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Sharjah English School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 28,420 - 72,765
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1000
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 22
Introduction

Sharjah English School is a not-for-profit British-curriculum day school located on Meliha Road next to University City, serving families in Sharjah and the wider Dubai/Emirates area. The school follows the National Curriculum for England from Foundation Stage through Year 13, with Years 10–11 preparing for I/GCSE (Edexcel and AQA) and Years 12–13 offering A‑Level courses alongside an SES Diploma enrichment programme for Sixth Form students. SES admits children aged 3–18 and is accredited as a British School Overseas and inspected by the local Sharjah authorities. English is listed as the language of instruction; Arabic is taught as a specialist subject across phases and French is offered at upper‑secondary/A‑level. The campus, described as just under 100,000 square metres, includes large classrooms, an auditorium, specialist science, design and art facilities, a library and innovation spaces, a 25m swimming pool, two sports halls, extensive grass playing fields with floodlights and professional cricket facilities, and dedicated Sixth Form study and common areas.

Meliha Rd, Industrial Area 17 Near National Paints, Opposite, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Sharjah English School has 1,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
Sharjah English School is located on Meliha Road, opposite University City in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits on a large, green site adjacent to University City, with nearby universities giving the area a strong educational context. The address is Meliha Rd, Opposite University City, P.O. Box 1600, Sharjah. The campus location provides relatively straightforward access to downtown Sharjah and to nearby emirates; Dubai and Sharjah airports are within a short drive.

Stages
SES serves Foundation Stage 1 (age 3) through Year 13. The Primary section covers early years to Year 6, and the Secondary section covers Year 7 to Year 13. The school makes entry available from FS1 up to Year 13.

Type
The school is a not-for-profit, co-educational day school operating within the British curriculum. It is not a boarding school. The school presents itself as British-curriculum, non-selective, and not-for-profit.

Pupil Nationality Mix
SES emphasizes diversity and describes itself as having a diverse community with many cultures represented. It highlights that diversity is a core strength and notes the school welcomes students from various backgrounds; specific nationality numbers are not publicly published. The admissions page also states the school's diversity is a key strength.

Additional learning support
The school states it is inclusive and does not discriminate against any student with learning difficulties, provided the school has the necessary support systems in place. This indicates a commitment to Additional Learning Needs within an inclusion framework.

Country affiliation
Sharjah English School follows the British curriculum and is accredited as a British School Overseas (BSO) by the UK Department for Education. It operates under the UAE's SPEA framework (MoE) in Sharjah.

Religious affiliation
There is no religious affiliation stated for the school; the campus description notes it is welcoming to all nationalities and faiths.

School day structure
The school runs a 4-day week (Monday to Thursday). Foundation typically runs 7:50 to 13:50, Primary 7:50 to 14:50, and Secondary 7:40 to 15:40, with ECAs after school. These timings reflect the current parent FAQ for school days and hours.

Bus service
SES uses a third‑party transport provider (Combine Star LLC) for its school buses. There are multiple route areas: Area 1 in Sharjah (University City area and surroundings) with seven buses; Area 2 in Dubai with three buses; Area 3 in Ajman with one bus. The provider and SES monitor routes via the Mamman app, and transport is subject to SPEA regulations. Morning ECAs are not served by the bus, and a Sibling Club for Primary is a paid service. For current routes and costs, contact Combine Star LLC.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
SES maintains a clear uniform policy designed to uphold the school ethos. Students are expected to wear the school uniform inside and outside of school. The uniform is supplied through two official providers, Stitches and J20 Sports; store locations and contact details are listed on the Uniform page.

House System
SES uses a house system to foster belonging and leadership. The five houses are Lynxes, Foxes, Falcons, Geckos and Stingrays, with staff also assigned to houses and wearing house shirts at events. In Primary, house points drive a weekly assembly-based celebration of good practice; in Secondary, house tutors support pastoral care and there are termly house events and competitions.

Governance and Ownership
SES is governed by a Board of Governors that oversees policy, finances and long-term planning under the Sharjah English School constitution. The school operates as a not-for-profit entity. The Board includes representatives from founding companies and local businesses, plus a parental governor; the Principal and Heads of School serve as non-executive members, with day-to-day operations led by the Principal and Senior Management Team.
Fees

Annual tuition at Sharjah English School ranges from AED 28,420 to AED 72,765 for 2026/27.

Registration and Security Deposit

- Registration fee (non-refundable): AED 400.
- Security deposit (payable on acceptance): AED 5,000 per child. The security deposit is refundable or may be used as part payment against the final term's fees provided all financial obligations to the school have been met and parents have given a term's written notification of withdrawal.

Tuition fees (per term and annual) — Academic year 2025/26

- FS1 / Pre-KG: Term 1 AED 11,370; Term 2 AED 8,525; Term 3 AED 8,525; Annual AED 28,420.
- FS2 / KG1: Term 1 AED 16,232; Term 2 AED 12,174; Term 3 AED 12,174; Annual AED 40,580.
- Year 1 / KG2: Term 1 AED 16,577; Term 2 AED 12,434; Term 3 AED 12,434; Annual AED 41,445.
- Year 2 / Grade 1: Term 1 AED 16,577; Term 2 AED 12,434; Term 3 AED 12,434; Annual AED 41,445.
- Year 3 / Grade 2: Term 1 AED 17,912; Term 2 AED 13,434; Term 3 AED 13,434; Annual AED 44,780.
- Year 4 / Grade 3: Term 1 AED 17,912; Term 2 AED 13,434; Term 3 AED 13,434; Annual AED 44,780.
- Year 5 / Grade 4: Term 1 AED 17,912; Term 2 AED 13,434; Term 3 AED 13,434; Annual AED 44,780.
- Year 6 / Grade 5: Term 1 AED 17,912; Term 2 AED 13,434; Term 3 AED 13,434; Annual AED 44,780.
- Year 7 / Grade 6: Term 1 AED 22,820; Term 2 AED 17,115; Term 3 AED 17,115; Annual AED 57,050.
- Year 8 / Grade 7: Term 1 AED 22,820; Term 2 AED 17,115; Term 3 AED 17,115; Annual AED 57,050.
- Year 9 / Grade 8: Term 1 AED 22,820; Term 2 AED 17,115; Term 3 AED 17,115; Annual AED 57,050.
- Year 10 / Grade 9: Term 1 AED 24,415; Term 2 AED 18,310; Term 3 AED 18,310; Annual AED 61,035.
- Year 11 / Grade 10: Term 1 AED 26,870; Term 2 AED 20,150; Term 3 AED 20,150; Annual AED 67,170.
- Year 12 / Grade 11: Term 1 AED 29,105; Term 2 AED 21,830; Term 3 AED 21,830; Annual AED 72,765.
- Year 13 / Grade 12: Term 1 AED 29,105; Term 2 AED 21,830; Term 3 AED 21,830; Annual AED 72,765.

- All tuition figures above are exclusive of VAT. School fees include books, medical services and classroom supplies; secondary students are expected to provide their own stationery. School fees do not include school uniform, bus transport, examination fees and school trips.

Sibling discount

- For families with three or more children, a 10% discount on the term tuition fees is applied to the eldest child/children.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Parents are invoiced before the end of each term for the subsequent term's fees. Fees are payable before the beginning of each term (term fees should be paid before or on the first day of term). Reminder notices are issued up to three times in the first month of a term for late payers.
- Non-payment consequences: students with outstanding fees from the previous school year will not be admitted to a new school year until arrears are settled; the school may withdraw a place and offer it to another child if debts remain unpaid. Students in arrears may be denied reports, transfer certificates, examination results and references until fees are fully settled. The school reserves the right to pursue legal action in persistent, substantial arrears. Any deviation from the normal payment schedule must be agreed in writing with the Bursar/Principal.

Refunds and pro‑rata

- The AED 400 application/registration charge is non-refundable. The AED 5,000 security deposit is refundable only against the final term's fees upon leaving provided all financial obligations have been met and one term's written notice of withdrawal has been given. There is no pro‑rata payment for part of a term and no part of the fee is refundable if a pupil is withdrawn before the end of a term.

Boarding

- Sharjah English School operates as a day school; there is no boarding provision. Annual boarding fees are shown as zero in external school-data records.

Other costs

- Uniform costs are not included in tuition. Uniform supplier contact details are published and parents obtain uniform items from the named suppliers. PE kit and specific items are managed through the school's uniform guidance. Bus transport, examination entry fees, trips and extra‑curricular charges are additional to tuition. Secondary students are expected to supply their own stationery.

Accepted payment methods and bank details

- Accepted payment methods include cash, cheque, bank deposit/transfer and online payment through the Skiply app (Skiply accepts Visa/MasterCard). The school's bank account (for bank transfer / ATM deposit) is held at Sharjah Islamic Bank: Account name Sharjah English School; A/C Number 0011-232918-004; IBAN AE490410000011232918004; Swift NBSHAEAS. Parents receive the invoice by email and are expected to pay before the term starts.

Fees policy highlights

- All fee levels are set in line with the school budget and development plan and are submitted for approval to the relevant Sharjah education authority. The school states it does not operate hidden tuition fees; all additional expenses such as uniform and required stationery are explicitly outlined to parents. The level of sibling discounts is reviewed by the Board of Governors.

(End of fees overview.)
Academics

Sharjah English School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Sharjah English School offers a British curriculum for ages 3–18, with Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2) in the primary years and a secondary programme through Sixth Form (Year 12–13). The Foundation Stage uses a play-based, child-led approach focused on communication, literacy, numeracy and developing independence. Years 7–9 (Key Stage 3) follow the National Curriculum of England, augmented by UAE context and emphasis on the performing arts and sport; key skills in language, literacy, numeracy and information technology are developed. Years 10–11 (Key Stage 4) follow the I/GCSE programme, with English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Science as compulsory subjects, and four additional subjects chosen from a broad range. The Sixth Form (Year 12–13) offers a flexible Advanced Levels (A Levels) programme with enrichment opportunities and university applications support. The curriculum is delivered under the UAE MoE framework for Arabic Studies, Islamic Education, Moral Education and Emirati Social Studies, and SES holds accreditations as a British School Overseas (DfE) and is a member of COBIS/BSME.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is embedded in Sharjah English School's pastoral care, with social and emotional learning cultivated in the curriculum; the Secondary Pastoral Care page notes a House System with five mixed houses, a vertical tutor group structure, and a Head of House responsible for students' academic and social-emotional development, plus weekly Moral Education discussions on healthy friendships and conflict resolution, complemented by assemblies and house activities.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school is described as non-selective and inclusive, but there is no publicly disclosed list of the kinds of SEN the school can support or evidence of a specialist SEN department; the Visit Us page states SES is inclusive for students with learning difficulties when the school has the necessary support, and Admissions materials describe a non-selective intake.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school does not publicly disclose information about English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision on its pages.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the pastoral care framework, with social and emotional development emphasized in practice via Moral Education, the House System, and regular assemblies and events that foster belonging and wellbeing.

Safeguarding
The Whole School Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy governs safeguarding and child protection, specifying a Designated Safeguarding Lead, staff training requirements, annual review, and alignment with UAE National Child Protection Policy and Keeping Children safe in Education guidance; the policy is published October 2023 and last reviewed August 2024.
Parent Experience

History
Sharjah English School was founded in 1974 by two Sharjah-based British bankers, David Eldon and David Bedford, to serve expatriate families in Sharjah. Land for the project was donated by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, and the first pupils attended on 30 September 1974, with temporary facilities provided initially on the second floor of Mahatta Fort. The new Dasman campus was completed in April 1975 and officially opened on 3 June 1975. The relocated campus near University City on the Melih(a) Road opened in 2005 to accommodate both primary and secondary education, with a new Arts building added in 2012 and an Acorn building opening in 2017. The school operates as a not-for-profit institution reinvesting income back into the school and is sponsored by H.E. Ahmed Mohamad Hamad Al Midfa.

Community
The SES community is anchored by its not-for-profit status and a long history of high standards, with a strong sense of belonging among students, families and staff. The school serves a diverse, multinational student body, reflecting Sharjah's international profile; diversity is highlighted as a core strength in school materials and admissions discussions. Daily life is guided by values such as Be Curious, Be Courageous and Be You, with a broad enrichment program that supports learning beyond the core curriculum. In 2025, Sharjah English School celebrated its 50th anniversary with events including a time capsule unveiling, the planting of trees and a gala planned to mark the milestone.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Sharjah English School maintains a Parent Support Group (PSG) as the principal parent involvement body within the SES community. The PSG functions as the interface between parents and school leadership, providing a channel for feedback on student progress and school initiatives. PSG regular meetings are held, including weekly gatherings for parents to engage with staff and discuss matters affecting their children. The PSG collaborates with the school to support parent-led activities and broader community-building efforts, complementing the school's house system and overall community life. The SES not-for-profit status underpins active parent engagement, with income reinvested into school improvements and enrichment programs, a context that the PSG helps support.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Sharjah English School sits on a very large campus of just under 100,000 square metres beside University City and serves students from 3 to 18 years old in purpose-built facilities. The younger years are housed in a building with a Primary Library, Music classroom, an Assembly space and an Innovation space, while older students study in three buildings with specialist facilities for Science, Design Technology, Library, Art, Drama and Computer Science. The campus includes large, modern classrooms, an indoor sports hall and extensive outdoor spaces for learning and recreation. The performing arts program is supported by a dedicated auditorium and spaces for music, drama and art. The school offers a substantial sports provision, including a multi-purpose grass field with floodlights, a 25-metre swimming pool, two sports halls and professional cricket facilities with nets, sight screens and a video replay screen.

Sports Facilities
The school has an indoor sports hall and two additional sports halls, with a large grass field that includes a spectator stand and floodlights for evening use. A 25-metre swimming pool and professional cricket facilities with nets, sight screens and a video replay screen are available on campus.

Academic Facilities
Foundation 1 and Year 2 are housed in the latest building completed in 2017, with large, air-conditioned classrooms. A Primary Library and Music classroom, plus an Assembly space and an Innovation space, serve the younger years. Y3–6 are in one of the original buildings with large classrooms opening onto outdoor spaces. Y7–13 have specialist facilities for Science, Design Technology, Library, Art, Drama and Computer Science across three buildings, and Sixth Form students have their own study spaces and a common room.

Extra Curricular Facilities
An auditorium supports large musical and theatrical performances, with peripatetic rooms for music teaching. The Innovation space and dedicated spaces for Art and Drama also support creative clubs and productions.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is recognised by the UK Department for Education as a British School Overseas (BSO). It follows the National Curriculum of England, with I/GCSE offered in Years 10–11 and A Levels offered in Years 12–13. The Years 7–9 curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum and is enriched by the cultural, religious and geographical context of the UAE, with an emphasis on the performing arts and sport and awareness of global issues. The school reports outstanding A Level results that enable students to pursue competitive degree courses worldwide.

Arts & Creative
Music, drama and visual arts are central to the Secondary program. Music includes high-quality instrumental teaching, ensemble work and regular performance opportunities such as large-scale concerts and school musicals. Drama focuses on developing confidence, voice and empathy, with clubs, productions and trips. Art offers two specialist art rooms and a broad curriculum with a range of media and techniques.

Cultural & Language
The curriculum is enriched by the UAE's cultural, religious and geographical context. Year 12 and 13 subject options include French. The school follows the English GCSE/A Level structure, supporting pathways to higher education worldwide.

Social & Hobbies
The Learner Profile highlights opportunities in extra-curricular activities such as debating and presentations to the wider community. Students are encouraged to engage in a range of clubs and activities that support communication and collaboration.

Community & Service
The Learner Profile notes local community projects that enable students to contribute positively to their surroundings and environment. These opportunities are integrated into the school culture as part of developing civic responsibility.

Leadership & Professional
In Sixth Form, students can take on leadership roles and participate in enrichment activities such as the EPQ, Ivy House Award, MOOCs and essay competitions, and volunteering. The school provides guidance for university applications and aims to build a strong personal profile for life after school.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The strategic plan prioritises a healthy, balanced approach to life for all and commits to outstanding pastoral care. The environment is described as safe and supportive, with emphasis on well-being as part of the school culture.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
The school provides a high-quality British education and is accredited by the British School Overseas (BSO) and the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA). It is also a member of COBIS and BSME.
Admissions

Admissions
Sharjah English School is a British Curriculum, non-selective, not-for-profit school established in 1974. It welcomes students from age 3 in FS1 through to Y13. The school's teachers are predominantly from the UK and/or have British curriculum experience. The Curiosity Approach is used in the Early Years Foundation Stage, and the school presents Sixth Form results and university destinations. Begin your admissions journey with the Admissions Calculator to determine the correct entry point for your child and to review the year-group fees.

Our admissions process is structured around a series of steps:
1. ENQUIRE NOW: Use the Admissions Calculator to determine the correct entry year group for SES and review the fee breakdown for your year group.
2. VISIT US: Book a tour to experience daily life at SES. The campus is a spacious green site with facilities that support a well-rounded curriculum, including core subjects, sports, music, arts and drama, and specialised ECA programs across the school.
3. APPLY ONLINE: Submit your application online. Have ready: Student's passport copy, Student's latest school reports, UAE residency visa and Emirates ID if applicable.
4. BOOK ASSESSMENT: After your application is received, the Admissions Team will contact you to book an assessment date. A confirmation of assessment fee payment must be submitted to be eligible to sit for the assessment test.
5. CONFIRM OFFER: Within 4 working days, the Admissions Team will notify you of your offer status. To confirm your place, deposit 5,000 AED (refundable against the last term's fees) must be paid within 4 working days.
6. COMPLETE REGISTRATION: Submit all required documentation: passport copy with valid UAE residence visa; Emirates ID copy; birth certificate; latest school reports; transfer certificates with attestation; immunisation card copy; sponsor's passport copy with valid UAE residence visa; sponsor's Emirates ID copy; sponsor UAE Pass; completed medical record form.
7. BUS INFORMATION: All school buses comply with government regulations and are equipped with CCTV cameras and seat belts.
8. UNIFORM: A new uniform is in development to foster belonging and pride in the school community.
9. LIFE AT SES: Academic achievement and our long history of successful higher education outcomes are complemented by a strong sense of belonging to the SES community.
School Events
The school has not added events
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