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Dubai English Speaking College

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 84,326 - 90,633
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1851
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 11
Introduction

Dubai English Speaking College (DESS College) is a not-for-profit, co-educational secondary and sixth-form college located in Academic City, Dubai, serving students aged 11–18 (Year 7 to Year 13). The college follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales (Key Stages 3–5), offering GCSEs, A Levels and Level 3 BTEC vocational courses alongside a distinct Vocational Pathway and Rockschool London (RSL) qualifications at post-16. English is the language of instruction; the curriculum also provides Arabic (Arabic A and B, including Ministry Arabic where required), and modern languages such as French and Spanish. The college publishes a broad subject offer across humanities, sciences, technology, arts and performing arts, and a sizeable sixth-form provision. Published facilities include extensive sports provision (including an indoor and temperature-controlled outdoor pool, large sports hall, fitness centre and grass and all-weather pitches), plentiful science laboratories, a new design-technology workshop with 3D laser printing, comprehensive art/drama/music spaces and a central library. DESS College is recorded as the first RSL International Centre of Excellence and, in inspection reporting, as having the largest sixth form in Dubai.

Al Rowaiyah Second, Academic City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Dubai English Speaking College has 1,851 pupils, typical class sizes of 11, instruction in English.

Location
DESS operates across three Dubai campuses. DESS Oud Metha hosts the primary school (ages 3–11) on Oud Metha Road. DESS College provides secondary and sixth form (ages 11–18) at Academic City. DESS Primary Academic City opened in September 2025 at Academic City, opposite DESS College. The Oud Metha campus is centrally located near the Oud Metha Metro on the Green Line, while the Academic City campuses sit in Dubai's educational hub.

Stages
DESS Oud Metha serves Foundation Stage to Year 6 (ages ~3–11). DESS College offers secondary and sixth form (Year 7–Year 13, ages 11–18). DESS Primary Academic City is the latest primary campus (opening 2025), joining the two existing primary and college sites to form a continuous path from age 3 to 18.

Type
Co-educational day school; the DESS group operates on a not-for-profit basis. The college and schools are described as mixed/gender-balanced in KHDA references. There are no boarding facilities advertised.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body represents 114 nationalities. The most common nationality and the local-to-international ratio are not published by the school.

Additional learning support
DESS provides inclusive education with access to external specialists as needed. If applicable, reports from outside agencies (Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Educational Psychologist, etc.) may be used to inform provision.

Country affiliation
Affiliation to the United Kingdom in practice through use of the English National Curriculum for Year 7–13; the schools are British-curriculum (UK) oriented and part of the Dubai English Speaking Schools family.

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation; the schools are non-denominational and emphasise inclusive, diverse education.

School day structure
School days for the secondary campus start around 07:30 (Academic City) and finish around 15:30; Oud Metha also runs a similar day length (approximately 07:25–15:30). Specific timetables may vary by campus and year group.

Bus service
A school bus service is provided for DESS Academic City by Maverick, a private, specialist provider. The service is door-to-door and available from Foundation Stage 1 upwards, with GPS tracking, seat belts, and a dedicated bus coordinator in time. Routes cover wide areas, including far reaches of Dubai's residential zones.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school requires all students to wear a uniform. Uniforms can be sourced from the on-site uniform shop and via Trutex, including Cityland Mall stores and online pre-ordering.

Food Options
The campus includes a Parent Café on site.

House System
DESS College uses a House System with Desert, Earth, Sky and Coast. DESS Oud Metha uses Jaguar, Leopard, Lynx and Panther; Each House has a Captain and Vice-Captain; House points are tallied through a range of activities.

Governance and Ownership
The Dubai English Speaking Schools group operates as a not-for-profit organisation.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dubai English Speaking College ranges from AED 84,326 to AED 90,633 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Application fee: AED 525 (an application-stage payment is requested for applicants; payment details are provided after submission of the application form).

- Acceptance (registration) fees (payable on receipt of the offer; non-refundable and deducted from the first term invoice):
- DESS Oud Metha (FS1 – Year 6): AED 3,500.
- DESS Academic City (FS1 – Year 6): AED 4,000.
- DESS College (Years 7–10): AED 5,000.
- DESS College (Year 12 / Sixth Form): AED 7,500.

Tuition fees — full year and termly breakdown (amounts in AED)

- DESS Oud Metha — Foundation Stage 1:
- Full academic year: AED 43,084.
- Term 1: AED 17,234; Term 2: AED 12,925; Term 3: AED 12,925.

- DESS Oud Metha — Foundation Stage 2 and Years 1–6:
- Full academic year: AED 53,320.
- Term 1: AED 21,328; Term 2: AED 15,996; Term 3: AED 15,996.

- DESS Academic City — Foundation Stage 1 (discount applied where indicated):
- Full academic year: AED 55,250 (includes specified discount where indicated).
- Term 1: AED 22,100; Term 2: AED 16,575; Term 3: AED 16,575.

- DESS Academic City — Foundation Stage 2 and Years 1–6 (discount applied where indicated):
- Full academic year: AED 63,750 (includes specified discount where indicated).
- Term 1: AED 25,500; Term 2: AED 19,125; Term 3: AED 19,125.

- DESS College — Years 7–11:
- Full academic year: AED 84,326.
- Term 1: AED 33,730; Term 2: AED 25,298; Term 3: AED 25,298.

- DESS College — Sixth Form:
- Full academic year: AED 90,633.
- Term 1: AED 36,253; Term 2: AED 27,190; Term 3: AED 27,190.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard term payment due dates (term-by-term invoices): 1 September; 5 January; 6 April. Invoices and term-due dates follow the published term schedule.

- Acceptance fees are non-refundable and are deducted from the child's first term invoice. One term's written notice is required when withdrawing a child from the DESS family (notice is to be sent to the admissions contact specified in school correspondence). Sibling discounts for third and subsequent children are calculated and applied in the Term 2 tuition invoice.

- Examination charges (e.g., GCSE/GCE) and external examination charges (e.g., music or dance exams) are not included in published tuition fees and are invoiced separately.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. DESS operates as day schools and does not list boarding provision or boarding fees. Transport services (school buses) and day-care/after-school offerings are provided where indicated.

Other costs and fees

- Examination and external assessment fees: Fees for GCSE, GCE and other external assessments are charged in addition to tuition and are invoiced separately.

- Transport (school bus) service: A door-to-door school-bus service is provided; safety features and operating arrangements are specified by the school and its transport partner. Transport fees are handled separately from tuition and are invoiced as a distinct charge. Specific route and pricing information is managed through the school's transport arrangements.

- After-school care / SuperClub: An extended-hours SuperClub is available for Foundation Stage 1 pupils; participation and any associated charges are managed separately.

- Uniform: Uniforms are supplied through the school-managed uniform arrangements in partnership with a uniform supplier; uniform costs are paid separately by parents via the supplier channels indicated by the school.

- Incidental charges: Trips, activities, specialist courses, replacement books, lost items and similar incidental costs may be invoiced separately and are not included in published tuition figures. The bank-transfer instruction fields reference reason-for-payment codes such as tuition, acceptance fees, application fees, trip, bus etc.

Refund information

- Acceptance (registration) fee: non-refundable; it is deducted from the child's first term invoice when a place is accepted.

- Withdrawal: one term's notice in writing is required when leaving; failure to provide the required notice may affect fee liabilities as stated in the school's admissions/fee terms.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Payment methods accepted: credit card payments via the SKIPLY mobile app, bank transfer, or bank cash deposit. Guidance on SKIPLY registration is provided to families for credit-card payments.

- Bank details for bank transfer (reference information must include pupil name or parent account code and reason for payment):
- Account name: Dubai English Speaking Special Branch College.
- Account number: 101-49485189-01.
- IBAN: AE50 0260 0010 1494 8518 901.
- Bank: Emirates NBD.
- SWIFT: EBILAEAD.
- Email a receipt/evidence of transfer to remittances@dess.sch.ae after payment.

Notes for parents

- Sibling discount application: sibling discount for the third and subsequent siblings is calculated and applied in the Term 2 tuition invoice.

- Examination and external charges (e.g., GCSE/GCE, music/dance exams) are additional to the tuition figures listed and are invoiced separately.

(If you need the specific invoice wording, payment reference format, or the school's formal fee policy, those items are reflected in the school's published fee and admissions materials.)
Academics

Dubai English Speaking College teaches British Curriculum for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
DESS College follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales for students aged 11–18, with three key stages: Key Stage 3 (Year 7–9), Key Stage 4 (Year 10–11), and Key Stage 5 Sixth Form (Year 12–13). Key Stage 3 offers Arabic A/B, English, Mathematics, Science, languages (French and Spanish), Art and Design, Design and Technology, Drama, ICT, Physical Education, Geography, History, Moral Education, Social Studies, Islamic Education for Muslim students, and Getting Ready for the Outside World. In Key Stage 4, students study core GCSE subjects—English Language and English Literature, Mathematics, Science (Double Award or Separate Sciences), and Arabic—plus three elective subjects from a broad suite; a Vocational Pathway was introduced for 2026. Key Stage 5 provides AS and A Level qualifications and BTEC diplomas, with a wide range of A Level subjects across sciences, humanities, languages, and the arts. Examinations are delivered through Edexcel, AQA, OCR and Cambridge Assessment International Education, and the school uses Go4Schools for live progress tracking alongside a Box & Bubble marking system, with three annual Progress Reports and dedicated Careers support via Unifrog.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
DESS Oud Metha uses a House System (Jaguar, Leopard, Lynx, Panther) to foster belonging and peer support, complemented by DESS 360 Care which prioritises balanced academic and emotional growth with dedicated staff, parent engagement, and collaboration with external agencies.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Dubai Inclusion Education Policy Framework guides practice; the Learning Zone provides inclusive support including tailored one-to-one programmes, boosters and focus groups, and in-class support, and the school welcomes students with all sorts of learning needs with admission assessed individually.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
A standalone EAL programme is not publicly described; language support is described within inclusive education via the Learning Zone's tailored support and inclusion policies rather than as a separate EAL department.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is central to DESS through the 360 Care focus on emotional growth, a nurturing environment, and parent involvement, complemented by character development (The 6Cs) and mindfulness/emotional-regulation initiatives; KHDA confirms an outstanding wellbeing provision.

Safeguarding
KHDA inspection notes safeguarding and health and safety arrangements as outstanding; safeguarding and welfare are supported by measures such as a safe bus service with safety features and an on-site medical team of nurses and a doctor.
Parent Experience

History
Dubai English Speaking College traces its roots to DESS, which began in 1963 as Dubai's first British school. DESS moved to the Oud Metha site in 1967 and formed a Board of Trustees in 1969. In 2003 the Dubai English Speaking Schools group decided to build DESS College (formerly DESC) to provide a dedicated secondary and sixth‑form pathway, and the college opened in 2005. DESS College is located in Academic City and, together with DESS Oud Metha, forms a three-campus family; the brand celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023 and opened a new Primary School in Academic City in 2025. DESS operates as a not‑for‑profit organisation with a locally based Board of Trustees reinvesting surplus into the schools.

Community
DESS describes its community as warm and inclusive, built on kindness, gratitude and humanity, with a diverse mix of students, staff and families. The House System groups students into Desert, Earth, Sky and Coast, with House leaders organizing cross-year activities that foster belonging. DESS 360 Care and the GROW wellbeing framework embed wellbeing, inclusion and parent engagement through information sessions and workshops. The three campuses—Oud Metha, Academic City and DESS College—educate around 3,800 students from 114 nationalities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Dubai English Speaking School College (DESS College) is the secondary and sixth‑form campus of the DESS group, located in Academic City, Dubai. The college offers modern facilities to support a British curriculum learning environment across academic, sporting and creative disciplines. It has extensive sport facilities to support Rugby, Netball, Football and Swimming, with over 120 teams and additional provision for Athletics, Basketball and Cricket. The arts program includes Rock School London vocational courses at Key Stage 5, CAPA and Music Practitioners, with a focus on performing arts such as dance and drama. Technology is integrated with a wide range of digital tools and a Digital Leaders program to enhance learning. A broad wellbeing framework and a wide extracurricular programme complement academic life.

Sports Facilities
Sport facilities at DESS College are described as state‑of‑the‑art, supporting Rugby, Netball, Football and Swimming. The college also fields over 120 teams and offers Athletics, Basketball and Cricket through specialist directors and development programs.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include classrooms and teaching spaces across the campus, with ongoing investment in equipment and spaces to support participation. Technology resources are integrated to transform learning, with a Digital Leaders program that explores new ways to support and advance technology use.

Extra Curricular Facilities
All facilities support a rich extracurricular programme, offering a wide range of activities for students to pursue passions and develop new interests. These activities help build skills, discipline, emotional resilience and character.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
DESS College emphasizes academic and intellectual development through its technology and enterprise offerings. The ICT and Computer Science department provides opportunities in AI programming and real world projects such as aerodynamics studies that lead to 3D printed F1 car designs. Enterprise education includes BTEC Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and Dragons Den style competitions. Real world problem solving is encouraged through projects linked to the UAE Government Drone Initiative and other real world applications.

Arts & Creative
DESS College supports arts and creativity through its Performing Arts program, which unites Dance, Drama, and Music. It offers Rock School London vocational courses at KS5 in CAPA and MUSPRA. The annual whole school musical production and various performances provide platforms for student creativity, supported by upgraded drama and music facilities, including a Mac Suite and a Recording Studio.

Cultural & Language
Italian for beginners is offered as part of the extracurricular program at DESS Academic City, and Cookery Club is another ECA that supports cultural and practical learning. The timetable for ECAs is released each term on the Parent Portal.

Social & Hobbies
DESS runs dozens of ECAs each week, scheduled before school, during lunch breaks, and after school. Examples include Rock Band and Robotics and Code Club, alongside a broad range of sports. The activities are designed to foster resilience, teamwork, and a sense of community.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is supported through the House system, which fosters belonging, resilience, and personal development. The college also offers mentoring and DES Careers programs to help students plan their next steps. In technology and enterprise, students may participate in leadership and entrepreneurship activities, including Dragons Den style projects.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is integrated into daily life through the GROW program and a comprehensive pastoral calendar. The GROW curriculum includes mental health first aid, self-defence, substance misuse and active learning strategies, delivered by staff and external experts. The sports program includes rugby, netball, football, swimming and many other teams, supported by specialist coaches.
Languages

Language Provision
Arabic is taught as Arabic A and B in Key Stage 3; Arabic A is for Arab passport holders and Arabic B is for other passport holders with GCSE qualification. French and Spanish are taught in Key Stage 3 and are available as GCSE options. English is used in the National Curriculum framework, with English Language and English Literature taught at GCSE and at A Level. GCSE options include a wide range of courses (including Arabic, French and Spanish) and a Vocational Pathway is introduced in 2026; A Levels, BTEC Level 3 and Rock School London (RSL) qualifications provide post-16 pathways.
Admissions

Admissions
1. DESS operates three campuses: DESS Oud Metha (Primary 3–11), DESS Academic City (Primary 3–11), and DESS College (Secondary and Sixth Form, 11–18). The Oud Metha and Academic City Primary campuses sit in Dubai, and DESS College is located at Academic City. Families can book a tour to visit and learn more, and the Admissions Team provides guidance throughout the process.

2. The curriculum for the primary campuses follows the English National Curriculum, with a focus on Mathematics, Literacy, and Science. Early years use Continuous Provision in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, and from Year 2 there is a blend of Continuous Provision and Invent, Explore, Inspire (I.E.I.). The 6Cs Developing Character program focuses on collaboration, communication, critical thinking and related skills to prepare for life-long learning. The College follows Cambridge assessment routes (IGCSE and AS/A Levels) for secondary education.

3. Applications are invited for Foundation Stage (FS1), Years 1–6, Years 7–10, and Sixth Form. In 2025, Year 7 and Year 6 applications are closed due to full capacity, and Year 7 2026 applications closed on 5 December 2025. The Admissions Team guides applicants through the process.

4. The Admissions Office is located at DESS College, Academic City (Security Gate 2, Parent Services Reception). Book a Tour or a Virtual Tour to learn more, and the Admissions Team is available to answer questions.

5. Supporting documents include Birth Certificate (in English), Passport Copy, Recent Passport Photo, End of Year and Term/Mid-Year Academic Reports, CAT 4 (within last 12 months, if available), Emirates ID (if available), UAE Visa (if available), and external reports (Speech/Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Educational Psychologist, etc.). For overseas applicants, a reference from the current school may be requested.

6. Fees are published by campus and year group for 2025–26. Example: FS1 fees at Oud Metha are listed with separate term payments; Foundation Stage 2 and Years 1–6 have separate schedules; Academic City has higher base fees with a 15% discount for 2025–26 and 2026–27. Acceptance fees apply when a place is offered, and siblings receive tiered discounts. Payments can be made via the SKIPLY app or by bank transfer; bank details and invoicing guidance are provided by the Finance Team. Tours, match with a place, and other admissions steps are detailed in the Admissions section.

Waitlist
There is a waiting list for some year groups where capacity has been reached. For 2025, Year 7 and Year 6 applications are closed due to full capacity, and Year 7 2026 applications closed on 5 December 2025, indicating ongoing waitlist activity for affected cohorts.
School Events
The school has not added events
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