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Dubai Heights Academy

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 30,000 - 65,000
Ages 3 - 17 years
Pupil numbers 336
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 22
Introduction

Dubai Heights Academy is a co-educational British-curriculum school located in Al Barsha South, Dubai, serving pupils aged 3 to 17 (Foundation Stage through secondary). The school follows the National Curriculum for England and prepares students for UK external qualifications including GCSE and ASDAN. English is the language of instruction; Arabic and Islamic Education are taught in line with UAE requirements and the school also offers other modern languages in its programme. The campus is described in public listings as a multi-acre site with teaching and wellbeing facilities including a medical clinic, cafeteria and performance/auditorium spaces, and the school highlights technology links and robotics activity in its curriculum. Dubai Heights Academy is inspected by Dubai's KHDA (rated Very Good in its latest DSIB report) and holds British Schools Overseas accreditation; inspection reports note strong care and support for students, an emphasis on inclusion and wellbeing, and maintained premises and resources to support learning.

Dubai Heights Academy, Al Barsha South Second, Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Dubai Heights Academy has 336 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
Dubai Heights Academy is located in Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The KHDA inspection record lists the location as Al Barsha 2, confirming its placement in the Al Barsha area. The campus includes a brand-new secondary building, expanding facilities on the same site and reinforcing its urban, well-connected campus. The school is in a residential neighborhood with road access and a dedicated school bus network serving multiple Dubai districts.

Stages
The school currently offers education from Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) through Year 12. A Year 13 pathway is planned to open in the 2026-2027 academic year. This expansion accompanies the new secondary facilities added to the campus.

Type
Dubai Heights Academy is a co-educational (mixed-gender) school. It operates as a day school rather than a boarding school, with a bus network and on-site facilities to support daily schooling.

Pupil Nationality Mix
KHDA 2023-2024 data record 336 students with Emirati students numbering 22 and the largest nationality group being the United Kingdom. Emirati students thus account for about 6.5% of the roll, with international students comprising the remaining ~93.5%. The school also indicates that 96 nationalities are represented in its community.

Additional learning support
Inclusion and wellbeing are central to the approach. The school identifies barriers to learning and provides tailored interventions, with in-class support and enrichment where needed. English language support is available through external provision, and students may access Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy as part of the learning-support framework.

Country affiliation
The school is affiliated with the United Kingdom as a British overseas school and follows the National Curriculum of England. This is reflected in its curricular framework and accreditation.

Religious affiliation
Dubai Heights Academy has no formal religious affiliation. Islamic Education is included as part of the UAE curriculum, alongside Arabic, Moral Education and other subjects.

School day structure
School begins around 7:55–8:10am. Foundation Stage finishes at 2:15pm, and other year groups finish at 3:30pm. On Fridays, the day ends at 11:50am, with optional after-school ECAs available on weeknights and Fridays.

Bus service
Bus services are provided by STS Group. Buses are GPS and CCTV-equipped, with a female attendant on each bus and drivers holding RTAschool-bus licences. FS finishes at 2:15pm and other year groups at 3:30pm; areas covered include Al Barsha 1 and 2, Al Barsha South 1 and 3, Dubai Hills, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Park, JVC, Springs, Sports City and many other Dubai neighbourhoods. The service costs AED 9,000 annually, payable over three terms or via payment plans. For transport queries, contact the admissions team.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Dubai Heights Academy does not offer boarding. Afterschool Care is available for up to three hours per day Sunday–Wednesday for an additional fee.

Uniform Requirement
The school uses a formal uniform designed to reflect pride, unity and professionalism. Uniforms can be purchased through the official supplier, Stitches, and a uniform checklist is available for reference.

Food Options
Catering is provided on-site by Harness Foods. EYFS and Primary pupils have pre-ordered meals via an app with a four-week rotation; Secondary students use a Harness Card to access daily hot meals and a live salad/wrap bar. An on-site coffee shop is also available for the school community.

House System
Dubai Heights Academy operates a house system with four houses: White Wolves, Green Gazelles, Red Falcons and Black Scorpions. The system promotes pride, belonging and friendly competition, with house points awarded during the school day and at sports events.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors. The board includes an Owner's Representative, Istiqama Al Riyami, and several members associated with Seven Tides, including Abdullah Bin Sulayem (CEO) and Ghanim Bin Sulayem (Operations Director). The governance page does not describe the school as part of a multi-school group.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dubai Heights Academy ranges from AED 30,000 to AED 65,000 for 2026/27.

Application fee

- A non-refundable application fee of AED 525 is charged for each new application.

Registration deposit

- A non-transferable registration deposit of 10% of the KHDA‑approved annual fee is required to secure an offered place; this deposit is deductible from the first term's fees.

Tuition fees — annual and per term (Academic Year 2025/2026)

- FS1: AED 30,000 per year. Per term (3 terms): AED 10,000.
- FS2: AED 37,500 per year. Per term: AED 12,500.
- Year 1: AED 43,000 per year. Per term: AED 14,333.
- Year 2: AED 43,000 per year. Per term: AED 14,333.
- Year 3: AED 48,000 per year. Per term: AED 16,000.
- Year 4: AED 48,000 per year. Per term: AED 16,000.
- Year 5: AED 51,000 per year. Per term: AED 17,000.
- Year 6: AED 51,000 per year. Per term: AED 17,000.
- Year 7: AED 53,500 per year. Per term: AED 17,833.
- Year 8: AED 53,500 per year. Per term: AED 17,833.
- Year 9: AED 58,500 per year. Per term: AED 19,500.
- Year 10: AED 63,500 per year. Per term: AED 21,167.
- Year 11: AED 63,500 per year. Per term: AED 21,167.
- Year 12: AED 65,000 per year. Per term: AED 21,667.

Notes on the fee figures provided above

- The fees above reflect the school's published KHDA‑approved and discounted fee levels for Academic Year 2025/2026 and are presented as the school's stated annual charge and a straightforward per‑term split based on the school operating three terms in the academic year.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The registration deposit (10% of the KHDA‑approved fee) is payable to secure a place and is deducted from the first term's fees. Annual tuition is commonly collected in three instalments aligned to the three terms; the school also offers termly billing.
- The school offers flexible payment plans through a third‑party payments/financing app (Zenda), allowing parents to pay termly or in parts. The school also accepts online payments through its online payment partner and accepts bank transfers.

Fee payment methods

- Online card payments (school's online payment partner).
- Bank transfer to the school's account: Mashreq Bank, Account number 019000034665, IBAN AE300330000019000034665, SWIFT BOMLAEAD (parents are requested to email payment details for allocation).
- The school provides a Zenda option for instalment payments and payment of other school services (trips, activities, transport).

Boarding fees

- Dubai Heights Academy operates as a day school; boarding fees are not applicable.

Other costs and optional services

- School bus/transport: an annual transport fee is charged for the bus service; typical published amounts for the service for this school are in the region of AED 8,500 per year and are normally billed separately (payment sometimes collected termly). Routes and availability are subject to seat availability.
- Uniforms: school uniform must be purchased from the school's official supplier (Stitches); uniform cost varies by items and year group. A uniform checklist is provided by the school and prices depend on chosen items.
- Catering/meals: school catering is provided on a paid basis (pre‑ordered for EYFS and Primary via an app; secondary students use a top‑up card system). Meal charges are additional to tuition.
- Extracurricular activities, instrumental tuition, trips and certain school events may carry additional charges; published ranges seen for optional services and activities for this school include modest items (single‑day event charges) up to larger trip costs (these vary widely by activity and trip). Optional service costs (examples published by third‑party guides) include uniform ranges, transport and trip costs and should be anticipated as additional to tuition.

Refund information (summary of typical practice applied to this school)

- The registration deposit is non‑refundable in normal circumstances. Tuition paid prior to the start of the academic year is generally refundable with the registration deposit deducted. Refunds for withdrawal after the start of a term are normally calculated in proportion to time served with prescribed minimum deductions (for example, standard KHDA guidance commonly requires deduction of one month's fees if enrolled two weeks or less, two months' fees if enrolled between two weeks and one month, or a full term's fees if enrolled for over a month). Specific refund calculations and any exceptional circumstances are handled under the school's refund policy.

Discounts and scholarships

- The school operates fee discounts, a friend referral rebate scheme (example: AED 2,000 rebate per successful referral), corporate partner discounts and a scholarships programme (scholarships available for Years 3–12, with awards up to 75% of KHDA‑approved fees). Eligibility rules and application processes apply.

Practical points for parents

- All standard optional services (transport, uniforms, meals, ECAs and trips) are additional to the annual tuition and are billed separately. Payment allocation requests (for bank transfers) should include student name and invoice details so the finance office can allocate payments.

(End of fees overview.)
Academics

Dubai Heights Academy teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 17.

Curriculum
Dubai Heights Academy follows the National Curriculum for England, adapted for an international setting, with Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Moral Education and Social Studies, and an AI curriculum developed in collaboration with MIT. The Primary School comprises Key Stage 1 (Year 1–2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 3–6) with core subjects English, Maths and Science, supplemented by Art, Design Technology, Computer Science, Geography, History, PE, Swimming, French, Music, PSHE, Moral/Social/Cultural Studies, and Islamic Studies. It uses a cross-curricular, mastery-focused approach with additional programs such as Read Write Inc., Times Tables Rockstars, and I Read Arabic, and supports BYOD in Key Stage 2. In Secondary, Key Stage 3 (Year 7–9) includes core English, Maths, Science and Arabic, plus Art & Design, Computing, Design & Technology, French, Geography, History, Moral, Social & Cultural Studies, Music/Performing Arts, PE, Swimming, PSHE, Global Perspectives and Islamic Studies. Key Stage 4 (Year 10–11) offers GCSEs and IGCSEs through Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge International, along with ASDAN; mandatory subjects include English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science, Arabic, PE, PSHE, Global Perspectives and Islamic Studies. From August 2025, Years 12–13 provide Sixth Form with two pathways: A-Levels and vocational BTEC qualifications, supplemented by careers guidance and industry partnerships.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Dubai Heights Academy places inclusion and wellbeing at the heart of the student experience. The Inclusion and Wellbeing framework identifies barriers to learning and tailors targeted interventions, while providing enrichment when needed. A full-time School Counsellor supports emotional regulation, social skills, coping strategies, and personal development, and leads the school anti-bullying campaign with regular parent workshops. Wellbeing Wednesday creates a weekly focus on wellbeing through activities, challenges, and opportunities to practice strategies such as mindfulness, with Snoezelen sensory room support. The UK My Happy Mind well-being curriculum is implemented for all students from FS to Year 6 to develop resilience, emotional intelligence and wellbeing skills.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Dubai Heights Academy describes itself as inclusive, with wellbeing as the heartbeat and systems to identify barriers to learning and tailor interventions, while also providing enrichment for those who need more challenge. An inclusion register tracks the level of support required for each student, and an inclusion team coordinates targeted interventions and liaises with external agencies as needed. On-site therapies are offered, including Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy, and the MbodE program focuses on gross motor skills to support concentration and coordination. ASDAN provides an alternative curriculum pathway aligned to individual interests and life skills. The School Counsellor provides emotional and social support, leads the anti-bullying campaign, and offers workshops for parents; Gifted and Talented provision includes in-class challenges, enrichment ECAs and leadership opportunities.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Dubai Heights Academy enrols students with lower levels of English and conducts a formal English proficiency assessment for new joiners to determine any additional requirements. The academic team then assesses and provides in-class support, differentiation, and targeted interventions as needed. Additional English language support is provided by an external provider. There are staff with responsibility for EAL, including an EAL Teacher, and leadership with experience in leading EAL departments at school level. These provisions indicate a structured approach to EAL across the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
My Happy Mind curriculum is implemented for all students from FS to Year 6 to develop resilience, emotional intelligence and wellbeing skills. Wellbeing Wednesday is a weekly focus on wellbeing with activities and challenges for students and staff, and includes Snoezelen room usage for mindfulness. The full-time School Counsellor supports emotional regulation, social skills, coping strategies and personal development, and leads anti-bullying campaigns and parent workshops. On-site therapeutic services include Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy to support wellbeing and development. Gifted and Talented provision and enrichment opportunities contribute to students' social and emotional development.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding underpins everything Dubai Heights Academy does. It follows Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025), British Schools Overseas expectations, COBIS guidance, and the requirements of the UAE Ministry of Education to ensure the highest standards of child protection and care. The Principal and the Designated Safeguarding Lead have overall responsibility for safeguarding across the school, supported by a team of Level 3 trained Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads across all phases. Safeguarding is embedded within the curriculum, pastoral systems, assemblies, and enrichment activities, including online safety, anti-bullying, respectful relationships, and children's rights, with active involvement of parents through information sessions and workshops. Concerns about a child's safety can be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or safeguarding team, or via the school reception; no concern is too small.
Parent Experience

History
Dubai Heights Academy opened in 2017 in Al Barsha South as a British-curriculum school. It is owned by Seven Tides, with DP World listed as an owning company in the partnerships. The school has established partnerships with MIT for an AI curriculum and with CEAR, and it is affiliated with British organisations such as BSME, BSO, Cambridge Assessment International Education, and Pearson Edexcel. In August 2025, the school opened a new secondary building with enhanced laboratories, design spaces, and a 380-seat auditorium, marking a key expansion of its campus. The KHDA rating for the school is Very Good.

Community
Dubai Heights Academy has a diverse international community with 96 nationalities represented. The school emphasises family and community values and wellbeing. A four-house system fosters belonging and teamwork, with houses named Wolves, Falcons, Gazelles, and Scorpions. The 2025 secondary building expansion supports broader community events and performances, including an auditorium and enhanced spaces for sport and the arts.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Dubai Heights Academy maintains an active Parent-Teacher Association that engages parents in school life. The PTA coordinates fundraising, volunteer activities, and social events that bring the community together. The PTA led charitable initiatives such as Pinktober 2023, which raised 1,600 AED for Al Jalila Foundation. PTA activities are documented in the school's newsletters and communications. The PTA collaborates with student councils and teachers to plan assemblies, workshops, and community celebrations. PTA participation is open to members of the school community and is integrated with school events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Dubai Heights Academy has a 292,000 sq ft campus with three purpose-built buildings for EYFS, Primary and Secondary phases. EYFS facilities include an indoor and outdoor animal garden and outdoor playgrounds. Primary facilities include a cinematic auditorium, two science laboratories, a food technology lab, an arts and design technology lab, a blackbox drama studio, computer laboratories, two libraries and a canteen, plus a hydroponics lab. A brand-new Secondary Building is open with enhanced sports facilities and spaces for science and design and technology, along with the Altumuh Sixth Form Centre for post-16 study.

Sports Facilities
The campus features a temperature-regulated indoor EYFS swimming pool and two temperature-regulated outdoor swimming pools. There is a full-sized football pitch. EYFS and Primary sports halls are available, along with a secondary sports hall for basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball and football. A rooftop multipurpose court supports basketball, netball and tennis.

Academic Facilities
Dubai Heights Academy follows the National Curriculum of England, adapted for international contexts and KHDA requirements. Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Moral Education and Social Studies are included in the curriculum. Academic facilities include science laboratories, computer suites, art and design labs, a food technology lab, drama studios, music rooms, libraries and a canteen. The Secondary Building adds seven science labs, four computer suites, three art/design labs and four design/technology labs for product design, electronics, textiles, graphics and robotics, plus two drama studios, two music rooms, a library and a cafeteria.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Dubai Heights Academy offers a varied Extra Curricular Activities programme for all year groups, with free activities led by DHA staff and paid activities provided by external providers. Paid activities include Ballet, Football, Tennis, Basketball, Karate, Gymnastics, Multi Sports Club, Robotics, Chess and Golf, with providers such as Elite Sports and the Tommy Fleetwood Academy. Free activities include Arabic Fun, Arabic Calligraphy, Lego Mania, Mindfulness and Yoga, Debating Club, Drama Club, Youth Theatre, Bookaholics, Comic Book Club, Fantastic French, Drawing for Fun, Crafts from Drafts, Sensory Play, Digital Artists, Construction, homework support, exam revision and invitational squads. After-School Care is available: Foundation Stage after-school club for FS1/FS2, and after-school programmes for Year 1+ with ISM Sports. ECA options change each term.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Dubai Heights Academy offers a high‑quality curriculum based on the National Curriculum of England, adapted for an international setting and KHDA requirements. The curriculum is enriched with Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Moral Education and Social Studies. Fully qualified teachers balance traditional learning with technology to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment. The school is partnered with the MIT Media Lab to develop an AI curriculum and with the Tommy Fleetwood Academy for sports, expanding opportunities in AI and athletics.

Arts & Creative
Music and Performing Arts are embedded across the curriculum and through extracurricular activities. All students have opportunities to participate in musical activities, learn instruments, and take part in recitals and termly shows. Drama is integrated into English, with exposure to live performances and professional productions. Students have performed in the local community in Dubai.

Cultural & Language
French is taught weekly from Year 1. Arabic is taught in FS1 & 2 with two sessions weekly, increasing to three sessions in Year 1; from Years 2 to 9, Arabic is offered as Arabic A for Arabic speakers and Arabic B for non‑Arabic speakers, with specialized Arabic teaching rooms. The Arabic curriculum follows KHDA's National Curriculum for Arabic A in KS1, KS2 and KS3. Platforms such as BravoBravo, I Read Arabic, Istart Arabic and KamKalemah support Arabic learning.

Social & Hobbies
An extensive Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) programme runs to accommodate all year groups, with free activities led by DHA staff and paid activities provided by external providers. Paid activities include Ballet, Football, Tennis, Basketball, Karate, Gymnastics, Multi Sports Club, Robotics, Chess and Golf, delivered via providers such as Elite Sports and the Tommy Fleetwood Academy. Free activities include Arabic Fun, Arabic Calligraphy, Lego Mania, Mindfulness & Yoga, Debating Club, Drama Club, Youth Theatre, Fantastic French, Bookaholics, Drawing for Fun and more. After School Care is available for extended hours across age groups.

Leadership & Professional
The school maintains a Wellbeing Leadership Team and an Inclusion Team. Partnerships with MIT for AI curriculum development and with the Tommy Fleetwood Academy for sports exemplify leadership in innovative and specialised programs. The institution additionally emphasizes a qualified, British‑trained staff and a collaborative leadership approach across age groups.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a priority, with a diverse community of 96 nationalities and an ethos of inclusivity—Every Child, Every Mind and Everybody Matters. The school emphasizes a safe, happy, and engaging learning environment and prioritizes student welfare. Facilities include temperature‑regulated indoor and outdoor pools and multiple sports halls to support physical health and wellness, complemented by Mindfulness & Yoga offerings in the ECA programme.
Languages

Language Provision
French is taught weekly from Year 1. Arabic is taught in FS1 and FS2 with two sessions weekly, increasing to three sessions in Year 1. From Years 2 to 9 we teach Arabic A (Arabic for Arabic Speakers) and Arabic B (Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers). Dubai Heights Academy has three specialized Arabic teaching rooms for primary and two for secondary. KHDA National Curriculum for Arabic A is followed in KS1, KS2 and KS3. The UK framework for Languages is followed to support progression in Oracy, Literacy and Intercultural Understanding. The school hopes to offer Mandarin, German and Spanish in addition to current offerings.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Submit an enquiry and application. The admissions team guides you from your initial enquiry to submitting the application, including year-group placement and next steps. 2. Undergo formal assessment. All applicants are assessed to determine English proficiency and overall readiness. The academic team assesses additional needs such as in-class support and differentiation, with external English language support available if required. 3. Review scholarship options. Scholarships are available for students in Year 3 to Year 12, covering up to 75% of KHDA-approved school fees, with three categories: academic, music and performing arts, and sports. Applicants are evaluated for eligibility according to the relevant category.

Scholarships
Scholarships are offered to students in Year 3 to Year 12. There are three categories: academic, music and performing arts, and sports. Scholarships can cover up to 75% of KHDA-approved school fees. Applicants are evaluated for eligibility based on merit and need.
School Events
The school has not added events
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