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Arcadia School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 20,765 - 81,732
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1077
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 12
Introduction

Arcadia School, located in Jumeirah Village Triangle (District 9), Dubai, is a British curriculum day school providing education from Foundation Stage through Sixth Form (typical entry ages 3–18). The school teaches the National Curriculum for England across Key Stages 1–5 and prepares students for GCSE/iGCSE and GCE A‑level pathways; English is the medium of instruction. In line with UAE requirements it offers Arabic (Arabic A for native speakers and Arabic B for non‑native speakers), UAE Social Studies, Moral Education and Islamic Studies delivered as A/B streams where applicable; Modern Foreign Languages are taught in secondary and basic French is offered through enrichment. Facilities described on the school site include a LEED‑certified campus with temperature‑controlled swimming pools, indoor multi‑purpose sports halls, a 3G pitch and running track, climbing walls, specialist science, art, music and food‑technology rooms, language and library facilities, maker spaces and multiple iMac suites. The school highlights an Apple‑enhanced digital strategy with one‑to‑one iPad provision and in‑school enrichment programmes (Early Years Explorers, Enrichment Learning Programme, Sports Academy and Performing Arts).

District 9, Orchid St, Al Barsha South Fifth, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Arcadia School has 1,077 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
Arcadia School is located in Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT), Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The school sits in a residential area with good road access and is part of Dubai's private British-curriculum sector. Contact details include a Dubai post office box (P.O. Box 283800) and phone numbers +971 4 552 2600 and +971 4 552 2700.

Stages
Based on KHDA information, the school offers education from Foundation Stage (FS1) to Year 11. Primary covers FS1–Year 6 and Secondary covers Year 7–Year 11. The site also references Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form) in its navigation, but the current inspection data lists up to Year 11.

Type
Co-educational private day school; there is no boarding facility listed.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school has 1,077 students. The largest nationality group is British. Emirati students number 4; the remaining 1,073 are international. The school represents 93 nationalities.

Additional learning support
Arcadia provides inclusive education with an Inclusion and Exceptional Learners program and ASDAN. There are 117 students of determination and 4 Emirati students among 1,077 pupils, with two guidance counsellors. Wellbeing measures include Zones of Regulation and a digital wellbeing platform.

Country affiliation
The school operates in the United Arab Emirates and follows the UK National Curriculum. It is UAE-based with no formal country affiliation beyond offering British education in Dubai.

Religious affiliation
Not specified.

School day structure
The school runs an extended day with an all-inclusive programme delivered during the extended school day; an After School Care Club is available for additional care after the core day.

Bus service
The school offers a modern bus transport service with multiple zones (Zone 1–Zone 5). One-way and return options are available, with prices per zone listed (AED 5,850–AED 10,500 per term). Buses are CCTV-equipped with three-point seat belts and trained bus assistants; a Bus ID Card is issued after registration and the bus can be tracked via a transport app. Pick-up points can be communal and may be located within 100 metres of the residence.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Arcadia requires a smart school uniform. Uniform items are stage-specific: Foundation Stage includes knee-length skort (girls) or short trousers (boys), polo shirt, pullover and House Shirt; Years 7 and above require long trousers with a polo shirt, pullover and House Shirt. Uniform samples are available in the secondary campus, Trutex is the official supplier, and PE kit is ordered through Kukri Sports.

Food Options
The school meals program offers a variety of hot meals and snacks. Meals are designed to be balanced and accommodate dietary needs, with attention to allergens and nutrition. A cashless system for ordering meals is used, coordinated by Master Cook, with meal registration via online forms and an on-site school coordinator.

House System
Arcadia uses a traditional British house system with four houses: Hood, Potter, Poppins and Baggins. Every student is assigned to a house for the duration of their time at Arcadia, and siblings are placed in the same house; all staff are also assigned to a house. House points are awarded daily and contribute to the Arcadia House Cup, with leadership roles including a House Master, House Captain (Year 5) and House Vice-Captain (Year 2).

Governance and Ownership
Arcadia School is governed by a Board of Governors. Founding Governors include Mohan Valrani, Mohamed Al Shirawi, and Dr. Navin M. Valrani, with Giles Pruett serving as Executive Principal (Ex Officio). The school is part of Arcadia Education, a UAE-based group operating several Arcadia-branded schools, with governance structures such as the Arcadia Development Board and the Governors' Community Committee.
Fees

Annual tuition at Arcadia School ranges from AED 20,765 to AED 81,732 for 2026/27.

Application and enrolment fees

- Application fee (new students): AED 525, non-refundable and non-transferable.
- New-student admission deposits (deductible from the first term's fees): AED 7,500 (New Year), AED 5,000 (Primary), AED 6,000 (Secondary).
- Existing students: non-refundable re-registration deposit AED 3,000 (deducted from the tuition for the forthcoming academic year).
- Enrolment fees (where applicable): up to 10% of the tuition fee; non-refundable and deductible from the first term's fees.

Tuition fees by year group (approved annual amount, discounted annual amount, and per-term amount)

Note: fees below show the KHDA-approved annual tuition and the discounted annual tuition for A.Y. 2025–2026; per-term figures are the discounted annual tuition divided into three equal termly instalments (rounded to the nearest AED).

- FS1 — KHDA approved annual: AED 67,687. Discounted annual: AED 50,765. Per term: AED 16,922.
- FS2 — KHDA approved annual: AED 67,687. Discounted annual: AED 57,534. Per term: AED 19,178.
- Year 1 — KHDA approved annual: AED 77,839. Discounted annual: AED 66,163. Per term: AED 22,054.
- Year 2 — KHDA approved annual: AED 77,839. Discounted annual: AED 68,109. Per term: AED 22,703.
- Year 3 — KHDA approved annual: AED 77,839. Discounted annual: AED 71,612. Per term: AED 23,871.
- Year 4 — KHDA approved annual: AED 77,839. Discounted annual: AED 71,612. Per term: AED 23,871.
- Year 5 — KHDA approved annual: AED 77,839. Discounted annual: AED 71,612. Per term: AED 23,871.
- Year 6 — KHDA approved annual: AED 77,839. Discounted annual: AED 71,612. Per term: AED 23,871.
- Year 7 — KHDA approved annual: AED 82,893. Discounted annual: AED 78,749. Per term: AED 26,250.
- Year 8 — KHDA approved annual: AED 88,419. Discounted annual: AED 79,577. Per term: AED 26,526.
- Year 9 — KHDA approved annual: AED 88,419. Discounted annual: AED 79,577. Per term: AED 26,526.
- Year 10 — KHDA approved annual: AED 93,945. Discounted annual: AED 81,732. Per term: AED 27,244.
- Year 11 — KHDA approved annual: AED 93,945. Discounted annual: AED 81,732. Per term: AED 27,244.
- Year 12 — KHDA approved annual: AED 96,209. Discounted annual: AED 64,481. Per term: AED 21,494.
- Year 13 — KHDA approved annual: AED 96,209. Discounted annual: AED 64,481. Per term: AED 21,494.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard billing: fees are required to be paid in three termly instalments (three terms per academic year).
- Alternative monthly plan: the school offers an option to pay in ten equal monthly instalments (September to June). For the monthly option, parents must set up an automatic monthly debit with a bank card or submit ten post-dated cheques. Monthly payments remain subject to KHDA regulatory refund approvals.
- Admission deposits and registration payments are adjusted against the first term's fees; certain deposits/registration payments are non-refundable as stated above.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: not applicable. Arcadia operates as a day school and does not publish boarding or residential fees.

Other costs and optional fees

- Uniform: indicative range AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 (required school/PE uniform is excluded from the annual tuition total).
- iPad and Apple Pencil: a personal iPad and Apple Pencil are mandatory from Year 3 upwards; families may purchase from Arcadia or an official Apple supplier. iPad cost is excluded from the tuition.
- Transport (school bus): typical range AED 5,000 to AED 10,500 (optional service).
- Educational trips (local and overseas): typical ranges from AED 1,500 up to AED 10,000 for local trips and higher for international trips; individual trip charges are variable and optional.
- Learning support (where applicable): ranges shown AED 1,500 to AED 75,000 depending on level of support.
- School meals, branded items, external examination registration fees, and some field trips are excluded from the published tuition and charged separately.
- Fee inclusions: textbooks (equivalent value AED 1,500) and one complimentary teacher-led ASA for Years 3 and above are included in the annual fee.

Refund information

- Refunds and cancellations are handled according to the school's refund policy in line with KHDA guidelines. Certain fees and deposits are non-refundable (application fee, specified enrolment/registration payments, and re-registration deposits where stated). Admission deposits are adjusted against the first term fee as noted above.

Fee payment options and practical details

- Accepted payment arrangements: three termly instalments or the ten-month instalment plan (automatic monthly debit with a bank card or ten post-dated cheques for the monthly plan). The school operates an online parent payment portal for fee payments.
- Sibling discounts and bursaries: the school applies a 5% discount for the first sibling and 10% for second and subsequent siblings; Arcadia also publishes specific discounted bursary guarantees for children enrolling in the current academic year (discount percentages vary by entry year group and are shown in the school fee schedule).

(End of fees overview.)
Academics

Arcadia School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Arcadia School in Dubai delivers the English National Curriculum across all key stages: Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Key Stage 1 and 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (GCSE/IGCSE), and Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form) with AS/A-Levels, and with BTEC options available as alternative pathways. In Primary, core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science, with Foundation subjects including Art & Design, Music, Design and Technology, Computing, Geography, History, and Modern Foreign Languages; Arabic A/B and Islamic Studies A/B are provided from Year 1 and Year 2 in line with KHDA regulations. In Secondary, KS3 (Years 7–9) and KS4 (Years 10–11) follow the English National Curriculum, leading to GCSE/IGCSE, while the Sixth Form offers AS/A-Levels and, where applicable, BTEC routes. The curriculum is complemented by a Junior MBA option integrated in the Primary curriculum to develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills. The School also provides enrichment opportunities and a Sixth Form prospectus detailing university pathways.

Gifted and Talented
Junior MBA and enrichment programmes integrated into the curriculum support talented and motivated learners.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and emotional learning (SEL): The Arcadia School foregrounds student welfare as central to learning, with staff actively supporting every pupil's academic, pastoral, social, and healthy well-being. A Director of Inclusion leads inclusive practices and focuses on safeguarding and supportive environments for pupils of determination. The safeguarding team includes designated safeguarding leads for Primary and Secondary and other safeguarding staff who coordinate pupil protection and welfare. Dedicated school counsellors provide direct emotional support, including Prerna Anchalia (Primary Counsellor), Salima Musa (Middle School Counsellor) and Eddie Diver (Secondary Counsellor). The Enrichment Learning Programme (ELP) runs across the extended day, offering activities and in-class homework support to promote engagement and broad development. The school provides specialist English as an Additional Language (EAL) support as part of the core curriculum to aid language development and social integration.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL: Specialist support for English as an Additional Language is provided as part of the core curriculum. This support is described as part of the Enrichment Learning Programme and core provision for those whose native language is not English. The Enrichment Learning Programme (ELP) includes specialist EAL support to assist language development and academic participation. No separate EAL department is named in public disclosures, but dedicated EAL assistance is provided. Staff details beyond the EAL provision are not publicly listed. This approach aligns with the school's emphasis on inclusive education.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing: The school places welfare and happiness at the center of its approach to learning. Pastoral care notes that all staff actively support each student's academic, pastoral, social and healthy well-being. Dedicated student counsellors provide personal and emotional support across primary and secondary levels. A safeguarding and inclusion framework supports mental wellbeing by protecting students and promoting a safe environment. The school maintains a health and safety policy to ensure a secure setting for learning.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding: Arcadia School is committed to the protection of pupils against physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. A safeguarding team with designated safeguarding leads for both Primary and Secondary coordinates pupil protection and welfare. Safeguarding policies emphasize direct support for at-risk students, a school-wide protective ethos, regular staff training, and open communication with outside agencies responsible for pupil welfare. The school follows all government requirements to ensure alignment with UAE standards. Key safeguarding roles include Paul Fisher (Primary Designated Safeguarding Lead) and David Ince (Secondary Designated Safeguarding Lead), among other safeguarding staff. Further safeguarding resources include pocket guides and formal policies published for staff and visitors.
Parent Experience

History
Arcadia School opened in August 2016 in Dubai's Jumeirah Village Triangle as the first in a series of community-based Arcadia schools. It was founded under Mohan Valrani, chairman of the Al Shirawi Group, and forms part of Arcadia Education. The campus is LEED-certified, reflecting a sustainable, purpose-built design. In 2018–2021, Arcadia was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its innovative use of technology in teaching and learning. The secondary campus opened in 2020, expanding Arcadia from a primary-focused school to offer the English National Curriculum to older students.

Community
Arcadia School serves a diverse community with 93 nationalities. The school maintains a teacher-student ratio of about 1:12. The Arcadia community participates in events such as the Family Carnival in the Park, which brings together residents, families and local partners. Key community governance groups include the Arcadia Governors' Community Committee and the Arcadia Development Board.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Arcadia Parent Association (APA) is a voluntary non-profit organization focused on parental engagement to enhance community building and service at Arcadia School. APA aims to plan and execute events and initiatives that benefit the community, support student and school activities, offer services beneficial to the school community, and support the school leadership with KHDA and UAE initiatives. The APA is led by a chair, a vice-chair, a secretary and a treasurer, with roles including an events officer and a volunteer coordinator. APA collaborates with school staff, parents/guardians and students to build bridges within Arcadia's educational community. APA coordinates parent volunteers for events and activities, enabling broader participation in school life. Examples of APA activity include coordinating parent involvement in events and supporting community initiatives such as family events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Arcadia has primary and secondary campuses. The learning offering is based on the English National Curriculum and includes built-in enrichment while prioritizing wellbeing. Arcadia has Apple Distinguished School status. The school operates a Sports Academy and a Performing Arts program. An Enrichment Learning Programme is delivered during an extended school day at no extra cost.

Sports Facilities
The school provides a Sports Academy as part of its offering for students across the primary and secondary divisions. The program supports sport engagement and is integrated with the school's broader enrichment programmes.

Academic Facilities
Primary uses the National Curriculum for England and the EYFS Curriculum. Secondary provision includes Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 with University and Career Guidance. Inclusion and Exceptional Learners are supported, and the ASDAN Programme and an Academic Enrichment Programme are offered. Academic Results are monitored as part of the school's performance indicators.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arcadia runs a Junior MBA programme and a Performing Arts program. Junior Dukes and the Arcadia House System are part of student life. Arcadia has an Apple Distinguished School status and Digital Strategy and Digital Innovation initiatives. Primary and Secondary ASA Programmes provide after-school activities, complemented by the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the ASDAN Programme.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Arcadia follows the National Curriculum for England, with the Early Years Foundation Stage and a broad, enriched learning programme. An Enrichment Learning Programme (ELP) is delivered during the extended school day to provide additional learning opportunities. The Academic Enrichment Programme for Years 7–9 includes Philosophy, Rhetoric & Public Speaking, Global Politics, History, Environmental Science and Sustainability, Personal Research Project, and Cultural Studies, with ASDAN and other pathways extending opportunities beyond the core curriculum. The school offers Junior MBA and University and Career Guidance to support preparation for higher education and the workplace.

Arts & Creative
Arcadia has a Performing Arts programme that includes drama, music, and musical theatre. The Arcadia Performing Arts Academy lists a Drama Curriculum, Music Curriculum, Musical Theatre, and pathways such as Urdang. Performing Arts is taught in the school's on-site programme across primary and secondary, with dedicated spaces and specialists. Life At Arcadia highlights Performing Arts as a core element of the student experience.

Cultural & Language
Arabic is taught at Arcadia; from Foundation Stage 1, Arabic sessions are delivered by a native Arabic teacher in Foundation Stage classrooms. The Academic Enrichment Programme includes Cultural Studies and related units that explore culture through art, music, and storytelling. Arcadia has a diverse student body, with 93 nationalities represented on campus.

Social & Hobbies
Foundation Stage offers an After School Care Club with social, creative, and physical activities. The Enrichment Learning Programme (ELP) provides extended-day sports and non-sport enrichment activities. Junior Dukes is a six-level award scheme with a range of experiences in arts, sport, and culture. Arcadia's House System fosters identity and belonging with inter-house competitions and leadership opportunities.

Community & Service
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered with Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, emphasizing volunteering, physical activity, skills, and an adventurous journey. The ASDAN Programme offers modules across topics including Leisure, Recreation and Sport and Cultural Studies. Arcadia identifies opportunities for national and international competition in events such as music, math and science olympiads, Model United Nations, and the World Scholar's Cup. Arcadia's safeguarding and inclusion framework supports community engagement and purpose-driven activities.

Leadership & Professional
University and Career Guidance is provided with one-to-one support to help students prepare for university choices and career paths. The Entrepreneurial Leadership programme, developed with the Sands Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership, emphasizes opportunity-seeking, creative problem solving, resiliency, and resourcefulness. Arcadia House System assigns House Master, House Captain, and House Vice-Captain roles to foster leadership across year groups. The Junior MBA programme includes a university-ready mindset and a business-plan competition that develops leadership, teamwork, and enterprise skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Arcadia Wellbeing provides a Wellbeing Policy and a dedicated leadership team, including a Head of Wellbeing and counsellors to support students. The Sports Academy delivers a broad programme of sport with regular Games sessions and competitive opportunities. Foundation Stage students have weekly swimming lessons as part of their physical education. The extended day includes the Enrichment Learning Programme (ELP), which mixes sports and teacher-led enrichment activities to promote physical and mental well-being.
Reputation

Awards
Arcadia is designated as an Apple Distinguished School for innovation, reflecting a strong emphasis on technology-enabled learning.

Accreditations
The Arcadia School is positioned as a British private school in Dubai, offering the National Curriculum for England with an Early Years Foundation Stage framework, Primary and Secondary curricula, and a Sixth Form. It also provides in-school enrichment and technology-integrated learning through its Apple-powered program.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1. The parent completes the online enquiry form. The enquiry initiates the admissions process and collects initial information about the child and family. The school uses the information to determine appropriate next steps. Step 2. The parent provides all supporting documents through a parent portal link which will be shared with the parent. The portal enables submission of required documents for the eligibility review. The admissions team reviews the documents to determine whether the admissions criteria are met and to invite the child for assessment. Step 3. If the admissions criteria are met, the admissions team invites the child for assessment and provides scheduling details. The invitation includes timing and arrangement for the assessment. Step 4. The child undertakes an assessment and the parent pays a non-refundable, non-transferable assessment fee of AED 525 (Inclusive of VAT). The fee covers the assessment process and is non-refundable and non-transferable. The VAT is included in the amount. Step 5. If the assessment is successful and a place is available, a place is offered. The offer confirms the child's place in the relevant year group.

Scholarships
Discounted Bursaries are available. If a child enrols within the current academic year for FS1, 25% of the school fees will be subsidised for the first year, reducing to a 15% discount in FS2 and locked in for life thereafter. If a child enrols within the current academic year for FS2–Year 1, 15% of the school fees will be subsidised for life. If a child enrols within the current academic year for Year 2, 12.5% of the school fees will be subsidised for life. If a child enrols within the current academic year for Years 3–6, 8% of the school fees will be subsidised for life. If a child enrols within the current academic year for Year 7, 5% of the school fees will be subsidised for life. If a child enrols within the current academic year for Years 8–9, 10% of the school fees will be subsidised for life. If a child enrols within the current academic year for Years 10–11, 13% of the school fees will be subsidised for life. If a child enrols within the current academic year for Years 12–13, 32.98% of the school fees will be subsidised for life. Sibling Discount: the first sibling receives a 5% discount. These discounts apply to KHDA-approved fees as published in the school's Fees schedule.
School Events
The school has not added events
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