Deira International School
About
Inspection Rating
Outstanding-- KHDA
Languages Taught
English, Arabic, French, Spanish
Phone
Website
Address
Al Badia, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE
Programs Offered
15 ProgrammesFoundation Stage 1 (FS1)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 3-4. Play-based learning across seven areas of learning in a purpose-built early years environment.
Foundation Stage 2 (FS2)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 4-5. Building school readiness through structured and child-initiated activities.
Year 1
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 5-6. Core subjects including English, Mathematics, and Science with specialist teaching.
Year 2
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 6-7. Building foundational literacy and numeracy skills through engaging, cross-curricular learning.
Year 3
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 7-8. Broader curriculum with creative activities and collaborative learning approaches.
Year 4
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 8-9. Developing research skills, critical thinking, and deeper subject knowledge.
Tuition Fees 2025/26
All fees in AED per academic year
| Grade | Key Stage | Ages | KHDA Fee | School Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS1 | Foundation Stage | 3-4 | 44,616 | - |
| FS2 | Foundation Stage | 4-5 | 44,616 | - |
| Year 1 | Key Stage 1 | 5-6 | 58,034 | - |
| Year 2 | Key Stage 1 | 6-7 | 58,034 | - |
| Year 3 | Key Stage 2 | 7-8 | 58,034 | - |
| Year 4 | Key Stage 2 | 8-9 | 58,034 | - |
| Year 5 | Key Stage 2 | 9-10 | 58,034 | - |
| Year 6 | Key Stage 2 | 10-11 | 63,057 | - |
| Year 7 | Key Stage 3 | 11-12 | 63,057 | - |
| Year 8 | Key Stage 3 | 12-13 | 68,094 | - |
| Year 9 | Key Stage 3 | 13-14 | 68,094 | - |
| Year 10 | Key Stage 4 (IGCSE) | 14-15 | 71,453 | - |
| Year 11 | Key Stage 4 (IGCSE) | 15-16 | 81,501 | - |
| Year 12 | IB Diploma / IBCP | 16-17 | 89,889 | - |
| Year 13 | IB Diploma / IBCP | 17-18 | 89,889 | - |
Fee Calculator
Estimate total annual fees for your family
DIS is a not-for-profit school owned by the Al Futtaim Education Foundation. Fees are subject to KHDA-approved annual increases.
Payment Information
Non-refundable booking fee, deducted from first term fees
Required upon acceptance to secure the place
Cash, cheque, bank transfer, Zenda app, iSAMS Parent Portal (Visa/MasterCard), post-dated cheques
- Booking fee of AED 3,000 is non-refundable but deductible from first term fees
- If enrolled for two weeks or less, one month fees will be deducted
- If enrolled for more than one month, full term fees are deducted
- Fees do not include school uniform, meals in cafeteria, or transportation
KHDA Rating
2023–2024| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | GoodGood | GoodGood |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | V. GoodVery Good |
| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | GoodGood |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | V. GoodVery Good |
Source: Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) — March 2024
Curriculum
The EYFS programme focuses on seven key areas of learning through engaging activities, developing foundational observation, reading, and listening skills. Children learn through a balance of adult-led and child-initiated play in a purpose-built early years environment.
Teaching Approach
Play-based learning across seven areas of learning. Focus on developing fundamental skills through engaging and enjoyable activities in a nurturing, purpose-built environment.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Key Stage 1 introduces foundational concepts through the English National Curriculum. Teachers employ a variety of methods to ensure a solid educational base across core and foundation subjects, with specialist teaching in PE, music, and computing.
Teaching Approach
Varied teaching methods building a solid educational foundation. Cross-curricular approach with specialist teaching. Focus on developing reading fluency and mathematical confidence.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Key Stage 2 engages students in creative activities and collaborative learning across the English National Curriculum. Students develop critical thinking and research skills through specialist teaching, preparing them for the transition to secondary education.
Teaching Approach
Creative and collaborative learning with specialist teachers. Year 4-6 residential UAE camps. Focus on developing independent thinking and preparing for secondary school.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Facilities
Sports & Recreation
Olympic-Sized Swimming Pool
Outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool for lessons, squads, and competitive events
Full-Size Grass Football Pitch
Natural grass pitch for football, rugby, athletics, and sports days
6-Court Sports Hall
Large multi-court indoor sports hall for basketball, netball, badminton, and PE
Large Sports Fields
Multiple outdoor sports fields supporting cricket, touch rugby, and athletics
Academic
Science Laboratories
Multiple fully equipped science labs for biology, chemistry, and physics practicals
Design & Technology Classrooms
Purpose-built DT classrooms with tools and equipment for design and engineering projects
IB Centre
Dedicated IB Diploma and Career-related Programme centre for Sixth Form students
Business Studies Centre
Specialist business studies centre supporting IGCSE, IB, and BTEC business programmes
Multimedia Centre
Digital multimedia centre for computing, film, and media production
Libraries
Well-resourced libraries supporting all phases from EYFS through Sixth Form
Creative Arts
Performing Arts Hall
Large performing arts hall for drama, dance, music productions, and assemblies
Music Rooms
Dedicated music rooms with instruments for vocal, instrumental, and ensemble programmes
Drama Studios
Purpose-built drama studios for rehearsal, performance, and examination preparation
Art Classrooms
Specialist art classrooms for painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media
Student Life
Forest School (Planned)
Planned introduction of a forest school supporting sustainability and outdoor learning
Extracurricular Activities
Staffing & Leadership
Senior Leadership
Simon O'Connor
Director / Chief Education Officer
Director of Deira International School with almost 25 years in education leadership across the UK and UAE. Previously led GEMS Jumeirah College to an Outstanding KHDA rating over 7 years. Elected to the Board of COBIS in 2023 and pursuing a Doctorate in Education.
Sarah Mitchell
Head of Primary
Head of the Primary School overseeing curriculum delivery, teaching quality, and student progress from FS1 through Year 6.
James Richardson
Head of Secondary
Head of the Secondary School leading academic programmes, pastoral care, and student outcomes from Year 7 through Year 11.
Kosta Lekanides
Head of Sixth Form
Leads the IB Diploma and Career-related Programme, university guidance, and the school's outstanding post-16 results.
Rachel Adams
Head of Inclusion
Leads the comprehensive inclusion programme supporting 246 students of determination, ELL students, and gifted & talented learners.
David Thompson
Head of Sport
Manages the extensive sports programme across all phases, including competitive league teams and international sports tours.