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GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa

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 37,453 - 75,756
Ages 2 - 18 years
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Introduction

GEMS FirstPoint School – The Villa is a British‑curriculum day school in Dubailand, Dubai, providing education from Nursery (age 2) through Year 13 (ages 2–18). The school follows an adapted National Curriculum for England across Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Post‑16 phases, with Post‑16 pathways that include A Levels and BTECs. English is the medium of instruction; Arabic is delivered as both Native (Arabic A) and Non‑Native/Arabic B programmes and Islamic education and the UAE Moral, Social and Cultural Studies (MSCS) are provided in line with Ministry requirements. The school website describes a purpose‑built nursery, STEAM and performing‑arts provision, extensive sports facilities including a Golf Centre of Excellence in partnership with professional coaches, two dining halls and a broad extra‑curricular programme. The site also records external judgements and outcomes, including a BSO “Outstanding” rating, a KHDA “Very Good” rating and a high proportion of students progressing to university.

Al Ain Rd, Wadi Al Safa 5, The Villa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa has instruction in English.

Location
GEMS FirstPoint School – The Villa is in The Villa community along Al Ain Road (Dubai–Al Ain Road) in Dubai. The campus sits in a green residential area that is well connected by road, with families commonly traveling from nearby communities such as Villanova, Arabian Ranches, Mudon, Mira, and Serena. The school serves families across Dubai and benefits from established transport links to the area.

Stages
FPS offers from Nursery to Year 13, covering Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Post-16 provisions. The age range is typically 2 to 18 years.

Type
FPS is a co-educational, day school. There are no boarding facilities.

Pupil Nationality Mix
More than 100 nationalities are represented at FPS, with British students making up the largest group at around 18%. There is no single dominant nationality, reflecting a diverse international student body; the exact local-to-international ratio is not published.

Additional learning support
Inclusion and support are part of FPS's approach. The school has Inclusion Support Areas and an Inclusion Support Team to assess and provide targeted provision for students with additional learning needs; there may be additional charges for certain supports (e.g., LSAs, SALT, OT) as part of differentiated provision.

Country affiliation
The school is a British-curriculum, British-schools-overseas institution, affiliated with the United Kingdom through its NCfE framework.

Religious affiliation
There is no religious affiliation. Islamic Studies and Arabic are part of the UAE curriculum options; Islamic Studies is taught for Muslim students as appropriate.

School day structure
The school day commonly runs from around 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday–Thursday, with Friday finish around 12:00 PM.

Bus service
A School Transport Service operates for FPS. Nursery and Foundation Stage buses arrive for the start of the day and depart at 12:00 PM or 3:00 PM; on Fridays, buses depart at 12:00 PM. The service features CCTV, GPS tracking, and adult handovers; safety equipment such as five-point harnesses can be provided.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is compulsory for all students. Primary pupils wear light blue FPS polo shirts (EYFS/FS1–FS2) or navy FPS polo shirts (Years 1–6) with the FPS summer dress for girls; secondary pupils wear a blue FPS shirt with the FPS logo, a navy pullover or jacket, and navy trousers or skirts. There is no school tie for Years 7–11; black shoes are required and hair, jewellery, and makeup guidelines apply.

Food Options
There are two dining rooms in the school for KS3 and KS4/5, seating 536 students, with a 50-minute lunch period during which students can obtain a hot meal or bring packed lunches. Students can also purchase food at break time and lunch; weather permitting, packed lunches may be eaten in designated classrooms.

House System
GEMS FirstPoint School uses a house system. Students wear a house-colour FirstPoint PE shirt and participate in house events, though specific house names are not listed on the site.

Governance and Ownership
GEMS FirstPoint School The Villa is governed by GEMS Education and is part of the GEMS Education network. GEMS Education has announced expansion plans for FPS The Villa, reflecting its ownership and ongoing development.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa ranges from AED 37,453 to AED 75,756 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees

- Application Fee: AED 525. This fee is refundable if the school does not offer the student a place; it is non-refundable if the school offers a place and the place is declined. The application fee is not deductible from tuition if a place is accepted.
- Registration Deposit (new students): 10% of the total tuition fees. This deposit is payable after an offer is accepted, is deductible from the total tuition for the academic year and is non-refundable.
- Re-registration Deposit (existing students): 5% of the total tuition fees, payable at re-enrolment and deductible from the total tuition for the academic year; this deposit is non-refundable.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts)

- Nursery: Annual from AED 37,453. Term 1: AED 14,981; Term 2: AED 11,236; Term 3: AED 11,236. Nursery fees vary by session/timing up to a maximum of AED 44,943.

- Foundation Stage 1 (FS1): Annual AED 44,288. Term 1: AED 17,716; Term 2: AED 13,286; Term 3: AED 13,286.

- Foundation Stage 2 (FS2): Annual AED 44,288. Term 1: AED 17,716; Term 2: AED 13,286; Term 3: AED 13,286.

- Year 1: Annual AED 52,447. Term 1: AED 20,979; Term 2: AED 15,734; Term 3: AED 15,734.

- Year 2: Annual AED 52,447. Term 1: AED 20,979; Term 2: AED 15,734; Term 3: AED 15,734.

- Year 3: Annual AED 52,447. Term 1: AED 20,979; Term 2: AED 15,734; Term 3: AED 15,734.

- Year 4: Annual AED 58,274. Term 1: AED 23,310; Term 2: AED 17,482; Term 3: AED 17,482.

- Year 5: Annual AED 58,274. Term 1: AED 23,310; Term 2: AED 17,482; Term 3: AED 17,482.

- Year 6: Annual AED 58,274. Term 1: AED 23,310; Term 2: AED 17,482; Term 3: AED 17,482.

- Year 7: Annual AED 64,102. Term 1: AED 25,640; Term 2: AED 19,231; Term 3: AED 19,231.

- Year 8: Annual AED 64,102. Term 1: AED 25,640; Term 2: AED 19,231; Term 3: AED 19,231.

- Year 9: Annual AED 64,102. Term 1: AED 25,640; Term 2: AED 19,231; Term 3: AED 19,231.

- Year 10: Annual AED 69,929. Term 1: AED 27,971; Term 2: AED 20,979; Term 3: AED 20,979.

- Year 11: Annual AED 69,929. Term 1: AED 27,971; Term 2: AED 20,979; Term 3: AED 20,979.

- Year 12: Annual AED 75,756. Term 1: AED 30,302; Term 2: AED 22,727; Term 3: AED 22,727.

- Year 13: Annual AED 75,756. Term 1: AED 30,302; Term 2: AED 22,727; Term 3: AED 22,727.

Other costs and chargeable services

- The published tuition schedule does not include uniforms, lunches, STS (school bus/transport), school trips or extra-curricular activities; these items are charged separately.
- Specialist inclusion and learning support (for example Learning Support Assistants, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy) is available but chargeable. Specific charges depend on level of need and will be advised on admission. Additional ELL (English language learning) support classes may be chargeable.
- Sibling discounts apply for fourth and fifth siblings attending the school: 4th sibling 15%, 5th sibling 25%. Sibling and corporate discounts do not apply to Nursery places and apply only from FS1 to Year 13.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition payments must be made in advance, either annually or per term. Tuition fee payments are due before the first day of each term. Term definitions: Term 1 (September to December), Term 2 (January to March), Term 3 (April to June).
- If paying by term, the standard instalment split is: Term 1 = 40% of the annual tuition; Term 2 = 30%; Term 3 = 30% (schools may collect annual fees in three instalments using this split).
- If a student enrols during the academic year, the school may charge tuition fees starting from the beginning of the month of enrolment.
- Failure to pay tuition or other required fees may result in loss of the student's place, withholding of reports/references/exam results, suspension or expulsion.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. The published fee schedule and school information list tuition, transport and other day-school charges only; no boarding fees are published for this school.

Refund information

- Application Fee: refundable if the school does not offer a place; non-refundable if a place is offered and declined.
- Registration deposits (both new registration deposit and re-registration deposit) are non-refundable but are deductible from the annual tuition once paid and the place is accepted.

Fee payment options and banking details

- Accepted payment methods: cash, credit card, current and post-dated cheques (conditions apply), and wire transfers. Online fee payment is available via the school's parent payment portal.
- Bank details (for wire transfers/payments in UAE Dirhams):
- Account Name: GEMS FIRST POINT SCHOOL L.L.C
- Account Number: 4031006721547001
- Bank Name: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
- Branch: FAB - First Abu Dhabi Bank, UAE
- Currency: UAE Dirhams (AED)
- IBAN: AE620354031006721547001
- SWIFT: FGBMAEAAXXX
- When transferring, mention the applicant's name and mobile number in the payment memo and include service fees so the correct amount is received. Transaction details should be emailed to the school's finance contact as instructed by the school.

Important notes on additional charges

- Lunch, uniforms, transport (STS), trips and extra-curricular activities are charged separately from tuition.
- Specialist inclusion provision and targeted ELL support are chargeable and billed in addition to tuition where required.
- Nursery session choices can affect fee level (see published Nursery range).
Academics

GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa teaches British Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa delivers a British-style education from Nursery to Year 13. Nursery (2-3 years) blends Reggio Emilia with the British EYFS framework, while Early Years (3-5) follows EYFS. Primary (5-11) combines the National Curriculum with Ministry of Education subjects; core subjects include English, Maths, Science, Arabic A/B (specialist), Islamic (for Muslim students), Geography, History, Design and Technology, Art and Design, and Computing and Robotics, with a Connected Curriculum and STEAM emphasis. Secondary (11-16) follows the English National Curriculum and prepares students for GCSEs and related qualifications; Post-16 (16-18) offers A Levels and BTECs. Entry requirements for Post-16 include a minimum of five GCSEs (grades 9-4) including English and Maths, with subject-specific prerequisites.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school weaves wellbeing and social–emotional learning (SEL) into its curriculum, guided by the READY values (Resilient, Empathetic, Adaptable, Dynamic, be You) in Primary. Wellbeing is treated as a core part of learning, with ongoing tracking of student wellbeing across year groups to ensure support where needed. Leadership roles linked to wellbeing include Wellbeing Warriors, Friendship Fixers, and Play Leaders, empowering students to take active roles in the school community. Secondary students are trained as Mental Health First Aiders to provide peer support. KHDA reports that wellbeing is given a high profile within the school, underpinning personal development and safeguarding of students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Inclusion Support Areas are provided as part of the school's facilities to support learners with additional needs. The KHDA notes a well-developed inclusive education approach for pupils of determination, English language learners and the most able, indicating a broad, school-wide commitment to inclusion. FPS is described as offering inclusive education rather than operating as a specialist SEN institution. The inclusion provision is complemented by targeted, dedicated assistance for those who need additional wellbeing support. The school's safeguarding and wellbeing framework, including pastoral care, is highlighted in inspections as a central part of school life.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school publicly recognises English language learners as part of its inclusive education provision. KHDA notes a well-developed inclusive education for English language learners, indicating explicit EAL-related inclusion. A dedicated Language Hub is planned as part of a two-phase expansion to support language learning (languages include French, Spanish and Arabic). FPS also advertises EAL staffing, including Teacher of EAL roles, demonstrating formal provision for English as an additional language. Overall, EAL support is integrated within the school's inclusive approach and language development initiatives.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is integrated into FPS's core provision. Wellbeing is woven throughout the curriculum, with emphasis on emotional and social development and systematic tracking of wellbeing across year groups. Leadership roles such as Wellbeing Warriors, Play Leaders and Friendship Fixers empower students to contribute to the wellbeing culture. Secondary students are trained as Mental Health First Aiders to provide peer support and promote mental health literacy. Inspections recognise the high profile given to wellbeing and its central role in safeguarding and student development.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and child protection are embedded in FPS's pastoral and wellbeing framework, with a strong emphasis on a safe, inclusive school environment. The KHDA/BISO inspection notes a culture of safety and belonging, and the school's wellbeing emphasis supports safeguarding goals. The pastoral care team provides personalised guidance to students, reinforcing safeguarding through support structures. Mental Health First Aiders contribute to safeguarding by enabling peer support and early help. KHDA notes Wellbeing has a high profile and that inclusive practices protect vulnerable groups, including pupils of determination and English language learners.
Parent Experience

History
GEMS FirstPoint School – The Villa was established in 2015 as part of the GEMS Education network. It is located in The Villa, Dubailand, on Dubai Al Ain Road. It operates as an all-through British curriculum school serving Nursery through Post-16. The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and has expanded to accommodate growth in a student body representing more than 90 nationalities. The Golf Centre of Excellence is included as part of its enhanced extracurricular program.

Community
GEMS FirstPoint School promotes a warm, family-first community and emphasises a strong partnership with parents. Parental involvement is encouraged through regular communications, events, and opportunities to engage in school life, including Open Day events. Testimonies and 'Voices of Our Community' highlight the experiences of parents, students, and staff, reflecting a sense of belonging. Gulf News describes FPS as a family-focused community that values collaboration among student, school, and home.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
FPS engages parents through the GEMS Ambassador Programme, a formal parent-engagement scheme across the GEMS network. The programme rewards parent involvement and referrals with 4% of the referred child's annual tuition credited as GEMS Points to both the referrer and the referred family. GEMS Connect and other network tools support ongoing parent communication and involvement across FPS. The FPS site notes a strong partnership with parents, emphasising open communication and collaborative support for student learning. Parents are invited to events such as Open Day and school tours, as shown by the FPS events calendar. Governance at FPS includes a Local Advisory Board, with parent representatives contributing to school oversight and direction.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
GEMS FirstPoint School – The Villa has a campus that combines academic, performing arts, and sports facilities on a single site. The facilities are distributed across a main building and a separate sports and performing arts centre, with pools, theatres, and specialised spaces to support a broad curriculum.

Sports Facilities
The sports facilities include a 25m main swimming pool and a learner pool, a multi-purpose sports hall, climbing walls, cricket nets and an all-weather field, plus netball and tennis courts and a fitness suite.

Academic Facilities
Academic and innovation spaces include STEAM laboratories, science laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics, an electronics and robotics laboratory, ICT discovery spaces, a food technology catering suite, textiles studio, graphics studio and art and design studios, with primary and secondary libraries and a Post-16 hub with study space.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Performing arts spaces include a 500-seat auditorium, a dedicated drama space and black box theatre, a music technology suite with an ensemble room and recording studio, and a dance studio; additional spaces support inclusion and outdoor learning, such as inclusion areas, Early Years outdoor spaces and an EY Reading Garden, Desert School and Bamboo Garden.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers a broad extracurricular programme that complements academics with opportunities in sports, arts, and leadership. It provides pathways in GCSEs, A Levels, and BTECs and highlights university destinations for graduates. The school offers the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, which includes projects and volunteering components. About 95% of graduates gain university offers.

Arts & Creative
The school provides extensive arts-related opportunities in its extracurricular programme. It features a 500-seat auditorium, a dedicated drama space with a black box theatre, a music technology suite, an ensemble room, and a recording studio. Students participate in performing arts activities outside the classroom.

Social & Hobbies
The extracurricular programme includes diverse opportunities in sports, arts, and leadership, supported by staff-led activities and student-driven initiatives. The school emphasizes group activities and personal growth beyond the classroom.

Leadership & Professional
There are student leadership roles and a focus on leadership development beyond the classroom. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is available at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, supporting leadership, teamwork and service activities. For Post-16, students gain leadership opportunities, internships, and career support.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is integral to the student experience, with the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools Silver Status and Mental Health First Aiders on campus. The school provides extensive sports facilities (e.g., a 25m swimming pool, netball and tennis courts) and performing arts spaces (e.g., a 500-seat auditorium, drama space, and dance facilities) to support physical and mental health and well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
English is a core subject and the English programme underpins the curriculum; core subjects include English, Maths, Science, MSCS, Arabic, and Islamic (for Muslim students). Arabic A (Native) is taught four to five times per week and Arabic B (Specialist) two to three times per week; Islamic (Specialist) is offered for Muslim students.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers Arabic A (Native Arabic) and Arabic B (Specialist Arabic) as language tracks within the primary curriculum, with English as the main language of instruction. Arabic A is taught four to five times per week and Arabic B two to three times per week.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquiry: Submit an enquiry via the Enquiry page to provide the guardian's name, relationship to the applicant, a valid email address, and a contact number; provide the applicant's name, date of birth, and year group being applied for. An Enquiry reference number is emailed to you. You may complete the enquiry now or continue it later. 2. Application: Return to the Enquiry page to complete the admission application; you may include siblings in the application. The Enquiry reference number can be used to access and submit the full application at your convenience. 3. Documents and fee: After completing the enquiry, you will be informed of the documents required to share with the Admissions Team. These typically include photocopies of the applicant's and sponsor's passports, Emirates IDs, the applicant's birth certificate (in English or Arabic), vaccination records, and reports from the previous two years; a Transfer Certificate is required for admission to Year 2 and above. The AED 525 application fee is payable as part of the submission. 4. Assessment and inclusion review: The Admissions Team will schedule an interview and/or assessment. The Inclusion Support Team may review the student to determine whether additional provision is required to access learning. Assessments vary by year level and may include CAT, language assessment (English reading and writing), and mathematics assessment; for Early Years, play-based observations may be used. 5. Offer: If a place is offered, an offer letter is emailed by the school Registrar within 24 hours. 6. Deposit: To secure the place, a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total tuition fees is required.
School Events
The school has not added events
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