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Safa Community School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 54,437 - 89,440
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2645
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 22
Introduction

Safa Community School is an all-through British curriculum school in Al Barsha South, Dubai, serving children from FS1 to Year 13 (ages 3–18). The school's language of instruction is English; Arabic is taught both as Arabic A (first language) and Arabic B (for non‑Arabic speakers), with Islamic A and B pathways for Muslim students, and modern foreign languages (French, Spanish and German) offered from Year 1 alongside mother‑tongue options. The purpose‑built campus includes multiple specialised facilities: libraries, art and design technology rooms, STEAM and computer science labs, 14 science labs, an auditorium, music and drama suites, a dance studio, two 25‑metre swimming pools, indoor sports halls, a 4G rugby pitch, netball and basketball courts, a 7‑a‑side astroturf football field and strength/conditioning suites. The school also operates a dedicated Safa Senior School campus for Years 10–13 and highlights an extensive extracurricular and international programme (more than 300 ECAs and activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, World Scholar's Cup, EPQ/HPQ, RSL music qualifications and LAMDA).

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311 Road), Al Barsha South Third, Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Safa Community School has 2,645 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
Safa Community School is located in Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus is described as conveniently located in Al Barsha South, with a Dubai postal address of P.O. Box 71091. The street address is Umm Suqeim Road, Al Barsha South 3rd, Dubai, UAE, placing the school along a major Dubai corridor convenient for families commuting from nearby neighbourhoods.

Stages
The school operates as an all‑through institution, with Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary and a Sixth Form. The site's top navigation lists Foundation, Primary and Secondary, plus a dedicated Sixth Form section, confirming the full through‑line structure.

Type
The student body is mixed gender, with a near‑even balance (about 51% boys and 49% girls). The school follows a British curriculum across all sections (Foundation, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form).

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school has about 2,645 students representing 94 nationalities. The largest national group is British (approximately 33.8%), with Emirati students making up about 1.7%. Other represented nationalities include Egyptian (about 10%), American (4.4%), Jordanian (6%), South African (4%), and Canadian (3.8%), illustrating a highly international student body.

Additional learning support
Safa Community School has a dedicated Inclusion Leadership team (Head of Inclusion and FS/KS1, KS2 and Secondary inclusion staff). The inclusion provision includes Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy, plus Secondary Inclusion and ELL support, indicating a formal SEN/ELA support framework across all phases.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is noted; Safa Community School follows an all‑through British Curriculum.

Religious affiliation
The admissions policy states families are welcome regardless of religion, and the school presents itself as inclusive with a National Curriculum focus.

School day structure
For 2025–2026, morning start times vary by year group (FS1 at 07:15, older students from 06:40 for some year groups), with morning drop‑offs and afternoon pick‑ups published per year. After‑school ECAs run in the late afternoon for eligible year groups, and the school provides bus transport and other routines as part of the day.

Bus service
School Transport Services (STS) provides Safa Community School's buses. Buses are equipped with GPS, electronic attendance, CCTV, sleeping‑child check, seatbelts, video surveillance, a panic button and RFID student tracking, with a dedicated STS app for real‑time location tracking. There are dedicated pickup points, route options in areas such as Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha South, Dubai Hills and other Dubai locations, and explicit bus timings for each year group. Transport fees are published per route and payable in advance.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are purple and white. FS1–Year 2 wear a purple-and-white striped short-sleeved shirt with a navy skort; Year 5+ girls may wear long trousers, and boys wear navy shorts or trousers; secondary pupils wear a plain white shirt with navy trousers. Uniforms are supplied by Sumeru, with House Tops and squad kits used for inter-house events; House Tops can be purchased at Dubai Autodrome and the main uniform shop at J3 Mall.

Food Options
Safа Community School promotes a healthy balanced diet and requires a mid-morning snack. FS1–Year 3 may bring a packed lunch or have lunch provided by the canteen, while Years 4–6 can choose packed lunch or hot meals from the canteen; the school operates a no-nuts policy. The Tuckshop Café provides fresh, nut-free meals with vegetarian options and uses a cashless payment system.

House System
The Safa House System includes four houses: Kestrels, Eagles, Falcons and Hawks. Students remain in their house throughout their time at Safa, and house points are awarded for academic and personal excellence and tracked to foster healthy competition. Safa runs house events across the year, including a House Competition Week with art, sport and academic activities; House Tops are part of the uniform for inter-house events.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by The Safa Community School Board of Directors, an independent board that advises and supports school leadership in strategic and operational plans. The board comprises proprietor representatives and elected or nominated members including parents and staff; meetings are held once per term and minutes are maintained and shared with KHDA and the Dubai Ministry of Education. The board includes the proprietor as chair and oversees financial matters and potential sub-committees.
Fees

Annual tuition at Safa Community School ranges from AED 54,437 to AED 89,440 for 2026/27.

Fee Structure (Academic year 2025–2026)

- Tuition is invoiced termly (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). The published annual and term amounts by year group are:
- FS1: AED 54,437 per year — Term 1: AED 21,775; Term 2: AED 16,331; Term 3: AED 16,331.
- FS2: AED 54,437 per year — Term 1: AED 21,775; Term 2: AED 16,331; Term 3: AED 16,331.
- Year 1: AED 56,753 per year — Term 1: AED 22,701; Term 2: AED 17,026; Term 3: AED 17,026.
- Year 2: AED 56,753 per year — Term 1: AED 22,701; Term 2: AED 17,026; Term 3: AED 17,026.
- Year 3: AED 56,753 per year — Term 1: AED 22,701; Term 2: AED 17,026; Term 3: AED 17,026.
- Year 4: AED 59,070 per year — Term 1: AED 23,628; Term 2: AED 17,721; Term 3: AED 17,721.
- Year 5: AED 61,386 per year — Term 1: AED 24,554; Term 2: AED 18,416; Term 3: AED 18,416.
- Year 6: AED 63,703 per year — Term 1: AED 25,481; Term 2: AED 19,111; Term 3: AED 19,111.
- Year 7: AED 75,286 per year — Term 1: AED 30,114; Term 2: AED 22,586; Term 3: AED 22,586.
- Year 8: AED 75,286 per year — Term 1: AED 30,114; Term 2: AED 22,586; Term 3: AED 22,586.
- Year 9: AED 79,919 per year — Term 1: AED 31,967; Term 2: AED 23,976; Term 3: AED 23,976.
- Year 10: AED 80,495 per year — Term 1: AED 32,199; Term 2: AED 24,148; Term 3: AED 24,148.
- Year 11: AED 82,732 per year — Term 1: AED 33,092; Term 2: AED 24,820; Term 3: AED 24,820.
- Year 12: AED 84,967 per year — Term 1: AED 33,987; Term 2: AED 25,490; Term 3: AED 25,490.
- Year 13: AED 89,440 per year — Term 1: AED 35,776; Term 2: AED 26,832; Term 3: AED 26,832.

- Flexi FS1 options (published totals and term breakdowns):
- FS1 — 3 days/week: AED 43,007 per year — Term 1: AED 15,243; Term 2: AED 11,433; Term 3: AED 16,331.
- FS1 — 4 days/week: AED 48,722 per year — Term 1: AED 18,508; Term 2: AED 13,883; Term 3: AED 16,331.

One‑off, mandatory and additional fees

- Application fee (one-time): AED 500. The application fee is refundable if the school does not offer the student a place; it is non‑refundable if the school offers a place and the family then declines; it is not deductible from tuition if the offer is accepted.

- Security deposit (new students): AED 4,000 payable at the time of offer to secure the place; this deposit is offset against the relevant Term 1 fees (or against the term in which the student starts if joining in Term 2 or Term 3).

- Re‑registration / re‑enrolment charges for returning students:
- Year‑group fact sheets state existing‑student re‑enrolment fees of up to 5% of the tuition fees or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non‑refundable and deductible from Term 1 fees for that next academic year.
- The general fees schedule also states a re‑registration fee of AED 2,400 charged in the third term invoice and then offset in Term 1 of the following academic year.

- Medical (mandatory, annual): AED 1,500 per student.

- Enrolment / admission deposit for new students (where applicable on fact sheets): up to 10% of tuition for new students (non‑refundable & deductible from Term 1), as shown on the KHDA fact sheet for each year group.

- Sibling discount: a 15% discount applies to the third child onward (towards tuition fees).

Other routine or optional costs

- Uniforms: typical published range AED 50 to AED 500 per student (varies by items required).

- Books and supplies: typical published range AED 50 to AED 2,000 depending on year group and subjects.

- Transport (optional): published ranges vary by route/area and year group; example ranges in the fact sheets show transport around AED 8,850 to AED 10,000 per year and the transport page gives term breakdowns and area‑based prices. Transport is charged termly and full payment for the term is required irrespective of days used. Booster/child seat charges may apply.

- Extracurricular activities / clubs / trips: optional charges vary; fact sheets list typical ranges such as AED 50 to AED 1,000 for ECAs, AED 50 to AED 2,000 for local trips, and AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 for international trips. Charges vary by activity and year group.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are presented as annual totals with the published term breakdowns (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). Parents are billed termly according to those amounts. Term 1 is the largest single term amount in the published schedule.

- Security deposit for new offers is due at acceptance to secure the place; the deposit is offset against the Term 1 fees of the relevant academic year (or against the term when joining mid‑year). Re‑registration deposits for returning students are charged in Term 3 and offset in Term 1 of the following academic year (per the published schedule).

- Non‑payment consequences and specific invoice due‑dates are governed by the school's standard terms and KHDA rules; transport fees must be paid in advance to activate travel entitlement. The school publishes termly invoices and requires payments by the methods below.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. Safa Community School operates as a day school and does not list boarding accommodation or boarding fees. Transport (bus) is provided as an optional paid service.

Refund information

- Application fee: refundable if the school does not offer the student a place; non‑refundable if the school offers a place and the family then declines; not deductible from tuition if the offer is accepted.

- Registration / re‑registration deposits and enrolment charges: these are generally non‑refundable except in specified circumstances; the published KHDA fee framework sets standard rules for tuition refunds and allowable deductions (for example, schools may deduct registration/re‑registration amounts and the KHDA framework specifies how refunds are calculated depending on withdrawal dates and length of enrolment). Specific refund calculations and exceptions are administered under KHDA regulations and the school's fee terms.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Accepted methods: Cash, Cheque, Bank transfer. Parents are asked to state the child's name on all transactions and to forward a copy of the transfer to the school accountant.

- Published bank details (AED account):
- Account name: SAFA COMMUNITY SCHOOL.
- A/C NUMBER: 012 2400573 001 AED.
- IBAN: AE42 04 0000012 2400573 001.
- Bank: RAK BANK (National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah), Sheikh Zayed Road Branch.
- SWIFT: NRAKAEAKXXX.

Notes (important fee mechanics)

- The KHDA fact sheets published for each year group list mandatory medical fees, typical ranges for uniform/books/optional services, and the approved tuition totals for Academic Year 2025–2026. Parents should use the published term amounts above when planning payments.
Academics

Safa Community School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school follows the National Curriculum of England across an all‑through programme, with Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2), Primary (Years 1–6, organized into Key Stages 1 and 2), and Secondary (Years 7–13) leading toward GCSEs and post‑16 options. The Primary curriculum is concept‑based with a seamless progression across phases. The Wellbeing Curriculum supports mental, emotional and physical health, alongside Islamic A/B programs (Arabic language tracks) and the Moral, Social and Cultural Studies (MSCS) component focused on UAE society, culture and citizenship. Modern Foreign Languages (French, Spanish and German) are taught from Year 1, with additional Mother Tongue options, and the department includes Performing Arts from Year 2 onward plus a STEM emphasis and early years features such as Free Flow. In Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) the school offers GCSE courses with a dedicated KS4 options booklet to guide choices. The Sixth Form (Years 12–13) provides AS and A‑Levels alongside six BTEC pathways, with around 24 subjects and structured university preparation programs, including the REACH initiative and wider school projects.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Safa Community School has a National Mental Health & Wellbeing Accreditation and implements a Pastoral Care & Wellbeing policy with a stepped approach to support students and staff, complemented by in-house school counsellors and the Komodo Wellbeing platform to monitor wellbeing trends.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Special Educational Needs (SEN) support is led by Inclusion Leadership with dedicated teams across Foundation Stage, Primary and Secondary, including FS Inclusion Specialists, a Speech & Language Therapist, a SEND Specialist, an Occupational Therapy Specialist, and Secondary ELL Support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (ELL) support is provided through the Secondary Inclusion & ELL Support role within the Inclusion Team.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is addressed via the National Mental Health & Wellbeing Accreditation, access to school counsellors for pupils, a Wellbeing policy guiding practice, and external KidsFirst seminars for families.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is governed by a formal Child Protection & Safeguarding framework with stated principles, a designated Child Protection Liaison Officer, and clearly established Primary and Secondary Child Protection Teams.
Parent Experience

History
Safa Community School opened in September 2014 and won the Best New School in the UAE award. It operates as an all-through British Curriculum school. The Safa Community School Board of Directors governs the school, with Proprietors overseeing its direction and ensuring representation from parents and staff. The board includes proprietor members such as Louay Khatib (Chairman) and Sameer Merchant, along with other directors representing staff, parents and the wider community. Board meetings are held each term and minutes are maintained and shared with relevant bodies, reflecting formal governance and oversight.

Community
The school serves a diverse, international student body of about 2,645 students from over 80 nationalities, with a near-even 51:49 male-to-female ratio and British nationals forming the largest demographic. Safa Community School is an all-through British curriculum school with strong wellbeing and pastoral care as core commitments. The Safa House System assigns students to four houses—Kestrels, Eagles, Falcons, and Hawks—and features regular house competitions and a yearly House Competition Week that combines art, sport, and academics. Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to school life, supported by a National Mental Health & Wellbeing Accreditation and access to school counsellors and wellbeing resources.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
There is no separate PTA described publicly; governance and parent involvement are organized through the Safa Community School Board of Directors, which includes a parent representative. A dedicated Parent Liaison role (Trish Gregory) handles safeguarding and parent communication, and Board meeting minutes are kept and shared with relevant bodies. The Principal notes that the school encourages parent engagement through weekly open mornings and personal tours. The school also offers extensive extracurricular opportunities and leadership programmes—over 300 ECAs and international programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, The World Scholar's Cup, HPQ, EPQ, and RSL Music Practitioners—that involve families in school life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus comprises four buildings—Endeavour, Discovery, Challenger, and the Global Learning Centre—housing Foundation to Key Stage 3, with Safa Senior School on site for Years 10–13. There are four libraries, 14 science labs, two STEAM labs, six design technology rooms, five computer science labs, two food technology rooms, eight art rooms, seven music rooms, and three drama rooms, plus an auditorium and a dance studio to support creative learning. The Senior School includes a multipurpose exam hall to accommodate assessments. The sports facilities feature two 25-metre swimming pools, two indoor sports halls, four netball courts, two basketball courts, a seven-a-side football astroturf field, a 4G rugby pitch, a crossfit outdoor conditioning zone, and duplex strength & conditioning suites. A dedicated Parent & Visitor Experience Hub and expansive outdoor spaces complete the campus.

Sports Facilities
The school offers extensive sports facilities, including two 25-metre swimming pools (with a dedicated Primary Learner Pool for FS and younger children), two indoor sports halls, four netball courts, and two basketball courts. Outdoor provisions include a seven-a-side football astroturf field and a 4G rugby pitch, complemented by a crossfit outdoor conditioning zone and duplex strength & conditioning suites.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include four libraries, 14 science labs, two STEAM labs, five computer science labs, six design technology rooms, and two food technology rooms. The creative arts spaces comprise eight art rooms, seven music rooms, and three drama rooms, along with an auditorium and a dance studio to support performance and presentation. The on-site Safa Senior School for Years 10–13 features a multipurpose exam hall to support examinations and assessments.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Over 300 extracurricular activities are available, spanning sports, arts, and academic clubs.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers an all-through British curriculum from Foundation Stage through Year 13, with GCSE and A-Level examinations in the Senior School. The school has 2,645 students from 94 nationalities. UK-trained, highly qualified teachers provide instruction. Wellbeing and pastoral care are emphasized.

Arts & Creative
Over 300 extra-curricular activities are offered, including arts. A Head of Art leads the arts program, and Art Ambassadors participate in school events. Safa Community School is an official LAMDA exam centre, offering Speaking in Public examinations for Years 7–13, with Level 3 qualifications counted toward UCAS tariffs.

Cultural & Language
Spanish, French and German are taught in the Secondary Modern Foreign Languages department. The school hosts International Day and other cultural events, reflecting a diverse student body. The community includes students from 94 nationalities.

Social & Hobbies
There are over 100 sporting ECAs each week and more than 20 different sports, including football, rugby, netball, basketball and swimming. Morning sports clubs engage around 250 students daily. Intra-house events are part of the school's activity program.

Community & Service
Eco-Schools Green Flag Award was achieved in August 2025, recognizing sustainability initiatives led by students. Student-led Eco-Committee initiatives are highlighted. Safa Community School is a member of The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS).

Leadership & Professional
A Careers guidance and development program runs from Year 7 through 13 to develop employability and post-16 pathways. The LIFE programme and REACH framework support work experience and university readiness. The Careers team coordinates partnerships with universities and external organisations to prepare students for future study and careers.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing and pastoral care are core components of Safa Community School. The Sport & PE program provides a broad timetable of activities to promote physical health. A wide range of ECAs supports holistic development and social engagement.
Languages

Language Provision
Arabic A is taught fully in Arabic to Arab students with an Arabic passport. Arabic B is taught predominantly in Arabic to non-Arabic speakers learning the language. Islamic A is taught fully in Arabic to Muslim students registered with KHDA with an Arabic passport; Islamic B is taught predominantly in English to non-Arabic speaking Muslim students. MFL is taught from Year 1 by subject specialists; second language options include French, Spanish, and German, and Mother Tongue offerings include French, German, and Spanish.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers two language streams for Islamic Studies: Islamic A is taught fully in Arabic for Muslim students registered with KHDA who have an Arabic passport; Islamic B is taught predominantly in English for non-Arabic speaking Muslim students.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquire and book a tour. The registrar is available to answer individual admissions queries. You can book a tour online or call 04 385 1810. This initial contact helps families understand the admissions process and what to expect during entry. 2. Enrol Online. Enrol online by filling out the online application form. Access Online Application, Application Form, and Sixth Form Application Form. For 2025–2026, FS1 to Year 9 are at full capacity; limited spaces remain for Year 10 and Year 12. Applications for September 2026 and the 2027/28 academic year are open for selected year groups and will be reviewed in October 2025 for 2026 intakes and in October 2026 for 2027 intakes. 3. Documents Required. Submit documents including a copy of your child's passport plus residency visa or UAE entry stamp, a copy of Emirates ID for the child and both parents, 3 passport photographs, copies of the last two school reports for Year 1 and above, a transfer certificate, details of any SEND or educational plans, a birth certificate, and an application fee of AED 500. 4. Assessments. Assessments vary by year group: Foundation 1 relies on observations and may use nursery reports; Foundation 2 relies on observations of play and conversation; Years 1–6 assess basic mathematics, reading and writing with age-appropriate conversation; Secondary uses a computerized baseline assessment lasting 30–60 minutes; inclusion and pastoral heads may be involved to discuss needs and a bespoke transition plan may be prepared. 5. Offers and deposits. After the assessment, the Registrar informs within a week whether a place is offered. If a place is offered, a security deposit is payable within 7 days per KHDA guidelines. Families are advised to contact the Registrar regularly to monitor the status. 6. Transfer Certificates. A Transfer Certificate from the previous school is required for registration. The certificate must include the child's full name, date of enrolment, date of birth, date left, grade on leaving, school stamp and Principal's signature, and the curriculum used, and must be on official letterhead. For countries outside the EU and GCC, the TC must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy. Overseas families joining Safa Community School do not need visas at the time of application but must submit them when available; a TC is required at joining. All children entering Year 2 and above from overseas or another Emirate must provide an original Transfer Certificate. 7. Language and inclusivity. The school teaches in English and Arabic and follows an inclusive National Curriculum.

Scholarships
Scholarships are offered for Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 (Years 10–13) with up to 100% discount on total annual fees for students who excel in sports, performing arts, music and academics. Applications require documents including a mid-term report, predicted grades, most recent report, CAT4, GCSE results, and references from coaches or instructors, plus awards. Successful applicants are shortlisted and interviewed; offers are confirmed upon receipt of GCSE results. The Secondary Scholarships page outlines these criteria and the process.
School Events
The school has not added events
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