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GEMS Founders School Dubai

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 24,749 - 36,272
Ages 3 - 18 years
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Introduction

GEMS Founders School – Dubai is a National Curriculum for England (British curriculum) day school in Al Barsha South, Dubai, serving pupils from Early Years (FS1) through Key Stages to Sixth Form (listed up to Year 13), typically covering ages 3–18. The school delivers the National Curriculum for England with IGCSEs at Key Stage 4 and AS/A Level provision in Key Stage 5 and is registered as an examination centre for Cambridge, AQA and Oxford AQA. English is the medium of instruction; Arabic is taught in line with UAE requirements (including Arabic First Language and Arabic B for beginners) and the school offers modern languages such as French (introduced from Year 4, later optional) and Spanish. Facilities include an iHub Innovation Centre, 15 science laboratories, a podcast studio, an e‑sports gaming room, a Sixth Form Hub, performance and drama spaces, foundation/primary/secondary libraries, two full‑size football pitches and multiple MUGA courts. The curriculum highlights innovation, enterprise and vocational pathways alongside academic programmes.

Umm Suqeim St, Al Barsha South Second, Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

GEMS Founders School Dubai has instruction in English.

Location
GEMS Founders School operates across two Dubai campuses: Al Barsha South on Umm Suqeim Street and Dubai South beside Expo Road near Expo City Dubai. The Al Barsha South campus is the long‑standing site that offers the full through‑school programme from Foundation Stage to Year 13. The Dubai South campus opened in August 2024 to serve FS1 to Year 9 and is located in the Dubai South district, close to Expo City Dubai.

Stages
Al Barsha South campus: FS1 to Year 13. Dubai South campus: FS1 to Year 9 (with plans to extend to Year 13 in coming years).

Type
Co‑educational day school. The group does not operate boarding facilities for GEMS Founders School Dubai.

Additional learning support
GEMS Founders School is an inclusive school with a dedicated Inclusion team. It supports students of determination (SEN), English Language Learners, and Gifted & Talented learners. The school offers additional support services such as Speech-Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy through the GEMS LINK Programme.

Country affiliation
UK‑affiliated through the National Curriculum for England; British School Overseas (BSO) accreditation and COBIS recognition.

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation. Islamic Studies are offered as a subject at the Dubai South campus, and there are dedicated classrooms for language and Islamic studies.

School day structure
Foundation Stage: doors open at 07:10, school starts at 07:40 and finishes at 12:50 (Mon–Thu) or 11:20 (Fri). Primary (KS1–KS2): doors open at 07:20, lessons run from 07:40 to around 14:20, with breaks scheduled. Secondary starts with gates open at 07:00 and lessons from 07:40 to 14:20. Fridays typically end earlier for some year groups.

Bus service
Bus transport is available through the school's transport partner. To apply, complete the required student registration and parent consent forms for the bus, submit them to the on‑site Service Delivery Executive, and pay bus fees online. A transport rate list is available for route details.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Full and correct uniform must be worn in school and while travelling to and from the school; shirts should be appropriately sized and tucked in. Uniforms are purchased from Threads; ties are worn by boys and girls wear GFD scarves; black leather shoes are required and trainers are not permitted; hoodies are not allowed. PE kit is required for PE lessons, including the house T‑shirt, navy shorts or tracksuit pants, white socks and trainers; a Kukri PE kit may be required for IGCSE PE in Years 10 and 12/13.

Food Options
Students have the option to bring their own lunch and may use the on-site Slices canteen facilities; no outside food deliveries are permitted. Water bottles should be brought and can be filled at water dispensers during break times.

House System
GFS runs a House System with four houses named Air, Earth, Fire and Water. Students participate in house events and inter‑house competitions to build teamwork and a sense of belonging.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of GEMS Education, a private international education group that owns and operates a network of GEMS schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS Founders School Dubai ranges from AED 24,749 to AED 36,272 for 2026/27.

Application fee
- Application fee: AED 525 (inclusive of VAT), payable when applying. Valid for 2 years and refundable if the school does not offer a place; non‑refundable if the school offers a place and the offer is declined. This fee is not deductible from the tuition balance if a place is accepted.

Registration deposit
- Registration deposit: 10% of the total annual tuition fee, payable when an offer is accepted. This deposit is non‑refundable and non‑transferable.

Tuition fees by year group (per term amounts shown; school year split into three terms: Sep–Dec, Jan–Mar, Apr–Jul)
- FS1: Term 1 AED 9,899; Term 2 AED 7,425; Term 3 AED 7,425 — Annual total AED 24,749.
- FS2: Term 1 AED 11,250; Term 2 AED 8,438; Term 3 AED 8,438 — Annual total AED 28,126.
- Year 1: Term 1 AED 12,149; Term 2 AED 9,113; Term 3 AED 9,113 — Annual total AED 30,375.
- Year 2: Term 1 AED 12,149; Term 2 AED 9,113; Term 3 AED 9,113 — Annual total AED 30,375.
- Year 3: Term 1 AED 12,149; Term 2 AED 9,113; Term 3 AED 9,113 — Annual total AED 30,375.
- Year 4: Term 1 AED 12,149; Term 2 AED 9,113; Term 3 AED 9,113 — Annual total AED 30,375.
- Year 5: Term 1 AED 12,149; Term 2 AED 9,113; Term 3 AED 9,113 — Annual total AED 30,375.
- Year 6: Term 1 AED 12,149; Term 2 AED 9,113; Term 3 AED 9,113 — Annual total AED 30,375.
- Year 7: Term 1 AED 13,050; Term 2 AED 9,787; Term 3 AED 9,787 — Annual total AED 32,624.
- Year 8: Term 1 AED 13,050; Term 2 AED 9,787; Term 3 AED 9,787 — Annual total AED 32,624.
- Year 9: Term 1 AED 13,050; Term 2 AED 9,787; Term 3 AED 9,787 — Annual total AED 32,624.
- Year 10: Term 1 AED 13,949; Term 2 AED 10,463; Term 3 AED 10,463 — Annual total AED 34,875.
- Year 11: Term 1 AED 13,949; Term 2 AED 10,463; Term 3 AED 10,463 — Annual total AED 34,875.
- Year 12: Term 1 AED 14,850; Term 2 AED 11,137; Term 3 AED 11,137 — Annual total AED 37,124.
- Year 13: Term 1 AED 14,850; Term 2 AED 11,137; Term 3 AED 11,137 — Annual total AED 37,124.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition fees are invoiced and due in advance of attendance and are payable at the start of each term (terms commencing September, January and April). Tuition is invoiced from the time of admission. Fees are set under KHDA rules and may change where permitted.
- Transport service fees are charged separately (transport is provided by an outsourced provider).

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; GEMS Founders School operates as a day school (no boarding provision).

Other costs and typical additional charges
- School transport: charged separately via the contracted transport provider. Specific route and tariff details are set by the transport provider.
- Uniform: a full school uniform and PE kit are required. Uniform items are supplied via the school's approved supplier (Threads); prices vary by item and year group.
- KHDA document fees (examples for administrative documents): Transfer between schools AED 126; Education Continuation Certificate for visa renewal AED 126; attestation of certificates/reports AED 120 (note: these charges apply when those specific services are requested).
- Examination and course‑specific charges (where applicable): certain external examination or vocational course fees may apply for IGCSE, A‑level or BTEC routes; such charges are applied as required and billed in addition to tuition.

Refund and withdrawal information
- Application fee: refundable if the school does not offer a place; non‑refundable if the school offers a place and the parent declines.
- Registration deposit: non‑refundable and non‑transferable once paid to secure a place.
- Refunds for other fees: refundability for other charges is handled on a case‑by‑case basis and the school's finance team provides details for specific payments. A written withdrawal notice is required; a 30‑day notification period is required when a student withdraws.

Fee payment options
- Accepted payment methods: cash; cheque (payable to GEMS Founders School – Al Barsha); credit card; online payment; and wire transfer (bank transfer) through the school accounts team. Use of the FAB GEMS World Credit Card for annual fee payment is offered with promotional benefits where available.

Consequences of non‑payment
- Non‑payment may lead to withholding of reports, examination exclusion, loss of the student's place, or temporary/permanent exclusion until accounts are cleared.

(Contacts and specific billing arrangements are managed by the school finance team.)
Academics

GEMS Founders School Dubai teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school follows the National Curriculum for England from FS1 through Year 13. It is an international UK curriculum school located in Al Barsha South, Dubai. The school offers iGCSE and A Level qualifications for the senior years. It is highly accredited by the UK Department of Education as a British School Overseas (BSO) and internationally recognised by the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). It is a High Performance Learning (HPL) school and achieved iFoundation status in 2021, with ongoing progression toward HPL World Class Accreditation. The school serves students from over 100 nationalities.

Student Teacher Ratio
Not disclosed

Exam Results
The school reports strong results in iGCSEs and A Levels, reflecting the effectiveness of the curriculum and preparation for higher education.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates progress to higher education at universities around the world, supported by the iGCSE and A Level qualifications.

Gifted and Talented
Not specified
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
GEMS Founders School – Dubai supports students' social and emotional development through a data‑driven school counselling program and a wellbeing‑focused community. Wellbeing is defined as students and adults feeling at ease, open to the world, and in touch with their feelings. Professionally trained school counsellors provide regular sessions to support academic and social‑emotional growth, with universal services, targeted groups, and referrals when needed. The counselling program is preventive and developmental in design and aligns with KHDA guidelines, focusing on resilience, social‑emotional learning, and safeguarding. The counselling team includes Lead Counselor Ms. Sabina Livingbel, Secondary Counselor Ms. Stepheni Nathania Juriansz, and Primary/Secondary Counselor Mr. Visal Venu Kurumpolil, with access to parent workshops and wellbeing initiatives.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has a dedicated Inclusion Team comprising ten specialist teachers, two British‑qualified SEN Coordinators, and over thirty learning support assistants. The school supports a range of learning needs, including Students of determination (SEN and disabilities), Gifted and talented students, and English Language Learners. Speech‑and‑Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy are available via the GEMS LINK Service. Student Support provision is highly personalized and moves with students through key stages, with early identification and development of communication skills, small‑group maths and English in Flourish classes, and pull‑out interventions focusing on social skills and literacy or numeracy. The school provides inclusive education within a mainstream setting, designed to ensure all students have the opportunity to learn alongside their peers.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Learners are explicitly recognised as a supported group within the inclusive education framework. Speech‑and‑Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy are available through the GEMS LINK Service to assist language and communication needs. Admissions information requests details of any special educational needs before place allocation to tailor appropriate plans. Admissions policies note that admission is not conditional on a formal medical diagnosis, with effective transition processes in place for all children. Support for EAL is integrated within the school's inclusive approach rather than a separate programme.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing and belonging are central to school life, with wellbeing defined as feeling at ease, confident, and in touch with emotions. The counselling program supports positive mental health and aims to develop students' social, emotional, personal, and academic growth. Counselling services include universal, group, and individual sessions, with planned session structures and potential referrals for higher‑need cases. Counselling also supports safeguarding and human rights awareness as part of a holistic approach to student welfare. Parent workshops and broader wellbeing initiatives are part of the school's wellbeing offering.

Safeguarding
GEMS Founders School Dubai adheres to high safeguarding standards as a COBIS member. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Whole School Vice Principal, supported by Level 3 Deputy DSLs and the GEMS Central Safeguarding Team. All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training and follow national and GEMS policies, including the Ministry of Education Codes of Conduct. Safeguarding and wellbeing are embedded in the curriculum and school culture, with events on online safety, anti‑bullying, and children's rights, plus monthly safeguarding newsletters and parent information sessions. If there is a safeguarding concern, staff should contact the DSL or a Deputy DSL immediately; safeguarding documents such as the GEMS Safeguarding Policy 2025‑2026 are publicly available.
Parent Experience

History
GEMS Founders School - Dubai opened in September 2016 with about 1,800 students across FS1 to Year 8. In September 2017 it welcomed around 3,500 pupils as the school extended to Year 9. In 2018 Year 10 and Year 12 were added, enabling IGCSE and A‑Level programmes and expanding the school to more than 3,800 students. By 2019 the capacity reached 4,260 students in Phases 1 and 2, and in 2021 Phase 3 expanded facilities to support the extended curriculum. By 2022 the campus reached full capacity at 6,404 students (FS1–Year 13), and the school operates under the National Curriculum for England as part of GEMS Education, serving a diverse community of more than 100 nationalities. The GEMS Founders brand within GEMS Education includes multiple campuses, with GFS Dubai opening in 2016.

Community
The school uses a house system with four houses: RED (Fire), BLUE (Water), GREEN (Earth) and YELLOW (Air). GFS Talks is a KS4/KS5 student‑led blog and podcast published weekly. The Local Advisory Board (LAB) includes parents, staff and GEMS executives and meets regularly to advise on strategy and policy, while field trips are a regular feature of the enriched curriculum. The school has hosted community events such as a TEDx conference in 2024.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
GFPA stands for GEMS Founders School Parent Association. GFPA emphasizes close communication as a core feature of the partnership, including consultation evenings, written reports, and an open‑door policy for speaking with staff. The association notes that parental engagement supports student achievement, aligning with international research cited on the page. GFPA collaborates with school staff to support learning and involve parents in school life. The Local Advisory Board includes parent members who meet regularly to advise on strategy and policy and to hold the leadership to account.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Located in Al Barsha South, Dubai, the campus supports science, technology, arts, and sports. Classrooms are modern and connected to high-speed internet. The school has 13 science laboratories, dedicated art and music rooms, food technology and design technology suites, and libraries for foundation stage through secondary. A performance hall, two medical centres, dining halls and a book store are on site. The sports facilities include two full-sized 11-a-side pitches, five shaded full-sized MUGA courts, fully air-conditioned multi-purpose halls, dance and fitness studios, covered outdoor play areas, a roof-top MUGA court, and a roof-top football pitch with a cricket net.

Sports Facilities
The sports facilities include two full-sized 11-a-side football pitches, five shaded full-sized MUGA courts, a fully air-conditioned multi-purpose hall, fully air-conditioned primary and secondary sports halls, dance and fitness studios, and covered outdoor play areas, plus a roof-top MUGA court and roof-top football pitch with a cricket net.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include modern classrooms with high-speed internet, 13 science laboratories, dedicated art and music rooms, food technology and design technology suites, and foundation stage, primary and secondary libraries with an extensive collection.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extra-curricular activities include free clubs such as drama, yoga, arts and crafts, chess and more for FS1 to Y13, with paid ESM sports clubs available via the ESM website. The enrichment program features charity events, subject-based weeks, visiting speakers, plays, debating competitions, poetry and story recitation, assemblies, book fairs, field trips and overseas trips, and Model United Nations. Sports offerings include sports days, athletics, basketball, football, volleyball and cricket. GFS Talks provides students with a blog/podcast platform managed by KS4/KS5 students.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
GEMS Founders School – Dubai follows the National Curriculum for England from FS1 through Year 13. Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) also follows the National Curriculum for England. In Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) the school offers a range of international qualifications, including IGCSE, GCSE and BTEC, with examination boards including Pearson Edexcel, AQA and Oxford AQA. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13) the school offers AS/A Level subjects.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school is a High Performance Learning School and has achieved iFoundation status in 2021, reflecting an emphasis on wellbeing, leadership and personal development across a broad international community (over 100 nationalities). The KHDA inspection for 2023–2024 rated the school as Very Good overall, with strong outcomes in wellbeing and inclusion. The school maintains a Wellbeing Award for Schools and other accreditation related to student care and inclusion. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards program is also offered through the school. (KHDA and accreditation details are listed on the school's site.)
Languages

Language Provision
English Language Learner (ELL) support is provided as part of an inclusive approach to learning. The school values languages and cultural understanding within a diverse, multinational community. The curriculum is the National Curriculum for England.
Admissions

Admissions
Admissions are online; start with ENROL ONLINE to submit the online Student Enquiry & Registration and receive an online reference number and next steps. The school teaches in English and follows the British Curriculum for ages 3 to 18 (FS1 to Year 13), and it is inclusive, supporting a range of learning needs including SEND and English Language Learners with adjustments as required. A 525 AED application fee (including VAT) applies; it is refundable if no place is offered, non-refundable if a place is offered but not taken, and not deductible from tuition. The process proceeds through Registration (10% deposit due on enrollment), Assessment (FS1/FS2 observation; Year 1–Year 13 assessments), and Enrolment (offers issued; tuition payable in three terms); if a seat is not available, the application is placed on a waitlist until a seat becomes available; if you withdraw from the waiting list, the 500 AED plus VAT application fee can be refunded.

Scholarships
iFlourish Scholarships are available to students in Years 10–13 in recognition of outstanding achievement. The 2025–26 program is open, with an application form and deadline (12:00pm on Monday 2 February) shared on the Scholarships page and applications emailed to the provided address. Award categories include High Performance Learning Academic Excellence, The Foley Award for Outstanding Contribution to the School Community and Wellbeing, The Florenza Spinola Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Creative Arts, and Outstanding Contribution to Innovation and/or Sustainability.

Waitlist
Seats are allocated subject to availability; if no seat is available after assessment, the child is placed on a waitlist until a seat becomes available. If withdrawing from the waiting list, the application fee (500 AED plus VAT) can be refunded.
School Events
The school has not added events
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