.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school operates as a British overseas school, offering the UK National Curriculum alongside the IB Diploma Programme.	Country affiliation The school follows a UK curriculum and is categorized as a British overseas school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation; admissions state that religion is not a barrier to entry.	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation is not part of the school's profile; the school is described as non-religious in its character.
School day structure	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.	School day structure School hours typically run from 7:00 AM to 4:45 PM, with Friday sessions ending at 12:00 PM. There is on-site parking and nearby public transport options for commuting families.
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details A school bus service is available, with bus routes 84 and F30 stopping near the campus. Transport fees, where charged, are listed in school fee materials (example ranges include 6,800–12,500 AED per year).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application / Registration fees - Application (assessment) fee: AED 500 (non‑refundable). Enrollment/confirmation deposit: up to 10% of the annual tuition for new students (non‑refundable and deductible from the first term's fees). Re‑enrolment fee for existing students: up to 5% of the tuition fees or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non‑refundable and deductible from the first term. Tuition fees (annual and per term) — academic year 2025–2026 Note: the school operates on a three‑term academic calendar; per‑term figures shown below are the annual tuition divided by three (see Billing schedule). The annual tuition figures below reflect the most recent published fees adjusted under the KHDA approved increase for 2025–2026. - Foundation Stage 1 & Foundation Stage 2: Annual AED 57,999; Per term AED 19,333. - Year 1 & Year 2: Annual AED 60,656; Per term AED 20,219. - Year 3: Annual AED 66,085; Per term AED 22,028. - Year 4: Annual AED 68,166; Per term AED 22,722. - Year 5 & Year 6: Annual AED 73,595; Per term AED 24,532. - Year 7: Annual AED 87,614; Per term AED 29,205. - Year 8: Annual AED 90,175; Per term AED 30,058. - Year 9: Annual AED 92,559; Per term AED 30,853. - Year 10: Annual AED 99,171; Per term AED 33,057. - Year 11: Annual AED 104,691; Per term AED 34,897. - Year 12 & Year 13: Annual AED 104,695; Per term AED 34,898. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school follows a three‑term academic calendar (Term 1: Sep–Dec; Term 2: Jan–Apr; Term 3: Apr–Jul). Fee invoices are issued against terms; the registration/enrolment fees are normally deducted from the first term invoice. Per‑term amounts above are calculated as annual tuition divided by three. - Registration, deposit and re‑enrolment fees are non‑transferable and non‑refundable; enrolment/deposit payments are normally applied to the first term. Specific payment deadlines and any available payment plans are issued with the offer and invoice. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered at the Kings' School Al Barsha campus (day school only). Other costs and typical additional charges - School uniform and required supplies: budget range indicated AED 60 to AED 2,000 (uniform items and optional accessories are charged separately and sold through the school's official supplier). - Transport (school bus): typical annual range AED 8,000 to AED 11,000 (depending on route/one‑way or return). - School trips and excursions: typical range AED 50 to AED 14,000 (local and overseas trips vary by programme). - Learning‑support / additional provision: where required, charges vary (examples published show a wide range up to the amounts indicated on the KHDA fact sheet). External exam board charges and some activity fees are charged separately. - Typical extracurricular and club activity costs, overnight camps and overseas educational trips are charged in addition to tuition; amounts vary by activity and year group. Example ranges reported by school fact sheets and fee summaries align with the figures above. Refunds and withdrawal / notice terms - Registration fee, enrolment/deposit and re‑enrolment fees are non‑refundable. Refund of tuition (when applicable) follows the Ministry of Education / KHDA bylaws: if a student withdraws prior to the start of the academic year, the balance of the first term's fees paid may be refunded after deduction of non‑refundable amounts; during the year refunds and charges are applied according to the published withdrawal/refund rules (examples: partial‑term attendance rules and minimum notice periods apply). Exact refund calculations are handled by the school finance office in accordance with KHDA rules. Fee payment options - Payments accepted include bank transfer and credit card. Credit‑card payments may be subject to a surcharge per card type. Bank charges for international transfers are payable by the payer. The school's finance office issues official invoices with payment instructions and available payment methods on the offer/fee invoice. Scholarships and discounts - The school offers a range of discounts and scholarship opportunities (employee discounts, sibling discounts and limited academic/sports/arts scholarships). Where applicable these are applied against standard tuition and are subject to eligibility criteria and duration terms. Specific scholarship/discount details and maximum percentages are published for the school's intake years. (End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
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.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is mandatory for all students. Post-16 students wear a black, dark navy or grey smart suit with a white shirt, while younger students follow the school's uniform guidelines including tucked-in shirts, skirts below the knee or with tights, and full-length trousers with smart black shoes. Head coverings must be plain black, white, or navy, and a PE kit is worn for physical education.	Uniform requirement —
Food 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.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	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.	Governance and ownership The school is part of Kings' Schools, a family founded in 2004 with Kings' School Dubai.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details The school teaches the British curriculum with UK Academic Qualifications. It serves ages 3 to 18, from Foundation Stage through Year 13. Primary through Secondary to Sixth Form. The school has more than 3,000 students from over 70 nationalities. The campus is centrally located and provides facilities for sports, arts and technology.
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 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.	Social & emotional learning Wellbeing is central to Kings' School Al Barsha's culture and ethos. The wellbeing program is described as ambitious and innovative, overseen by an experienced leadership team. Formal and informal wellbeing data are analysed to inform detailed improvement plans. Students support and influence the school's wellbeing provision, including student-led leadership and engagement in wellbeing initiatives. Curricular and extracurricular programmes, after-school clubs, and whole-school events promote wellbeing and provide targeted interventions based on data. Wellbeing is rated Outstanding in the KHDA inspection findings.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) 259 students of determination are recorded at Kings School Al Barsha in the KHDA DSIB 2023-2024 inspection. The DSIB notes exemplary policies, systems and practices supporting safeguarding and child protection. The report indicates health and safety arrangements and care and support for students are Outstanding across age groups. The curriculum is described as designed to meet the needs of all students, with curriculum design and implementation and curriculum adaptation rated Outstanding. Details on which kinds of SEN the school can support or whether it is a specialist SEN institution are not specified in the KHDA DSIB report. Overall, the findings indicate strong inclusion practices and learner support.
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language Language of instruction at Kings School Al Barsha is English. The KHDA DSIB notes that Arabic is taught to first-language learners and to Arabic as an additional language, with FS2 and Year 1 grouped for Arabic A and Arabic B and weekly Arabic lessons for younger students. English attainment is Outstanding across English in Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16. The DSIB report does not provide explicit information about a dedicated EAL program or explicit EAL support measures. No explicit EAL provision details are publicly disclosed in the DSIB report.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is central to the school's culture and ethos, with the wellbeing program described as highly ambitious and innovative. The program is overseen by an experienced leadership team and uses formal and informal data to monitor wellbeing and inform improvement. Students support and influence the wellbeing provision, taking on leadership roles and contributing to wellbeing initiatives. Curricular and extracurricular programmes promote wellbeing, including student-led initiatives, wake-and-shake sessions, and after-school clubs as part of the approach. Wellbeing is rated Outstanding in the KHDA inspection, reflecting strong provision and outcomes.
Safeguarding	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 The KHDA DSIB 2023-2024 notes the school has exemplary policies, systems and practices supporting safeguarding and child protection. The report states health and safety arrangements for child protection/safeguarding are Outstanding across all phases, with care and support described as Outstanding. The inspection highlights a nurturing environment and exemplary staff–student relationships as part of safeguarding outcomes. The safeguarding focus is integrated with the school's pastoral and wellbeing provisions, including the MSCS-based curriculum and assemblies. Overall, safeguarding is identified as a strength in Kings' School Al Barsha's DSIB findings.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview The school has a centrally located Dubai campus with world-class sports, art and technology facilities. The campus serves Foundation Stage through Year 13, with more than 3,000 students from over 70 nationalities. It is rated Outstanding by KHDA and delivers a British curriculum with UK academic qualifications. The learning environment is designed to support a broad, holistic education across the age range.
Sports facilities	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.	Sports facilities The campus has sports facilities as part of the central campus. The facilities are described as world-class and support physical education and sports activities. The facilities support a broad sports program across the school.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities The school teaches a British curriculum with UK academic qualifications. The campus includes technology facilities as part of its academic provision. The school serves students from Foundation Stage (FS1) through Sixth Form (Year 13). The central location and facilities are designed to support high-quality learning.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities The school provides a wide variety of activities within and beyond the classroom. Life at Kings' emphasises participation in activities as part of the educational experience.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Kings' School Al Barsha opened in September 2014. It is part of the Kings' Education family, which began with Kings' School Dubai in 2004. The Al Barsha campus delivers a British curriculum with UK Academic Qualifications. Kings' Education promotes the principle of ‘The Best By Every Child' across its schools. The Kings' School Al Barsha community comprises more than 3,000 students from over 70 nationalities.
Community	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.	Community Kings' School Al Barsha is an educational community centered around positive outcomes for young people. Its vision and values emphasize academic excellence, responsibility and leadership, emotional awareness and participation in a wide range of activities inside and beyond the classroom. Foundation Stage and Primary Open Day is held on 19 November to welcome prospective families and showcase the campus. The school serves a diverse community of 3,000+ students from 70 nationalities.
Parent teacher association	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.	Parent teacher association There is no formally named PTA published on the official materials for Kings' School Al Barsha. Parent involvement is supported through the Parent Essentials section and the Parent Portal, which provide information on after-school care, catering, transport and uniforms. Foundation Stage Open Day and other family events provide channels for parent participation in the learning journey. Family-focused events such as Family Fest have been organized on the Al Barsha campus, and Kings' Education also runs family events across its campuses, including Family Community Day and Foundation Stage Open Morning.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual —
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.	Arts & creative —
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.	Cultural & language —
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.	Social & hobbies —
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.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	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.	Leadership & professional —
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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards KHDA Outstanding for many years; the school highlights its accreditation and honors across multiple bodies.	Awards —
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.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions The school has an Outstanding KHDA rating. The school serves ages 3 to 18 (FS1 to Year 13), from Foundation Stage through Sixth Form. The school teaches a British curriculum with UK Academic Qualifications. The school has a centrally located campus with world-class sports, art and technology facilities. The school has 3,000+ students and 70+ nationalities. Admissions are open for the 2026–2027 academic year, covering Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form. The school can be contacted at +971 4 356 6900 and [email protected].
Scholarships	Scholarships GEMS Scholarships are the largest merit-based scholarship opportunity in the UAE. The candidates benefit from a concession amount determined on a case by case basis and the scholarships are awarded for a single academic year with the possibility of renewal based on academic progress. The school is currently not accepting scholarship applications.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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