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Horizon International School

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 37,940 - 71,445
Ages 3 - 18 years
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Introduction

Horizon International School is an inclusive, co‑educational British curriculum school located in Umm Al Sheif (Street 9A, off Al Wasl Road), Jumeirah, Dubai. It follows the English National Curriculum and admits pupils from Foundation Stage 1 to Year 13 (ages 3–18). The published medium of instruction is English; Arabic is taught from FS1 as an additional language and is offered as Arabic as a first language for Arab passport holders, while modern languages such as French or Spanish are available in the secondary phase. The school describes a range of notable facilities including refurbished Early Years learning areas, a central FS area for indoor play, an upgraded Performing Arts and Music space with a drama studio and lighting rig, and extensive sports provision. Distinctive elements of the programme highlighted on the school site include its EVOLV3 gifted and talented programme, participation in F1 in Schools, the Cognita ENRICH ME enrichment offer, LAMDA qualifications and Duke of Edinburgh opportunities; the school is part of the Cognita group and holds British School Overseas accreditation.

Street 9A, Off Al Wasl Road, Umm Al Sheif, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Horizon International School has instruction in English.

Location
Located in Dubai's Jumeirah/Umm Suqeim area, Horizon International School sits on Street 9A off Al Wasl Road in Umm Al Sheif. The central neighborhood is well connected by major routes such as Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, providing easy car access and multiple public transport options. The campus is set within a residential area and serves families from across central Dubai.

Stages
The school offers a through-school structure from Foundation Stage through to Year 13 (FS1 to A-Levels). It serves students roughly aged 3 to 18 years, with a through-school pathway from early years to post-16.

Type
Co-educational day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body represents more than 50 nationalities. The largest groups are Arab and British, with Emirati students also present; local students comprise a small share of the roll (roughly around 1%), with the majority being international.

Additional learning support
Horizon International School runs an inclusion programme that supports students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL). The school emphasises personalised learning and welfare as part of its provision.

Country affiliation
British overseas school; follows a British curriculum.

Religious affiliation
No explicit religious affiliation; secular schooling.

School day structure
The school day typically starts around 7:15–7:45 in the morning and finishes around 3:00–4:00 in the afternoon, with variations by year group. Friday hours are shorter. After-school care is available through a Star Club program until about 5:00 pm.

Bus service
Horizon's bus transport is provided by Gulf Pinnacle Transport (GPT). GPT operates multiple routes serving Umm Suqeim, JVC, Dubai Marina, Al Barsha and nearby areas, with safety features including real-time tracking and video surveillance. The school provides bus route details and contact options for arranging transport.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is compulsory for all students and must be worn during the day and when representing the school; grooming rules include no nail polish or non-essential jewellery, and long hair must be tied back. Foundation Stage to Year 2 wear a blue polo T-shirt with navy shorts or skorts; Years 3 to 6 wear a plain sky-blue shirt with navy shorts or skirts; Secondary students wear navy trousers or skirts with a white shirt and a school tie. All uniforms are stocked and sold via Sumeru Trading on the 1st floor of J3 Mall, Al Wasl Road.

Food Options
SwissCanonica provides school catering with a balanced daily menu that rotates on a twelve-week cycle. The menus follow Dubai Municipality guidelines and are Dubai Municipality-approved, with a vegetarian main option available on request. Meals are ordered by parents via the Spare app; for queries, contact canteen-horizon@swisscanononica.ae.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of the Cognita family of international schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Horizon International School ranges from AED 37,940 to AED 71,445 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- An application/assessment fee of AED 500 (AED 525 inclusive of VAT) is charged per application. This fee is not deductible from tuition.

Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual totals)

Early Years

- FS1: Term 1 AED 15,532; Term 2 AED 11,650; Term 3 AED 11,650; Total tuition (annual) AED 38,832; Books fee AED 350; Total fees AED 39,182.
- FS2: Term 1 AED 15,532; Term 2 AED 11,650; Term 3 AED 11,650; Total tuition (annual) AED 38,832; Books fee AED 400; Total fees AED 39,232.

Primary School

- Year 1: Term 1 AED 17,828; Term 2 AED 13,372; Term 3 AED 13,372; Total tuition (annual) AED 44,572; Books fee AED 600; Total fees AED 45,172.
- Year 2: Term 1 AED 17,828; Term 2 AED 13,372; Term 3 AED 13,372; Total tuition (annual) AED 44,572; Books fee AED 700; Total fees AED 45,272.
- Year 3: Term 1 AED 20,343; Term 2 AED 15,260; Term 3 AED 15,260; Total tuition (annual) AED 50,863; Books fee AED 850; Total fees AED 51,713.
- Year 4: Term 1 AED 20,343; Term 2 AED 15,260; Term 3 AED 15,260; Total tuition (annual) AED 50,863; Books fee AED 850; Total fees AED 51,713.
- Year 5: Term 1 AED 21,751; Term 2 AED 16,313; Term 3 AED 16,313; Total tuition (annual) AED 54,377; Books fee AED 900; Total fees AED 55,277.
- Year 6: Term 1 AED 21,751; Term 2 AED 16,313; Term 3 AED 16,313; Total tuition (annual) AED 54,377; Books fee AED 900; Total fees AED 55,277.

Secondary School

- Year 7: Term 1 AED 24,635; Term 2 AED 18,476; Term 3 AED 18,476; Total tuition (annual) AED 61,587; Books fee AED 1,100; Total fees AED 62,687.
- Year 8: Term 1 AED 24,635; Term 2 AED 18,476; Term 3 AED 18,476; Total tuition (annual) AED 61,587; Books fee AED 1,100; Total fees AED 62,687.
- Year 9: Term 1 AED 24,635; Term 2 AED 18,476; Term 3 AED 18,476; Total tuition (annual) AED 61,587; Books fee AED 1,100; Total fees AED 62,687.
- Year 10: Term 1 AED 26,550; Term 2 AED 19,912; Term 3 AED 19,912; Total tuition (annual) AED 66,374; Books fee AED 1,300; Total fees AED 67,674.
- Year 11: Term 1 AED 26,550; Term 2 AED 19,912; Term 3 AED 19,912; Total tuition (annual) AED 66,374; Books fee AED 1,300; Total fees AED 67,674.

Post-16 (Sixth Form)

- Year 12: Term 1 AED 29,250; Term 2 AED 21,937; Term 3 AED 21,937; Total tuition (annual) AED 73,124; Books fee AED 1,300; Total fees AED 74,424.
- Year 13: Term 1 AED 29,250; Term 2 AED 21,937; Term 3 AED 21,937; Total tuition (annual) AED 73,124; Books fee AED 1,300; Total fees AED 74,424.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition may be paid in full at the start of the academic year or in three instalments: 40% in August for the First Term, 30% in December for the Second Term, and 30% in March for the Third Term. Tuition excludes school lunches, transportation and educational trips; some extracurricular activities provided by external providers may carry additional charges.
- A non-refundable enrolment deposit of 10% of the annual tuition fee is required for new pupils and is deducted from the annual tuition fee; returning pupils pay a 5% deposit (deducted from the annual tuition fee) when re-enrolling. Re-enrolment fees for existing students are up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non-refundable and deductible from the first term fees.
- The school was granted a tuition-fee increase of 2.35% for the 2025–2026 academic year under the KHDA framework; this increase is included in the published totals.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The school does not list any boarding provision or boarding fees.

Other costs and optional fees

- Uniform: indicated range AED 500 to AED 2,000 (uniform is available from a designated supplier).
- Books / required education supplies: year-specific book fees are shown above; fact-sheet values and guidance also indicate typical book and device costs by year.
- Laptop / digital device (where applicable): typical range AED 1,500 to AED 4,000 (appears for applicable primary/secondary year fact sheets).
- Transport (optional): typical range AED 6,750 to AED 10,000 per year depending on route/zone.
- Canteen / school meals (optional): typical range AED 1,500 to AED 4,500 per year.
- Extracurricular activities (optional): range AED 0 to AED 6,000 per year depending on activity.
- Class photographs, local trips, awards and some extracurricular programme charges are listed as optional items with typical ranges (for example: class photographs AED 0–500; local field trips AED 0–3,000; Duke of Edinburgh participation and similar awards have separate charges). Learning support assistant costs are shown as a wide range when additional individual support is required.

Refund information

- Refunds and withdrawal charges are processed in accordance with KHDA regulations. Deposits and enrolment/re-enrolment fees are generally non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances (for example, approved relocation outside the UAE) and will be treated according to KHDA timelines and the school's published policy. The official withdrawal request date is used to calculate any refund due.

Fee payment options

- An online payments portal (HIS Payments) is available for fee submission; the portal provides a ‘‘Pay'' function for the types of fees listed (tuition, registration deposit, re-enrolment, transfer certificate, exam and activity fees). Parents may use the online payments portal identified as HIS Payments.
- For payment arrangements or alternative methods, parents may contact the school's finance office via the school contact details (phone +971 4 348 3314; reception@hisdubai.ae).

Notes and important points

- Application fee, deposits, tuition instalment schedule, optional service ranges and the refund framework follow KHDA requirements and the school's published fee policy; some year-specific optional charges vary by year and by service.
- The KHDA School Fees Fact Sheets for each year list mandatory tuition and common optional charges and are used by the school to show the ranges for optional services and supplies.
Academics

Horizon International School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Horizon International School Dubai provides a through‑school British education for ages 3–18, with Foundation Stage, Primary (KS1–KS2), Secondary (KS3–KS4) and Post‑16 pathways to GCSE/IGCSE and A‑Levels. The Foundation Stage follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage with seven areas of learning and a play‑based, personalised approach, with DSIB rating outstanding. Primary is organised into KS1 (Years 1–2) and KS2 (Years 3–6) and uses the English National Curriculum, with subjects including English, Maths, Science plus Arabic, Islamic/Moral Education, French, Geography, History, ICT, Art & Design, Music, PE, Swimming and Social Studies. Secondary comprises KS3 (Years 7–9) and KS4 (Years 10–11) with a broad range of subjects including English, Maths, Science, Arabic, Geography, History, UAE Social Studies, Islamic Studies, ICT/Computing, Art, Drama, Music, PE, and options such as French/Spanish; ASDAN is available for SEND. Post‑16 provides GCSE/IGCSE examinations leading into A‑Levels; 2023/24 GCSE results included 30% A*/9-8 and 53% A*/9-7, with 100% A*-C in English/Lit/Triple Science and 97% in Maths, and A‑Levels with a 100% pass rate and places at first‑choice universities.

Exam Results
GCSE results 2023/24: 30% A*-A*/9-8 and 53% A*-A/9-7; 94% A*-C/9-4; 100% A*-C in English Language, English Literature and Triple Science; 97% A*-C in Maths. A‑Levels 2023/24: 100% pass rate with all students securing places at their first‑choice universities.

Higher Education Progression
Post‑16 pathways are designed to support university progression through GCSE/IGCSE and A‑Levels, with the aim of placing students at first‑choice universities; Year 9 curriculum materials emphasise a university‑bound trajectory and a range of post‑18 options.

Gifted and Talented
EVOLV3 is a dedicated programme for high‑ability students (Years 4–13) with weekend sessions; LAMDA qualifications are available through Music & Performing Arts; additional enrichment includes F1 in Schools and other Cognita Enrich ME opportunities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Horizon International School prioritises Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) within a wellbeing-focused, inclusive education model. The Cognita network emphasises wellbeing through data-driven interventions and resources for families, and events such as Global Be Well Day. The Inclusion Policy states that the school places the learning, achievement, attitude, and wellbeing of all students at its heart, with a Quality First Teaching approach and curriculum modification to support Students of Determination. PSHE, Awareness Days, Circle Time, and Moral Education are used to promote social and emotional development across year groups. The school also provides a dedicated school counsellor and an Inclusion Support Team to support students' social, emotional, and behavioural needs. The Cognita wellbeing ethos and Be Well Day example illustrate the school's active focus on student wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Inclusion Policy confirms Horizon caters for a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and for More Able, Gifted and Talented (MAGT) students, in line with the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017). It states that curriculum is modified to meet SEND needs and that admission for Students of Determination is welcomed, with provisions funded as a Standard School Service from the school budget. The school maintains an Inclusion Support Team with a dedicated Inclusion Champion and Head of Inclusion, plus a dedicated school counsellor, to coordinate SEND provision and pastoral support. Identification and assessment of SEND are carried out via a SEND Pathway, including assessments, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and involvement of external specialists when needed. The school lists categories of need including Cognition and Learning, Specific Learning Disorders, Developmental Delay, and other SEND categories, and it includes English as an Additional Language (EAL) within its categorisation framework. The Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework and KHDA-aligned practices guide identification, monitoring, and progress review through formal provisions and a structured cycle of assess-plan-do-review.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL is explicitly included within Horizon International School's inclusive framework. The Common Learning Environment recognises English as an Additional Language (EAL) alongside English Language Learners, and the Inclusion Policy notes EAL as part of the student population requiring support. The school outlines an inclusive approach to meeting diverse language needs, in line with Dubai's inclusive education framework. The policy also highlights that English language learners are considered within the broader SEND and MAGT provisions, ensuring they access suitable adaptations and support as needed.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is a core component of Horizon International School's approach to wellbeing. The Cognita framework emphasises wellbeing with data-driven interventions and family resources, including events like Global Be Well Day. The Inclusion Policy states that the wellbeing of every student is central to the school's work, and that pupils' social, emotional, and academic progress is supported through inclusive practices. A dedicated school counsellor is part of the Inclusion Support Team to provide mental health and emotional support, and wellbeing monitoring is integrated into the school's SEND pathway and wider PSHE curriculum. These elements together illustrate a structured, school-wide focus on mental wellbeing and early intervention.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and Child Protection are defined as a key priority in Horizon International School's Cognita Middle East policy framework. Safeguarding is presented as everyone's responsibility, with staff trained to identify concerns, share information, and escalate promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Deputy DSL (DDSL), or Regional Safeguarding Lead (RSL). The Safeguarding Policy covers definitions, governance, legal context, and procedures, and requires staff to follow established safeguarding processes, including information sharing when necessary. The policy details the roles, contact points, and escalation paths for safeguarding concerns, and it ties local regulatory frameworks (UAE laws and KHDA guidelines) to its practices. The policy is reviewed and updated regularly, with implementation dates and reviews (e.g., August 2025 revision) indicated in the document metadata.
Parent Experience

History
Horizon International School was founded in 2008 in Dubai as Star International School Umm Al Sheif, starting with the Early Years and expanding to a Primary program by 2010 and to a full Secondary intake in 2011. The school was renamed Horizon International School as part of its development to provide a through-school British education for ages 3-18. In February 2022, Horizon International School joined the Cognita group, becoming part of a Dubai network of Cognita schools; Darren Gale has served as Principal since September 2018. The school has earned recognitions including a Very Good KHDA rating, a NACE Challenge Award, and an Outstanding British Schools Overseas rating in recent years.

Community
Horizon International School is a through-school community in Umm Al Sheif, Dubai, serving Foundation through Sixth Form (ages 3-18). The school has a multicultural student body drawn from more than 45 nationalities, reflecting a diverse learning environment. The school emphasizes community spirit and family values, fostering a sense of belonging among students, parents, and staff. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is available to students, and the school has delivered strong GCSE/IGCSE and A-Level results.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus is located at Umm Al Sheif in the heart of Jumeirah. The facilities enable every child to thrive and support a balance between academic rigour, creative pursuits, and sporting activities. Horizon International School provides a British education for students from FS1 to Year 13. The campus supports extensive sports and arts programmes and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Sports Facilities
Extensive sports programmes are offered at Horizon International School. The school highlights extensive sports and arts programmes and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Cognita Enrich ME provides enrichment in football, swimming, netball, racquet sports, athlete development, and more. The F1 in Schools programme offers hands-on, team-based STEM activity that complements physical education and broader school sport and science learning.

Academic Facilities
Horizon International School offers premium British education for students aged 3 to 18. It is Accredited British School Overseas (BSO). The curriculum combines IGCSE/GCSE with post-16 examinations leading into A levels. KHDA inspection in 2023/24 rated the school as Very Good overall. GCSE results for 2023/24 show 30% of grades at 9-8 (A*) and 53% at 9-7 (A*-A). A-Level results for 2023/24 show a 100% pass rate with all students securing places at their first-choice universities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Horizon International School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. The EVOLV3 programme targets gifted and talented students with monthly enrichment opportunities across subjects. ENRICH ME provides after-school enrichment across sports, music, dance and drama. Music & Performing Arts includes monthly showcases, theatre productions and LAMDA qualifications, with pathways for examinations and progression.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
EVOLV3 provides weekend sessions for the school's most able, gifted, and talented students from Years 4 to 13, enabling specialised study in areas they are passionate about. The drama program includes LAMDA qualifications, integrating language and performance into learning. The school's enrichment ecosystem extends beyond the timetable through these targeted programs.

Arts & Creative
Performing arts are central to Horizon, with drama and music education that extends to performances, showcases, and productions. There are monthly Let's Perform showcases and school-wide performances, plus theatre trips and opportunities for drama clubs. LAMDA qualifications are introduced through the drama provision.

Cultural & Language
The school is multicultural and open to all nationalities. It offers a British curriculum.

Social & Hobbies
STAR CLUB provides after-school care Monday to Thursday until 5 p.m. and Friday until 3 p.m. for Foundation and Primary ages. Activities include arts and crafts, puzzles, board games, story time, and indoor/outdoor play; a chillout area is available.

Community & Service
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered to develop resilience, leadership, and community involvement outside the classroom, with formal accreditation upon achievement.

Leadership & Professional
The Duke of Edinburgh program develops leadership and transferable skills. EVOLV3 targets high-potential students, and LAMDA qualifications in drama support leadership in performance contexts.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is highlighted within the Cognita family through wellbeing resources for families and events such as Global Be Well Day. Drama education also fosters emotional literacy and personal growth.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction, with the Primary and Secondary curricula based on the English National Curriculum. Arabic is taught as a subject with MOE curriculum requirements; in Years 10–11 it is listed as 'Arabic (inc. compulsory MOE curriculum) – Arab passport holders only'. French or Spanish is offered as a second language in Years 7–9. The curriculum supports language learning within the British framework.
Reputation

Awards
KHDA rated Very Good overall for 2023/24; GCSE and A-Level results for 2023/24 show strong outcomes.

Accreditations
The school is Accredited British School Overseas (BSO) and BSME accredited.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Make an Enquiry. Reach out to the Admissions Team to discuss your needs and guide you through the next steps. Complete the enquiry form or contact the Admissions Office at +971 4 348 3314. The Admissions Team will respond with the next steps. 2. Book a Tour. Book a tour to discover our facilities and visualise your child in Horizon International School. Meet our Leadership Team who will show you around and discuss the curriculum. Tours are offered weekly. The tour helps families assess fit. 3. Submit your application. Submit an online application form with supporting documents. Applications can be submitted via the Apply Now option. The Admissions Team will review your submission and advise on next steps. 4. Assessment and Offer. The school uses age-appropriate assessments to understand your child's strengths and ensure they are well-suited to thrive. For younger children, assessments may include play-based activities to observe interaction, communication, and milestones. Older students (Year 1 and above) complete formal assessments in English, Mathematics, and critical thinking. For families residing abroad, virtual assessments are available, and you will receive the outcome within three working days. 5. Secure your place. Accept the enrolment offer and submit all requested documents within the time specified. An enrollment fee must be paid to secure the offer. Admissions age ranges align with KHDA guidance for Academic Year 2026-27.

Scholarships
Scholarships at HIS recognise, nurture, and reward outstanding secondary students in the academic, sports, creative and performing arts fields. Horizon International School has offered the scholarship mentoring programme for over five years. Scholars receive mentoring and opportunities to lead and contribute to school life, and they are encouraged to model leadership for peers. Details on scholarship availability and how to apply are provided in the Admissions & Fees information.
School Events
The school has not added events
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