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Raffles International School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 34,055 - 86,815
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1340
Type Co-educational, Day School
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Taught languages Arabic
Typical class size 12
Strengths Diverse international community, 100% university placement, Small student-teacher ratio, Comprehensive co-curricular programme
Stages Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form
Introduction

Raffles International School is a British curriculum school in Umm Suqeim, Dubai, serving around 1,340 students from almost 100 nationalities. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 11.6:1, the school delivers IGCSEs, A-Levels and BTEC pathways from FS1 to Year 13. It achieves 42% of GCSE grades at A or above and 100% university acceptance for Year 13 students. The 315,000 sq ft campus overlooks the Burj Al Arab.

Al Baghla Street, Umm Suqeim Third, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Raffles International School has 1,340 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
Raffles International School is located in Dubai, in the Umm Suqeim 3 district opposite the Burj Al Arab on Al Baghla Street. The campus sits in a residential, coastal area near the beach with direct road access via Umm Suqeim Road. The area is served by private transport and taxi services, facilitating access from central Dubai.

Stages
The school runs Nursery through Year 13. The early years follow an EYFS pathway, while the Primary and Secondary curricula align with the English National Curriculum, leading to GCSE/IGCSE options, and the Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers A-Level or BTEC pathways.

Type
The school is co-educational. It operates as a day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
RIS represents students from more than 80 nationalities. The most common nationalities and the local-to-international pupil ratio are not publicly disclosed.

Additional learning support
RIS provides English as a Second Language support and is described as fully inclusive, with provisions to accommodate different learning needs and styles.

Country affiliation
The curriculum follows the English National Curriculum and UAE MOE Arabic and Islamic Education; RIS is accredited by UK bodies including the British Schools Overseas (BSO) and British Schools in the Middle East (BSME).

Religious affiliation
There is no explicit religious affiliation. UAE Arabic and Islamic Education are included as part of the UAE curriculum requirements, not as a school denomination.

School day structure
School timings are 7:30 am to 3:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, and 7:30 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays.

Bus service
A bus service is provided by Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC. Buses are equipped with seat belts, and safety procedures are followed for the collection and delivery of students to and from RIS.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
RIS uniform is supplied by Zaks Uniforms, with branches in Al Barsha, Motor City and Jumeirah Beach Centre and an online store at zaksstore.com. It is recommended to have at least two complete sets, including the regular school uniform and the RIS PE kit before attending; RIS ties and scarves are optional for Secondary, and PARIS (the parent association) operates a pre-loved uniform service.

Food Options
RIS uses Kalo Hospitality to run its cafeterias. Daily offerings include a live egg station for breakfast, smoothie counters, freshly baked bakery items, salads and sandwiches, and a hot lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Primary students can order pre-packaged meal boxes delivered to classrooms; meals and menus are accessible via the Kalo mobile app, which supports viewing menus, topping up funds, and pre-ordering meals.

Governance and Ownership
RIS is governed by a Board of Directors and an Advisory Council; the Board includes the owners and an independent member. RIS is a proud member of the Innoventures Education family.
Fees

Annual tuition at Raffles International School ranges from AED 34,055 to AED 86,815 for 2026/27.

Application & assessment fees

- Assessment test fee: AED 525 (including 5% VAT; non-refundable and payable at the time of assessment).
- Registration fee for new students: 10% of the applicable annual tuition (non-refundable but adjustable against Term 1 fee once admission is confirmed). Specific registration amounts are shown with the new-student fee schedule below.
- Re‑registration fee for returning students: 5% of the annual tuition (non-refundable but adjustable against Term 1 fee). Specific re‑registration amounts are shown with the existing‑student fee schedule below.

Tuition fees — existing students (2025–2026 academic year, amounts in AED)

- FS1 (age 3): Annual fee AED 34,055; Term 1 balance AED 13,621; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217; Re‑registration fee: not applicable for FS1.
- FS2 (age 4–5): Annual fee AED 34,055; Re‑registration fee AED 1,705; Term 1 balance AED 11,916; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217.
- Year 1 (age 5–6): Annual fee AED 42,092; Re‑registration fee AED 2,105; Term 1 balance AED 14,731; Term 2 AED 12,628; Term 3 AED 12,628.
- Year 2 (age 6–7): Annual fee AED 54,080; Re‑registration fee AED 2,705; Term 1 balance AED 18,927; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224.
- Year 3 (age 7–8): Annual fee AED 54,080; Re‑registration fee AED 2,705; Term 1 balance AED 18,927; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224.
- Year 4 (age 8–9): Annual fee AED 54,488; Re‑registration fee AED 2,725; Term 1 balance AED 19,071; Term 2 AED 16,346; Term 3 AED 16,346.
- Year 5 (age 9–10): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881 (KHDA approved shown higher); Re‑registration fee AED 3,195; Term 1 balance AED 22,358; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164.
- Year 6 (age 10–11): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881; Re‑registration fee AED 3,195; Term 1 balance AED 22,358; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164.
- Year 7 (age 11–12): Applicable annual fee AED 64,950; Re‑registration fee AED 3,250; Term 1 balance AED 22,730; Term 2 AED 19,485; Term 3 AED 19,485.
- Year 8 (age 12–13): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Re‑registration fee AED 3,615; Term 1 balance AED 25,292; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 9 (age 13–14): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Re‑registration fee AED 3,615; Term 1 balance AED 25,292; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 10 (age 14–15): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Re‑registration fee AED 3,615; Term 1 balance AED 25,292; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 11 (age 15–16): Applicable annual fee AED 76,619; Re‑registration fee AED 3,830; Term 1 balance AED 26,817; Term 2 AED 22,986; Term 3 AED 22,986.
- Year 12 (age 16–17): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Re‑registration fee AED 4,340; Term 1 balance AED 30,385; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045.
- Year 13 (age 17–18): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Re‑registration fee AED 4,340; Term 1 balance AED 30,385; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045.

Tuition fees — new students (2025–2026 academic year, amounts in AED)

- FS1 (age 3): Annual fee AED 34,055; Registration fee AED 3,405; Term 1 balance AED 10,216; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217.
- FS2 (age 4–5): Annual fee AED 34,055; Registration fee AED 3,405; Term 1 balance AED 10,216; Term 2 AED 10,217; Term 3 AED 10,217.
- Year 1 (age 5–6): Annual fee AED 42,092; Registration fee AED 4,210; Term 1 balance AED 12,626; Term 2 AED 12,628; Term 3 AED 12,628.
- Year 2 (age 6–7): Annual fee AED 54,080; Registration fee AED 5,410; Term 1 balance AED 16,222; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224.
- Year 3 (age 7–8): Annual fee AED 54,080; Registration fee AED 5,410; Term 1 balance AED 16,222; Term 2 AED 16,224; Term 3 AED 16,224.
- Year 4 (age 8–9): Annual fee AED 54,488; Registration fee AED 5,450; Term 1 balance AED 16,346; Term 2 AED 16,346; Term 3 AED 16,346.
- Year 5 (age 9–10): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881; Registration fee AED 6,390; Term 1 balance AED 19,163; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164.
- Year 6 (age 10–11): Applicable annual fee AED 63,881; Registration fee AED 6,390; Term 1 balance AED 19,163; Term 2 AED 19,164; Term 3 AED 19,164.
- Year 7 (age 11–12): Applicable annual fee AED 64,950; Registration fee AED 6,495; Term 1 balance AED 19,485; Term 2 AED 19,485; Term 3 AED 19,485.
- Year 8 (age 12–13): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Registration fee AED 7,225; Term 1 balance AED 21,682; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 9 (age 13–14): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Registration fee AED 7,225; Term 1 balance AED 21,682; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 10 (age 14–15): Applicable annual fee AED 72,269; Registration fee AED 7,225; Term 1 balance AED 21,682; Term 2 AED 21,681; Term 3 AED 21,681.
- Year 11 (age 15–16): Applicable annual fee AED 76,619; Registration fee AED 7,660; Term 1 balance AED 22,987; Term 2 AED 22,986; Term 3 AED 22,986.
- Year 12 (age 16–17): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Registration fee AED 8,680; Term 1 balance AED 26,045; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045.
- Year 13 (age 17–18): Applicable annual fee AED 86,815; Registration fee AED 8,680; Term 1 balance AED 26,045; Term 2 AED 26,045; Term 3 AED 26,045.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The academic year is divided into three Terms: Term 1 (September–December), Term 2 (January–March) and Term 3 (April–June). Payment due dates for the 2025–2026 fee schedules are shown on the schedules and include: Re‑registration date and Term payment dates (examples shown for 2025–2026: re‑registration payable 4 April 2025; Term 1 payable 22 August 2025; Term 2 payable 5 January 2026; Term 3 payable 27 March 2026).
- Payment may be made in full or by term. Parents may provide two dated cheques (one per term) or pay by bank transfer, cash or credit card; bank transfers must include student details and remittance evidence should be sent to accounts@rafflesis.com to enable timely reconciliation. Dishonoured cheques incur an administration fee of AED 200 and the school may suspend attendance for unpaid fees.
- For mid‑year admissions the school calculates fees pro rata: attending less than two weeks = one month's fee payable; more than two weeks but less than one month = two months' fee payable; attending more than one month in a term = full term fee payable. One month's fee is calculated as annual fee divided by ten.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not listed as an offering or fee at Raffles International School (Umm Suqeim). No boarding fees appear in the published fee schedules for RIS; fees shown are for day‑school tuition and associated services.

Other costs and commonly payable extras

- Stationery and educational materials.
- School uniform, team kits and sporting attire.
- External examination fees (IGCSE/A‑level/BTEC exam entry).
- Meals/cafeteria charges.
- Transportation (school bus) charges.
- Educational visits, voluntary excursions or tournament participation (charged case by case).
- Replacement student ID cards and incidental sundries.
- Textbooks for secondary pupils may be purchased from the school at cost price; parents may also buy externally but students must own all specified books.
- Insurance: parents are advised to maintain health, accident and liability insurance for their children; insurance costs are not included in tuition.

Refund information (key points)

- Registration and re‑registration fees are non‑refundable; these fees may be adjusted against Term 1 fees when admission is confirmed but cannot be carried forward or used for a sibling.
- If a family withdraws a student who has already presented term cheques for the new academic year, written notice must be received by the Admissions Office no later than the first day of the Term to permit refund calculations. Refunds for students who leave during a term are calculated pro rata by the school's published refund policy: less than two weeks' attendance = one month's fee payable and remainder refunded; more than two weeks but less than one month = two months' fee payable and remainder refunded; more than one month = full term fee payable. Refunds are calculated from the start of the term to the formal withdrawal request date, and 30 days' written notice is required to prepare documentation and refunds. Registration/re‑registration fee, educational materials fee, uniform and sundry items listed in Schedule C are not refundable.

Fee payment options and banking details (as published)

- Zenda online payment / Zenda app (school payment portal).
- Bank transfer to the school (published account): Account Name: Raffles International School LLC; Account No. 019000004615; IBAN AE720330000019000004615; Swift/BIC BOMLAEADXXX; Bank: Mashreq Bank, Branch: DIC, Dubai, UAE. Parents are requested to include the child's ID, name and school name on transfer and to send remittance advice to accounts@rafflesis.com.
- Cheque payable to Raffles International School LLC (cheques accepted in person; post‑dated cheques accepted for Term 2 & Term 3).
- Credit card payments at school premises.
- Cash payments (receipt to be collected).

Discounts

- Sibling discounts are published: 5% for the second and third child; 10% for the fourth child; 15% for the fifth child; 20% for the sixth child onwards.
Academics

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

Curriculum
Raffles International School Dubai follows the National Curriculum for England across all year groups, with Early Years (Nursery, FS1 and FS2) taught under the UK EYFS framework. The Primary years (Years 1–6) use the England NC, supplemented by the UAE Ministry of Education for Arabic and Islamic Education; from Year 3 Mandarin or French are available, Arabic is mandatory from Foundation, and EAL support starts from Year 1. In Secondary (Years 7–11), students continue the England NC at KS3 leading to GCSE/IGCSE options, with English, Mathematics and Science compulsory and Arabic required for Arab students; a wide range of electives is offered, including Art & Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, Economics, French, ICT, Mandarin, Music, PE, Spanish and various BTEC Level 2 subjects. Sixth Form (Years 12–13) provides 3–4 A Levels or a single BTEC Level 3 option, both over two years, with the possibility to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The GCSE/IGCSE approach emphasises learner-centred, enquiry-based learning to prepare students for higher education and international opportunities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
RIS places student wellbeing at the core of its approach and aims to promote positive wellbeing and a voice for students. The school references Dr Martin Seligman's positive psychology framework and the PERMA model—Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishments. It emphasizes the social, emotional, spiritual, moral and cultural development and mental and physical wellbeing as central to students' attitudes to learning. The curriculum includes Personal, Social and Emotional Development as a key development area in Primary School. The overall approach supports helping students cope with setbacks, grow, build resilience and flourish, with an emphasis on giving students a voice.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
RIS provides support through the RISE team, offering in-class support and small-group withdrawal in RISE hubs to meet students' needs. RIS welcomes students of determination and does not refuse admission solely based on SEND. KHDA Inclusive Education Framework 2017 is referenced as a guiding standard for inclusion. The site does not publish a detailed list of specific SEN categories it can support. RIS is not described as a specialist SEN institution in the publicly available information.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
RIS welcomes English as an Additional Language (EAL) students, including those with little or no English, and provides support after entry. English is the medium of instruction; Arabic is mandatory for all students up to Year 12; EAL support is offered from Year 1. Starting in Year 3, students choose between French, Spanish or Mandarin as an additional language, with EAL providing language development. EAL applications for GCSE/IGCSE and A Level are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. EAL support is integrated from Year 1 to assist learners developing English language proficiency.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a core part of RIS's student experience, with the belief that a happy, safe, welcoming student is more likely to flourish. The school draws on positive psychology and the PERMA framework to promote Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishments. RIS emphasises mental and physical wellbeing and aims to equip students with tools to handle setbacks, build resilience and grow. The curriculum recognises Personal, Social and Emotional Development as a learning framework. Regular collaboration among staff and students supports a voice-heard environment and wellbeing across the school.

Safeguarding
RIS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The staff profiles indicate safeguarding leadership roles, including a designated safeguarding lead and a wellbeing lead in the secondary section. Recruitment materials confirm safeguarding and child protection screening as part of hiring processes. KHDA inclusion practices are referenced in relation to safeguarding and inclusion. The school states a commitment to safeguarding within its recruitment and policies.
Parent Experience

History
Raffles International School in Dubai operates as part of the Innoventures Education group of schools and nurseries. In 2010, Innoventures Education took on the management of RIS, expanding the Secondary program to include a Sixth Form with A Level and BTEC pathways, along with Duke of Edinburgh awards and opportunities for local and international work experience. The school has learners from 86 different countries worldwide, speaking more than 30 languages, and English is the language of instruction with a strong Arabic program and additional Modern Foreign Language options. The governance structure includes a Board of Directors and an Advisory Council; the Board comprises founders Avishesha Bhojani, Abdulla Majed Al Ghurair, and Dr. Anwar Gargash, reflecting ownership and strategic oversight. RIS Dubai maintains strong links with the Emirati community and is part of the Innoventures Education network.

Community
RIS Dubai hosts a diverse community with learners from 86 countries and more than 30 languages. The school emphasizes wellbeing and holistic development, supported by a broad co-curricular program with clubs, arts, and sports that operate throughout the year. Students participate in inter-school competitions and represent the school in local and international events. The school also maintains an alumni network and an engaged parent community that contributes to school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
PaRIS, the Parent Association of Raffles International School, plays an active role in supporting students and staff in enrichment activities throughout the year. PaRIS sponsors activities including International Day, Spring Market, New Parent Coffee Morning, graduation ceremonies, and a Teacher Appreciation Day. The PaRIS executive committee meets with the Principal weekly to share parent perspectives and plan school improvement. PaRIS members support parent volunteers and initiatives across the school, including Primary class parents and Secondary school parent representatives. All RIS parents are invited to join PaRIS and contribute in any way they can.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus is a purpose-built facility occupying almost 315,000 square feet in Umm Suqeim, Dubai, close to the beach and opposite Burj Al Arab. At the heart of the school are three large bright atriums with classrooms opening onto shared spaces to encourage collaboration. The facilities include extensive sporting venues such as competition and training swimming pools, a large sports hall, cricket nets, a multi-use games area, a large playing field and astroturf spaces for outdoor activities. A dedicated music suite, IT facilities and drama spaces support arts and technology across the curriculum. The school also provides specialist learning spaces, a library, a cafeteria and a medical clinic to support student well-being and inquiry.

Sports Facilities
RIS offers extensive on-site sports facilities, including competition and training swimming pools, a large sports hall, cricket nets, a multi-use games area, a large playing field and astroturf open spaces around the campus. These spaces support PE lessons and a broad co-curricular sports programme. The school coaches more than 40 sports teams, with offerings in football, touch rugby, athletics and volleyball. The mix of indoor and outdoor facilities enables year-round practice and competitions.

Academic Facilities
STEM labs are available in both primary and secondary sections, alongside dedicated science labs and computer labs. There is a school library for learning and research, and a cafeteria as well as a fully equipped medical clinic on site. A dedicated music suite, IT facilities and drama spaces support arts and technology across the curriculum, complemented by a broad range of specialist learning spaces. These facilities collectively support inquiry, collaboration and project-based learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
RIS provides a comprehensive co-curricular activities programme with a wide range of sporting, academic and artistic clubs active on a daily basis. The school also maintains an extensive inter-school sports programme with particular strengths in football, volleyball and swimming.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
RIS follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales and offers GCSE/IGCSE options in Years 10–11. In Years 12–13, students may pursue the A-level pathway or a BTEC course. The Sixth Form also includes Duke of Edinburgh awards and opportunities for local and international work experience. English is the language of instruction, with language support; Arabic, French, Mandarin and Spanish are taught as MFL options from Year 3, alongside mother tongue programmes for native language speakers.

Arts & Creative
RIS provides a dedicated music suite, drama spaces and art rooms with supporting IT facilities. The co-curricular programme includes a wide range of artistic clubs and daily activities. Many RIS students represent the school in local, national and international competitions.

Cultural & Language
English is the language of instruction with a strong Arabic programme and MFL options in French, Mandarin and Spanish from Year 3. Mother tongue programmes are offered in Hindi, Russian, French and Spanish for native speakers. The school draws learners from many countries, totaling over 30 languages taught.

Social & Hobbies
RIS provides a comprehensive co-curricular programme with sporting, academic and artistic clubs active on a daily basis. The school runs more than 40 sports teams, with facilities including a large sports hall, swimming pools and outdoor spaces.

Community & Service
Duke of Edinburgh awards are offered, with opportunities for local and international work experience to support broader personal development.

Leadership & Professional
Duke of Edinburgh awards provide leadership development opportunities for students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is central to RIS, with a wellbeing-focused environment and a pastoral care team supporting students socially, emotionally and academically. There is a fully equipped medical clinic on campus; staff and leadership prioritize student wellbeing and health.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the medium of instruction; EAL support is provided for learners developing English proficiency. Arabic is mandatory for Arab students (Arabic A); Arabic B is provided for non-Arabs. From Year 3, Mandarin or French or Spanish are options as additional languages, continuing through Year 9 when GCSE/IGCSE language choices are determined. Mother Tongue languages offered include French, Spanish, Russian, Hindi and German; the Mother Tongue Programme provides two to three hours per week of language instruction, scheduled within the timetable or after school, and is delivered by native-speaking teachers. German Mother Tongue includes preparation for exams such as DSH or Goethe.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the school's medium of instruction. Arabic is mandatory for all students up to Year 12. Arabic A is for Arab students; Arabic B is provided for non-Arabs, with beginner, intermediate and advanced groups at every year level. From Year 3, students choose between French, Spanish or Mandarin as an additional language.

Immersion Programs
Mother Tongue Programmes are offered in French, Spanish, Russian, Hindi and German, taught by native speakers and scheduled during the school day or after school. The programme provides two to three hours per week of language instruction for native-speaking children to maintain their home language, with groups taught in year levels and new groups joining as needed. German Mother Tongue is available with small groups of up to eight participants and includes language development and exam preparation (e.g., DSH or Goethe).
Admissions

Admissions
RIS Dubai admissions intake is primarily in September, but spaces may be available throughout the year depending on capacity. To begin the process, complete the Online Application Form. An assessment/interview for FS1 to Year 13 is conducted 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Monday to Thursday, by appointment only. There is a non-refundable AED 525 assessment fee payable on the day of the assessment. After the assessment, a senior academic team member reviews the results and prior school reports; a formal offer letter is issued within 2 working days and is valid for five days from receipt. If no place is available at the time of application, the child is placed on a waiting list and notified when a place becomes available. The Admissions Office is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm on site.

Scholarships
The ACES Scholarship Programme provides merit-based scholarships across three categories: Sports, Academic and Co-curricular, and Emirati Distinction. It is open to students from Year 5 to Year 13 for the next academic year and is awarded as a percentage of KHDA approved annual school fees, up to 20%. The closing date for applications is July 1 each year, and successful applicants are informed at the start of term one of the following academic year. The scholarship may include tailored internships, targeted academic mentorship, personalized performance pathways, and student leadership opportunities.

Waitlist
If there are no places available, the student is placed on a waiting list and notified when a place becomes available.
School Events
The school has not added events
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