Dubai English Speaking School
About
Inspection Rating
Outstanding-- KHDA
Languages Taught
English, Arabic, French
Phone
Website
Address
Oud Metha Road, Oud Metha, Dubai, UAE
Programs Offered
8 ProgrammesFoundation Stage 1 (FS1)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 3-4. Play-based learning developing communication, literacy, numeracy, and personal skills.
Foundation Stage 2 (FS2)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 4-5. Building school readiness and early academic foundations 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 formal Arabic teaching introduced.
Year 2
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 6-7. Building foundational literacy and numeracy skills with continued Arabic language development.
Year 3
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 7-8. Broader curriculum with specialist teaching and introduction of additional languages.
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 | 43,084 | - |
| FS2 | Foundation Stage | 4-5 | 53,320 | - |
| Year 1 | Key Stage 1 | 5-6 | 53,320 | - |
| Year 2 | Key Stage 1 | 6-7 | 53,320 | - |
| Year 3 | Key Stage 2 | 7-8 | 53,320 | - |
| Year 4 | Key Stage 2 | 8-9 | 53,320 | - |
| Year 5 | Key Stage 2 | 9-10 | 53,320 | - |
| Year 6 | Key Stage 2 | 10-11 | 53,320 | - |
Fee Calculator
Estimate total annual fees for your family
DESS is a not-for-profit school. Fees are subject to KHDA-approved annual increases. Year 6 graduates receive automatic admission to DESS College.
Payment Information
Non-refundable application fee
Required to secure a place upon offer acceptance
Bank transfer, cheque, credit card
- Full refund minus registration deposit if withdrawal occurs before the start of the academic year
- One full term written notice required for withdrawal
- No refund for the current term if the required notice period is not provided
- Registration deposit is non-refundable once a place has been accepted
KHDA Rating
2023–2024| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | GoodGood | N/A |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | N/A |
| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | N/A |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | N/A |
Source: Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) — March 2024
Curriculum
The EYFS programme follows the English Early Years Foundation Stage framework, providing a play-based, exploratory curriculum that develops foundational literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Children learn through a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities across seven areas of learning, with access to a dedicated Foundation Stage swimming pool and outdoor learning areas.
Teaching Approach
Play-based learning with small class sizes (max 22 in FS1). Dedicated teaching assistants in every class. Focus on outdoor learning, creativity, and building social-emotional foundations. Daily mindfulness routines embedded.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Key Stage 1 delivers the English National Curriculum with a strong focus on core literacy and numeracy skills. Arabic is taught formally from Year 1, and students engage in specialist teaching for music, PE, swimming, and art. The school's innovative curriculum encourages student-led inquiry and creativity.
Teaching Approach
Topic-based, cross-curricular approach with specialist teaching. Class sizes of maximum 26 students. Emphasis on developing independent reading and mathematical fluency. Strength-of-character programme embedded across all learning.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Key Stage 2 extends and deepens understanding across the English National Curriculum. Students benefit from specialist teaching in science, STEM, music, art, PE, and languages. The programme emphasises critical thinking, research skills, and innovation, preparing students for a seamless transition to DESS College (Years 7-13). From Year 3, additional languages are introduced alongside Arabic.
Teaching Approach
Subject specialist teaching with an innovative, student-led approach. STEM room for hands-on projects. Focus on creativity, inquiry-based learning, and preparing students for automatic entry into DESS College. Emotional regulation zones and wellbeing support integrated throughout.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Facilities
Sports & Recreation
25m Outdoor Swimming Pool
Six-lane, 25-metre outdoor swimming pool for lessons, squads, and competitions
Foundation Stage Pool
Separate learner pool dedicated to EYFS students for confidence-building and water safety
Two Grass Football/Rugby Pitches
Full-size natural grass pitches for football, rugby, athletics, and sports days
Indoor Sports Halls
Multi-purpose indoor halls for PE, gymnastics, basketball, and school events
Central Playground
Large central playground area for break times and outdoor activities
Academic
Science Laboratories
Fully equipped science labs for hands-on experiments and investigations
STEM Room
Dedicated STEM room for science, technology, engineering, and maths projects
Library
Extensive school library supporting the curriculum and a culture of reading for pleasure
Creative Arts
Music Studio
Purpose-built music studio with instruments for individual and group lessons
Dance Studio
Dedicated dance studio for ballet, contemporary, and creative movement lessons
Performance Hall
Performance space for drama productions, assemblies, and school events
Student Life
Zen Garden
Tranquil outdoor space for mindfulness, reflection, and emotional regulation
Zen Rooms
Indoor calm spaces supporting student wellbeing and emotional regulation
Sustainable Garden
School garden for growing produce and supporting environmental learning
Parent Café
On-site café for parents fostering community engagement and connection
Extracurricular Activities
Staffing & Leadership
Senior Leadership
Catherine Davy
Principal
Principal of DESS Primary Oud Metha, leading the school's academic vision, culture, and strategic development since 2015.
Tony Clarkson
Headteacher
Headteacher overseeing day-to-day school operations, curriculum delivery, and student outcomes across the primary school.
Liz Miller
Deputy Headteacher
Deputy Headteacher supporting school leadership, teaching and learning quality, and staff development.
Victoria Atkinson
Deputy Headteacher
Deputy Headteacher responsible for curriculum coordination, assessment, and student progress tracking.
Lorna Roswell
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher contributing to school improvement planning and phase leadership.
Jodie Smith
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher supporting pastoral care, inclusion, and student wellbeing initiatives.