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North London Collegiate School Dubai

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 79,351 - 132,905
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1581
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Typical class size 9
Introduction

North London Collegiate School Dubai is a co-educational international day school in Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City (Nad Al Sheba), Dubai. The school is an authorised IB World School delivering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes; its provision is organised from Early Years (Pre‑KG, from age three) through Junior (KG2–Grade 5) and Senior School (Grades 6–12). English is the language of instruction; the school publishes a language policy and EAL provision and offers Arabic, French, Spanish, German and Mandarin as taught languages. The campus occupies about 38,000 square metres and, when at capacity, will provide 13 science laboratories; existing facilities include extensive IT provision, a performing arts centre, a large dining hall, tennis and basketball courts, a cricket/football/athletics astroturf and an eight‑lane indoor swimming pool. The school also describes vertical tutor groups and a house-based pastoral system as part of its senior-school organisation and links to the wider NLCS international family.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Nad Al Sheba, Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

North London Collegiate School Dubai has 1,581 pupils, typical class sizes of 9, instruction in English.

Location
NLCS Dubai is located in Nad Al Sheba, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City (Sobha Hartland), Dubai. The campus address is Nad Al Sheba, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Dubai, UAE (PO Box 242773). It sits about 3 kilometres from the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai, with road access via Al Khail and Ras Al Khor Roads. Travel times to nearby areas include roughly 10 minutes to Business Bay, about 12 minutes to Dubai Mall, around 18 minutes to Al Barsha, and about 20 minutes to Mirdif, depending on traffic.

Stages
Junior School comprises Early Years (Pre-KG – KG1), Lower Junior School (KG2 – Grade 2) and Upper Junior School (Grades 3–5), with IB Primary Years Programme delivered in the Junior School. Senior School covers Grades 6–12 (Years 7–13 in the UK system), divided into Middle School (Grades 6–8), Upper School (Grades 9–10) and the Sixth Form (Grades 11–12), culminating in the IB Diploma Programme.

Type
NLCS Dubai is a co-educational, IB World School. It operates as a day school (no boarding) with the IB continuum offered across the primary and secondary sections.

Pupil Nationality Mix
NLCS Dubai serves a multinational student body described as an eclectic mix of many nationalities from around the world. The school notes a diverse international intake but does not publish exact nationality counts, the most common nationality, or local-to-international ratios.

Additional learning support
NLCS Dubai provides inclusion and learning-support provisions. The Inclusion policy describes accommodations and adjustments for learners with barriers to learning, supported by a dedicated inclusion leadership team and Learning Support Assistants across Junior and Senior School. English as an Additional Language support is available from qualified specialist teachers.

Country affiliation
NLCS Dubai is part of the NLCS International family, which connects with NLCS (UK) as the mother school and includes multiple international campuses.

Religious affiliation
There is no publicly listed religious affiliation for NLCS Dubai; the school operates within an inclusive, international IB framework.

School day structure
The day for Pre-KG and KG1 begins with a 07:50 start and runs through structured periods ending around 13:50 for full-day young pupils. Grade 1–Grade 5 follow similar morning schedules with lunch and enrichment periods, ending around 11:15–14:00 depending on year and day. Senior School runs from 07:30–08:00 start times with a full timetable of periods, breaks, and two lunch blocks, finishing around 16:00 (with after-school activities until 17:00); Friday timings are shorter, finishing by 11:30 for the Senior School.

Bus service
NLCS Dubai offers a school bus service with two zones. Zone 1 covers areas such as Meydan Heights, Downtown, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa area and surrounding districts; Zone 2 includes Dubai Marina, JLT, Palm Jumeirah and other locations. Morning pick-up generally occurs between about 06:20–07:15, with buses arriving at the campus around 07:40–07:50. Afternoon departures for Pre-KG and KG1 include early drop-offs, with other year groups returning routes accordingly; registration is via an online form and the transport team provides route details and timing adjustments.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
All NLCS Dubai students from Pre-KG to Grade 10 wear a school uniform, which is supplied by the school's uniform supplier, Sumeru. Uniforms can be ordered online or purchased from the Sumeru store (location is listed on the site). Grades 11 and 12 follow a separate business casual dress code.

Food Options
The Dining Hall serves varied, balanced lunches, and a staff and sixth form coffee shop provides drinks and snacks. The school operates as a nut- and sesame-free environment; vegetarian diets are catered for and any allergies or special dietary needs should be communicated to the school.

Governance and Ownership
NLCS Dubai is governed by a School Governing Body comprised of members nominated by NLCS (UK) and Meraki Education, the school's development partners. Parents are invited to participate as governors. The Executive Chairman is Deepak Malhotra.
Fees

Annual tuition at North London Collegiate School Dubai ranges from AED 79,351 to AED 132,905 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- A non-refundable Application Fee of AED 500 plus 5% VAT is required on submission of an application and prior to the child's assessment. A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a place; this deposit is offset against the annual tuition fee as set out in the school's parent contract.

Tuition fees (academic year 2025–26) — annual and per-term (three terms per year)

Note: The school's KHDA-approved annual tuition and the introductory discount offered to new joiners for their first year are shown below. Per-term figures assume three terms in the academic year (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). Term dates and the three-term structure are published in the school calendar.

- Pre‑KG — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 91,735; Per term (approx.): AED 30,578. Discounted annual (introductory): AED 79,351; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 26,450.
- KG 1 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 96,157; Per term (approx.): AED 32,052. Discounted annual: AED 83,176; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 27,725.
- KG 2 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 104,999; Per term (approx.): AED 34,999. Discounted annual: AED 96,074; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 32,025.
- Grade 1 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 104,999; Per term (approx.): AED 34,999. Discounted annual: AED 98,174; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 32,725.
- Grade 2 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 104,999; Per term (approx.): AED 34,999. Discounted annual: AED 100,274; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 33,425.
- Grade 3 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 104,999; Per term (approx.): AED 34,999. Discounted annual: AED 100,274; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 33,425.
- Grade 4 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 108,314; Per term (approx.): AED 36,105. Discounted annual: AED 105,606; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 35,202.
- Grade 5 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 108,314; Per term (approx.): AED 36,105. Discounted annual: AED 105,606; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 35,202.
- Grade 6 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 127,103; Per term (approx.): AED 42,368. Discounted annual: AED 117,570; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 39,190.
- Grade 7 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 127,103; Per term (approx.): AED 42,368. Discounted annual: AED 117,570; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 39,190.
- Grade 8 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 127,103; Per term (approx.): AED 42,368. Discounted annual: AED 117,570; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 39,190.
- Grade 9 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 132,629; Per term (approx.): AED 44,210. Discounted annual: AED 122,682; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 40,894.
- Grade 10 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 132,629; Per term (approx.): AED 44,210. Discounted annual: AED 122,682; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 40,894.
- Grade 11 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 143,681; Per term (approx.): AED 47,894. Discounted annual: AED 132,905; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 44,302.
- Grade 12 — Annual (KHDA approved): AED 143,681; Per term (approx.): AED 47,894. Discounted annual: AED 132,905; Discounted per term (approx.): AED 44,302.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school year is organised in three academic terms; published term dates show the three-term structure for the academic year. Fees are expressed as annual tuition (KHDA-approved) and the school applies enrolment/re-enrolment deductions against the first term where applicable. Re‑enrolment and enrolment fees are described in the school's KHDA fees fact sheet (re-enrolment fee: up to 5% of tuition or AED 500, whichever is higher; enrolment fee for new students: up to 10% of tuition), and these are non‑refundable and deductible from the first-term fees.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- Boarding is not reported as part of NLCS Dubai's fee structure; the school's KHDA fees fact sheets and optional services lists do not include boarding charges. NLCS Dubai operates as a day school for the fees and services shown.

Other costs and typical additional charges

- Uniforms: listed ranges vary by grade; typical uniform costs are shown as approximately AED 300 to AED 2,750 (some grades list uniforms up to AED 5,000).
- Transport: optional transport ranges are published as approximately AED 2,160 to AED 9,200 per year, depending on route.
- Extracurricular activities: typical annual optional costs are shown in the range AED 1,000 to AED 6,000.
- Canteen / school meals: ranges are given (examples AED 1,000 to AED 4,000 or AED 200 to AED 4,500 depending on grade).
- School trips: example ranges AED 100 to AED 2,000 (some senior trips list higher maxima up to AED 40,000 for particular trips).
- Board/examination charges: board examination charges are paid to the examination boards where applicable and are listed as charged by the examination board itself (separate to tuition).

Refund and non‑refund rules

- The Application Fee is non-refundable. The confirmation deposit is non‑refundable but is offset against the annual tuition. Enrolment fees (for new students) and re‑enrolment fees (for existing students) are specified as non‑refundable and deductible from first-term fees (re-enrolment: up to 5% or AED 500; enrolment: up to 10% of tuition). These non‑refund terms are set out in the school's KHDA fact sheet entries.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Accepted payment methods for application fees, deposits and other school payments include cash, cheque, credit card and bank transfer. Cheques should be made payable to North London Collegiate School Middle East LLC-FZ. Bank transfer details (example) show the beneficiary and account information (Beneficiary: North London Collegiate School Middle East LLC-FZ; IBAN: AE840240001520196793501; Bank: Dubai Islamic Bank). Parents are asked to supply the child's name and grade when making bank transfers.

General terms and disclaimers about fees

- All tuition fees and recorded discounts are KHDA‑approved and may be reviewed annually. Tuition fees do not include lunches, transportation, uniforms, or educational trips unless explicitly stated. Early‑payment discounts of up to 7% are offered for the 2025–26 academic year; sibling and corporate discounts are also available under the published discount schedules.
Academics

North London Collegiate School Dubai teaches British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
NLCS Dubai follows the International Baccalaureate framework across its all‑through campus, offering the PYP for ages 3–11, the MYP for grades 6–10, and the DP for grades 11–12. The PYP uses six trans‑disciplinary themes and a broad subject mix including English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, ICT, and languages such as French or Arabic. In the MYP, students complete end‑of‑year eAssessments to earn the Middle Years Certificate (up to 56 points) and undertake the Community Project (Grade 8) and Personal Project (Grade 10), with a strong emphasis on Service as Action. The DP comprises six subjects (one from each group) with three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level (with occasional allowance for four HL), plus the Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS, for a maximum of 45 points. The language of instruction is English and Arabic.

Student Teacher Ratio
Class sizes are publicly reported as around 20 students per class. External sources cite teacher–pupil ratios around 1:8 to 1:9; NLCS Dubai does not publish an official ratio on its public pages.

Exam Results
IB Diploma Programme results at NLCS Dubai are consistently strong and place the school among top regional performers. In 2023 the DP average was 37.2 points, with NLCS Dubai described as the top performer in the Middle East for a third consecutive year. In 2021 the average score was 40, with about a third of students scoring 43+ and every DP candidate achieving at least 35; offers were extended by universities including Columbia, UCLA, LSE, UCL, St Andrews and Durham.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have been admitted to top universities worldwide, with DP results frequently placing NLCS Dubai among the region's leading IB schools. The 2023 DP results (average 37.2) reflect strong performance relative to regional peers, and 2021 data highlighted offers from prestigious UK and US institutions as evidenced by the university destinations cited in school communications. The school emphasises university progression in its DP narrative, noting competitive placements across the UK, USA, Canada, South Korea, UAE and beyond.

Gifted and Talented
NLCS Dubai does not publish a separate Gifted and Talented program page. IB provision in PYP, MYP and DP offers pathways for advanced work, with the DP including Extended Essay and CAS to support high‑achieving students in independent research and service.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
NLCS Dubai places wellbeing at the core of its ethos, with a wellbeing-driven pastoral programme that emphasises Positive Education and Character Strengths. The taught pastoral curriculum includes themes on nutrition, exercise, sleep, emotions and healthy relationships, and the form programme features weekly mindfulness and wellbeing activities. The school uses iSAMS to log concerns and a Vulnerability Index to help staff identify students who may need additional support, with data reviewed to inform interventions. Students also have access to Careers Guidance Counsellors for grades 6–12, alongside student leadership and wellbeing structures such as a House system and a Student Wellbeing Committee, plus a student listening service called Sidiq. Senior-school pastoral care is supported by a team including school counsellors, and the Junior School receives pastoral support from class teachers, the school nurse and counsellors.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
NLCS Dubai adopts a whole-school Inclusion Policy approach rather than a separate specialist SEN unit. The policy defines SEN as difficulties that require additional provision and outlines KHDA-aligned categories (Cognition and Learning; Communication and Interaction; Social, Emotional and Mental Health; Physical, Sensory and Medical). The Inclusion Department comprises roles such as the Inclusion Champion (Vice Principal for Pastoral), Head of Inclusion (Whole School) and Heads of Inclusion for Junior/Senior School, plus Support Teachers, EAL Teachers, School Counsellors and Learning Support Assistants, all working to remove barriers to learning. The school uses a Graduated Approach (Levels 1–3) with termly IEPs/ILPs and targeted interventions, escalating to outside professionals if needed. Gifted and Talented provision is recognised separately, with policy guidance available for further detail. The school explicitly states it provides inclusive education for all students, rather than describing itself as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
NLCS Dubai operates an English as an Additional Language (EAL) policy stating that English is the language of instruction and that EAL support is provided for students whose first language is not English. EAL teachers are part of the Inclusion Team and lead assessment, monitoring and the creation of English Language Learner (ELL) Profiles, coordinating with parents and other staff to ensure access to the curriculum. The policy describes admissions processes, ELL registers, and phased support, with targeted formats such as in-class literacy support, small-group study sessions, and 1:1 assistance; English language support may temporarily replace some lessons and is reviewed termly. Assessment follows KHDA guidelines (WIDA-based) and progress is tracked with clear exit criteria once students reach expected English proficiency. In Early Years, additional support may include opportunities to maintain home languages alongside English development.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is integrated into NLCS Dubai's Wellbeing Policy, which defines wellbeing as the combination of positive emotions and functioning well within the school community. The curriculum emphasises Positive Education and Character Strengths, with a form-time rotation that includes mindfulness, gratitude and wellbeing activities, and service learning throughout the year. The school tracks wellbeing data (PASS data and a Vulnerability Index) to identify at-risk students and tailor interventions, with iSAMS used to log concerns and monitor trends. The Inclusion Team provides targeted support, and Careers Guidance Counsellors work with older students to plan for life after school. Staff and student wellbeing is supported by a dedicated Wellbeing Committee and professional development focused on wellbeing, including certificates and qualifications offered to staff.

Safeguarding
NLCS Dubai maintains a formal Safeguarding and Child Protection framework, with a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSLs across Senior and Junior School, and a named Head of Inclusion for safeguarding responsibilities. The Safeguarding Policy outlines safeguarding leads and contacts, procedures for disclosures, and escalation pathways, including reporting to authorities when required and maintaining confidentiality. Staff receive regular safeguarding training, and safeguarding duties are supported by a system (CPOMS) for logging concerns and coordinating responses. The policy lists external agencies and hotlines, and is aligned with UK and UAE best practices, including Wadeema's Law and Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines. The safeguarding team, led by the Vice Principal (Pastoral Care) and senior safeguarding leads, coordinates ongoing safeguarding across the school and liaises with external agencies as needed.
Parent Experience

History
NLCS Dubai opened in September 2017 as the second overseas campus of NLCS. The campus sits on a 38,000-square-metre site in Sobha Hartland, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Dubai, and includes eight science laboratories, a performing arts centre, tennis courts, a cricket/rugby field, and two indoor swimming pools. NLCS Dubai is described as the second overseas NLCS campus alongside NLCS Jeju in South Korea. Amanat Holdings completed the sale-and-leaseback of NLCS Dubai's real estate assets in 2018 for 360 million dirhams, with up to 45 million dirhams allocated for future expansion. NLCS Dubai traces its heritage to NLCS London, which was founded in 1850 by Frances Mary Buss, a pioneer in girls' education.

Community
NLCS Dubai maintains an active community that includes alumni engagement and a parent community connected through the NLCS network. Alumni in Dubai participate in events such as ONL Breakfast: Dubai. The NLCS Dubai site provides events and information through the school hub, with activities such as Senior School In Action and regular tours. Parents interact with the school via an in-house parent portal, supporting ongoing communication and updates.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
NLCS Dubai operates within a parent-engagement framework aligned with the NLCS UK model, typically structured through a Parents' Guild that coordinates involvement and activities. The Parents' Guild at NLCS UK runs social and fundraising events such as the annual Fireworks Display, Bring & Buy Sale, and the Parents' Quiz, and supports activities like uniform sales, instrument exchanges, and volunteer help in libraries and trips. In Dubai, parent involvement is facilitated via the school's parent portal and regular communications, enabling participation in events and volunteering. Alumni-focused and community events in Dubai, such as ONL alumni gatherings, also provide opportunities for parents to engage with the NLCS network. NLCS Dubai's broader network supports parent engagement through school tours, Open Days, and junior/senior school activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus covers 38,000 square metres and is designed to provide the best possible learning environment and a close community feel. Large, bright classrooms are equipped with the latest technologies. When at capacity, the school will offer 13 science laboratories. Premium IT facilities and a state-of-the-art performing arts centre are part of the campus. A large dining hall and a range of sporting facilities include tennis courts, a basketball court, a cricket/football/athletics astroturf field, and an eight-lane indoor swimming pool.

Sports Facilities
Sporting facilities include tennis courts, a basketball court, and a cricket/football/athletics astroturf field. The campus also features an eight-lane indoor swimming pool. These facilities support both daily physical education and competitive sport.

Academic Facilities
The campus features 13 science laboratories. Premium IT facilities are available across the school. Large, bright classrooms are equipped with the latest technologies. A state-of-the-art performing arts centre supports arts education.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Junior School runs more than 100 extra-curricular activities each week. From Grade 1 onwards, students choose from an extensive elective programme including Chess, Coding and Robotics, Science Club, STEAM, and language options such as Mandarin and Hindi. Sporting opportunities include tennis, football, netball, cricket and swimming, with teams competing in DASSA leagues across athletics, aquathlon, cross-country, football, netball, rounders and swimming. The Arts include a school-run orchestra and choir, Drama clubs, and private Trinity Music and Drama lessons with performance opportunities throughout the year.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school runs over 100 extra-curricular activities each week, offering academic and skills-based clubs such as Chess, Coding and Robotics, Science Club, and STEAM. Senior School features a Senior Societies programme with over fifteen student-led academic societies and weekly Nicholson Lectures that extend learning beyond the syllabus. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is available, and local and international trips broaden perspectives and challenge students. The enrichment model sits alongside Academic Excellence and Exceptional Pastoral Care as a core dimension of the NLCS Dubai experience.

Arts & Creative
The Arts hold a special place in the NLCS Dubai community. Students can join the school-run orchestra, choir, and drama clubs and may take private music and drama lessons (Trinity) that lead to performances. Concerts, showcases, and productions celebrate developing talent and creativity, supported by a Performing Arts Centre and related facilities. The Senior School similarly highlights music, art, and drama opportunities and related performances throughout the year.

Cultural & Language
English is the main language of instruction, with Arabic, French, Spanish, German and Mandarin offered as foreign languages. Mandarin and Hindi are also available through cultural and language activities within NLCS Dubai's after-school programming. The school provides language clubs and cultural activities as part of its enrichment offering.

Social & Hobbies
There are over 100 clubs and teams across the school, spanning academics, sports, and the arts. Sport is a major feature, with tennis, football, netball, cricket, and swimming, and teams compete in the DASSA leagues. The calendar includes large-scale theatrical productions, concerts, art exhibitions, and festivals, alongside MUN and other clubs. Mandarin and Hindi language activities also contribute to social life and peer engagement.

Community & Service
Local and international trips, the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, and learning outside the classroom broaden students' horizons and foster understanding of the UAE's culture. The House system and pastoral framework extend care and community beyond the classroom walls, linking with wider school and local communities. Active participation in clubs, societies, and service-oriented activities supports community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
Senior students have opportunities to lead by creating and organising clubs and societies. The Senior Societies programme includes over fifteen student-led academic societies, and there are formal student leadership structures such as ‘The Big 4' to support leadership within the school. The Diploma Programme Coordinator and University Guidance team help develop students' professional and future pathways.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Pastoral care is at the heart of NLCS Dubai, with a vertical tutor system that provides individualised care and access to counselling, nurses, and a medical team. The House system creates a sense of belonging and community, with extensive cross-year collaboration and competitions. Counselling and wellbeing services, along with medical support, ensure student safety and holistic development.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the main language of instruction. Additional languages offered include Arabic, French, Spanish, German and Mandarin. Modern Foreign Languages are taught across year groups, with Spanish, French and Mandarin included in the junior curriculum, and Arabic offered as a language subject in the broader curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Initiate the application and arrange an assessment with the admissions team. The assessment for younger pupils may cover school readiness, behavioural development, sociability, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and mathematical skills. For older students, assessments may include verbal and non-verbal reasoning, working memory, processing speed, mathematical ability, and an interview. 2. The school uses an Age Placement Guide to map NLCS Dubai age bands to UK year group equivalents, covering Pre-KG through Grade 12 with corresponding UK-year equivalents. This helps determine the appropriate entry point for each child. 3. NLCS Dubai is an all-through IB World School offering PYP, MYP and IB Diploma and admits students from Pre-KG to Grade 12 for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. 4. If an assessment is successful, families are guided on the next steps by the admissions team, with ongoing communication through the contact channels listed above. The school's general enquiries line is +971 (04) 319 0888 and office hours are 8:00–17:00 Sunday–Thursday; 8:00–12:45 on Fridays.
School Events
The school has not added events
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