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The Winchester School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 14,950 - 33,352
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 4219
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 18
Introduction

The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai, is a co‑educational British curriculum school offering the National Curriculum for England from Early Years (FS1) through Sixth Form (Year 13) for pupils aged 3–18. English is the medium of instruction; Arabic (taught as both first and additional language) and French are offered and Muslim pupils follow Islamic Education. Students sit internationally recognised qualifications, including Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS/A Levels, and may follow Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diplomas (for example in IT, business and applied science). The campus features interactive LED classrooms, a multi‑purpose air‑conditioned auditorium, outdoor sports fields, science laboratories, six computer laboratories, two libraries, STEAM cafés equipped with LEGO, robotics and 3D printers, a dedicated BTEC lab, a food and nutrition kitchen, air‑conditioned Foundation play areas, on‑site medical infirmaries and school transport; the school's published curriculum materials also describe STEAM, technology and AI‑enhanced learning woven through the programme.

D 51, Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

The Winchester School has 4,219 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
The Winchester School is located in The Gardens, Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits on the southwest edge of The Gardens, near Jebel Ali Village. The school address is The Gardens, Jebel Ali, Dubai, and the location is part of Dubai's southern residential stretch that is well connected by main roads.

Stages
Foundation Stage 1 and 2 in the Early Years; Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2); Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6); Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9); Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11); Sixth Form (Years 12–13). The school therefore offers a continuous programme from Foundation through to Year 13.

Type
Independent private school with a British curriculum; co-educational. It operates as a day school (no boarding facilities are indicated). The school is part of GEMS Education and uses the UK curriculum.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Total enrollment is 4,219 students. Emirati students number 6, and the largest nationality group is Indian. The total number of nationalities represented is not disclosed, but the student body is international in composition, with international students making up the vast majority of the roll. Local-to-international ratio is approximately 6 local to 4,213 international (about 1:700).

Additional learning support
The DSIB KHDA inspection notes very good welfare and inclusion provision, with strong support for students of determination. There are dedicated counselling staff (two guidance counsellors) and a stated focus on safeguarding and inclusion across all phases. Emirati and other international students are supported within a broad inclusion framework.

Country affiliation
UK curriculum is used, with the National Curriculum for England guiding teaching and assessment. The school is part of the GEMS Education group.

Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation stated for the school. Islamic Education is taught as a curriculum subject, and the school emphasizes Islamic values and UAE culture within its curriculum.

School day structure
The school day generally runs from about 7:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on weekdays, with a shorter day on Fridays (until around 11:30 a.m.). These timeframes are reflected in Dubai schools' typical schedules.

Bus service
Bus transportation is provided by School Transport Services (STS) LLC, which has an on-site office at the school. STS operates an extensive bus network with routes covering areas such as Discovery Gardens, The Gardens, JLT, Dubai Marina, Al Barsha, and other districts; registration and fees are handled directly with STS. A dedicated contact for transport is Jiso Devasia (055-2207470).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The Winchester School's uniform is described as simple, smart and distinctive. It is purchased from Threads in Times Square in Dubai (the Threads shop is located on the ground floor in Times Square, near Sheikh Zayed Road). Trolley bags are not allowed for health and safety reasons.

Food Options
Slices Catering provides healthy, fresh meals through a cashless system. Parents can top up and view consumption via the GEMS Parent Portal. The school canteen offers meals and snacks, and the on-site facilities include a Food and Nutrition area that supports related subjects.

Governance and Ownership
The Winchester School is a GEMS Education school, part of the GEMS network of international schools. The school's learning foundation is based on GEMS' four core concepts: Excellence, Always Learning, One Team, and Care.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Winchester School ranges from AED 14,950 to AED 33,352 for 2026/27.

Application fee
- Application fee: AED 525. This fee is charged to process each new application; it is not deductible and is non‑refundable if the school does not decline the application. The application fee is valid for one year.

Registration and re‑registration deposits
- Registration deposit (new students, payable to secure a place after an offer is accepted): 10% of the total tuition fees for the relevant year group. This deposit is deductible from the total tuition fees for the academic year and is non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances.
- Re‑registration deposit (existing students, to secure a seat for the next academic year): 5% of the total tuition fees for the academic year. This deposit is deductible from the total tuition fees and is non‑refundable.

Tuition fees (September 2025 – June 2026) — amounts shown per term and annual total (AED)
- FS1: Term 1 (Sept–Dec) AED 5,980; Term 2 (Jan–Mar) AED 4,485; Term 3 (Apr–Jun) AED 4,485; Annual total AED 14,950.
- FS2: Term 1 AED 5,980; Term 2 AED 4,485; Term 3 AED 4,485; Annual total AED 14,950.
- Year 1: Term 1 AED 7,476; Term 2 AED 5,607; Term 3 AED 5,605; Annual total AED 18,688.
- Year 2: Term 1 AED 7,476; Term 2 AED 5,607; Term 3 AED 5,605; Annual total AED 18,688.
- Year 3: Term 1 AED 7,476; Term 2 AED 5,607; Term 3 AED 5,605; Annual total AED 18,688.
- Year 4: Term 1 AED 7,476; Term 2 AED 5,607; Term 3 AED 5,605; Annual total AED 18,688.
- Year 5: Term 1 AED 7,476; Term 2 AED 5,607; Term 3 AED 5,605; Annual total AED 18,688.
- Year 6: Term 1 AED 7,976; Term 2 AED 5,982; Term 3 AED 5,978; Annual total AED 19,936.
- Year 7: Term 1 AED 7,976; Term 2 AED 5,982; Term 3 AED 5,978; Annual total AED 19,936.
- Year 8: Term 1 AED 7,976; Term 2 AED 5,982; Term 3 AED 5,978; Annual total AED 19,936.
- Year 9: Term 1 AED 9,472; Term 2 AED 7,104; Term 3 AED 7,098; Annual total AED 23,674.
- Year 10: Term 1 AED 10,676; Term 2 AED 8,007; Term 3 AED 8,002; Annual total AED 26,685.
- Year 11: Term 1 AED 10,676; Term 2 AED 8,007; Term 3 AED 8,002; Annual total AED 26,685.
- Year 12: Term 1 AED 13,340; Term 2 AED 10,005; Term 3 AED 10,007; Annual total AED 33,352.
- Year 13: Term 1 AED 13,340; Term 2 AED 10,005; Term 3 AED 10,007; Annual total AED 33,352.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition may be collected in three instalments at the beginning of each term. Instalment split: Term 1 payment = 40% of the annual tuition; Term 2 = 30%; Term 3 = 30%. Tuition is due in advance at the start of each term.
- Last payment dates cited: Term 1 — 1 September; Term 2 — 1 January; Term 3 — 1 April. Tuition invoices are issued from the time of admission so payments can be processed before term start.
- If a student enrols during an academic year, tuition may be charged from the beginning of the month of enrolment.

Payment methods and options
- Accepted payment methods: online fee payment (school payment portal), credit card, cheque (payable to ‘The Winchester School'), and cash. Wire transfers (bank account details) are available on request. Special payment options and promotions (for example, co‑branded credit card offers and education loan partnerships) are also available through GEMS arrangements.

Transport fees (school bus)
- School transport is operated by School Transport Services (STS) LLC and transport payments and registration for bus services are handled directly by STS. Transport fees for 2025–26 vary by route. Representative annual and per‑term fees (AED) by route are listed below:
- Al Furjan / Discovery Gardens / The Gardens: Annual AED 4,790 — Term 1 AED 1,916; Term 2 AED 1,437; Term 3 AED 1,437.
- Jebel Ali / Jumeirah Lake Towers: Annual AED 4,940 — Term 1 AED 1,976; Term 2 AED 1,482; Term 3 AED 1,482.
- Dubai Marina / Knowledge Village / Meadows / Springs / The Greens: Annual AED 5,380 — Term 1 AED 2,152; Term 2 AED 1,614; Term 3 AED 1,614.
- Al Barsha 1/2/3, IMPZ, Umm Suqeim 1/2/3: Annual AED 5,740 — Term 1 AED 2,296; Term 2 AED 1,722; Term 3 AED 1,722.
- Al Quoz / Al Safa / Ewan Residence / Green Community / Jumeirah Golf Estate / JVC / Palm Jumeirah: Annual AED 6,050 — Term 1 AED 2,420; Term 2 AED 1,815; Term 3 AED 1,815.
- Al Qusais / Arabian Ranches / Bur Dubai / Deira / Dubai South / International City / Karama / Mirdif / Motor City / Oud Metha / Rashidiya / Satwa / Sports City: Annual AED 6,250 — Term 1 AED 2,500; Term 2 AED 1,875; Term 3 AED 1,875.
- Akoya / Al Mira / Al Nahda / Damac Hills / Dubai Silicon Oasis / Falcon City / Layan / Mudon / Remraam: Annual AED 7,270 — Term 1 AED 2,908; Term 2 AED 2,181; Term 3 AED 2,181.
- Al Ghadeer: Annual AED 7,690 — Term 1 AED 3,076; Term 2 AED 2,307; Term 3 AED 2,307.
- All STS registration and payments for transport should be made directly with STS; cheques for transport should be made payable to School Transport Services LLC.

Boarding
- The school does not list boarding provision; boarding fees are not applicable. Transport, day‑school arrangements and other day‑school services are described instead.

Other costs and fees
- Uniform: School uniform is available from Threads (Times Square). Uniform costs are payable by parents to the supplier. Trolley bags are not permitted for health and safety reasons.
- Extra‑curricular / after‑school learning opportunities: many activities are run after school; the stated cost for Learning Opportunities sessions is AED 52.5 per session (including VAT) where applicable. Some clubs, trips (including overnight local and overseas trips) and external exam fees are charged separately.
- Examination fees, learning‑support charges (if additional support is required and is identified by the school's Support for Learning Department) and certain educational visits or optional activities are invoiced separately from tuition.

Sibling discounts
- Sibling discounts apply to school fees only (not to other charges). Deductions: for a fourth sibling up to 25%; for a fifth sibling onwards up to 50% (applied to school fees only).

Refunds and withdrawal terms
- Registration and re‑registration deposits are normally non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances such as relocation to another country/Emirate or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Refund calculation rules: tuition fees paid prior to the start of the academic year are refundable (registration/re‑registration fees will be deducted). If a student was enrolled for two weeks or less, one month's fees will be deducted. If enrolled between two weeks and one month, two months' fees will be deducted. If enrolled for more than one month, a full term's fees will be deducted. Refunds are calculated from the start of the term and the date of the official written withdrawal request (being on the school register counts as days in school). Refund payments are made by cheque. A 30‑day notification period in writing to the Registrar is required for withdrawals.

Consequences of non‑payment
- Non‑payment may result in withholding of reports, references and examination results; students may be prevented from sitting school examinations and persistent non‑payment can lead to temporary or permanent exclusion or loss of the student's place.
Academics

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

Curriculum
The Winchester School delivers the National Curriculum for England from Foundation Stage to Year 13, with examinations taken through Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE) and Edexcel, and a BTEC Nationals Level 3 Diploma offered in subjects such as Business, IT and Applied Sciences. Foundation Stage 1 and 2 follow the Early Years Foundation Stage program; Years 1–9 progress through the National Curriculum for England. Years 10–11 study IGCSE subjects, with Cambridge IGCSE for most subjects and Edexcel for Psychology and Statistics. Sixth Form (Year 12–13) offers AS and A levels, with a broad list of optional subjects and the option to take a BTEC Nationals Level 3 Diploma in Business, IT, or Applied Sciences as an alternative. The curriculum emphasizes enquiry, creativity, analytical evaluation, and integration of digital learning platforms to enrich learning experiences.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Winchester School places wellbeing and social-emotional learning at the core of its provision, with wellbeing embedded in school ethos and regular discussion of wellbeing and inclusion guided by data. The school monitors students' academic and wellbeing development and provides opportunities for leadership and a wide range of extracurricular activities to support personal and social development. Students report feeling safe, valued and increasingly prepared to face challenges in their learning and life.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
KHDA DSIB 2022-2023 records 441 students of determination and two guidance counsellors, with safeguarding and health and safety rated Outstanding and evidence of high-quality care and support for students with SEN. The DSIB highlights the school's inclusive ethos and care and support across phases, including extensive provision to support students with additional learning needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction is English. English attainment across the school is high, with Outstanding levels in Foundation Stage and Post-16 and Very Good progress in Primary and Secondary, though explicit detail about a dedicated EAL program is not described in the KHDA report. There is documented attention to Arabic as an Additional Language, indicating language support considerations beyond English.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing provision and outcomes are described as high, with the principal and senior leaders setting wellbeing as a central, strategic priority and regular welfare discussions informed by self-evaluation and stakeholder input. Students feel safe, valued and well supported, with welfare monitored by staff including a medical clinic and a broad range of extracurricular options. The school also maintains a wellbeing calendar and newsletters for families.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a core priority, with health and safety arrangements for child protection rated Outstanding across all phases, alongside policies and staff training to support safe practices; students are supervised and kept safe in school and on transport. The KHDA report emphasizes strong safeguarding, care, and support as central to the school's ethos.
Parent Experience

History
The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, in Dubai, was established in September 2003 as a British private school offering the National Curriculum for England. It is part of the GEMS Education network. The school serves Foundation Stage 1 through Year 13 and enrolls around 3,500+ students. The campus comprises two adjacent buildings, one for primary and one for secondary, located in The Gardens, Jebel Ali, Dubai. The KHDA rating has been Very Good since 2016.

Community
The Winchester School has a diverse international student body, drawing learners from around the world. The school engages the community through events such as TEDxWinchesterSchoolJebelAli (Wellbeing Rebooted), including a TEDx event in January 2024. The GEMS Alumni Network connects graduates to a global community across many countries. Family communications include monthly Family Learning Newsletters and year-group blogs to keep families informed and involved.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Winchester School operates a Parent Representative group that meets monthly to plan parent engagement and recruit volunteers. Welcome Packs and Year Group Parent Orientation Evenings help families understand the school's teaching approach and how to engage with learning. A monthly Family Learning Newsletter (FLN) is sent to parents, and year-group blogs keep families updated on events. Parental Engagement in Learning activities are calendared events, including student-teaching-parents events. The student planner supports daily parent–teacher communication, and there are three calendared parent consultations per year.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Winchester School's campus comprises two adjacent buildings, one for primary and one for secondary, located in The Gardens, Jebel Ali, Dubai. The campus features a large air‑conditioned multi‑purpose auditorium, specialised sports fields, and dedicated STEAM facilities. Classrooms have interactive LED screens and ICT access; the school has two well‑resourced libraries, plus a dedicated BTEC lab. The facilities include a Food and Nutrition lab, a dedicated 3D room, air‑conditioned Foundation Stage play areas and outdoor covered play spaces. The school provides bus transport, a canteen with Slices catering, a school store for textbooks and uniforms, and infirmaries for student health needs.

Sports Facilities
The Winchester School has specialised outdoor sports fields and a large indoor multi‑purpose auditorium for indoor activities and sports. The outdoors and indoors areas have been refurbished with new flooring to enhance health and safety. There is an air‑conditioned play area for Foundation Stage students and outdoor covered play spaces for different age groups. The facilities support a broad PE and sports program across the primary and secondary sections.

Academic Facilities
There are six computer laboratories with internet and multimedia facilities, and science laboratories for both the primary and secondary sections. The school has two libraries stocked with books and resources, plus a dedicated BTEC lab offering Level 3 Diploma programs in IT, Business Studies and Applied Science. A Food and Nutrition lab supports related IGCSE subjects, and there is a dedicated 3D room and STEAM Cafes to promote hands‑on learning. Examinations are sat with Cambridge International Examinations for most subjects; Psychology and Statistics at IGCSE are studied with Edexcel. BTEC Nationals Level 3 Diplomas in Business, IT and Applied Science are offered as part of the curriculum.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Winchester School offers extra‑curricular activities including sports, nature trips, arts and crafts, and exploratory excursions, reflecting a holistic education beyond the classroom. The program supports student development and enrichment as part of the school's approach to well‑rounded learning. The school holds accreditation for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, indicating a framework for youth achievements outside formal academics. The curriculum emphasises innovation, enquiry, creativity and analytical evaluation to prepare students for future challenges.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Winchester School offers the National Curriculum for England and operates from Foundation Stage to Year 13. Examinations are Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE) for Years 10–11, and Cambridge AS/A Levels for Years 12–13, with Psychology and Statistics at IGCSE assessed by Edexcel. The school also offers BTEC Nationals Level 3 Diploma in Business, IT and Applied Sciences. The curriculum emphasizes innovation, enquiry, creativity and analytical evaluation and integrates technology to enrich learning through platforms such as Blooket, Nearpod, Educaplay, Tinkercad, Codemonkeys and Edpuzzle.

Arts & Creative
The Winchester School provides a broad range of arts and performance activities. Students participate in plays and musical theatre; there are debating competitions, elocution competitions, poetry and story recitation, and a graffiti competition. An extensive after-school program includes movie making, art and craft, and additional creative challenges.

Cultural & Language
Islamic studies and Arabic language activities are part of the program. For Islamic life, the school offers Quran completion, Islamic week, Islamic field trips, Islamic values and UAE culture, and senior students teaching younger students; Quran club for Telawaa and Tajweed. For Arabic, there is Arabic week, Arabic dictionary, Arabic reading club, and Arabic language support for Arabs and non-Arabs; Arabic after-school program for FS2 Arabs.

Social & Hobbies
The Winchester School runs a diverse set of non-academic activities, including STEAM weeks, visiting speakers, plays, spelling bees, elocution and poetry competitions, and international competitions such as the Young Entrepreneurs Competition and the STEM Olympiad. The school also participates in MUN and hosts a Career Fair.

Community & Service
Charity events are part of the program.

Leadership & Professional
Careers Education and Guidance provides individual sessions from Year 10 onward, with career counselling to help students explore options and plan next steps. A career corner and regular career news keep students and parents informed about opportunities, education fairs, seminars and deadlines. The program supports students in researching higher education and employment pathways.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports offerings include a wide range of outdoor activities such as athletics, basketball, football, tennis, badminton, gymnastics, volleyball, throw ball, netball and cricket, plus table tennis and karate. The school provides after-school coaching and promotes healthy lifestyles, both mentally and physically.
Languages

Language Provision
The language of instruction is English. Arabic is taught as a first language and as an additional language across different phases. The National Curriculum for England is taught from Foundation Stage through Year 13, with Cambridge IGCSE exams and Edexcel arrangements for Psychology and Statistics at IGCSE, and a Pearson BTEC Nationals Level 3 Diploma in Business, IT and Applied Sciences.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete the online application form with correct information. Any inaccurate information will lead to cancellation of the application, offer, or enrolment. To apply in the correct year group, check the age requirements. 2. Place the child on the waiting list by paying AED 525. The application fee is non-refundable if the school has not declined the application, and the fee is valid for one year. Waiting list status depends on the year group; siblings have priority on the waiting list, and to avail this priority, the registration must be completed by 30 October 2025. 3. Upload all documents online; this is mandatory for admission contact the admissions team. The school will not be able to process the application if all documents are not uploaded. Parents should submit the child's previous school reports and CAT 4 or other reports to enable the school to support their child. 4. Meet and greet with a member of the leadership team and the Medical team. This meeting is part of the admissions process. 5. When an offer of a seat is extended, an admission fee of 10% of the total fees for that year group is required to secure the seat, payable by cash or credit card. 6. Placement test: All children take an age-appropriate placement test to determine proper placement and support. For Foundation stage, the assessment is play-based and evaluates emotional, social, physical and communication readiness. 7. Required documents: 1 copy of valid Residence Visa and Passport of the Student and both Parents; Original Emirates ID of Student and Parents; Copy of Emirates ID of Student and Sponsor; 4 passport-size photographs; 1 copy of the Student's Birth Certificate; 1 copy of the Student's Vaccination Card; 1 copy of the previous year's report or last examination; Original Transfer Certificate (and attestation for overseas transfers as applicable); Recommendation letter; Attendance record; Medical documents and any specialist reports if applicable. Admission is confirmed only after submission of all documents and KHDA approval.

Scholarships
Sheikha Fatima Award provides 100% scholarship for one girl. The school also offers a sibling discount policy: up to 25% off for the fourth sibling and up to 50% off for the fifth sibling and beyond.

Waitlist
The Winchester School uses a waiting list for admissions. Siblings have priority on the waiting list, but to avail this priority registration must be completed by 30 October 2025. The waiting list status varies by year group and some year groups indicate that the waiting list is closed. An online application for the waiting list requires AED 525, and the fee is non-refundable if the school declines the application.
School Events
The school has not added events
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