North London Collegiate School Dubai vs Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai

	N North London Collegiate School Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates	R Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 79,351 - 132,905	Fees / year AED 78,758 - 119,713
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,581	Pupils 1,240
Typical class size	Typical class size 9	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location NLCS Dubai is located in Nad Al Sheba, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City (Sobha Hartland), Dubai. The campus address is Nad Al Sheba, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Dubai, UAE (PO Box 242773). It sits about 3 kilometres from the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai, with road access via Al Khail and Ras Al Khor Roads. Travel times to nearby areas include roughly 10 minutes to Business Bay, about 12 minutes to Dubai Mall, around 18 minutes to Al Barsha, and about 20 minutes to Mirdif, depending on traffic.	Location The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai is located in Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai, off Hessa Street. The campus sits within Majid Al Futtaim's Tilal Al Ghaf community, between Dubai Motor City and Sports City. The site covers around 40,000 square metres and includes facilities such as classrooms, laboratories and a swimming pool. Access to the school is via Hessa Street, with transport options by car, taxi and public transport.
Stages	Stages Junior School comprises Early Years (Pre-KG – KG1), Lower Junior School (KG2 – Grade 2) and Upper Junior School (Grades 3–5), with IB Primary Years Programme delivered in the Junior School. Senior School covers Grades 6–12 (Years 7–13 in the UK system), divided into Middle School (Grades 6–8), Upper School (Grades 9–10) and the Sixth Form (Grades 11–12), culminating in the IB Diploma Programme.	Stages RGSG Dubai currently serves Foundation Stage 1 through Year 8, covering ages approximately 3 to 13.
School type	School type NLCS Dubai is a co-educational, IB World School. It operates as a day school (no boarding) with the IB continuum offered across the primary and secondary sections.	School type The school is co-educational and follows a British curriculum as part of the Royal Grammar School Guildford international network.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix NLCS Dubai serves a multinational student body described as an eclectic mix of many nationalities from around the world. The school notes a diverse international intake but does not publish exact nationality counts, the most common nationality, or local-to-international ratios.	Pupil nationality mix RGSGD hosts pupils from about 54 nationalities; a significant portion of the student body comes from the United Kingdom.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support NLCS Dubai provides inclusion and learning-support provisions. The Inclusion policy describes accommodations and adjustments for learners with barriers to learning, supported by a dedicated inclusion leadership team and Learning Support Assistants across Junior and Senior School. English as an Additional Language support is available from qualified specialist teachers.	Additional learning support RGSGD provides inclusion and SEN support, with an Inclusion team and a SENCO; KHDA inspection highlights wellbeing and inclusion as areas of strength.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation NLCS Dubai is part of the NLCS International family, which connects with NLCS (UK) as the mother school and includes multiple international campuses.	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom through the Royal Grammar School Guildford and operates as part of the RGSG international network, delivering a British curriculum.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no publicly listed religious affiliation for NLCS Dubai; the school operates within an inclusive, international IB framework.	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation. Islamic Studies is offered as an option for Muslim students in line with UAE requirements.
School day structure	School day structure The day for Pre-KG and KG1 begins with a 07:50 start and runs through structured periods ending around 13:50 for full-day young pupils. Grade 1–Grade 5 follow similar morning schedules with lunch and enrichment periods, ending around 11:15–14:00 depending on year and day. Senior School runs from 07:30–08:00 start times with a full timetable of periods, breaks, and two lunch blocks, finishing around 16:00 (with after-school activities until 17:00); Friday timings are shorter, finishing by 11:30 for the Senior School.	School day structure The school day typically runs from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm on most days, with a shorter session on Fridays finishing around 12:00 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details NLCS Dubai offers a school bus service with two zones. Zone 1 covers areas such as Meydan Heights, Downtown, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa area and surrounding districts; Zone 2 includes Dubai Marina, JLT, Palm Jumeirah and other locations. Morning pick-up generally occurs between about 06:20–07:15, with buses arriving at the campus around 07:40–07:50. Afternoon departures for Pre-KG and KG1 include early drop-offs, with other year groups returning routes accordingly; registration is via an online form and the transport team provides route details and timing adjustments.	Bus service details A school bus service is coordinated with external providers; routes and timetables are not published publicly. Public transport to Tilal Al Ghaf is accessible via Dubai Metro to Mall of the Emirates, followed by bus routes F30 or F47, with a short final taxi ride to the campus.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - A non-refundable Application Fee of AED 500 plus 5% VAT is required on submission of an application and prior to the child's assessment. A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a place; this deposit is offset against the annual tuition fee as set out in the school's parent contract. Tuition fees (academic year 2025–26) — annual and per-term (three terms per year) Note: The school's KHDA-approved annual tuition and the introductory discount offered to new joiners for their first year are shown below. Per-term figures assume three terms in the academic year (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). Term dates and the three-term structure are published in the school calendar. - Pre‑KG — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 91,735; Per term (approx.): AED 30,578. Discounted annual (introductory): AED 79,351; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 26,450. - KG 1 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 96,157; Per term (approx.): AED 32,052. Discounted annual: AED 83,176; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 27,725. - KG 2 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 104,999; Per term (approx.): AED 34,999. Discounted annual: AED 96,074; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 32,025. - Grade 1 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 104,999; Per term (approx.): AED 34,999. Discounted annual: AED 98,174; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 32,725. - Grade 2 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 104,999; Per term (approx.): AED 34,999. Discounted annual: AED 100,274; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 33,425. - Grade 3 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 104,999; Per term (approx.): AED 34,999. Discounted annual: AED 100,274; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 33,425. - Grade 4 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 108,314; Per term (approx.): AED 36,105. Discounted annual: AED 105,606; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 35,202. - Grade 5 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 108,314; Per term (approx.): AED 36,105. Discounted annual: AED 105,606; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 35,202. - Grade 6 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 127,103; Per term (approx.): AED 42,368. Discounted annual: AED 117,570; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 39,190. - Grade 7 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 127,103; Per term (approx.): AED 42,368. Discounted annual: AED 117,570; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 39,190. - Grade 8 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 127,103; Per term (approx.): AED 42,368. Discounted annual: AED 117,570; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 39,190. - Grade 9 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 132,629; Per term (approx.): AED 44,210. Discounted annual: AED 122,682; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 40,894. - Grade 10 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 132,629; Per term (approx.): AED 44,210. Discounted annual: AED 122,682; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 40,894. - Grade 11 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 143,681; Per term (approx.): AED 47,894. Discounted annual: AED 132,905; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 44,302. - Grade 12 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 143,681; Per term (approx.): AED 47,894. Discounted annual: AED 132,905; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 44,302. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school year is organised in three academic terms; published term dates show the three-term structure for the academic year. Fees are expressed as annual tuition (KHDA-approved) and the school applies enrolment/re-enrolment deductions against the first term where applicable. Re‑enrolment and enrolment fees are described in the school's KHDA fees fact sheet (re-enrolment fee: up to 5% of tuition or AED 500, whichever is higher; enrolment fee for new students: up to 10% of tuition), and these are non‑refundable and deductible from the first-term fees. Boarding fees (if applicable) - Boarding is not reported as part of NLCS Dubai's fee structure; the school's KHDA fees fact sheets and optional services lists do not include boarding charges. NLCS Dubai operates as a day school for the fees and services shown. Other costs and typical additional charges - Uniforms: listed ranges vary by grade; typical uniform costs are shown as approximately AED 300 to AED 2,750 (some grades list uniforms up to AED 5,000). - Transport: optional transport ranges are published as approximately AED 2,160 to AED 9,200 per year, depending on route. - Extracurricular activities: typical annual optional costs are shown in the range AED 1,000 to AED 6,000. - Canteen / school meals: ranges are given (examples AED 1,000 to AED 4,000 or AED 200 to AED 4,500 depending on grade). - School trips: example ranges AED 100 to AED 2,000 (some senior trips list higher maxima up to AED 40,000 for particular trips). - Board/examination charges: board examination charges are paid to the examination boards where applicable and are listed as charged by the examination board itself (separate to tuition). Refund and non‑refund rules - The Application Fee is non-refundable. The confirmation deposit is non‑refundable but is offset against the annual tuition. Enrolment fees (for new students) and re‑enrolment fees (for existing students) are specified as non‑refundable and deductible from first-term fees (re-enrolment: up to 5% or AED 500; enrolment: up to 10% of tuition). These non‑refund terms are set out in the school's KHDA fact sheet entries. Fee payment options and bank details - Accepted payment methods for application fees, deposits and other school payments include cash, cheque, credit card and bank transfer. Cheques should be made payable to North London Collegiate School Middle East LLC-FZ. Bank transfer details (example) show the beneficiary and account information (Beneficiary: North London Collegiate School Middle East LLC-FZ; IBAN: AE840240001520196793501; Bank: Dubai Islamic Bank). Parents are asked to supply the child's name and grade when making bank transfers. General terms and disclaimers about fees - All tuition fees and recorded discounts are KHDA‑approved and may be reviewed annually. Tuition fees do not include lunches, transportation, uniforms, or educational trips unless explicitly stated. Early‑payment discounts of up to 7% are offered for the 2025–26 academic year; sibling and corporate discounts are also available under the published discount schedules.	Fee details Application fee - AED 500 (AED 525 inclusive of VAT) charged per application. This fee covers standard assessment costs and is not deductible from tuition fees. Deposit required to secure a place - New pupils: a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the annual tuition fee, payable on acceptance and deducted from the annual tuition. Returning pupils: a re‑registration deposit of 5% of the annual tuition fee, deducted from the annual tuition. These deposit rules follow KHDA guidance on allowable deposits. Tuition fees (per term and annual total) - Early Years - FS1: Term 1 AED 31,504 · Term 2 AED 23,627 · Term 3 AED 23,627 · Total AED 78,758. - FS2: Term 1 AED 33,603 · Term 2 AED 25,203 · Term 3 AED 25,203 · Total AED 84,009. - Junior School - Year 1: Term 1 AED 38,224 · Term 2 AED 28,668 · Term 3 AED 28,668 · Total AED 95,560. - Year 2: Term 1 AED 38,224 · Term 2 AED 28,668 · Term 3 AED 28,668 · Total AED 95,560. - Year 3: Term 1 AED 38,224 · Term 2 AED 28,668 · Term 3 AED 28,668 · Total AED 95,560. - Year 4: Term 1 AED 38,224 · Term 2 AED 28,668 · Term 3 AED 28,668 · Total AED 95,560. - Year 5: Term 1 AED 40,745 · Term 2 AED 30,558 · Term 3 AED 30,558 · Total AED 101,861. - Year 6: Term 1 AED 40,745 · Term 2 AED 30,558 · Term 3 AED 30,558 · Total AED 101,861. - Senior School - Year 7: Term 1 AED 40,745 · Term 2 AED 30,558 · Term 3 AED 30,558 · Total AED 101,861. - Year 8: Term 1 AED 40,745 · Term 2 AED 30,558 · Term 3 AED 30,558 · Total AED 101,861. - Year 9: Term 1 AED 45,364 · Term 2 AED 34,024 · Term 3 AED 34,024 · Total AED 113,412. - Year 10: Term 1 AED 47,885 · Term 2 AED 35,914 · Term 3 AED 35,914 · Total AED 119,713. (Year 10 intake opened from September 2025; further year‑group roll‑out is subject to approval and expansion plans.) - Year 11: Term 1 AED 47,885 · Term 2 AED 35,914 · Term 3 AED 35,914 · Total AED 119,713. - Year 12: Term 1 AED 47,885 · Term 2 AED 35,914 · Term 3 AED 35,914 · Total AED 119,713. - Year 13: Term 1 AED 47,885 · Term 2 AED 35,914 · Term 3 AED 35,914 · Total AED 119,713. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition can be paid in full at the start of the academic year or by three instalments: 40% due in August (first term), 30% due in December (second term), and 30% due in March (third term). Tuition fees do not include school lunches, transport or educational trips. - Deposit handling: the registration/re‑registration deposit is deducted from the first instalment in line with KHDA fee regulations. The application fee (AED 500) is payable at application and is not deductible from tuition. - The school complies with KHDA billing framework (limits on deposits and instalment structure, and the requirement to publish a School Fees Fact Sheet). Exam fees for international board exams are charged on a cost‑recovery basis; these are additional to the tuition schedule. Boarding fees - The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai operates as a day school; there is no boarding provision and therefore no boarding fees. Other costs and optional charges - School lunches, transport and educational trips are charged separately and are not included in the published tuition figures. Some extracurricular activities run by external providers also carry additional charges. - Examination fees: international examination board fees (GCSE/A‑level/other) are charged to parents on a cost‑recovery basis. - Uniform: the school's uniform is supplied by Trutex and is available for purchase through the school shop and online; uniform costs are paid separately by parents. - Any specialist items (for example a personal IT device if not provided under a school scheme, sports kit replacements, extracurricular programme charges, or optional trips) are additional to the tuition figures above and are billed separately. The published tuition fees specifically exclude lunches, transport and external trips. Refund information - Refunds are processed in accordance with KHDA regulations. Registration/re‑registration deposits are generally non‑refundable except in exceptional circumstances (for example verified relocation outside the UAE) and are treated in line with the official withdrawal date when calculating any tuition refund. Tuition refunds are subject to KHDA timelines and applicable deductions based on the length of the pupil's enrolment. Fee payment options (notes) - The school's published fee documents set the instalment structure and deposit arrangements but do not list a specific set of accepted payment channels in the publicly published fee summary and parent contract. Bank transfer, card payments and online payment portals/mobile payment apps are commonly used by Dubai schools; parents should use the school's published finance contacts when arranging payment.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement All NLCS Dubai students from Pre-KG to Grade 10 wear a school uniform, which is supplied by the school's uniform supplier, Sumeru. Uniforms can be ordered online or purchased from the Sumeru store (location is listed on the site). Grades 11 and 12 follow a separate business casual dress code.	Uniform requirement Uniform is provided by Trutex and can be purchased from the school shop and online; the basic design and colours derive from the Royal Grammar School in England, reflecting the close relationship between the schools. From Year 1, pupils wear a tie; from Year 3, pupils wear a blazer in winter (November to March) and on formal occasions, with blazer wear optional in other months. Skirts should be no shorter than 1 inch above the knee; shoes must be black and practical.
Food options	Food options The Dining Hall serves varied, balanced lunches, and a staff and sixth form coffee shop provides drinks and snacks. The school operates as a nut- and sesame-free environment; vegetarian diets are catered for and any allergies or special dietary needs should be communicated to the school.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership NLCS Dubai is governed by a School Governing Body comprised of members nominated by NLCS (UK) and Meraki Education, the school's development partners. Parents are invited to participate as governors. The Executive Chairman is Deepak Malhotra.	Governance and ownership RGSGD is part of the Cognita family of schools, a global group that owns and operates Cognita-branded schools. Governance and strategic direction come through the Cognita network.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details NLCS Dubai follows the International Baccalaureate framework across its all‑through campus, offering the PYP for ages 3–11, the MYP for grades 6–10, and the DP for grades 11–12. The PYP uses six trans‑disciplinary themes and a broad subject mix including English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, ICT, and languages such as French or Arabic. In the MYP, students complete end‑of‑year eAssessments to earn the Middle Years Certificate (up to 56 points) and undertake the Community Project (Grade 8) and Personal Project (Grade 10), with a strong emphasis on Service as Action. The DP comprises six subjects (one from each group) with three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level (with occasional allowance for four HL), plus the Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS, for a maximum of 45 points. The language of instruction is English and Arabic.	Curriculum details The curriculum at RGSGD is based on the UK National Curriculum with UAE adaptations, and Arabic and Islamic Studies are core elements. The Early Years (3–5) uses a two-year EYFS-based programme with seven areas of learning: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication and Language; Physical Development; Literacy; Mathematics; Expressive Arts and Design; Understanding the World, along with three core learning characteristics: playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically. Key Stage 1 (5–7) follows the English National Curriculum for English and Mathematics; core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic and Islamic Studies (for Muslim pupils), with foundation subjects such as History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, Computing, Music and PE; a bespoke Riyada curriculum covers UAE Social Studies, Moral Education, Wellbeing and Leadership Development, and Prep includes an annual Leadership Project. Key Stage 2 (7–11) continues with English and Mathematics under the English National Curriculum, with core subjects including Science, Arabic, and Islamic Studies, and foundation subjects like History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, Computing, Music and PE, plus ongoing Riyada learning; pupils use specialist facilities (Library, Art Room, Technology Room) and access 1:1 digital devices. Senior School (12–18) follows the English National Curriculum with GCSEs in Years 10–11 (typically nine subjects with six compulsory: Maths, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and three options) and three A-Levels in the Sixth Form, with an Extended Project Qualification available. As of January 2026, RGSGD welcomes FS1 to Year 10 and is accepting Year 11 for a September 2026 start, with growth planned year by year in line with KHDA regulations.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Class sizes are publicly reported as around 20 students per class. External sources cite teacher–pupil ratios around 1:8 to 1:9; NLCS Dubai does not publish an official ratio on its public pages.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma Programme results at NLCS Dubai are consistently strong and place the school among top regional performers. In 2023 the DP average was 37.2 points, with NLCS Dubai described as the top performer in the Middle East for a third consecutive year. In 2021 the average score was 40, with about a third of students scoring 43+ and every DP candidate achieving at least 35; offers were extended by universities including Columbia, UCLA, LSE, UCL, St Andrews and Durham.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates have been admitted to top universities worldwide, with DP results frequently placing NLCS Dubai among the region's leading IB schools. The 2023 DP results (average 37.2) reflect strong performance relative to regional peers, and 2021 data highlighted offers from prestigious UK and US institutions as evidenced by the university destinations cited in school communications. The school emphasises university progression in its DP narrative, noting competitive placements across the UK, USA, Canada, South Korea, UAE and beyond.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented NLCS Dubai does not publish a separate Gifted and Talented program page. IB provision in PYP, MYP and DP offers pathways for advanced work, with the DP including Extended Essay and CAS to support high‑achieving students in independent research and service.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning NLCS Dubai places wellbeing at the core of its ethos, with a wellbeing-driven pastoral programme that emphasises Positive Education and Character Strengths. The taught pastoral curriculum includes themes on nutrition, exercise, sleep, emotions and healthy relationships, and the form programme features weekly mindfulness and wellbeing activities. The school uses iSAMS to log concerns and a Vulnerability Index to help staff identify students who may need additional support, with data reviewed to inform interventions. Students also have access to Careers Guidance Counsellors for grades 6–12, alongside student leadership and wellbeing structures such as a House system and a Student Wellbeing Committee, plus a student listening service called Sidiq. Senior-school pastoral care is supported by a team including school counsellors, and the Junior School receives pastoral support from class teachers, the school nurse and counsellors.	Social & emotional learning RGSGD frames social and emotional learning (SEL) within its pastoral care, aiming to nurture happy, resilient, and adaptable learners. Pastoral care operates through a close partnership with parents and treats each pupil as an individual, with older students encouraged to support younger ones. The Deputy Head oversees the pastoral care program, ensuring dedicated leadership for wellbeing and student development. Wellbeing is underpinned by the Cognita Be Well Charter, which RGSGD actively implements with six pillars, including healthy food choices and regular physical activity. The Be Well approach also fosters social engagement and community involvement, such as the Sparkle Foundation partnership that enriches students' lives.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) NLCS Dubai adopts a whole-school Inclusion Policy approach rather than a separate specialist SEN unit. The policy defines SEN as difficulties that require additional provision and outlines KHDA-aligned categories (Cognition and Learning; Communication and Interaction; Social, Emotional and Mental Health; Physical, Sensory and Medical). The Inclusion Department comprises roles such as the Inclusion Champion (Vice Principal for Pastoral), Head of Inclusion (Whole School) and Heads of Inclusion for Junior/Senior School, plus Support Teachers, EAL Teachers, School Counsellors and Learning Support Assistants, all working to remove barriers to learning. The school uses a Graduated Approach (Levels 1–3) with termly IEPs/ILPs and targeted interventions, escalating to outside professionals if needed. Gifted and Talented provision is recognised separately, with policy guidance available for further detail. The school explicitly states it provides inclusive education for all students, rather than describing itself as a specialist SEN institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) RGSGD is committed to inclusive education, welcoming all pupils and tailoring the environment to individual needs. It aligns with the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017) and follows the Directives and Guidelines for Inclusive Education (2020) and the Handbook for Schools (2019) to ensure quality instruction and support for SEND. The inclusive policies recognise pupils of determination and gifted learners, enabling them to grow and participate in school life. The school does not publicly disclose the exact types of SEN it can support, nor whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. Inclusive policies meet the standards of the above frameworks to ensure comprehensive support for each pupil's success.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language NLCS Dubai operates an English as an Additional Language (EAL) policy stating that English is the language of instruction and that EAL support is provided for students whose first language is not English. EAL teachers are part of the Inclusion Team and lead assessment, monitoring and the creation of English Language Learner (ELL) Profiles, coordinating with parents and other staff to ensure access to the curriculum. The policy describes admissions processes, ELL registers, and phased support, with targeted formats such as in-class literacy support, small-group study sessions, and 1:1 assistance; English language support may temporarily replace some lessons and is reviewed termly. Assessment follows KHDA guidelines (WIDA-based) and progress is tracked with clear exit criteria once students reach expected English proficiency. In Early Years, additional support may include opportunities to maintain home languages alongside English development.	English as an additional language There is no explicit EAL program described on RGSGD's public pages. The Inclusion page emphasizes inclusive education and access to quality instruction for all pupils, including those with SEND, but does not mention EAL specifically. No dedicated EAL staffing or language-support program is publicly disclosed on the site. The absence of EAL details means readers should seek direct confirmation from school admissions if EAL support is a requirement.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is integrated into NLCS Dubai's Wellbeing Policy, which defines wellbeing as the combination of positive emotions and functioning well within the school community. The curriculum emphasises Positive Education and Character Strengths, with a form-time rotation that includes mindfulness, gratitude and wellbeing activities, and service learning throughout the year. The school tracks wellbeing data (PASS data and a Vulnerability Index) to identify at-risk students and tailor interventions, with iSAMS used to log concerns and monitor trends. The Inclusion Team provides targeted support, and Careers Guidance Counsellors work with older students to plan for life after school. Staff and student wellbeing is supported by a dedicated Wellbeing Committee and professional development focused on wellbeing, including certificates and qualifications offered to staff.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is integral to the school's pastoral approach, described as effective pastoral care and a culture of wellbeing to support thriving learners and compassionate citizens. RGSGD implements the Cognita Be Well Charter with six pillars, including promoting healthy lifestyles through nutrition and regular physical activity. Social connection and community engagement are also emphasised, with the Sparkle Foundation partnership enabling giving and service activities. The pastoral care framework is overseen by the Deputy Head and involves strong partnership with parents to support each pupil's wellbeing. The overall aim is a supportive, inclusive environment that helps students build resilience and positive relationships.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding NLCS Dubai maintains a formal Safeguarding and Child Protection framework, with a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSLs across Senior and Junior School, and a named Head of Inclusion for safeguarding responsibilities. The Safeguarding Policy outlines safeguarding leads and contacts, procedures for disclosures, and escalation pathways, including reporting to authorities when required and maintaining confidentiality. Staff receive regular safeguarding training, and safeguarding duties are supported by a system (CPOMS) for logging concerns and coordinating responses. The policy lists external agencies and hotlines, and is aligned with UK and UAE best practices, including Wadeema's Law and Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines. The safeguarding team, led by the Vice Principal (Pastoral Care) and senior safeguarding leads, coordinates ongoing safeguarding across the school and liaises with external agencies as needed.	Safeguarding Safeguarding is a stated priority, with safeguarding measures designed to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. A Safeguarding Policy outlines the school's commitments, and all staff are trained in the latest safeguarding practices while new staff undergo extensive background checks prior to appointment. The Safeguarding Policy is accessible via the policy documentation provided on the site. The safeguarding framework operates within the broader pastoral care context to ensure a safe environment for all students.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus covers 38,000 square metres and is designed to provide the best possible learning environment and a close community feel. Large, bright classrooms are equipped with the latest technologies. When at capacity, the school will offer 13 science laboratories. Premium IT facilities and a state-of-the-art performing arts centre are part of the campus. A large dining hall and a range of sporting facilities include tennis courts, a basketball court, a cricket/football/athletics astroturf field, and an eight-lane indoor swimming pool.	Facilities overview RGSGD serves pupils aged 3 to 18 and currently educates students from FS1 to Year 10, with Year 11 admissions for September 2026. The school is a British curriculum international school in Dubai. There is a fabulous library at the heart of the school with weekly library visits and a library management system to support independent learning. There are excellent sporting facilities on campus, including a full-size football pitch, a 25m indoor swimming pool, a learner pool and a sports hall. The PE curriculum is delivered by specialist teachers and follows the English National Curriculum, supported by a sport-for-all ethos and a range of opportunities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sporting facilities include tennis courts, a basketball court, and a cricket/football/athletics astroturf field. The campus also features an eight-lane indoor swimming pool. These facilities support both daily physical education and competitive sport.	Sports facilities There are excellent sporting facilities on campus, including a full-size football pitch, a 25m indoor swimming pool, a learner pool, and a sports hall. The PE curriculum is delivered by a team of physical education specialists. The PE program is based on the English National Curriculum and follows a progressive structure. The school promotes a sport-for-all ethos with a diverse range of sporting opportunities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus features 13 science laboratories. Premium IT facilities are available across the school. Large, bright classrooms are equipped with the latest technologies. A state-of-the-art performing arts centre supports arts education.	Academic facilities A fabulous library sits at the heart of RGSGD, with weekly library visits and a library management system to support independent learning. Dedicated music staff deliver a broad music program, with opportunities to join the choir, instrumental groups, and music clubs. Computing is integrated across the curriculum, using devices from the Early Years with weekly computing lessons from Key Stage 1. The English National Curriculum underpins the academic program across year groups.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Junior School runs more than 100 extra-curricular activities each week. From Grade 1 onwards, students choose from an extensive elective programme including Chess, Coding and Robotics, Science Club, STEAM, and language options such as Mandarin and Hindi. Sporting opportunities include tennis, football, netball, cricket and swimming, with teams competing in DASSA leagues across athletics, aquathlon, cross-country, football, netball, rounders and swimming. The Arts include a school-run orchestra and choir, Drama clubs, and private Trinity Music and Drama lessons with performance opportunities throughout the year.	Extra curricular facilities Sport features heavily and RGSGD offers a diverse range of sporting opportunities. The enrichment program highlights a sport-for-all ethos and a broad array of sporting activities. Music is central to school life, with opportunities to join the choir, instrumental groups, and music clubs. Computing is integrated across the curriculum with regular computing lessons and device use from the start. A fabulous library supports independent learning, with pupil librarians helping run the library.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History NLCS Dubai opened in September 2017 as the second overseas campus of NLCS. The campus sits on a 38,000-square-metre site in Sobha Hartland, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Dubai, and includes eight science laboratories, a performing arts centre, tennis courts, a cricket/rugby field, and two indoor swimming pools. NLCS Dubai is described as the second overseas NLCS campus alongside NLCS Jeju in South Korea. Amanat Holdings completed the sale-and-leaseback of NLCS Dubai's real estate assets in 2018 for 360 million dirhams, with up to 45 million dirhams allocated for future expansion. NLCS Dubai traces its heritage to NLCS London, which was founded in 1850 by Frances Mary Buss, a pioneer in girls' education.	History RGSG Dubai is the Dubai campus of the Royal Grammar School Guildford in the United Kingdom, developed in partnership with Cognita. The campus welcomed its first pupils in 2021, with Nursery and Primary intake beginning in August 2021 and a broader year-range joining in September 2021. The school is co-educational, serving children aged 3 to 18, and is located in Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai. It operates as part of the RGSG International family, maintaining close links with its UK parent school and other RGSG campuses. KHDA rated RGSG Dubai Very Good on its first inspection in 2023-2024, and in 2025 British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection rated the school Outstanding.
Community	Community NLCS Dubai maintains an active community that includes alumni engagement and a parent community connected through the NLCS network. Alumni in Dubai participate in events such as ONL Breakfast: Dubai. The NLCS Dubai site provides events and information through the school hub, with activities such as Senior School In Action and regular tours. Parents interact with the school via an in-house parent portal, supporting ongoing communication and updates.	Community RGSG Dubai hosts a diverse, multinational community with 54 nationalities reported in KHDA summaries. The RGSG International network supports events such as International Day and cross-campus assemblies to celebrate cultures and foster a global school community. Cross-border collaboration with the UK campus includes visits and joint activities, such as the 200 Seconds Competition between RGSG Guildford and RGSG Dubai. The school also participates in external partnerships that enrich student life, including a sports collaboration with ISD Dubai Sports City and a branding partnership with The Els Club.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association NLCS Dubai operates within a parent-engagement framework aligned with the NLCS UK model, typically structured through a Parents' Guild that coordinates involvement and activities. The Parents' Guild at NLCS UK runs social and fundraising events such as the annual Fireworks Display, Bring & Buy Sale, and the Parents' Quiz, and supports activities like uniform sales, instrument exchanges, and volunteer help in libraries and trips. In Dubai, parent involvement is facilitated via the school's parent portal and regular communications, enabling participation in events and volunteering. Alumni-focused and community events in Dubai, such as ONL alumni gatherings, also provide opportunities for parents to engage with the NLCS network. NLCS Dubai's broader network supports parent engagement through school tours, Open Days, and junior/senior school activities.	Parent teacher association Public documentation does not describe a named separate Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for RGSG Dubai. Nevertheless, parent involvement is evident through school-led events and cross-campus activities, such as breakfasts with the founding senior leadership team to meet families. Alumni engagement includes Old Guildfordians Reunion in Dubai, connecting current families with former students. Cross-border activities with RGSG Guildford include joint events and learning experiences that involve families. External partnerships—such as The Els Club and Inspiratus Sports District—offer family-oriented events and opportunities. KHDA notes strong parental and community involvement as part of the school's leadership and management.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school runs over 100 extra-curricular activities each week, offering academic and skills-based clubs such as Chess, Coding and Robotics, Science Club, and STEAM. Senior School features a Senior Societies programme with over fifteen student-led academic societies and weekly Nicholson Lectures that extend learning beyond the syllabus. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is available, and local and international trips broaden perspectives and challenge students. The enrichment model sits alongside Academic Excellence and Exceptional Pastoral Care as a core dimension of the NLCS Dubai experience.	Academic & intellectual The school serves boys and girls aged 3 to 18. It currently welcomes FS1 to Year 10, with applications open for Year 11 for a September 2026 start, and will grow year by year in line with KHDA regulations. The school is part of Cognita.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Arts hold a special place in the NLCS Dubai community. Students can join the school-run orchestra, choir, and drama clubs and may take private music and drama lessons (Trinity) that lead to performances. Concerts, showcases, and productions celebrate developing talent and creativity, supported by a Performing Arts Centre and related facilities. The Senior School similarly highlights music, art, and drama opportunities and related performances throughout the year.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is the main language of instruction, with Arabic, French, Spanish, German and Mandarin offered as foreign languages. Mandarin and Hindi are also available through cultural and language activities within NLCS Dubai's after-school programming. The school provides language clubs and cultural activities as part of its enrichment offering.	Cultural & language The curriculum includes Arabic and Islamic Studies as core elements. Early Years uses English-language curricular planning, with Arabic and Islamic Studies integrated through specialist and core lessons.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies There are over 100 clubs and teams across the school, spanning academics, sports, and the arts. Sport is a major feature, with tennis, football, netball, cricket, and swimming, and teams compete in the DASSA leagues. The calendar includes large-scale theatrical productions, concerts, art exhibitions, and festivals, alongside MUN and other clubs. Mandarin and Hindi language activities also contribute to social life and peer engagement.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Local and international trips, the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, and learning outside the classroom broaden students' horizons and foster understanding of the UAE's culture. The House system and pastoral framework extend care and community beyond the classroom walls, linking with wider school and local communities. Active participation in clubs, societies, and service-oriented activities supports community engagement.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Senior students have opportunities to lead by creating and organising clubs and societies. The Senior Societies programme includes over fifteen student-led academic societies, and there are formal student leadership structures such as ‘The Big 4' to support leadership within the school. The Diploma Programme Coordinator and University Guidance team help develop students' professional and future pathways.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral care is at the heart of NLCS Dubai, with a vertical tutor system that provides individualised care and access to counselling, nurses, and a medical team. The House system creates a sense of belonging and community, with extensive cross-year collaboration and competitions. Counselling and wellbeing services, along with medical support, ensure student safety and holistic development.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the main language of instruction. Additional languages offered include Arabic, French, Spanish, German and Mandarin. Modern Foreign Languages are taught across year groups, with Spanish, French and Mandarin included in the junior curriculum, and Arabic offered as a language subject in the broader curriculum.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards The school has an Outstanding British Schools Overseas (BSO) accreditation and a Very Good KHDA rating from Dubai inspections.
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations The school is part of the Cognita family of Schools.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Initiate the application and arrange an assessment with the admissions team. The assessment for younger pupils may cover school readiness, behavioural development, sociability, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and mathematical skills. For older students, assessments may include verbal and non-verbal reasoning, working memory, processing speed, mathematical ability, and an interview. 2. The school uses an Age Placement Guide to map NLCS Dubai age bands to UK year group equivalents, covering Pre-KG through Grade 12 with corresponding UK-year equivalents. This helps determine the appropriate entry point for each child. 3. NLCS Dubai is an all-through IB World School offering PYP, MYP and IB Diploma and admits students from Pre-KG to Grade 12 for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. 4. If an assessment is successful, families are guided on the next steps by the admissions team, with ongoing communication through the contact channels listed above. The school's general enquiries line is +971 (04) 319 0888 and office hours are 8:00–17:00 Sunday–Thursday; 8:00–12:45 on Fridays.	Admissions 1. Make an enquiry and discuss with the Admissions Team. The team provides information and answers questions, and where possible a meeting with the parents and child is arranged to review suitability. The process is a three‑way partnership between parent, school and child. 2. Visit the school to meet the School Leadership Team and gain a sense of the environment. The visit allows families to view facilities, ask questions and assess fit. It complements the information provided during inquiry. 3. Apply for a place by completing the online application form. The online submission initiates the formal application process and next steps are explained by the Admissions Team. 4. An assessment is arranged to understand the individual learning needs of each pupil. The assessment informs staff about the pupil's strengths and any support required. 5. We welcome new pupils into the RGSGD family following assessment and discussion. The school aims to place families promptly once decisions are made. 6. Waitlists and application windows. Waitlists are in operation across several year groups for the 2026/2027 academic year. Applications are open for 2026/27 and 2027/2028. 7. Admissions age ranges. The school welcomes children from age three (toilet trained) and Year group placement aligns with KHDA guidance. KHDA-aligned year group placement is reflected in the admissions age ranges table.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist RGSGD maintains waitlists across several year groups for the 2026/27 academic year. Waitlists are currently in operation. Applications are open for 2026/27 and 2027/28.
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