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The Arbor 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 49,500 - 90,250
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1392
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 12
Introduction

The Arbor School is a British-curriculum international school located in Al Furjan (Jebel Ali Village), Dubai, offering education from Foundation Stage through Sixth Form for ages 3 to 18. It follows the National Curriculum for England, delivered alongside a school-wide Ecoliteracy programme and project-based, interdisciplinary learning; the school is BSO-inspected and reports outstanding curriculum quality. Instruction is principally in English, with Arabic taught across the school (including Arabic immersion in Foundation Stage and Arabic provision for native and non-native speakers) and options for French or Spanish in secondary years; Islamic Education is provided for Muslim students in line with UAE requirements. The campus is described as a living campus with biodomes, a Biofarm and learning gardens, science laboratories, art and music spaces, a food-technology lab, swimming pools and outdoor classrooms (including a Reflection Garden and performance spaces), and an on-site Farmhouse that uses school-grown produce. Distinctive features include regular interdisciplinary projects, ecoliteracy strands, enrichment and residential experiences, and a Community Impact certificate in secondary.

Jebel Ali Village, Al Furjan, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

The Arbor School has 1,392 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
The Arbor School is located in Al Furjan, Dubai. The campus has easy access from the E311 and Sheikh Zayed Road and is near residential areas such as Jumeirah Village Triangle, Green Community, Jumeirah Park, Springs and the Marina. The postal address is The Arbor School, Al Furjan, PO Box 413898, Dubai.

Stages
Foundation Stage 1 through Year 12 are offered, following the National Curriculum for England. The curriculum supports students from early years up to upper secondary.

Type
The Arbor School is an inclusive, co-educational day school. It operates as a co-educational establishment with no boarding facilities noted in its standard offering.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body represents 70+ nationalities. The current roll is about 1,300 pupils, with a roughly even gender balance; there is no publicly published local-to-international ratio or most common nationality.

Additional learning support
Inclusion is an intrinsic part of Arbor's approach. The school provides an adaptive environment with inclusive classrooms and bespoke resources to support students with speech and language needs, hearing impairments, specific learning difficulties, and autistic spectrum disorders, who study alongside peers at their own level.

Country affiliation
The Arbor School is a British-curriculum international school overseas, following the National Curriculum for England.

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation is stated; the school emphasizes inclusive values and respect for diverse beliefs.

School day structure
The school day runs from 7:30 am to 3:20 pm, with drop-off and pick-up times varying by year group.

Bus service
The Arbor School offers a school bus service in partnership with STS, with bus guardians on trips, a parent-tracking app, and routes planned for shorter commutes. Buses are monitored for speed and the fleet uses biodiesel (B20).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Arbor School uses a sustainable uniform. Details and a uniform brochure are available, with purchases made through the uniform provider Zaks.

Food Options
The Farmhouse at Arbor runs the on-site canteen using school-grown produce and locally sourced organic ingredients. It offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. FS1–Year 3 follow fixed menus; Years 4–12 pay-as-you-go via a cashless account. Allergy information is provided and the kitchen uses gluten regularly, so it is not suitable for those with severe gluten allergies.

House System
Arbor School uses four houses named after environmentalists: Ken Yeang, Jane Goodall, Isatou Ceesay, and Sir David Attenborough. Students join a house on entry and participate in regular house events; points are earned for club involvement, academic achievement, and behaviour. House Captains lead activities and the School Council collaborates to amplify pupil voice.

Governance and Ownership
The Arbor School is owned by Praxis Education. The governing body comprises an Executive Committee and six committees including Education, Sustainability, Digital Strategy & Communications, Well-being and Inclusion, and a Governing Board Advisory Council. The governance structure reflects the UAE context and focuses on school outcomes and stakeholder input.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Arbor School ranges from AED 49,500 to AED 90,250 for 2026/27.

TUITION FEES (AED)

- Annual tuition fees by year group (Fees for Academic Year 2025–26):
- FS1: AED 49,500 — Term 1: AED 19,800; Term 2: AED 14,850; Term 3: AED 14,850.
- FS2: AED 54,580 — Term 1: AED 21,832; Term 2: AED 16,374; Term 3: AED 16,374.
- Year 1: AED 61,500 — Term 1: AED 24,600; Term 2: AED 18,450; Term 3: AED 18,450.
- Year 2: AED 61,500 — Term 1: AED 24,600; Term 2: AED 18,450; Term 3: AED 18,450.
- Year 3: AED 65,500 — Term 1: AED 26,200; Term 2: AED 19,650; Term 3: AED 19,650.
- Year 4: AED 65,500 — Term 1: AED 26,200; Term 2: AED 19,650; Term 3: AED 19,650.
- Year 5: AED 70,200 — Term 1: AED 28,080; Term 2: AED 21,060; Term 3: AED 21,060.
- Year 6: AED 70,200 — Term 1: AED 28,080; Term 2: AED 21,060; Term 3: AED 21,060.
- Year 7: AED 80,500 — Term 1: AED 32,200; Term 2: AED 24,150; Term 3: AED 24,150.
- Year 8: AED 80,500 — Term 1: AED 32,200; Term 2: AED 24,150; Term 3: AED 24,150.
- Year 9: AED 85,000 — Term 1: AED 34,000; Term 2: AED 25,500; Term 3: AED 25,500.
- Year 10: AED 85,000 — Term 1: AED 34,000; Term 2: AED 25,500; Term 3: AED 25,500.
- Year 11: AED 85,000 — Term 1: AED 34,000; Term 2: AED 25,500; Term 3: AED 25,500.
- Year 12: AED 90,250 — Term 1: AED 36,100; Term 2: AED 27,075; Term 3: AED 27,075.
- Year 13: AED 90,250 — Term 1: AED 36,100; Term 2: AED 27,075; Term 3: AED 27,075.

APPLICATION / ASSESSMENT FEES

- Admissions assessment fee: AED 500 payable per child.

REGISTRATION / RE-REGISTRATION DEPOSITS

- New-student registration deposit: 10% of the annual tuition fee, payable on acceptance and deducted from the first instalment.
- Returning-student re-registration deposit: 5% of the annual tuition fee, deducted from the first instalment.

BILLING SCHEDULE AND PAYMENT TERMS

- Annual tuition is billed in three instalments due on or before: 1 August (first), 1 December (second), and 1 March (third). The first instalment is 40% of the annual tuition; the second and third instalments are 30% each. A student may not start unless the first instalment is paid and previous arrears cleared.
- Returning students are not entitled to pro‑rata reductions for late start within a term. Additional educational-support costs are charged under a separate agreement where applicable.

BOARDING FEES

- Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school.

TRANSPORT (SCHOOL BUS) FEES

- School transport fees are charged by residential area and by one-way or two-way service. Examples of annual and per-term transport fees for Academic Year 2025–2026 (one-way / two-way shown where available):
- Al Furjan: One‑way full year AED 5,250 (Term 1 AED 2,100; Term 2 AED 1,575; Term 3 AED 1,575). Two‑way full year AED 7,000 (Term 1 AED 2,800; Term 2 AED 2,100; Term 3 AED 2,100).
- Discovery Gardens / The Gardens / Jebel Ali Village (Wasl Gate): One‑way full year AED 6,000 (Term 1 AED 2,400; Term 2 AED 1,800; Term 3 AED 1,800). Two‑way full year AED 8,000 (Term 1 AED 3,200; Term 2 AED 2,400; Term 3 AED 2,400).
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Springs / Marina / JBR / Palm Jumeirah: One‑way full year AED 6,750 (Term 1 AED 2,700; Term 2 AED 2,025; Term 3 AED 2,025). Two‑way full year AED 9,000 (Term 1 AED 3,600; Term 2 AED 2,700; Term 3 AED 2,700).
- Mira / Town Square: One‑way full year AED 7,500 (Term 1 AED 3,000; Term 2 AED 2,250; Term 3 AED 2,250). Two‑way full year AED 10,000 (Term 1 AED 4,000; Term 2 AED 3,000; Term 3 AED 3,000).
- Transport registrations are confirmed by the school; transport fees for the current term must be paid within 5 days of confirmation. Refunds for transport are applied pro‑rata when a student is withdrawn from the service; no refunds are given for days a student is absent unless the student is formally withdrawn from the bus service for the remainder of the term.

SCHOOL LUNCH / CANTEEN COSTS

- Meal arrangements and pricing:
- FS1–Year 3: term-based subscription required (subscription discounts apply for purchases within the first week of term). Years 4–12: pay‑as‑you‑go top-up account. Replacement cashless card: AED 50.
- Daily meal fees listed: Snack AED 12/day; Lunch AED 20 or AED 25/day depending on selection; Dessert AED 10/day.
- Meal payments are processed through the canteen's online system; completed payments show confirmation via Payfort.

UNIFORM COSTS AND PURCHASE

- Uniforms are purchased from the school's approved supplier, Zaks. A uniform brochure and purchase details are provided by the school and the supplier; itemised uniform prices are set by the supplier. Replacement and sports kit items (e.g., hats, bags, PE kit) are available from Zaks.

OTHER COSTS

- Tuition figures exclude uniform, food services and bus transportation. Additional optional or compulsory charges (for example, specified trips, specialist learning support where applicable, examination fees, and extra‑curricular activities) may be charged separately. Sibling, Emirati, embassy/government, and upfront-payment discounts may be available under the school's discount structure.

REFUND AND CANCELLATION RULES

- Registration/re‑registration deposits are not refunded except in extenuating circumstances as defined by the KHDA. Tuition paid before the academic year starts is refundable with the registration/re‑registration deposit deducted. Refund scale during the term:
- Student attends two weeks or less: one month's fees deducted.
- Student attends more than two weeks but less than one month: two months' fees deducted.
- Student attends more than one month: the current term's fees are deducted. Refunds are calculated from the start of the term and according to the official written withdrawal date; for refund calculations each term is treated as one third of the annual fee. Transport refunds (if service withdrawn) are applied pro‑rata under the transport terms.

NON‑PAYMENT AND CONSEQUENCES

- The school may withhold progress reports, final examination results or transfer certificates until all outstanding fees are cleared; re‑registration may be refused where fees are unpaid or repeatedly late.

FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS (PROCESSING)

- Canteen meal payments are processed online via Payfort. Transport fees are paid by payment link sent after registration; the school can issue a proforma invoice for employer reimbursement where required. The school uses online payment links for specific services and provides confirmation receipts; individual payment methods accepted for tuition (for example, bank transfer or card) are managed by the school's finance team and individual invoices/payment links will specify the available method.

NOTES

- Tuition instalment calculations above use the school's stated instalment proportions (40% / 30% / 30%). Replacement card, meal and transport term charges are published by the school and applied as stated in the canteen and transport terms. Discounts and additional charges may change by arrangement and are applied at the school's discretion under the published fee structure.
Academics

The Arbor School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The Arbor School Dubai delivers a British National Curriculum–based program with ecoliteracy and sustainability at its core, delivering learning through project-based, cross-curricular themes and extensive outdoor learning in biodomes and natural spaces. Foundation Stage follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, emphasizing wellbeing and development with specialist Arabic, Eco-science, music and physical education, supported by the school's climate-controlled biodomes and learning spaces. The Primary Curriculum is anchored in the English National Curriculum and enriched by six eco-themes, with core subjects English, maths, science and Moral, Social and Cultural Education, plus specialist provision in eco-literacy, art, computing, music, PE, Arabic and Islamic studies and World Languages in KS2, all underpinned by project-based learning and outdoor learning. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), the program covers English, Maths, Science, Arabic, Islamic, Ecoliteracy, Geography, History, MSC, French / Spanish, Design Technology / Food Technology, Art & Design, Music, Drama, Computing and PE, with inquiry-based learning and weekly Positive Education. Key Stage 4 (GCSE Years 10-11) offers GCSE and vocational qualifications, including the Global Perspectives IGCSE and the Arbor Global Impact Certificate, along with wellbeing and career guidance. Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form: Years 12-13) provides tailored A-level and BTEC pathways, plus Global Perspectives IA Level and the Global Impact Extended Project Qualification, supported by university and career guidance and leadership opportunities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL at Arbor School is anchored by a schoolwide Positive Education Curriculum embedded across the school, two on‑site counsellors who work with the pastoral leaders, Thrive teachers delivering social communication and friendship groups, and wellbeing ambassadors who monitor provision.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Arbor School states a commitment to SEND and inclusive education, supports students with diverse needs through a dedicated staff team and access to external therapeutic services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, family counselling), and is not described as a specialist SEN institution.

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

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through two on‑site counsellors, a dedicated pastoral team, the Positive Education Curriculum embedded across the school, Thrive programmes for social groups, wellbeing ambassadors, and partnerships with external specialists such as speech therapists, occupational therapists and family counsellors.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a priority with all staff following safeguarding policies, a designated safeguarding lead (Ms Frances Powell), adherence to UAE Cabinet directive no. 3/3 of 2022, and inclusion of online safety.
Parent Experience

History
The Arbor School opened in 2018 in Al Furjan, Dubai, founded by Dr Sa'ad Al Omari and Pirin Erdoğdu. Praxis Education operates the school as part of its Gulf portfolio. It began as an English National Curriculum school serving Foundation Stage through Year 6 with a strong emphasis on ecoliteracy and environmental justice. The school expanded to secondary education, with Year 12 opening in 2024 and plans to reach Year 13. The campus features six biodomes and an on-site organic farm, reflecting its ecological ethos, and the school serves about 1,530 pupils from 87 nationalities as of 2025.

Community
The Arbor School's community is diverse, with more than 1,500 pupils from around 87 nationalities. The school emphasizes outdoor and eco-centered learning through biodomes and gardens and hosts student groups such as the Eco Council, eco-influencers and eco-ambassadors. Some Arbor students spoke at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, showcasing international environmental engagement. It has earned global recognition for its environmental work, including winning the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action in 2025.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Arbor School involves parents through a formal Parent Advisory Group that collaborates with school leadership on sustainability initiatives and governance. Parent representatives serve on multiple governance bodies, including the Education Committee. In 2022 Arbor joined The Alliance for Sustainable Schools as a founding member, with a Parent Advisory Group representative participating in the Sustainable Schools Charter signing. The Digital Strategy and Communications Committee includes parent members, illustrating formal parental involvement in planning and communications. A parent representative, Alicia Dauth, participated in the Sustainable Schools Charter signing ceremony held in Arbor's biodome. Parental communications and safeguarding are active channels for involvement through the school's safeguarding pages.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Arbor School Dubai has six climate-controlled biodomes on campus, including three large geodesic domes that form a central biopark. Two domes function as full tropical ecosystems for ecoliteracy teaching, while the Eco Exploratorium serves as a specialist learning hub. The campus includes two internal atria, an auditorium and a Black-box theatre, junior and senior libraries, dining halls, and a range of specialised laboratories and workshops including science, engineering, food technology and a film photography laboratory. The sports complex features a multi-purpose hall and gym, swimming pools, a full-sized FIFA-compliant football pitch, multiple sports courts, and both indoor and outdoor play areas. The Wahah hub, Biolab and Biopark support practical learning and student activities, with the Wahah housing the farm-to-fork canteen, theatre, sixth form facilities, wellness spaces and a clinic; on-site biofarms support ecological learning across primary and secondary spaces.

Sports Facilities
The Arbor School provides a comprehensive sports facility set, including a multi-purpose hall and gymnasium, swimming pools, and multiple outdoor and indoor play areas. There is a full-sized, FIFA-compliant football pitch and multiple sports courts to support team and individual sports.

Academic Facilities
Junior and Senior Libraries provide dedicated study spaces, and the campus includes specialised science laboratories, engineering and vocational workshops, a food technology room, and a film photography laboratory. The Biolab on the secondary campus offers direct access to the domes for biology and cross-disciplinary experiments.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Auditorium and Black-box theatre support performances, and The Wahah hub houses a theatre area, sixth form facilities, wellness spaces and a clinic. Marketplace spaces support exhibition and collaboration, and on-site biofarms and the biopark underpin eco-related student groups and projects.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Arbor School's Primary Curriculum is rooted in the English National Curriculum and is enriched by six eco-themes that integrate sustainability and environmental awareness across learning. Core subjects include English, maths, science and Moral, Social and Cultural Education, with specialist areas such as eco-literacy, art, computing, music, physical education, Arabic and Islamic studies and World Languages in Key Stage 2. Project-based learning is a key feature, enabling collaboration and problem-solving and applying knowledge to real-world challenges, with outdoor learning in biodomes and natural spaces. In KS1, English focuses on phonics and early reading through the RWI Phonics programme, supported by Talk for Writing to strengthen vocabulary and communication skills.

Arts & Creative
ECAs cover arts and creative pursuits, alongside sports and technology. The school supports music development through its curriculum and instrumental lessons are offered during the school day via The Centre for Musical Arts. The ECAs provide opportunities to explore theatre, dance, visual arts and other creative activities in addition to core academics. The programme promotes creative expression and collaborative projects across the year levels.

Cultural & Language
World Languages are taught in Key Stage 2 as part of the Primary Curriculum, alongside English and other core subjects. Arabic is taught to all students in KS1 and KS2; Islamic Education is mandatory for Muslim students following UAE guidelines. Language clubs are offered as part of the extra-curricular programme to supplement language learning. These language offerings support the school's emphasis on global perspectives and cultural awareness.

Social & Hobbies
The Arbor School offers a comprehensive after-school activities programme for Year 2 and above, spanning sports, arts, technology and community engagement. ECAs are announced each term with sign-ups taking place in the third week. The sports programme includes regular fixtures in local Dubai associations and regional events, with opportunities across multiple sports. The House System provides leadership opportunities through House Captains and ongoing house events.

Community & Service
The Centre for Abundance leads the ecoliteracy curriculum and promotes a ‘culture of abundance' involving students, teachers, parents, scientists and the wider community. The school places emphasis on ecological projects and community engagement across learning areas. The living campus facilities and biodomes support place-based learning connected to the local community. Arbor has been recognised for environmental action and sustainability leadership in international awards and partnerships.

Leadership & Professional
The Arbor House System embeds leadership opportunities within the school community. Each house has two designated House Captains who coordinate activities and represent their house. House participation and leadership roles contribute to student responsibility, teamwork and decision-making. The structure enables students to develop leadership and organizational skills through regular house events.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Pastoral care is embedded through weekly Family Friday activities and a family-focused ethos. The Positive Education Enhanced Curriculum (PEEC) focuses on wellbeing, personal growth, resilience and positive relationships. The Thrive Department provides personalised learning pathways for students with additional needs, and ELL support helps non-native English speakers access the curriculum and participate fully in school life.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include English, Arabic, French and Spanish. Arabic is offered as a language with native and non-native classes across the Foundation and beyond. In Primary, French is taught in Years 3–4, and French or Spanish appears as a KS3 option. In Key Stage 4, English Language and English Literature are compulsory, with French – iGCSE and Spanish – iGCSE as options. The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support with specialists.

Bilingual Teaching
English is used for core English-language subjects such as English Language and English Literature in Key Stage 4. Arabic is taught as a language with both native and non-native Arabic classes. French is taught in Primary Years (Years 3–4) and is available in Key Stage 3/4 as a GCSE option (French – iGCSE). The school employs UK-trained teachers and follows the National Curriculum for England.
Reputation

Awards
The Arbor School was named Global Winner of the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action in 2025. Located in Al Furjan, Dubai, it integrates the British National Curriculum with an ecoliteracy programme.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquire or book a tour. Arbor School welcomes enquiries and offers an international callback service to answer questions for families moving from overseas. A conversation helps clarify what is important to you and to understand Arbor's approach and campus facilities. 2. Admissions discussion. The admissions team discusses your child's needs and explains how Arbor can support a smooth entry for first-time entrants or those transferring from another school. They acknowledge overseas moves can be challenging and tailor support to your circumstances. 3. Head of Admissions. Daniel Silman is the Head of Admissions and will guide you through the process. 4. Contact and location. 5. Apply. Start the enrollment via the Apply option in the Admissions menu and review the quick links for visiting, enquiries and further information.

Scholarships
THE ARBOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME, Ignite Scholars, offers scholarships up to 75% of annual fees for fixed periods (usually two years). Candidates view the candidate pack and can apply via a designated form. The scholarship criteria cover four dimensions: Cognition (Head), Emotion (Heart), Action (Hands) and Connection (Spirit). Cognition requires strong cognitive indicators such as CAT4 scores (128+) or PT assessments (8–9) and a strong school report with high attendance. Emotion focuses on self-awareness, empathy, and social understanding. Action involves engagement in activities beyond the classroom, including service and environmental projects. Connection assesses the student's sense of responsibility to others and the world. The Arbor Scholarship Monitoring System reviews scholars termly with formal and informal assessments and mentor feedback. The Arbor Extend Programme adds pathways such as Engineering BTEC, Further Maths and additional GCSE/A Levels. Applicants should view the candidate pack and apply for consideration. The scholarship programme is complemented by other details and support as described. (Citations: Ignite Scholars details; candidate pack and apply link; monitoring and Extend programme.)
School Events
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