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Jumeirah English Speaking School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 54,129 - 104,544
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2590
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Typical class size 24
Introduction

Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) is a not-for-profit, co-educational international school in Dubai operating across two campuses (Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches) and educating boys and girls aged 3–18. The school's curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England (including the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stages), leading to iGCSEs in Years 10–11; post-16 students follow either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or a two-year BTEC Level 3 pathway. English is the language required for access to the curriculum; specialist lessons include Arabic and Islamic Studies (the latter for Muslim students). The Arabian Ranches campus is described as having multiple outdoor covered spaces, playgrounds, courtyards, an amphitheatre and grass sports pitches, and both campuses provide indoor and outdoor learning environments. JESS highlights a broad co-curricular programme, student leadership, pastoral support (the Oasis counselling/service) and, at Sixth Form level, the dual IB/Diploma and BTEC pathways alongside CAS and enrichment activities.

28 8B St, Al Safa 1, Al Safa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Jumeirah English Speaking School has 2,590 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location
JESS Jumeirah is located at 28 8B Street, Al Safa 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits in central Dubai near Safa Park and is accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road. JESS operates across two campuses: JESS Jumeirah and JESS Arabian Ranches, serving different year groups.

Stages
JESS Jumeirah provides Early Years and Primary education (Foundation Stage to Year 6, ~ages 3–11). JESS Arabian Ranches offers Foundation Stage through Year 13 (ages 3–18), including Secondary and Sixth Form. The Dubai KHDA inspection confirms a co‑educational, 3–18 range across the group, with separate campus sites for different phases.

Type
JESS is a co-educational, not-for-profit day school. The school operates as a UAE-based not-for-profit with gender- balanced, mixed-gender classes.

Pupil Nationality Mix
KHDA DSIB 2023-2024 data for JESS Jumeirah shows 1,790 students on roll, Emirati students number 50, and the largest nationality group is UK. The school has 224 students of determination. (Ages 3–18; FS1–Year 13.)

Additional learning support
The Oasis Learning Support (SEN) department coordinates in-class support and individualized learning programmes. Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Services are available, with Gifted and Talented provision for Primary and Secondary.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation; JESS is a UAE-based not-for-profit school delivering UK/IB curricula.

Religious affiliation
JESS is non-denominational in its religious affiliation.

School day structure
The school year runs August to June with three terms. The typical school day runs from about 7:40am to 2:40pm, depending on year group.

Bus service
JESS offers a school bus service to secondary students, operated by STS Group. Bus routes include Jumeirah, Al Wasl Road, Springs/Meadows/Lakes, and Meydan. To join, contact the STS Service Delivery Executive at STS@jess.sch.ae or 056-3693149.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
JESS has a dining facility referred to as JESS Diner.

House System
The House System allocates each student from Foundation to Year 13 to a house. Primary houses are Falco, Tahr, Oryx, and Panthera; Secondary houses are Falco, Tahr, Oryx, and Panthera.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors that provides oversight of operations and long-term strategy. It is a not-for-profit school.
Fees

Annual tuition at Jumeirah English Speaking School ranges from AED 54,129 to AED 104,544 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- A non-refundable application fee of AED 500 is charged at the time of application.

Tuition fees (per term and per year)
- Foundation 1: AED 18,043 per term / AED 54,129 per year.
- Primary (Foundation 2 to Year 6): AED 21,699 per term / AED 65,097 per year.
- Secondary (Years 7–11): AED 30,641 per term / AED 91,923 per year.
- Sixth Form (Years 12–13): AED 34,848 per term / AED 104,544 per year.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are published both as per-term amounts and annual totals and are organised on a three-term academic year basis (three term amounts appear alongside the annual figure). Invoicing, exact payment deadlines and any acceptance/registration requirements are set out in the school's offer and payment instructions provided at offer/acceptance.

Debentures and deposits
- A personal debenture of AED 20,000 is required when a personal-debenture place is offered; this debenture is payable within the timeframe specified in the offer (the school requires payment of the personal debenture within five days of the offer) and remains with the child while enrolled. Personal debentures are refunded when the child leaves in accordance with the school's debenture rules; if less than the required one term's notice is given the personal debenture will not be refunded until the end of the following term. Corporate debentures (where available to eligible companies) follow separate rules.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. JESS operates as a day school and provides school transport for students rather than boarding accommodation.

Other costs and optional charges
- Additional, optional or conditional charges commonly apply and may include (ranges indicative where applicable):
- School uniform and uniform kit costs.
- Extracurricular activities and club/activity fees.
- Devices / laptop charges where a device is required.
- Educational visits, local and international school trips (variable by trip).
- Canteen / meal costs, photographs and optional school services.
- Transport (school bus) charges for those using the school bus service; bus service provision and route availability are published separately.
- These additional charges are raised separately to tuition and are billed or collected according to the school's published optional services procedures.

Refund information (tuition, deposits, debenture)
- Personal debentures are refunded when the child leaves the school, subject to the debenture rules (including the notice-related condition described above).
- Tuition refunds and registration/re-registration deposit treatment follow the applicable KHDA Schools Registration and Refund Policy: in general, registration/re-registration deposits are not refundable except in specified extenuating circumstances; tuition paid prior to the start of an academic year is refundable with the registration/re-registration deposit deducted; after a student has started, refunds (if any) are calculated according to the KHDA schedule that uses the date of official withdrawal and the term in which the withdrawal occurs. The KHDA policy sets the framework schools must follow for calculation and processing of refunds.

Fee payment options and banking details
- Accepted payment methods include bank transfer and cheque. Bank transfer details and payment instructions are provided by the school (bank, IBAN and SWIFT information are supplied for bank payments); cheques should be made payable as instructed and must include the child's name and invoice reference as required by the school's accounts team. A copy of the payment confirmation should be sent to the school accounts email address as instructed in the school's payment details.

Important administrative notes
- The application fee is non-refundable. Payment timing and any further deposits or registration payments required to secure a place are specified in the offer and registration documentation for each successful application. Personal debenture and other deposit rules are governed by the school's debenture policy and must be observed for eligibility, payment timing and refund conditions.
Academics

Jumeirah English Speaking School teaches British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
JESS Dubai delivers a British-based curriculum across two campuses—Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches—for Early Years and Primary up to Year 6, with the same programme on both sites. The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England and is adapted to the UAE context, with Foundation Stage (EYFS) and play-based learning in FS1–FS2, progressing to cross-curricular learning in KS1 and KS2. Primary (Foundation 2 to Year 6) combines traditional subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Art, Design & Technology, Computing, Music, and Physical Education with Arabic and Islamic Studies for Muslim students and a Moral & Social Curriculum. Secondary (Years 7–9, Key Stage 3) follows the English National Curriculum, with Year 9 GCSE option selections for Years 10–11 and GCSE examinations in up to nine subjects. Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers two pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or the BTEC Plus Extended Diploma, with the latter being equivalent to three A-Levels and including specialist courses in Art & Design, Business, and Sport.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
JESS places wellbeing at the heart of its approach to social and emotional learning (SEL). The school uses a Wellbeing Wheel with eight indicators to discuss and monitor student wellbeing: safe, healthy, active, achieving, responsible, respected, included, and nurtured. Wellbeing data is embedded in daily operations and used to plan care and support for individual students. Through all facets of school life, students and staff participate in activities that promote mental and physical wellbeing, with students empowered to take ownership and have their voices heard. Students feel safe to express themselves and to contribute as full members of the community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
JESS is an inclusive school that aims to discover the brilliance in every individual. The need for additional care and support may be recognised prior to entry, during school-based assessments, or via external reports. The Oasis (Learning Support) department may coordinate and deliver in-class support, personalised learning programmes, modified or reduced curricula, or an individual education plan (IEP); the arrangement is graduated and adaptive and part of the Standard School Service. The Counselling team provides play-based counselling sessions, friendship group formation, and guidance for parents and teachers. Provision includes Occupational Therapy Services and Speech and Language Services; some students may access specialist external support when appropriate. The school also runs a Gifted and Talented Programme for Primary and Secondary. The school is not a specialist SEN institution; it emphasises inclusive education.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Admissions criteria require that applicants be fluent in English at an age-appropriate level; if English is not the applicant's first language or the applicant is multilingual, the English as an Additional Language Policy is referenced. This indicates that EAL support is provided under policy for non-native English speakers. Details of the EAL policy are published in the school policies and procedures framework.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is integrated into JESS's wellbeing framework. The Wellbeing Wheel identifies eight indicators and is used to monitor and discuss wellbeing, with data informing planning of care and support. The school provides opportunities for mental and physical activities, access to care and support, and a sense of belonging where voices are heard and individuals feel safe to express themselves. A counselling service and a range of wellbeing interventions support emotional health, with external verification of effectiveness from wellbeing awards and KHDA evaluations.

Safeguarding
JESS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students and staff, with safeguarding policies and procedures in place for staff and learners. Staff recruitment follows rigorous safety practices, including identity checks, qualification checks, online social media checks, and criminal background checks. All candidates are required to provide police clearance certificates for every country in which they have resided, with UK applicants also requiring Enhanced DBS and an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC). A minimum of three satisfactory professional references is required, and safeguarding guidance is integrated into the school's policies and procedures.
Parent Experience

History
JESS was founded in 1975 to meet the demand for high-quality, affordable British education for expatriate families in Dubai. It began in a small apartment near the Deira Clock Tower with 17 pupils. A year later, land was gifted by HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and JESS moved to a villa in Jumeirah, where it expanded into a leading primary school. In 2005, the Arabian Ranches campus opened to accommodate growing demand, establishing two campuses and three schools. Today, JESS operates two campuses and three schools (Jumeirah Primary, Arabian Ranches Primary, Arabian Ranches Secondary) with over 2,300 students from around the world.

Community
JESS describes its community as diverse and close-knit, with a packed calendar of events and activities that bring students, families, and staff together for charitable initiatives and cultural celebrations. Parents Groups (JPGs) are a central part of the community, open to all parents and active at both the Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches campuses. An active Alumni network keeps former pupils connected with current students and school life. International Day celebrations at both campuses showcase cultural diversity through performances, parades, and food experiences.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
JESS structures parent involvement through Parents Groups (JPGs), a major part of the school community and open to all parents. JPGs operate at both campuses and coordinate a wide range of events throughout the year that involve students, families, and staff. Parents volunteers play an active role in planning and delivering activities, fundraising, and supporting school initiatives. JPGs provide opportunities for parents to gain insight into daily school operations and to model civic engagement for their children. In addition to JPGs, the school maintains an Alumni network and a range of after-school providers that extend parent engagement beyond classroom hours.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
JESS Dubai operates two campuses in Dubai: Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches. The Jumeirah campus, located in Al Safa 1 and established in 1976, is described as a green oasis with low-rise buildings, abundant greenery and outdoor play spaces, offering views of the Burj Khalifa. Arabian Ranches is the larger site opened in 2005 that brings the three schools—Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form—together on one campus, featuring outdoor covered spaces, an amphitheatre and courtyards for performances, and classrooms that overlook extensive grass sport fields. Both campuses provide a 25-meter swimming pool for swimming (nine lanes at Arabian Ranches and six lanes at Jumeirah) and indoor multi-court spaces for PE and nets/basketball, with spectator areas and changing facilities. The libraries are a central part of the learning environment on both campuses, and digital resources are supported by Sway Libraries.

Sports Facilities
Arabian Ranches campus features outdoor covered spaces, an amphitheatre and courtyards for performances, and extensive grass sports fields. Indoor facilities include five indoor courts for basketball and netball, forming part of a dedicated indoor sport space. Each campus has a 25-meter pool for swimming (nine lanes at Arabian Ranches; six lanes at Jumeirah) with lifeguards and seating/changing areas. The school's sport provisions extend to a broad PE program and competitive opportunities across local and international events.

Academic Facilities
Libraries play a central role in learning across both campuses, with libraries integral to the curriculum. Digital resources are available via Sway Libraries, accessed through the parent portal.

Extra Curricular Facilities
JESS offers a broad co-curricular program with after-school activities and holiday clubs run through external providers. The performing arts program features regular productions and shows, with events such as dance performances and school theatre in campus spaces like auditoria and amphitheatres. The school maintains a House System and Student Leadership opportunities to engage students beyond the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school follows the English National Curriculum for England, adapted for its UAE context. The Early Years and Primary curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England, with Foundation Stage play-based learning and a cross-curricular approach in Key Stages 1–2. In Secondary, learners study the National Curriculum for England with GCSEs, and the Sixth Form offers either the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme or a BTEC pathway. The school operates three schools across two sites, with Secondary and Sixth Form based at Arabian Ranches; examination results are published for GCSE, IB, and BTEC, and many students gain offers to top universities worldwide.

Arts & Creative
Performing Arts are central to life at JESS, with dance, drama, and music offered across the school; ensembles and concerts occur throughout the year. Drama includes opportunities to take LAMDA examinations and participate in productions and theatre trips. The Music department provides instrument lessons and ensembles, with students able to perform in concerts and pursue external examinations; many alumni have studied music at universities such as NYU, Berklee, and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The arts are integrated with the curriculum and a broad co-curricular arts programme supports ongoing participation across the school.

Cultural & Language
Al Ajyaal is a whole‑school programme designed to prepare Emirati students to become leaders of the future within the UAE. Moral, Social and Cultural Studies (MSC) is delivered throughout the curriculum to meet UAE national goals. English is the language of instruction and the school follows the English National Curriculum year‑group structure; admission requires fluency in English to access the curriculum.

Social & Hobbies
The Co‑Curricular programme includes the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award for Secondary and the MaD Award for Primary, with additional trips and service experiences such as the Philanthropic Schools Award organized by KHDA. The Extracurricular Programme spans Sports ECAs, Performing Arts ECAs, Creative ECAs, Academic ECAs, and Wellbeing ECAs, with termly changes and wide participation. Trips and visits extend learning beyond the classroom and include local, national, and international experiences.

Community & Service
Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and MaD Award foster service, leadership, and community engagement. Trips and visits include service experiences and KHDA philanthropic initiatives. The Al Ajyaal Programme focuses on Emirati leadership and community contributions, supporting Emirati students' development within the school context.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership is embedded across the school, with Head Students selected in Year 6 and Year 12 and leadership opportunities available throughout the school. The university guidance team supports Sixth Form students with course decisions, personal statements, and university applications. The Duke of Edinburgh Award also fosters leadership and service as part of a broader leadership development approach.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Life at JESS is holistic, with extensive participation in sports, the arts, cultural activities, philanthropy, and trips, underpinned by a strong pastoral system. The Counselling team provides confidential, developmentally appropriate support and therapy, with qualified practitioners and a structured model to promote resilience and well‑being. The school emphasizes well‑being across its programme, integrating mental health and pastoral care with academic and co‑curricular life.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction and the school follows the English National Curriculum year group structure. English as an Additional Language policy provides support for students who are not native English speakers. Arabic language teaching and Islamic Education are part of the UAE curriculum; Emirati students may be required to study Arabic A and Islamic A, with the Al Ajyaal (Future Leaders) Programme supporting Emirati learners. The UAE National Agenda emphasizes reading and literacy in Arabic and English, and libraries play an integral role in developing these skills.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Identify the correct year group and intended start. JESS uses a debenture-based system to hold places and manage waiting lists, with corporate debentures no longer available for purchase and personal debentures used to secure a place. Personal Debentures are AED 20,000 and are not payable until a place is offered; they remain in place while the child is enrolled and are refunded when the child leaves, subject to policy. 2. Choose the waiting-list route. Waiting lists are open to Corporate Debenture Holders or Emirati Nationals, and FS1 and Year 7 siblings can apply for waiting-list consideration. If a place is not yet available, the waiting list remains in place according to the applicable route. 3. Check current year-group availability. For 2025-26, all year groups are stated as full with over-subscribed waiting lists. Sixth Form Year 12 2025/26 is closed to new applications, with information available for Year 12 2026/27. 4. Learn how to apply to waiting lists. FS1 and Year 7 for personal applications are two years in advance of enrolment; Personal Debenture applications are opened only when waiting lists fall below a threshold. Corporate Debenture or Emirati National applications can be submitted when the relevant waiting lists are open; check the monthly admissions updates for openings. 5. Understand the offer process. The timing of an offer depends on the year group and whether the place starts at the beginning of the academic year or mid-year; the offer procedure and required documentation differ by year group and are detailed in the offer letter and Admissions Policy. 6. Complete KHDA registration if an offer is accepted. To register with KHDA, a Transfer Certificate from the current school must be provided, with attestation guidelines applicable for the country of origin; the original TC must be submitted before attendance. 7. Confirm the debenture and deposit payments. If a Personal Debenture place is offered, the school deposit must be paid within 5 days and the Personal Debenture paid in full before starting; Debentures remain in place while the child is enrolled and are refunded when the child leaves, subject to terms. Corporate Debentures are no longer available; a separate debenture is required for each child. 8. Review the fees and payment options. An application/non-refundable fee of AED 500 applies; annual and term-based fee amounts are published for Foundation 1, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form, with payment options and banking details available. 9. Contact the Admissions team for confirmation or questions.

Waitlist
The school uses waiting lists for most year groups. Waiting-list entry is available for Corporate Debenture Holders (all years except Years 10–13) and Emirati Nationals, and FS1 and Year 7 siblings may join waiting lists. Due to high application volumes, responses are limited to Emirati Nationals or Corporate Debenture Holders, and response time for other categories may be limited. FS1 and Year 7 personal applications are two years in advance of enrolment; Personal Debenture waiting lists operate when waiting lists fall below a threshold. For 2025-26, most year groups are reported as full with oversubscribed waiting lists, and Sixth Form Year 12 2025/26 is closed to new applications. Offers and waiting-list status are managed per year group, with monthly updates guiding when personal debentures may reopen. The team can be contacted via the Admissions page for current waiting-list openings and eligibility.
School Events
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