doris
Currency
R

Raffles World Academy

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

Save school

· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 33,544 - 87,990
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1900
Type Co-educational, Day School
Opened 2008
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Arabic, French, Russian, Italian, Hindi, German
Typical class size 13
Strengths Full IB continuum, 100% IB Diploma pass rate, 100+ nationalities, 50+ co-curricular activities
Clubs Model United Nations, Eco-Club, Duke of Edinburgh, Badminton, Crocheting
Stages Kindergarten, Primary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Raffles World Academy is an IB World School in Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, offering the full IB continuum from Kindergarten to Grade 12. With over 1,900 students from more than 100 nationalities, it delivers PYP, MYP, DP and Career-Related Programmes with a 100% IB Diploma pass rate. Approximately 50 co-curricular activities are offered including Model UN and Duke of Edinburgh.

Al Marcup Street, Umm Suqeim 3, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Raffles World Academy has 1,900 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English.

Location

Raffles World Academy is located in Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai, on Al Marcup Street (formerly Street 7). The 30,000-square-metre campus sits in the Umm Suqeim area and houses modern learning facilities. It lies in the Jumeirah/Umm Suqeim corridor and is accessible from Umm Suqeim Road, with nearby residential communities. Private transport options and taxis commonly service the area.

Stages

Raffles World Academy is an independent IB World School offering KG to G12 (pre-school through Year 13). The IB continuum runs from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) up to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) plus Career-related Programme (CP) for Grades 11–12.

Type

RWA is an independent, co-educational school. It operates as a day school with an IB World School continuum.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The school has over 1,900 students representing more than 100 nationalities. The most represented nationalities and the local-to-international ratio are not published by the school.

Additional learning support

RWA has a dedicated Learning Support team that can meet the needs of students with mild to moderate learning difficulties and those who are gifted and talented.

Country affiliation

There is no formal country affiliation listed for Raffles World Academy.

Religious affiliation

There is no official religious affiliation stated; the campus provides prayer rooms to accommodate spiritual practices if needed.

School day structure

School timings are Monday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, and Friday from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm. The school is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bus service

Raffles World Academy contracts Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC for transport. Seats are allocated on existing buses and depend on route availability; requests are managed by the school Transport Office.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

All students must wear the designated school uniform and comply with the dress code. Uniforms must be purchased from the designated supplier ZAKS Store, with at least two complete sets recommended; branches are Al Barsha 1, Circle Mall JVC, Oasis Mall and Uptown Mirdif Mall, and uniforms can also be ordered online with home delivery. The policy includes detailed guidelines on skirt length, socks, shoes, makeup, jewellery and acceptable hairstyles.

Food Options

The dining facilities offer healthy meal options to cater to the diverse international community. The cafeteria provides daily offerings via Kalo Hospitality, including a live egg station at breakfast, smoothie counters, freshly baked products, salads and sandwiches, and a variety of vegetarian and non‑vegetarian lunches. Primary students can order pre‑packaged meals delivered to classrooms, with payments and ordering managed through the Kalo mobile app.

House System

RWA operates a house system to promote participation in school life. The school has house captains and sport leaders, with primary and secondary student leadership structures that support inter‑house activities and competitions.

Governance and Ownership

Governance at RWA comprises a Board of Directors and an Advisory Council. The Board includes the owners and an independent member and oversees strategy, leadership appointments and financial stability; the Advisory Council represents parents and Innoventures Education management and meets several times a year. RWA is part of the Innoventures Education group.
Fees

Annual tuition at Raffles World Academy ranges from AED 33,544 to AED 87,990 for 2026/27.

Fees summary — Academic year 2025–2026

Application / Admission and re-registration fees
- New students: Assessment Test Fee AED 525 (including 5% VAT), non-refundable. Registration Fee is 10% of the annual tuition (non-refundable but adjustable against Term 1 fee once admission is confirmed).
- Returning (existing) students: Re-registration fee is 5% of the applicable annual tuition (non-refundable but adjustable against Term 1 fee). Re-enrolment fees are up to 5% of tuition or AED 500 (whichever is higher).

Tuition fees — Schedule A (Existing students) — full detail per year group and term (amounts in AED)
- Pre KG (age 3–4): Applicable annual fee AED 33,544 — Re-registration Fee: - — Term 1 (balance) AED 13,418 — Term 2 AED 10,063 — Term 3 AED 10,063.
- KG1 (age 4–5): Applicable annual fee AED 33,544 — Re-registration Fee AED 1,675 — Term 1 (balance) AED 11,743 — Term 2 AED 10,063 — Term 3 AED 10,063.
- KG2 (age 5–6): Applicable annual fee AED 40,253 — Re-registration Fee AED 2,015 — Term 1 (balance) AED 14,086 — Term 2 AED 12,076 — Term 3 AED 12,076.
- Grade 1 (age 6–7): Applicable annual fee AED 53,270 — Re-registration Fee AED 2,665 — Term 1 (balance) AED 18,643 — Term 2 AED 15,981 — Term 3 AED 15,981.
- Grade 2 (age 7–8): Applicable annual fee AED 53,270 — Re-registration Fee AED 2,665 — Term 1 (balance) AED 18,643 — Term 2 AED 15,981 — Term 3 AED 15,981.
- Grade 3 (age 8–9): Applicable annual fee AED 53,671 — Re-registration Fee AED 2,685 — Term 1 (balance) AED 18,784 — Term 2 AED 16,101 — Term 3 AED 16,101.
- Grade 4 (age 9–10): Applicable annual fee AED 64,405 — Re-registration Fee AED 3,220 — Term 1 (balance) AED 22,541 — Term 2 AED 19,322 — Term 3 AED 19,322.
- Grade 5 (age 10–11): Applicable annual fee AED 64,405 — Re-registration Fee AED 3,220 — Term 1 (balance) AED 22,541 — Term 2 AED 19,322 — Term 3 AED 19,322.
- Grade 6 (age 11–12): Applicable annual fee AED 64,807 — Re-registration Fee AED 3,240 — Term 1 (balance) AED 22,683 — Term 2 AED 19,442 — Term 3 AED 19,442.
- Grade 7 (age 12–13): Applicable annual fee AED 72,188 — Re-registration Fee AED 3,610 — Term 1 (balance) AED 25,266 — Term 2 AED 21,656 — Term 3 AED 21,656.
- Grade 8 (age 13–14): Applicable annual fee AED 72,188 — Re-registration Fee AED 3,610 — Term 1 (balance) AED 25,266 — Term 2 AED 21,656 — Term 3 AED 21,656.
- Grade 9 (age 14–15): Applicable annual fee AED 72,188 — Re-registration Fee AED 3,610 — Term 1 (balance) AED 25,266 — Term 2 AED 21,656 — Term 3 AED 21,656.
- Grade 10 (age 15–16): Applicable annual fee AED 78,488 — Re-registration Fee AED 3,925 — Term 1 (balance) AED 27,471 — Term 2 AED 23,546 — Term 3 AED 23,546.
- Grade 11 (age 16–17): Applicable annual fee AED 87,990 — Re-registration Fee AED 4,400 — Term 1 (balance) AED 30,796 — Term 2 AED 26,397 — Term 3 AED 26,397.
- Grade 12 (age 17–18): Applicable annual fee AED 87,990 — Re-registration Fee AED 4,400 — Term 1 (balance) AED 30,796 — Term 2 AED 26,397 — Term 3 AED 26,397.

Tuition fees — Schedule B (New students joining in 2025–2026) — full detail per year group and term (amounts in AED)
- Pre KG (age 3–4): Applicable annual fee AED 33,544 — Registration Fee AED 3,355 — Term 1 AED 10,063 — Term 2 AED 10,063 — Term 3 AED 10,063.
- KG1 (age 4–5): Applicable annual fee AED 33,544 — Registration Fee AED 3,355 — Term 1 AED 10,063 — Term 2 AED 10,063 — Term 3 AED 10,063.
- KG2 (age 5–6): Applicable annual fee AED 40,253 — Registration Fee AED 4,025 — Term 1 AED 12,076 — Term 2 AED 12,076 — Term 3 AED 12,076.
- Grade 1 (age 6–7): Applicable annual fee AED 53,270 — Registration Fee AED 5,325 — Term 1 AED 15,983 — Term 2 AED 15,981 — Term 3 AED 15,981.
- Grade 2 (age 7–8): Applicable annual fee AED 53,270 — Registration Fee AED 5,325 — Term 1 AED 15,983 — Term 2 AED 15,981 — Term 3 AED 15,981.
- Grade 3 (age 8–9): Applicable annual fee AED 53,671 — Registration Fee AED 5,365 — Term 1 AED 16,104 — Term 2 AED 16,101 — Term 3 AED 16,101.
- Grade 4 (age 9–10): Applicable annual fee AED 64,405 — Registration Fee AED 6,440 — Term 1 AED 19,321 — Term 2 AED 19,322 — Term 3 AED 19,322.
- Grade 5 (age 10–11): Applicable annual fee AED 64,405 — Registration Fee AED 6,440 — Term 1 AED 19,321 — Term 2 AED 19,322 — Term 3 AED 19,322.
- Grade 6 (age 11–12): Applicable annual fee AED 64,807 — Registration Fee AED 6,480 — Term 1 AED 19,443 — Term 2 AED 19,442 — Term 3 AED 19,442.
- Grade 7 (age 12–13): Applicable annual fee AED 72,188 — Registration Fee AED 7,220 — Term 1 AED 21,656 — Term 2 AED 21,656 — Term 3 AED 21,656.
- Grade 8 (age 13–14): Applicable annual fee AED 72,188 — Registration Fee AED 7,220 — Term 1 AED 21,656 — Term 2 AED 21,656 — Term 3 AED 21,656.
- Grade 9 (age 14–15): Applicable annual fee AED 72,188 — Registration Fee AED 7,220 — Term 1 AED 21,656 — Term 2 AED 21,656 — Term 3 AED 21,656.
- Grade 10 (age 15–16): Applicable annual fee AED 78,488 — Registration Fee AED 7,850 — Term 1 AED 23,546 — Term 2 AED 23,546 — Term 3 AED 23,546.
- Grade 11 (age 16–17): Applicable annual fee AED 87,990 — Registration Fee AED 8,800 — Term 1 AED 26,396 — Term 2 AED 26,397 — Term 3 AED 26,397.
- Grade 12 (age 17–18): Applicable annual fee AED 87,990 — Registration Fee AED 8,800 — Term 1 AED 26,396 — Term 2 AED 26,397 — Term 3 AED 26,397.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Term due dates for the 2025–2026 academic year: Re-registration / Registration fees payable by 4 April 2025; Term 1 balance payable 22 August 2025; Term 2 payable 5 January 2026; Term 3 payable 27 March 2026. The academic year is divided into three terms (Term 1: September–December; Term 2: January–March; Term 3: April–June).
- Payment options: online payments via Zenda (school-registered mobile number/email), bank transfer (Account Name: Raffles World Academy; Account No: 019000016092; IBAN: AE110330000019000016092; SWIFT: BOMLAEADXXX; Bank: Mashreq Bank, Branch DIC, Dubai, UAE; PO Box 500287), cheque (payable to Raffles World Academy; post-dated cheques for Term 2 & Term 3 accepted), credit card at school premises, or cash (receipt issued). For bank transfers, include child's ID, name and school name and send remittance to rwaaccounts@rwadubai.com.
- Accepted payment patterns: payment for the full academic year in advance, or payment by three cheques dated for the 1st day of each term (or earlier). Bank transfer, cash or credit card payments for a whole term must be received no later than the 1st day of the term. Post-dated cheques are accepted for Term 2 and Term 3. A dishonoured cheque administration fee of AED 200 applies.
- Mid-year / late enrolment billing: mid-year starters may be charged the full year's fees if a place is reserved from the start of the academic year; otherwise pro-rata term/month calculations apply (one month's fee, two months' fee or full term fee depending on duration attended). One month's fee is calculated as annual tuition divided by 10.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are listed in the 2025–2026 fee schedules or fact sheet. Raffles World Academy operates as a day school.

Other costs and typical additional charges
- Stationery and required education supplies (can be purchased from the school or externally). Uniforms: AED 800 to AED 3,000 (approximate range). School ID card replacement: AED 100. Optional services and ranges: Transport AED 9,000–10,000; Co-curricular / extracurricular activities AED 100–15,000; School trips AED 50–22,000; Club activities AED 1,000–8,000; Enrichment activities AED 500–9,000; Canteen/local trip costs vary. Textbooks for secondary students are available from the school at cost price; ownership of specified books is mandatory. Some items (uniforms, third-party items) are subject to suppliers' terms and refund policies.

Refund information and conditions
- Registration and re-registration fees are non-refundable but will be adjusted against Term 1 fees if admission is confirmed; these fees cannot be carried forward to the next term or adjusted toward a sibling's fees.
- Refunds for tuition already paid are calculated based on the duration of attendance in the term in which the student leaves: less than two weeks — 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 in a term — full term fee payable. One month's fee is based on the annual fee divided by ten. Refunds are calculated from the start of the term to the date of formal withdrawal (withdrawal notice must be given in writing). A minimum 30 days' written notice of withdrawal is required to process applicable refunds. Certain items (registration/re-registration fee, educational materials fee, uniforms and other sundry expenses listed in Schedule C) are not subject to refund.

Fee discounts and concessions
- Sibling discounts: 5% for the second and third child, 10% for the fourth child, 15% for the fifth child and 20% for the sixth child onwards. Additional discounts may apply for employees, corporate arrangements, early payment, scholarships and Emirati students as per the fee fact sheet.

Important notes
- The school was granted a tuition increase of 2.35% for 2025–2026 under the KHDA school fee framework; the applicable annual fee values above reflect the 2025–2026 schedules. Expected term dates and exact start/finish dates are set by the school calendar for the academic year.
Academics

Raffles World Academy teaches British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

Raffles World Academy is an IB World School in Dubai offering a continuum from kindergarten through Year 13, with a hybrid curriculum that takes the best from IB examinations. The Early Years (Pre-KG to KG2) follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) alongside the EYFS, with learning through inquiry and play. Primary (Grades 1–5) delivers the IB PYP, covering core subjects such as language, mathematics, social studies, science, ICT and the arts, and using cross-curricular themes linked to the UK National Curriculum. Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10) implements the IB MYP as part of the IB continuum. Upper secondary (Grades 11–12) provides the IB Diploma Programme with DP courses and examinations typically held in May. The language of instruction is English, and a Mother Tongue programme supports additional languages including Russian, French, Italian, Hindi and German.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school positions Pastoral Care at the heart of its approach to holistic development, focusing on students' social, emotional, and personal well-being. It includes mentorship programs, student leadership opportunities, and access to counsellors to support emotional and social development. SEL is embedded in the IB framework, guiding students to develop attributes from the IB Learner Profile. The Inclusion Team provides targeted support for SEND, TAG, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, helping address social-emotional needs within a whole-school approach.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Inclusion Team offers tailored support to students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), those who are gifted and talented (TAG), and students needing English language support (EAL). The school also has a dedicated Learning Support team to meet the needs of students with mild–moderate learning difficulties as well as those who are gifted and talented. Identification procedures involve CAT4 testing during admissions and teacher referrals, with the Inclusion team implementing appropriate support based on SEND, TAG, or EAL needs. Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework informs the inclusion provisions, developed as part of the school's strategic improvement plan.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme is available for primary students via pull-out or in-class support provided by the Inclusion team. In the secondary school, students with EAL attend English Language Acquisition lessons within the Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework. The Inclusion Team coordinates EAL support across both primary and secondary sections. Admissions data and referrals are used to identify EAL needs as part of the inclusion process.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through a warm, nurturing Pastoral Care system described as the heartbeat of the school, with mentorship programs, student leadership, and counselling services. The on-site clinic provides primary and preventive healthcare, staffed by a DHA-licensed doctor and two DHA-licensed nurses, and coordinates with staff and parents for student health needs. Counselling services are part of Pastoral Care, contributing to emotional and social support for students. Safeguarding policies reinforce safe and supportive environments with clearly defined roles and procedures.

Safeguarding

The Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy states that the health, safety, and well-being of all children are paramount and safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Staff must report any suspected or disclosed abuse to the designated child protection officer (DCPO) within 48 hours, and the DCPO will coordinate a school-based response that may include the doctor, nurse, counsellor, and leadership. Procedures include interviewing staff, gathering information, referrals to external agencies when needed, and maintaining confidential records. The policy references UAE law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and requires safer recruitment, training, and ongoing monitoring of safeguarding practices.
Parent Experience

History

Raffles World Academy (RWA) was established in 2008. It began as Raffles International School (West Campus) and was renamed Raffles World Academy in September 2012. RWA is an IB World School offering the full IB continuum for Pre-KG to Grade 12, with the Primary Years Programme in Pre-KG to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme in Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme and Careers-related Programme in Grades 11–12. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the International Baccalaureate and operates as part of the Innoventures Education family. It serves a diverse international community of around 1,900 students from more than 100 nationalities and has earned the Green Flag from Eco-Schools UAE.

Community

RWA presents itself as a warm, nurturing community with pastoral care at its heart, and it emphasizes a strong partnership with its parent community. Student development is central to school decisions, and parents participate actively through channels such as the Parents Association. The school conducts UAE National Day celebrations and various arts and sports events, supported by its evolving facilities, including a multipurpose hall for performances and gatherings.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

PARWA (Parents Association of Raffles World Academy) is the school's parent association. It comprises 21 volunteer parents on an executive committee and operates under the motto 'Empowering Future Generations.' PARWA began as Paris (West Campus) until 2016–17 and was rebranded to PARWA in 2017–18; its parent association was established in 2006. PARWA sponsors resources and books for language departments and the RWA library, funds the RWA stallions mascot, and supports national day and international day activities, student-led initiatives, and the Principal's award luncheon. It also assists with Arabic learning, hosts workshops for parents, runs a second-hand uniform shop, and organizes bake sales to raise funds for school initiatives. PARWA hosts annual teachers' appreciation luncheons, an annual security and cleaning staff luncheon, and a career fair for upper primary/secondary students, and invites parents to offer job-shadowing opportunities for Grade 11 students.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Raffles World Academy's Dubai campus sits on around 30,000 square metres in Umm Suqeim and accommodates a broad range of facilities to support IB learning. Academic facilities include a networked library, science laboratories (physics, biology and chemistry), computer labs and IT suites, and open, spacious classrooms equipped with projectors and computer clusters. Creative facilities comprise a theatre, music rooms, an art room and a dance studio for performing and visual arts. Sports and recreation facilities include a sports hall, a soccer field, swimming pools and courts for basketball and badminton. The campus also features a full cafeteria-style dining facility, prayer rooms with ablution facilities, and 24-hour security with CCTV.

Sports Facilities

A sports hall, a soccer field, swimming pools, tennis courts, and basketball and badminton courts provide spaces for team and individual sport activities.

Academic Facilities

The academic facilities include a well-resourced networked library, dedicated science laboratories for physics, biology and chemistry, computer labs and IT suites, and spacious classrooms with projectors and computer clusters.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Creative facilities include a theatre, music rooms, an art room and a dance studio that support performing and visual arts outside classroom time.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Raffles World Academy is an independent, co-educational KG–G12 (pre-school – Year 13) IB World School. It offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) up to Grade 5 (Year 6), the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) in Grades 6–10 (Years 7–11), and the IB Diploma Programme and IB courses in Grades 11–12 (Years 12–13). It uses a hybrid curriculum taking the best from the IB Examinations.

Arts & Creative

The school provides a range of co-curricular arts opportunities and supports creative development as part of its holistic education.

Cultural & Language

A Mother Tongue programme supports multiple languages, including Russian, French, Italian, Hindi and German.

Social & Hobbies

The school offers around 50 co-curricular activities (CCAs), including academic CCAs, eco initiatives, and character-building activities such as MUN conferences and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

Community & Service

Pastoral care is a core focus, with mentorship programs and counselling services that support students' academic, emotional, social, and personal growth.

Leadership & Professional

Student leadership and professional skills development are emphasised within a holistic education framework.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The campus supports sports and wellness through facilities and activities in line with its holistic education approach.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the language of instruction for the IB Diploma Programme. Arabic is taught as part of the language curriculum, with Arabic A available for Arab nationals and Arabic B offered to non-Arab students. A Mother Tongue programme is offered in French, German, Russian, Spanish, Hindi and Italian, with 60-minute lessons, typically 1–2 sessions per week after school or during Islamic/Arabic studies depending on year level. The library provides books in Arabic, French, German, Mandarin and Spanish to support language learning.
Admissions

Admissions

Raffles World Academy is a 12-grade IB World School offering KG to G12 (pre-school to Year 13). It provides the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) up to Grade 5 (Year 6), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grade 6–10 (Years 7–11) and the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 11–12 (Year 12–13) with a hybrid curriculum drawing from IB examinations. The main admissions intake is at the start of the academic year in September, and admissions are ongoing throughout the year depending on places. RWA is a 12-grade system and is part of the Innoventures Education family. An Admissions Policy & Admissions Procedures document is available. The school hours are Monday–Thursday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm and Friday 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, with Ramadan timings applying.

Scholarships

Sports scholarships are offered. Eligibility requires representing one's country, region or city in a sport; demonstrating outstanding ability, dedication and potential; representing the school; making a significant contribution to the sport; and meeting targeted academic targets. Returning students may apply between June 1 and June 20 for the next academic year; new students may apply alongside the admission application. Applications are evaluated by a scholarship panel; awardees sign the Terms and Conditions of the Scholarship, the Letter of Agreement and the Code of Conduct, with an annual renewal process. A limited number of scholarships are available in categories including international athletes, inter-Emirate level athletes, or individuals recommended by a coach or organization; the scholarship is a percentage discount of tuition. Applications are submitted via the online IVEI Sports Scholarship Application Form and email sports@innoventureseducation.com with attachments (full school reports for the last two years and two letter of references). Deadline details for 2025–2026 cycle: 25 May 2025 / 20 June 2025.
School Events
The school has not added events