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Durham School Dubai

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 48,105 - 65,383
Ages 3 - 16 years
Pupil numbers 479
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 13
Introduction

Durham School Dubai is a British-curriculum independent day school in Green Community Village, Dubai Investment Park, and operates as a branch of Durham School UK. The school follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage and the English National Curriculum through Key Stages 1–4, preparing pupils for GCSE/IGCSE examinations; it enrols children from age three to 16. English is the language of instruction; Arabic is taught to both native and non-native speakers (with specialist lessons in primary and Key Stage 3) and Islamic education is provided for Muslim pupils in line with UAE Ministry requirements. Facilities publicised by the school include specialist teaching rooms and classrooms, music rooms with peripatetic tuition, art and drama spaces, a multi-purpose sports hall and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool used year-round. The school also highlights a broad co‑curricular programme and relatively small class sizes (maximum 20, average around 13).

1, Dubai Investment Park, Green Community Village, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Durham School Dubai has 479 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English.

Location
Durham School Dubai is located in Green Community DIP 1, Dubai Investments Park, Dubai. It sits adjacent to the Green Community development and is easily accessible from the D57 highway, which links to E311 and D54. It is within a short walk from the DIP metro station. The postal address is P.O. Box 451536, Dubai Investments Park 1, Dubai.

Stages
The school provides Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary education, with a 6th Form planned to open in 2026.

Type
The school is co-educational (mixed). It operates as a branch of Durham School UK.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The pupil body represents 48 nationalities. The most common nationality is not stated, and the local-to-international student ratio is not published.

Additional learning support
Durham Dubai provides inclusive education with a SENDCo and an Inclusion Policy. The school supports pupils with special educational needs (SEN) through differentiated instruction and targeted small-group provision, and it supports pupils for whom English is an additional language as part of its inclusive approach.

Country affiliation
Durham School Dubai is a branch of Durham School UK, reflecting its UK heritage.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is declared; the school presents an inclusive ethos without a stated religious focus.

School day structure
Public daily start and end times are not published on the official pages. A widely reported start time at opening was 9:00, but exact current hours are provided to families during enrollment. The school maintains a term calendar with specific start/end dates for each term.

Bus service
The school operates a bus service with routes to multiple communities, including Green Community, Dubai Marina, JBR, JLT, JVC, JVT, Al Furjan, Discovery Gardens, DAMAC Hills Al Qudra, Sports City, Dubai South, Emaar South, Al Ghadeer and Dubai Hills. For bus inquiries, families can contact 800 DURHAM (387426).
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Food options include a bespoke dining hall; Lunchtimes are a learning opportunity with children feeding themselves independently and selecting from available options.

House System
The school has a House system. Internal competitions and house events foster healthy competition and peer mentoring across age groups.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a genuine branch school of Durham School UK.
Fees

Annual tuition at Durham School Dubai ranges from AED 48,105 to AED 65,383 for 2026/27.

Application fee

- An application fee of AED 525 is payable on application. The application fee is fully refundable if a place is not offered; it is non-refundable if a place is offered and the offer is declined. The application fee is not deductible from tuition for families who accept a place.

Tuition fees by year group (discounted fees and term breakdown)

- FS1 (Ages 3–4, EYFS): Annual tuition AED 48,105.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 19,242.00.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 14,431.50.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 14,431.50.
- Registration deposit (10% of annual tuition, payable to secure place; non-refundable except in extenuating circumstances): AED 4,810.50.

- FS2 (Ages 4–5, EYFS): Annual tuition AED 48,105.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 19,242.00.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 14,431.50.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 14,431.50.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 4,810.50.

- Year 1 (Ages 5–6, KS1): Annual tuition AED 51,622.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 20,648.80.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 15,486.60.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 15,486.60.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 5,162.20.

- Year 2 (Ages 6–7, KS1): Annual tuition AED 51,622.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 20,648.80.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 15,486.60.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 15,486.60.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 5,162.20.

- Year 3 (Ages 7–8, KS2): Annual tuition AED 57,762.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 23,104.80.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 17,328.60.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 17,328.60.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 5,776.20.

- Year 4 (Ages 8–9, KS2): Annual tuition AED 57,762.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 23,104.80.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 17,328.60.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 17,328.60.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 5,776.20.

- Year 5 (Ages 9–10, KS2): Annual tuition AED 57,762.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 23,104.80.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 17,328.60.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 17,328.60.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 5,776.20.

- Year 6 (Ages 10–11, KS2): Annual tuition AED 57,762.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 23,104.80.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 17,328.60.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 17,328.60.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 5,776.20.

- Year 7 (Ages 11–12, KS3): Annual tuition AED 64,480.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 25,792.00.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 19,344.00.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 19,344.00.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 6,448.00.

- Year 8 (Ages 12–13, KS3): Annual tuition AED 64,480.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 25,792.00.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 19,344.00.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 19,344.00.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 6,448.00.

- Year 9 (Ages 13–14, KS3): Annual tuition AED 65,186.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 26,074.40.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 19,555.80.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 19,555.80.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 6,518.60.

- Year 10 (Ages 14–15, KS4): Annual tuition AED 65,383.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 26,153.20.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 19,614.90.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 19,614.90.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 6,538.30.

- Year 11 (Ages 15–16, KS4): Annual tuition AED 65,383.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 26,153.20.
- Term 2 (30%): AED 19,614.90.
- Term 3 (30%): AED 19,614.90.
- Registration deposit (10%): AED 6,538.30.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual tuition is billed as three termly payments: Term 1 = 40% of the annual tuition; Term 2 = 30%; Term 3 = 30%.
- Tuition fees are due prior to the start of each academic term; specific payment details appear on the school invoice. The registration deposit (10% of annual tuition) is payable when an offered place is accepted and is deductible from the annual tuition but is non-refundable except in extenuating circumstances.

Boarding fees

- No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed for Durham School Dubai; boarding is not applicable.

Other costs and fees

- Optional additional charges (payable in addition to tuition) may include: school meals, transport, certain trips and excursions, and some co-curricular activities. These items may be charged separately as required.
- Discounts: a sibling discount of 5% is applied to the third child and every subsequent child; a 5% early payment discount is given when the full annual tuition is paid before the first day of the academic year; a one-payment discount of 5% applies to full annual tuition paid prior to 15 August; selected corporate discounts are approved. Terms and conditions for discounts apply.
- Uniform costs are not detailed in the published fee schedule.

Refund information

- The registration/re-registration deposit is not refundable except in extenuating circumstances such as relocation to another country/Emirate or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Refund calculations follow a specified scale:
- Tuition fees paid before the academic year start are refundable with only the registration/re-registration fee deducted.
- If a student was enrolled for two weeks or less, a month's fees will be deducted.
- If enrolled between two weeks and one month, two month's fees will be deducted.
- If enrolled for more than one month, the full term's fees will be deducted.
- Refunds are calculated from the start of the term to the official withdrawal request date and are paid by cheque, collectible from the school office.

Fee payment options

- Fees can be paid in person at Durham School Dubai or by bank transfer directly to the school account. Credit card payment is not specified in the fee statement.
Academics

Durham School Dubai teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 16.

Curriculum
Durham Dubai follows the UK English National Curriculum, guided by the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in the early years, with IGCSEs in Years 10–11 and A‑levels in a planned 6th Form from 2026. Foundation Stage 1 begins after the third birthday, a two‑year phase with teaching assistants and carousel lessons in Art, Music and Computing, plus early Arabic exposure. Primary comprises Key Stage 1 (ages 5–7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7–11; Years 3–6), with well‑resourced environments and progression into more specialist teaching in upper KS2. Secondary (Key Stage 3) follows the English National Curriculum with a bespoke emphasis that includes leadership development, a House system for pastoral care, and vocational pathways. In IGCSE years, all students complete core IGCSEs in English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science and Arabic, with a wide option menu (Art, PE, Computer Science, Triple Science, Economics, Geography, History, French, Spanish, etc.), and Arabic/French/Spanish IGCSEs are offered in the senior years. The 6th Form will offer a range of A‑level subjects and dedicated university placement support, with delivery anticipated from 2026.

Student Teacher Ratio
Maximum class size is 20; average class size is 13.

Higher Education Progression
A dedicated pupil support team assists university placements in the UAE, the UK, the US, Europe and Asia; A‑levels are planned to be available from 2026.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral Care at Durham Dubai supports pupils' emotional, moral and spiritual strength, and is led by Head of Pastoral Sarah Muldoon-Mitchell.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
SEN provision is delivered through an Inclusion policy that emphasises inclusive education; the SENDCo collaborates with the Assistant Head Pastoral to plan and provide support; pupils with disabilities and those with SEN are recognised as Students of Determination, and the curriculum is designed to accommodate learners with disabilities and those for whom English is an additional language.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL needs are acknowledged within the Inclusion framework, with the curriculum designed to cater to learners for whom English is an additional language; no detailed EAL programmes are publicly described.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the pastoral framework and inclusive approach as part of the school's wellbeing emphasis.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a core commitment, with staff recruitment and appointment practices including satisfactory references and background checks in line with UK and international requirements.
Parent Experience

History
Durham School Dubai is the Dubai branch of Durham School UK, a historic English school whose lineage goes back to 1414 in Durham, England. Durham Dubai opened in August 2022 in Dubai Investments Park (DIP) to extend the Durham tradition to the UAE. The campus was designed to accommodate up to 1,700 students and to reflect the same ethos and standards as the mother school, with Durham UK providing ongoing oversight. The founding Principal of the Dubai campus was Mark Atkins, who led its early development and staffing, and the Dubai school maintains an annual quality assurance relationship with Durham UK to ensure fidelity to the historic home school. Durham International Schools, including Durham Dubai, connect its 600-year heritage with a modern Dubai campus.

Community
Durham School Dubai promotes a values-driven community centered on its motto ‘Confidence for Life', with a broad co-curricular programme that complements academic study. The Life at Durham framework emphasizes a rounded education, and the co-curricular offering covers sport, music, drama and the arts, with internal house competitions and inter-school fixtures in major Dubai and Gulf events. Facilities support this programme, including a 25‑meter indoor swimming pool and grass and indoor cricket facilities that enable year‑round activity. Parental involvement is encouraged through regular daily contact with teachers, family days, school events such as International Day, and information sessions designed to connect families with the curriculum and learning support.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Durham School Dubai is located in Green Community Village, DIP, Dubai. The campus includes a heated indoor swimming facility for weekly swimming sessions in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The school provides inclusive education to meet diverse learning needs. Foundation Stage, Primary and Secondary education are offered, with a Sixth Form offering from 2026.

Sports Facilities
PE and swimming programmes are part of the curriculum and delivered by subject specialists. Swimming sessions take place in a heated indoor facility.

Academic Facilities
The curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSE and A-level examinations. Foundation Stage, Primary and Secondary education are offered, with a Sixth Form from 2026. Arabic Language and Islamic Education are taught as part of the core curriculum. The school provides inclusive education for pupils with diverse needs.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Enrichment occurs through trips and visitors, and school productions are open to parents. Art, design and technology, computing, music, French, and PE and swimming programmes are delivered by subject specialists.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Durham Dubai offers an extensive co-curricular programme alongside its strong academic focus, including sporting, artistic, academic and musical opportunities. The programme enriches and develops the individual, fostering leadership, collaboration and teamwork. Its mission is to provide pupils with a rounded education that inspires achievement, confidence for life, and respect for all.

Arts & Creative
Art and drama are important parts of a Durham education. Art opportunities include drawing and painting, sculpture and art appreciation, while all pupils participate in drama as part of the curriculum and in school performances. Music is taught as part of the curriculum with outstanding facilities and peripatetic teachers, and pupils can study instruments such as piano, woodwind, brass, voice and drums, with opportunities for musical production and recording techniques.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Durham Dubai provides a comprehensive sporting programme for pupils from the youngest ages, with a number of sports teams competing against other schools in Dubai and the Middle East. Internal competitions run through the House system to allow all pupils to represent their House in events. The school features a 25-meter indoor swimming pool used year-round with weekly swimming lessons for all ages and an after-school swimming club to develop fitness and technique. Recreational sport is available to promote a healthy lifestyle, supported by skilled PE staff and coaches.
Languages

Language Provision
Arabic is taught for native Arabic speakers and for learners. French is taught from Year 1, and Spanish was added to the curriculum in August 2024. In the senior school students study for IGCSEs in French, Spanish and Arabic. Pupils in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 have specialist Arabic lessons four times a week.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
Pearson Edexcel accreditation for IGCSE/GCSE programmes at Durham School Dubai.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1. Make an enquiry by completing the online enquiry form or calling 800 DURHAM (387426). This initiates the admissions process. The next steps are a guided tour and an assessment.
School Events
The school has not added events
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