Horizon International School vs Kings' School Al Barsha

	H Horizon International School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	K Kings' School Al Barsha Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 37,940 - 71,445	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	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 2,971
Typical class size	Typical class size —	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 Located in Dubai's Jumeirah/Umm Suqeim area, Horizon International School sits on Street 9A off Al Wasl Road in Umm Al Sheif. The central neighborhood is well connected by major routes such as Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, providing easy car access and multiple public transport options. The campus is set within a residential area and serves families from across central Dubai.	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 offers a through-school structure from Foundation Stage through to Year 13 (FS1 to A-Levels). It serves students roughly aged 3 to 18 years, with a through-school pathway from early years to post-16.	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. Boarding facilities are not offered.	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 The student body represents more than 50 nationalities. The largest groups are Arab and British, with Emirati students also present; local students comprise a small share of the roll (roughly around 1%), with the majority being international.	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 Horizon International School runs an inclusion programme that supports students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL). The school emphasises personalised learning and welfare as part of its provision.	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 British overseas school; follows a British curriculum.	Country affiliation The school follows a UK curriculum and is categorized as a British overseas school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No explicit religious affiliation; secular schooling.	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 The school day typically starts around 7:15–7:45 in the morning and finishes around 3:00–4:00 in the afternoon, with variations by year group. Friday hours are shorter. After-school care is available through a Star Club program until about 5:00 pm.	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 Horizon's bus transport is provided by Gulf Pinnacle Transport (GPT). GPT operates multiple routes serving Umm Suqeim, JVC, Dubai Marina, Al Barsha and nearby areas, with safety features including real-time tracking and video surveillance. The school provides bus route details and contact options for arranging transport.	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 fees - An application/assessment fee of AED 500 (AED 525 inclusive of VAT) is charged per application. This fee is not deductible from tuition. Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual totals) Early Years - FS1: Term 1 AED 15,532; Term 2 AED 11,650; Term 3 AED 11,650; Total tuition (annual) AED 38,832; Books fee AED 350; Total fees AED 39,182. - FS2: Term 1 AED 15,532; Term 2 AED 11,650; Term 3 AED 11,650; Total tuition (annual) AED 38,832; Books fee AED 400; Total fees AED 39,232. Primary School - Year 1: Term 1 AED 17,828; Term 2 AED 13,372; Term 3 AED 13,372; Total tuition (annual) AED 44,572; Books fee AED 600; Total fees AED 45,172. - Year 2: Term 1 AED 17,828; Term 2 AED 13,372; Term 3 AED 13,372; Total tuition (annual) AED 44,572; Books fee AED 700; Total fees AED 45,272. - Year 3: Term 1 AED 20,343; Term 2 AED 15,260; Term 3 AED 15,260; Total tuition (annual) AED 50,863; Books fee AED 850; Total fees AED 51,713. - Year 4: Term 1 AED 20,343; Term 2 AED 15,260; Term 3 AED 15,260; Total tuition (annual) AED 50,863; Books fee AED 850; Total fees AED 51,713. - Year 5: Term 1 AED 21,751; Term 2 AED 16,313; Term 3 AED 16,313; Total tuition (annual) AED 54,377; Books fee AED 900; Total fees AED 55,277. - Year 6: Term 1 AED 21,751; Term 2 AED 16,313; Term 3 AED 16,313; Total tuition (annual) AED 54,377; Books fee AED 900; Total fees AED 55,277. Secondary School - Year 7: Term 1 AED 24,635; Term 2 AED 18,476; Term 3 AED 18,476; Total tuition (annual) AED 61,587; Books fee AED 1,100; Total fees AED 62,687. - Year 8: Term 1 AED 24,635; Term 2 AED 18,476; Term 3 AED 18,476; Total tuition (annual) AED 61,587; Books fee AED 1,100; Total fees AED 62,687. - Year 9: Term 1 AED 24,635; Term 2 AED 18,476; Term 3 AED 18,476; Total tuition (annual) AED 61,587; Books fee AED 1,100; Total fees AED 62,687. - Year 10: Term 1 AED 26,550; Term 2 AED 19,912; Term 3 AED 19,912; Total tuition (annual) AED 66,374; Books fee AED 1,300; Total fees AED 67,674. - Year 11: Term 1 AED 26,550; Term 2 AED 19,912; Term 3 AED 19,912; Total tuition (annual) AED 66,374; Books fee AED 1,300; Total fees AED 67,674. Post-16 (Sixth Form) - Year 12: Term 1 AED 29,250; Term 2 AED 21,937; Term 3 AED 21,937; Total tuition (annual) AED 73,124; Books fee AED 1,300; Total fees AED 74,424. - Year 13: Term 1 AED 29,250; Term 2 AED 21,937; Term 3 AED 21,937; Total tuition (annual) AED 73,124; Books fee AED 1,300; Total fees AED 74,424. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or in three instalments: 40% in August for the First Term, 30% in December for the Second Term, and 30% in March for the Third Term. Tuition excludes school lunches, transportation and educational trips; some extracurricular activities provided by external providers may carry additional charges. - A non-refundable enrolment deposit of 10% of the annual tuition fee is required for new pupils and is deducted from the annual tuition fee; returning pupils pay a 5% deposit (deducted from the annual tuition fee) when re-enrolling. Re-enrolment fees for existing students are up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non-refundable and deductible from the first term fees. - The school was granted a tuition-fee increase of 2.35% for the 2025–2026 academic year under the KHDA framework; this increase is included in the published totals. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school does not list any boarding provision or boarding fees. Other costs and optional fees - Uniform: indicated range AED 500 to AED 2,000 (uniform is available from a designated supplier). - Books / required education supplies: year-specific book fees are shown above; fact-sheet values and guidance also indicate typical book and device costs by year. - Laptop / digital device (where applicable): typical range AED 1,500 to AED 4,000 (appears for applicable primary/secondary year fact sheets). - Transport (optional): typical range AED 6,750 to AED 10,000 per year depending on route/zone. - Canteen / school meals (optional): typical range AED 1,500 to AED 4,500 per year. - Extracurricular activities (optional): range AED 0 to AED 6,000 per year depending on activity. - Class photographs, local trips, awards and some extracurricular programme charges are listed as optional items with typical ranges (for example: class photographs AED 0–500; local field trips AED 0–3,000; Duke of Edinburgh participation and similar awards have separate charges). Learning support assistant costs are shown as a wide range when additional individual support is required. Refund information - Refunds and withdrawal charges are processed in accordance with KHDA regulations. Deposits and enrolment/re-enrolment fees are generally non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances (for example, approved relocation outside the UAE) and will be treated according to KHDA timelines and the school's published policy. The official withdrawal request date is used to calculate any refund due. Fee payment options - An online payments portal (HIS Payments) is available for fee submission; the portal provides a ‘‘Pay'' function for the types of fees listed (tuition, registration deposit, re-enrolment, transfer certificate, exam and activity fees). Parents may use the online payments portal identified as HIS Payments. - For payment arrangements or alternative methods, parents may contact the school's finance office via the school contact details (phone +971 4 348 3314; reception@hisdubai.ae). Notes and important points - Application fee, deposits, tuition instalment schedule, optional service ranges and the refund framework follow KHDA requirements and the school's published fee policy; some year-specific optional charges vary by year and by service. - The KHDA School Fees Fact Sheets for each year list mandatory tuition and common optional charges and are used by the school to show the ranges for optional services and supplies.	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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is compulsory for all students and must be worn during the day and when representing the school; grooming rules include no nail polish or non-essential jewellery, and long hair must be tied back. Foundation Stage to Year 2 wear a blue polo T-shirt with navy shorts or skorts; Years 3 to 6 wear a plain sky-blue shirt with navy shorts or skirts; Secondary students wear navy trousers or skirts with a white shirt and a school tie. All uniforms are stocked and sold via Sumeru Trading on the 1st floor of J3 Mall, Al Wasl Road.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options SwissCanonica provides school catering with a balanced daily menu that rotates on a twelve-week cycle. The menus follow Dubai Municipality guidelines and are Dubai Municipality-approved, with a vegetarian main option available on request. Meals are ordered by parents via the Spare app; for queries, contact canteen-horizon@swisscanononica.ae.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Cognita family of international schools.	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 Horizon International School Dubai provides a through‑school British education for ages 3–18, with Foundation Stage, Primary (KS1–KS2), Secondary (KS3–KS4) and Post‑16 pathways to GCSE/IGCSE and A‑Levels. The Foundation Stage follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage with seven areas of learning and a play‑based, personalised approach, with DSIB rating outstanding. Primary is organised into KS1 (Years 1–2) and KS2 (Years 3–6) and uses the English National Curriculum, with subjects including English, Maths, Science plus Arabic, Islamic/Moral Education, French, Geography, History, ICT, Art & Design, Music, PE, Swimming and Social Studies. Secondary comprises KS3 (Years 7–9) and KS4 (Years 10–11) with a broad range of subjects including English, Maths, Science, Arabic, Geography, History, UAE Social Studies, Islamic Studies, ICT/Computing, Art, Drama, Music, PE, and options such as French/Spanish; ASDAN is available for SEND. Post‑16 provides GCSE/IGCSE examinations leading into A‑Levels; 2023/24 GCSE results included 30% A/9-8 and 53% A/9-7, with 100% A*-C in English/Lit/Triple Science and 97% in Maths, and A‑Levels with a 100% pass rate and places at first‑choice universities.	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 GCSE results 2023/24: 30% A-A/9-8 and 53% A-A/9-7; 94% A-C/9-4; 100% A-C in English Language, English Literature and Triple Science; 97% A-C in Maths. A‑Levels 2023/24: 100% pass rate with all students securing places at their first‑choice universities.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Post‑16 pathways are designed to support university progression through GCSE/IGCSE and A‑Levels, with the aim of placing students at first‑choice universities; Year 9 curriculum materials emphasise a university‑bound trajectory and a range of post‑18 options.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented EVOLV3 is a dedicated programme for high‑ability students (Years 4–13) with weekend sessions; LAMDA qualifications are available through Music & Performing Arts; additional enrichment includes F1 in Schools and other Cognita Enrich ME opportunities.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Horizon International School prioritises Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) within a wellbeing-focused, inclusive education model. The Cognita network emphasises wellbeing through data-driven interventions and resources for families, and events such as Global Be Well Day. The Inclusion Policy states that the school places the learning, achievement, attitude, and wellbeing of all students at its heart, with a Quality First Teaching approach and curriculum modification to support Students of Determination. PSHE, Awareness Days, Circle Time, and Moral Education are used to promote social and emotional development across year groups. The school also provides a dedicated school counsellor and an Inclusion Support Team to support students' social, emotional, and behavioural needs. The Cognita wellbeing ethos and Be Well Day example illustrate the school's active focus on student wellbeing.	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 Inclusion Policy confirms Horizon caters for a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and for More Able, Gifted and Talented (MAGT) students, in line with the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017). It states that curriculum is modified to meet SEND needs and that admission for Students of Determination is welcomed, with provisions funded as a Standard School Service from the school budget. The school maintains an Inclusion Support Team with a dedicated Inclusion Champion and Head of Inclusion, plus a dedicated school counsellor, to coordinate SEND provision and pastoral support. Identification and assessment of SEND are carried out via a SEND Pathway, including assessments, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and involvement of external specialists when needed. The school lists categories of need including Cognition and Learning, Specific Learning Disorders, Developmental Delay, and other SEND categories, and it includes English as an Additional Language (EAL) within its categorisation framework. The Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework and KHDA-aligned practices guide identification, monitoring, and progress review through formal provisions and a structured cycle of assess-plan-do-review.	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 is explicitly included within Horizon International School's inclusive framework. The Common Learning Environment recognises English as an Additional Language (EAL) alongside English Language Learners, and the Inclusion Policy notes EAL as part of the student population requiring support. The school outlines an inclusive approach to meeting diverse language needs, in line with Dubai's inclusive education framework. The policy also highlights that English language learners are considered within the broader SEND and MAGT provisions, ensuring they access suitable adaptations and support as needed.	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 Mental wellbeing is a core component of Horizon International School's approach to wellbeing. The Cognita framework emphasises wellbeing with data-driven interventions and family resources, including events like Global Be Well Day. The Inclusion Policy states that the wellbeing of every student is central to the school's work, and that pupils' social, emotional, and academic progress is supported through inclusive practices. A dedicated school counsellor is part of the Inclusion Support Team to provide mental health and emotional support, and wellbeing monitoring is integrated into the school's SEND pathway and wider PSHE curriculum. These elements together illustrate a structured, school-wide focus on mental wellbeing and early intervention.	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 and Child Protection are defined as a key priority in Horizon International School's Cognita Middle East policy framework. Safeguarding is presented as everyone's responsibility, with staff trained to identify concerns, share information, and escalate promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Deputy DSL (DDSL), or Regional Safeguarding Lead (RSL). The Safeguarding Policy covers definitions, governance, legal context, and procedures, and requires staff to follow established safeguarding processes, including information sharing when necessary. The policy details the roles, contact points, and escalation paths for safeguarding concerns, and it ties local regulatory frameworks (UAE laws and KHDA guidelines) to its practices. The policy is reviewed and updated regularly, with implementation dates and reviews (e.g., August 2025 revision) indicated in the document metadata.	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 is located at Umm Al Sheif in the heart of Jumeirah. The facilities enable every child to thrive and support a balance between academic rigour, creative pursuits, and sporting activities. Horizon International School provides a British education for students from FS1 to Year 13. The campus supports extensive sports and arts programmes and a wide range of extracurricular activities.	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 Extensive sports programmes are offered at Horizon International School. The school highlights extensive sports and arts programmes and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Cognita Enrich ME provides enrichment in football, swimming, netball, racquet sports, athlete development, and more. The F1 in Schools programme offers hands-on, team-based STEM activity that complements physical education and broader school sport and science learning.	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 Horizon International School offers premium British education for students aged 3 to 18. It is Accredited British School Overseas (BSO). The curriculum combines IGCSE/GCSE with post-16 examinations leading into A levels. KHDA inspection in 2023/24 rated the school as Very Good overall. GCSE results for 2023/24 show 30% of grades at 9-8 (A) and 53% at 9-7 (A-A). A-Level results for 2023/24 show a 100% pass rate with all students securing places at their first-choice universities.	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 Horizon International School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. The EVOLV3 programme targets gifted and talented students with monthly enrichment opportunities across subjects. ENRICH ME provides after-school enrichment across sports, music, dance and drama. Music & Performing Arts includes monthly showcases, theatre productions and LAMDA qualifications, with pathways for examinations and progression.	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 Horizon International School was founded in 2008 in Dubai as Star International School Umm Al Sheif, starting with the Early Years and expanding to a Primary program by 2010 and to a full Secondary intake in 2011. The school was renamed Horizon International School as part of its development to provide a through-school British education for ages 3-18. In February 2022, Horizon International School joined the Cognita group, becoming part of a Dubai network of Cognita schools; Darren Gale has served as Principal since September 2018. The school has earned recognitions including a Very Good KHDA rating, a NACE Challenge Award, and an Outstanding British Schools Overseas rating in recent years.	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 Horizon International School is a through-school community in Umm Al Sheif, Dubai, serving Foundation through Sixth Form (ages 3-18). The school has a multicultural student body drawn from more than 45 nationalities, reflecting a diverse learning environment. The school emphasizes community spirit and family values, fostering a sense of belonging among students, parents, and staff. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is available to students, and the school has delivered strong GCSE/IGCSE and A-Level results.	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 —	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 EVOLV3 provides weekend sessions for the school's most able, gifted, and talented students from Years 4 to 13, enabling specialised study in areas they are passionate about. The drama program includes LAMDA qualifications, integrating language and performance into learning. The school's enrichment ecosystem extends beyond the timetable through these targeted programs.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Performing arts are central to Horizon, with drama and music education that extends to performances, showcases, and productions. There are monthly Let's Perform showcases and school-wide performances, plus theatre trips and opportunities for drama clubs. LAMDA qualifications are introduced through the drama provision.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school is multicultural and open to all nationalities. It offers a British curriculum.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies STAR CLUB provides after-school care Monday to Thursday until 5 p.m. and Friday until 3 p.m. for Foundation and Primary ages. Activities include arts and crafts, puzzles, board games, story time, and indoor/outdoor play; a chillout area is available.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered to develop resilience, leadership, and community involvement outside the classroom, with formal accreditation upon achievement.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Duke of Edinburgh program develops leadership and transferable skills. EVOLV3 targets high-potential students, and LAMDA qualifications in drama support leadership in performance contexts.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is highlighted within the Cognita family through wellbeing resources for families and events such as Global Be Well Day. Drama education also fosters emotional literacy and personal growth.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction, with the Primary and Secondary curricula based on the English National Curriculum. Arabic is taught as a subject with MOE curriculum requirements; in Years 10–11 it is listed as 'Arabic (inc. compulsory MOE curriculum) – Arab passport holders only'. French or Spanish is offered as a second language in Years 7–9. The curriculum supports language learning within the British framework.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards KHDA rated Very Good overall for 2023/24; GCSE and A-Level results for 2023/24 show strong outcomes.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is Accredited British School Overseas (BSO) and BSME accredited.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Make an Enquiry. Reach out to the Admissions Team to discuss your needs and guide you through the next steps. Complete the enquiry form or contact the Admissions Office at +971 4 348 3314. The Admissions Team will respond with the next steps. 2. Book a Tour. Book a tour to discover our facilities and visualise your child in Horizon International School. Meet our Leadership Team who will show you around and discuss the curriculum. Tours are offered weekly. The tour helps families assess fit. 3. Submit your application. Submit an online application form with supporting documents. Applications can be submitted via the Apply Now option. The Admissions Team will review your submission and advise on next steps. 4. Assessment and Offer. The school uses age-appropriate assessments to understand your child's strengths and ensure they are well-suited to thrive. For younger children, assessments may include play-based activities to observe interaction, communication, and milestones. Older students (Year 1 and above) complete formal assessments in English, Mathematics, and critical thinking. For families residing abroad, virtual assessments are available, and you will receive the outcome within three working days. 5. Secure your place. Accept the enrolment offer and submit all requested documents within the time specified. An enrollment fee must be paid to secure the offer. Admissions age ranges align with KHDA guidance for Academic Year 2026-27.	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 Scholarships at HIS recognise, nurture, and reward outstanding secondary students in the academic, sports, creative and performing arts fields. Horizon International School has offered the scholarship mentoring programme for over five years. Scholars receive mentoring and opportunities to lead and contribute to school life, and they are encouraged to model leadership for peers. Details on scholarship availability and how to apply are provided in the Admissions & Fees information.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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