Queen Elizabeth's School Dubai Sports City vs Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai

	Q Queen Elizabeth's School Dubai Sports City Dubai, United Arab Emirates	R Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 93,500 - 154,420	Fees / year AED 78,758 - 119,713
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Day School	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British	Curriculum British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,240
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2025	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Queen Elizabeth's School is located in Al Hebiah Fourth within Dubai Sports City. This placement situates the campus within a well-established neighbourhood and provides students with direct access to the community's extensive sports and wellness infrastructure.	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 The school is structured to provide a continuous learning journey from Nursery through to Senior School (Year 13). For its initial opening year (2026–2027), the school is currently accepting admissions for Nursery up to Year 8.	Stages RGSG Dubai currently serves Foundation Stage 1 through Year 8, covering ages approximately 3 to 13.
School type	School type This is a co-educational day school where boys and girls learn alongside one another in an inclusive and collaborative environment. There is no mention of boarding facilities on the campus.	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 —	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 The school provides specialist support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) as well as those requiring English as an Additional Language (EAL). This provision includes dedicated support staff, tailored interventions, and inclusive teaching strategies to ensure all students can access the curriculum.	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 The school is strongly affiliated with the United Kingdom, delivering the National Curriculum for England and drawing its heritage from its founding institution, Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet.	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 The school does not state a specific religious affiliation. It operates as an inclusive environment focused on core values like community and integrity, welcoming families of all backgrounds.	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 standard school day runs from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, though exact timings can vary slightly depending on a student's specific year group. Extended co-curricular activities are also offered both before and after the main school hours.	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 A dedicated transport service is available, covering all major residential areas across Dubai using energy-efficient vehicles. For added peace of mind, the buses are equipped with real-time GPS tracking and advanced safety features, including CCTV for student check-in.	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 one-time, non-refundable application fee of AED 525 (inclusive of VAT) is required. To secure a place, a non-refundable tuition fee deposit of AED 7000 applies, which is deducted from the first term's fees. Tuition Fees (2026-2027) Annual approved fees are listed below. Payments are split per term (40% for Term 1, 30% for Term 2, and 30% for Term 3): Nursery: AED 93,500 FS1: AED 103,344 FS2 to Year 3: AED 112,847 Year 4 to Year 6: AED 116,410 Year 7 and Year 8: AED 136,604 Year 9 and Year 10: AED 142,542 Year 11 to Year 13: AED 154,420 Note: A 25% discount currently applies for founding families. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Tuition is divided into three instalments. Term 1 is due August 1st, Term 2 is due December 1st, and Term 3 is due March 1st. A 5% discount is applied if the annual fee is paid in full upfront. Boarding Fees The school does not offer boarding. Other Costs Tuition fees do not cover lunches, transportation, educational trips, additional inclusion/EAL support, or external extra-curricular activities. A KHDA transfer fee of AED 126 applies for local school transfers. Refund Information Pre-start withdrawals are refunded minus registration fees. If enrolled for two weeks or less, one month’s fee is deducted. Between two weeks and one month, two months' fees are deducted. Enrolment over a month incurs a full term’s fee deduction. Fee Payment Options Families can choose between full annual advance payments or three termly instalments.	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 —	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 Lunches not included in tuition fees	Food options —
House system	House system QE House programme fosters community and belonging	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership International campus of Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet (est. 1573)	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 British National Curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage through to GCSEs and A-Levels, delivered through QE Programmes including QE Flourish, QE House, QE Futures and QE Connect.	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 —	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 QE Flourish programme for student wellbeing	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) —	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 —	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 Access to health centre and dedicated support 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 —	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 Campus within Dubai Sports City providing access to world-class sports and wellness infrastructure alongside dedicated academic and recreational facilities.	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 Access to Dubai Sports City facilities including world-class sports venues. Outdoor education programme.	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 —	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 Performing arts, innovation curriculum, outdoor education programme	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 International campus of Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet (est. 1573), bringing 450 years of British educational tradition to Dubai Sports City.	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 Modern campus within the dynamic setting of Dubai Sports City	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 —	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 —	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 Performing arts programmes	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	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 —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional QE Futures career programme	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing QE Flourish wellbeing programme, outdoor education	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Arabic taught as an additional language as required by UAE Ministry of Education	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Draws on the 450-year legacy of Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet (est. 1573)	Awards The school has an Outstanding British Schools Overseas (BSO) accreditation and a Very Good KHDA rating from Dubai inspections.
Accreditations	Accreditations KHDA approved (approval number 1530027)	Accreditations The school is part of the Cognita family of Schools.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Admissions open for 2026-2027.	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 25% founding families discount. Sibling discounts: 5% second child, 10% third child onwards.	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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