doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
A

Al Diyafah High School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 11,596 - 24,655
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1714
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 14
Introduction

Al Diyafah High School L.L.C. is a KHDA‑inspected British‑curriculum school in Al Nahda 2, Al Qusais, Dubai, offering a continuous learning pathway from Early Years (FS1) through Sixth Form (Year 13) for pupils aged 3 to 18. The school follows UK examination pathways including Pearson Edexcel IGCSEs and AS/A‑Level options, and offers vocational BTEC Level 3 and Duke of Edinburgh opportunities. Admissions materials state assessments and entrance testing are conducted in English and applicants are expected to communicate basic needs in English, while the staff structure includes a Subject Leader for Arabic, indicating Arabic is taught. Published facilities include state‑of‑the‑art science laboratories and a focus on technology and hands‑on learning; the website also highlights an active extracurricular programme. The school publishes KHDA‑aligned age criteria, school hours and assessment procedures on its admissions pages.

7A St, Al Nahda Second, Al Nahda, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Al Diyafah High School has 1,714 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.

Location
Al Diyafah High School is in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus is on 7A Street in Al Qusais Industrial Area, within the Al Nahda 2 enclave, a location well connected by roads and close to Deira and Dubai International Airport. The school's address is commonly listed as Al Nahda 2/Al Qusais Industrial Area, Dubai.

Stages
The school delivers the Foundation Stage (EYFS) for early years, followed by primary (Key Stages 1–2) and secondary (Key Stages 3–4) under the English National Curriculum, concluding with a Sixth Form (Key Stage 5). The Sixth Form offers AS and A2 levels, and a BTEC Diploma option.

Type
Al Diyafah High School is a Co-educational, day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school has a diverse student body with over 1,900 students from several nationalities; exact counts and the local/international ratio are not published.

Additional learning support
The school provides student counselling and a Career Guidance Interface, and runs a Personal Enrichment Programme (PEP) to support holistic development. It also identifies and supports gifted and talented students through acceleration and enrichment activities. Explicit, published SEN provisions are not listed on the site.

Country affiliation
The school follows the National Curriculum of England, i.e., the British curriculum, and uses IGCSE and A-level qualifications. There is no formal country affiliation beyond this alignment.

Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation stated. Islamic studies are included as part of the curriculum where relevant.

School day structure
School timings are published as: FS 1–FS 2 from 7:15 am to 12:00 pm every day; Years 1–13 from 7:15 am to 2:30 pm Monday–Thursday, with Friday finishing at 12:00 pm. These timings are reflected in the admissions and know-your-school information.

Bus service
A school bus service is offered, with transport areas and corresponding fees for AY 2025–26. Areas include Al Nahda, Ghusais, Al Twar/Muhaisana, Bur Dubai/Karama/Satwa/Mirdif, Deira, International City, and Sharjah. The service is subject to seat availability, and an transport ID card can be issued; a AED 50 charge applies for reissuance. Contact transport@diyafahschool.com and +971 4 2671115 for details.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform FS to Year 13 is mandatory for all pupils. Uniforms must be purchased from the authorised dealer Sumeru Industries, with two purchasing options: in-person at Madina Mall (Uniform Shop, First Floor, Shop 39) or online at shopatsumeru.com; trials are limited to five items per visit. The headscarf worn for religious reasons must be white, and girls may wear ankle-length navy skirts instead of trousers for religious reasons; the PE kit is separate.

House System
Al Diyafah High School operates an inter-house system with four houses: Marco Polo (Red), Albert Einstein (Yellow), William Wordsworth (Blue), and Jesse Owens (Green). Each pupil is assigned to a House on entry and remains in that House; House Captains coordinate events such as Sports Day and inter-house competitions to foster aspiration and teamwork.

Governance and Ownership
The school is Al Diyafah High School LLC, part of the Diyafah Schools group in the UAE, with Diyafah International School in Abu Dhabi as another campus in the group. Leadership is headed by Principal Neetha Shetty and supported by a Leadership Team that includes a Vice Principal and Heads of key areas.
Fees

Annual tuition at Al Diyafah High School ranges from AED 11,596 to AED 24,655 for 2026/27.

Application & assessment fees

- Assessment (entrance) fee: AED 500 (including VAT); this amount is refunded if the student sits the assessment and admission is not successful.

- Admission and registration charge on confirmation of a new place: AED 1,000 (one‑time, non‑refundable and non‑adjustable). A separate registration/deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition is also collected on admission and is adjustable against the Term 1 fee but is not refundable if the enrollment is withdrawn. (An admissions overview page includes a different single figure for the one‑time charge in some communications; parents should note the school's formal fee schedule shows AED 1,000 plus the 10% deposit).

- Re‑registration for existing students: approximately 5% of the school fee charged annually (typically in March); this re‑registration payment is adjustable against the first term fee but is not refundable if the student withdraws.

Tuition fees (annual and per‑term) — Academic Year 2025–26

All figures in AED. Annual fee then Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3 as shown on the school fee schedule for AY 2025–26.

- FS1: Annual AED 11,596 — Term 1 AED 4,639 / Term 2 AED 3,479 / Term 3 AED 3,479.
- FS2: Annual AED 11,596 — Term 1 AED 4,639 / Term 2 AED 3,479 / Term 3 AED 3,479.
- Year 1: Annual AED 12,214 — Term 1 AED 4,886 / Term 2 AED 3,665 / Term 3 AED 3,665.
- Year 2: Annual AED 12,214 — Term 1 AED 4,886 / Term 2 AED 3,665 / Term 3 AED 3,665.
- Year 3: Annual AED 12,214 — Term 1 AED 4,886 / Term 2 AED 3,665 / Term 3 AED 3,665.
- Year 4: Annual AED 12,578 — Term 1 AED 5,032 / Term 2 AED 3,774 / Term 3 AED 3,774.
- Year 5: Annual AED 12,578 — Term 1 AED 5,032 / Term 2 AED 3,774 / Term 3 AED 3,774.
- Year 6: Annual AED 12,578 — Term 1 AED 5,032 / Term 2 AED 3,774 / Term 3 AED 3,774.
- Year 7: Annual AED 12,851 — Term 1 AED 5,141 / Term 2 AED 3,856 / Term 3 AED 3,856.
- Year 8: Annual AED 14,626 — Term 1 AED 5,851 / Term 2 AED 4,388 / Term 3 AED 4,388.
- Year 9: Annual AED 16,153 — Term 1 AED 6,462 / Term 2 AED 4,846 / Term 3 AED 4,846.
- Year 10: Annual AED 20,521 — Term 1 AED 8,209 / Term 2 AED 6,157 / Term 3 AED 6,157.
- Year 11: Annual AED 20,521 — Term 1 AED 10,261 / Term 2 AED 8,208 / Term 3 AED 2,052.
- Year 12: Annual AED 20,831 — Term 1 AED 10,416 / Term 2 AED 8,332 / Term 3 AED 2,083.
- Year 13: Annual AED 24,655 — Term 1 AED 12,328 / Term 2 AED 9,862 / Term 3 AED 2,466.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Term due dates shown for AY 2025–26: Term 1 due 15 August 2025 (Sept–Dec), Term 2 due 5 December 2025 (Jan–Mar), Term 3 due 5 March 2026 (Apr–Jun). All term fees are payable in advance on or before the due dates listed; Term 1 must be paid by the start of the academic year or the student will not be allowed to attend classes. Non‑payment can lead to withholding of reports, suspension and referral to KHDA as per published policy.

- On admission confirmation the 10% deposit and the one‑time admission & registration fee must be paid (deposit is adjusted against Term 1). Re‑registration fee (approx. 5%) is charged in March for existing students and is adjustable against Term 1.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not offered; Al Diyafah High School operates as a day school.

Transport (bus) fees and other optional charges

- Transport is optional and charged in addition to tuition; charges vary by route. Examples for AY 2025–26: Al Nahda/Ghusais/Al Twar routes AED 6,300 per year (Term 1 AED 2,520 / Term 2 AED 1,890 / Term 3 AED 1,890); Bur Dubai/Karama/Mirdif routes AED 7,200 per year (Term 1 AED 2,880 / Term 2 AED 2,160 / Term 3 AED 2,160); International City/Sharjah routes AED 7,875 per year (Term 1 AED 3,150 / Term 2 AED 2,363 / Term 3 AED 2,362). Transport allocation is subject to seat availability and additional terms apply.

- Tuition figures exclude certain mandatory services and incidental charges: books and online resources, progress tests/PEP, medical fees (incl. VAT where applicable), selected field trips, SEN/learning support, international assessment and examination fees, annual photography, graduation and some activities — these are charged in addition to tuition as applicable by year group.

Refunds and non‑payment consequences

- Refunds on withdrawal or cancellation are calculated in accordance with KHDA guidelines. The admission/registration deposit (and re‑registration fee) is adjustable against Term 1 but is not refundable if enrollment is withdrawn, unless KHDA rules require otherwise. Non‑payment can result in suspension, withholding of reports, refusal to re‑enrol and withholding of Transfer Certificate until outstanding fees/actions are resolved.

Fee payment methods and invoicing

- Accepted payment channels include the Diyafah Parent Portal (24/7 online payment by credit/debit card), bank‑to‑bank transfer to the school's account at ADCB (remittance advice to ebilling@diyafahschool.com for reconciliation), cash deposit at ADCB ATM, and cash or card payment at the school cash counter during posted hours. Parents are asked to email scanned remittance advice or deposit slips with the student GR number for reconciliation. Allow at least one working day for reconciliation. Cheque/PDC replacement or withdrawal requires a minimum seven working days' notice to ebilling@diyafahschool.com.

Contacts for finance and transport

- Finance / billing email: ebilling@diyafahschool.com. Transport contact: transport@diyafahschool.com. Specific route charges and seat allocation are handled by the transport team and are subject to terms and availability.

(Where multiple school communications use slightly different wording or figures for a single administrative charge, the school's published fee structure and KHDA fact sheets supply the formal year‑by‑year tuition and term breakdown for AY 2025–26 as the primary reference for the amounts above.)
Academics

Al Diyafah High School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Al Diyafah High School follows the English National Curriculum across its age range, beginning with the Foundation Stage (EYFS) in the early years. In KS1 and KS2, the curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England, taught alongside UAE MOE inputs, with core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic, and Moral and Social Cultural Studies, plus ICT, languages (French/Hindi from year 3), Art, Design, Music, Islamic Studies, and Physical Education. Key Stage 3 and 4 follow a two-year IGCSE pathway from Year 10, with Cambridge Assessment International Education and Pearson Edexcel boards offering subjects such as English, Mathematics, Arabic, Moral Education, Islamic Studies, and a wide range of option subjects (Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Geography, History, English Literature, etc.). The Sixth Form (Year 12–13) provides AS levels in Year 12 and A2 levels in Year 13, with 15 AS subjects and 12 A2 subjects; a Pearson Edexcel International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business is also offered, with mandatory subjects including Islamic Studies, Arabic A for native speakers, Physical Education and Moral Education. The curriculum is complemented by Personal Enrichment Programme (PEP), STEM, Peter Jones Foundation, Duke of Edinburgh, internships, and a formal Career Guidance programme. Gifted and Talented provision is supported through acceleration and enrichment, with CAT4 identification and opportunities to lead clubs and undertake additional IGCSE subjects where appropriate.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Al Diyafah High School provides Student Support Services including a Counsellor, Special Educator and Learning Support Assistants to keep students emotionally balanced and academically successful, with a Learning Support Programme that uses psycho-educational assessments to draw up individual education plans (IEPs). The team also supports Gifted & Talented learners through identification (CAT4) and enrichment activities, reinforcing SEL through counselling and targeted support. The school emphasises social-emotional development via the counsellor and relationships with staff to monitor wellbeing. The Student Support Team includes the counsellor, learning support staff, and a dedicated pathway for emotional/academic balance. The school also provides ongoing counselling for social and emotional needs and career guidance to help students plan their futures.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support is a formal programme; referred students have an individual education plan based on psycho-educational assessments conducted by external professionals, with intervention delivered in-class or one-to-one by the counsellor, special educator and Learning Support Assistants; a Shadow Teacher option is available. Gifted & Talented provision is identified via CAT4 and includes acceleration and enrichment, with opportunities to lead clubs and participate in external events. The structure aims to address a range of needs, including those requiring specialised intervention and monitoring. The school documents explicit processes for assessment, planning and progress monitoring through the Student Support Team.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision on its Student Support Services page. The available SEN/SEL content focuses on Learning Support, counselling and gifted education rather than EAL programmes.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is addressed through the Student Support Services, with a counsellor available for social and emotional needs and regular counselling as part of the school's approach to wellbeing. The Career Guidance component also supports students' mental and emotional planning for post-16 pathways. The team's aim is to keep students emotionally balanced and academically successful, supported by targeted interventions and monitoring.

Safeguarding
KHDA's 2023-2024 DSIB inspection for Al Diyafah High School L.L.C reports a Good overall rating, with Wellbeing rated Good and Inclusion rated Good; health and safety is rated Outstanding and the quality of student support rated Very Good, reflecting robust safeguarding and protective practices. These findings indicate a well-supported environment for student safety and wellbeing within the Dubai context.
Parent Experience

History
Al Diyafah High School Dubai was founded in 1982 by the late Mrs. Winnie D'Cunha. It began as a nursery with two children in a small villa on Al Diyafah Street. To accommodate growth, the school moved to a new campus in 2001, where it remains located. The Diyafah brand later expanded to Diyafah International School in Abu Dhabi, established in 2013. The Dubai campus now educates over 1,900 students from many nationalities, reflecting a longstanding commitment to holistic education. (sources: turn0search0)

Community
Al Diyafah High School fosters a learning community through acceleration and enrichment programmes that challenge gifted and talented students and offer leadership opportunities in clubs such as literacy, sports, and music. Students represent the school in events and competitions such as ADPIQ and the Dubai Scholars Cup, and some contribute to the school newsletter and concert scripts. The school supports experiential learning and encourages participation in Massive Open Online Courses and additional IGCSE subjects. A strong parent community is integrated into school life, with parents attending Career Fairs and the Options Evening alongside their children. (sources: turn2search7; turn1search1; turn2search3)

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Al Diyafah High School maintains an active parent community that collaborates with staff to support student development and emphasizes strong parent–school connections as part of its approach. Parents participate in major career and options planning events, such as Campus Career Fairs and the Options Evening. The school runs career-focused activities involving families, including the Diyafah Career Café and the Diyafah Career Connect, which bring industry professionals into the school for student career discussions. The International University Fair and the Annual Career Fair are organized with family involvement, providing access to university representatives from the UK, Canada, the USA, and other destinations. Career guidance and internship opportunities are integrated into the program, with families encouraged to engage in these experiences alongside their children. (sources: turn2search3; turn2search7; turn1search4; turn1search1)
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Al Diyafah High School has a modern campus that supports academic learning, creativity and student welfare. Every classroom is equipped with an interactive board to enhance teaching and learning. The senior library is well stocked with reference and fiction books, and class libraries are available for Kindergarten to Year 4, maintained by two librarians. Fully equipped Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories support practical science, and separate Computer Labs provide up-to-date software and hardware. Music and Art facilities support creative learning, with Music and Art taught in the curriculum and Art and Design offered at IGCSE, AS and A levels.

Sports Facilities
A spacious outdoor playground supports basketball, football and other games; the playground is described as open and closed, providing both outdoor space and covered areas for physical activity.

Academic Facilities
Interactive boards are installed in every classroom to support digital learning. The senior school library is well stocked with reference and fiction books, with class libraries for younger students, and two trained librarians maintain the library. Fully equipped Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories accompany dedicated Computer Labs with up-to-date software and hardware to support teaching and student work.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Music and Art facilities support creative learning, with Music and Art taught in the curriculum and Art and Design offered at IGCSE, AS and A levels. The campus also includes a on-site clinic with medical staff, a prayer room, a canteen, and a spacious playground for recreation; counselling services are available to students, and school transport is provided by an external provider.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school runs a Personal Enrichment Programme (PEP) that blends academics with experiential learning and 21st‑century skills. Experiential Learning includes hands-on activities such as App development, Hydroponics, Gardening, Photography, Craft, Robotics, Cooking and 'Best out of waste' projects. The programme also emphasizes independent enquiry, collaboration and real‑world problem solving, with industry professionals acting as moderators alongside teachers.

Arts & Creative
The Personal Enrichment Programme includes arts and creative activities such as Debate Society, TED‑Ed, General Knowledge Club, Eco Club, Public Speaking Club, Art Society and Drama Society. Music‑related activities include School Choir and various performances.

Cultural & Language
Arabic Culture Club is among the extracurricular options. Languages offered within the curriculum include French and Hindi from Year 3 onwards, and Arabic is taught as a core subject.

Social & Hobbies
Students may join Debate Society, TED‑Ed, General Knowledge Club, Eco Club, Public Speaking Club, Art Society, Drama Society, Arabic Culture Club, Music groups, School Choir, Personality Development Club, Dress Designing Club, Video Editing and Graphic Designing Club, and Advertising Club.

Community & Service
Community Service Programme is part of the Personal Enrichment Programme, providing volunteering and service opportunities.

Leadership & Professional
PEP fosters leadership, communication and teamwork through experiential learning and debate/public speaking activities. It includes sessions moderated by industry professionals and teachers to help students develop career‑ready skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical Education is a mandatory part of the curriculum, and the Personal Enrichment Programme includes sports and wellness activities to support overall well‑being.
Languages

Language Provision
The school follows the National Curriculum for England, with English as a core subject across KS1–KS4 and in the Sixth Form. Arabic is taught as part of the core curriculum; native Arabic speakers study in Arabic while non-Arabic speakers study in English in Islamic Studies. French and Hindi are offered as second languages (from Year 3 onwards in KS1/KS2) and appear as language options in Key Stage 3. For examinations, KS4 uses IGCSE; CAIE and Edexcel boards are available; the Sixth Form offers AS/A2 levels and a Pearson Edexcel BTEC, including English among AS/A2 options.

Bilingual Teaching
Yes; Islamic Studies uses a bilingual approach: native Arabic speakers are instructed in Arabic and non-Arabic speakers are instructed in English.
Admissions

Admissions
The school follows the National Curriculum of England in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The school operates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and uses a modern, technology–embedded facility. It offers a Personal Enrichment Programme (PEP) as part of its holistic approach to learning.

Scholarships
null
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare Al Diyafah High School with
vs The Apple International School
Search for more schools
Search schools in United Arab Emirates View all schools in Dubai View all schools in United arab emirates British curriculum schools in United Arab Emirates Open days & tours in Dubai What is the British curriculum? View all schools Search all schools