Dubai Heights Academy
About
Inspection Rating
Very Good-- KHDA
Languages Taught
English, Arabic, French
Phone
Website
Address
Al Barsha South, Dubai, UAE
Programs Offered
13 ProgrammesFoundation Stage 1 (FS1)
1 year / pre_k
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 3-4. Play-based learning with specialist Arabic (2 sessions/week), PE, and Music. Very Good Science and English rated by KHDA.
Foundation Stage 2 (FS2)
1 year / pre_k
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 4-5. Enhanced structured learning with Arabic sessions and specialist teaching. Swimming in temperature-controlled pool.
Year 1
1 year / primary
Key Stage 1 first year. National Curriculum for England with French from Year 1 and Arabic (3 sessions/week).
Year 2
1 year / primary
Key Stage 1 second year. Core curriculum with Arabic A/B track options beginning. Class size max 24 students.
Year 3
1 year / primary
Key Stage 2 first year. Broadened curriculum with specialist teaching. Scholarship eligibility begins (up to 75%).
Year 4
1 year / primary
Key Stage 2 second year. Deeper subject knowledge with co-curricular enrichment and Arabic A/B tracks.
Tuition Fees 2025/26
All fees in AED per academic year
| Grade | Key Stage | Ages | KHDA Fee | School Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS1 | EYFS | 3-4 | 48,688 | 30,000 |
| FS2 | EYFS | 4-5 | 55,536 | 37,500 |
| Year 1 | KS1 | 5-6 | 55,536 | 43,000 |
| Year 2 | KS1 | 6-7 | 56,393 | 43,000 |
| Year 3 | KS2 | 7-8 | 56,393 | 48,000 |
| Year 4 | KS2 | 8-9 | 58,533 | 48,000 |
| Year 5 | KS2 | 9-10 | 60,994 | 51,000 |
| Year 6 | KS2 | 10-11 | 64,312 | 51,000 |
| Year 7 | KS3 | 11-12 | 70,411 | 53,500 |
| Year 8 | KS3 | 12-13 | 73,728 | 53,500 |
| Year 9 | KS3 | 13-14 | 79,185 | 58,500 |
| Year 10 | KS4 (IGCSE) | 14-15 | 90,741 | 63,500 |
| Year 11 | KS4 (IGCSE) | 15-16 | 90,741 | 63,500 |
Fee Calculator
Estimate total annual fees for your family
Fees shown use two columns: annual_fee = KHDA approved maximum, discounted_fee = what families actually pay (DHA discounted rate). Significant discounts across all year groups — FS1 discounted from AED 48,688 to AED 30,000. Year 12 commenced 2025-26 (AED 65,000 discounted), Year 13 opening 2026-27.
Payment Information
KHDA Rating
2023–2024| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | GoodGood |
| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | GoodGood |
Source: Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) — January 2024
Curriculum
British Early Years Foundation Stage with Very Good English and Science rated by KHDA. Arabic taught from FS1 (2 sessions/week covering sounds, letters, songs, rhymes). Championship-sized temperature-controlled swimming pool available for all ages.
Teaching Approach
Play-based learning with specialist teaching. Outstanding Personal Responsibility, Health & Safety, and Quality of Support across all phases. 35 classrooms with purpose-built Foundation facilities.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
National Curriculum for England with French from Year 1 (weekly sessions). Arabic increases to 3 sessions/week in Year 1, with Arabic A/B tracks introduced from Year 2 for Arabic speakers and non-speakers. Specialist teaching across academic and creative subjects.
Teaching Approach
Quality first teaching with specialist subject teachers. Arabic taught using BravoBravo, I Read Arabic, iStart Arabic, and KamKalemah platforms. 5 dedicated Arabic teaching rooms.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Broader National Curriculum with enhanced specialist teaching in 7 science labs and creative facilities. Arabic A/B tracks continue through all year groups. Scholarship eligibility from Year 3 (up to 75% off KHDA fees). DASSA inter-school sports competitions.
Teaching Approach
Subject-specialist teaching in purpose-built facilities. Outstanding Curriculum Design for Individual Needs at Primary. Access to 4 computer suites, 3 art labs, and dedicated DT workshops.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Facilities
6-acre purpose-built campus in Al Barsha South with three buildings serving Foundation/Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form. Features a championship-sized temperature-controlled swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, full-size football pitch, indoor sports hall, rooftop multipurpose court, 7 science laboratories, 4 DT labs, and 35 classrooms. Capacity for approximately 1,800 students with current enrollment of ~1,040.
Academic
7 Science Laboratories
Seven fully equipped science labs for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and general science across all key stages.
4 Computer Suites
Four specialist computing labs for coding, programming, and digital skills.
4 Design & Technology Labs
Four specialist DT labs covering product design, electronics, textiles, graphics, and robotics.
Food Technology Lab
Dedicated food technology kitchen for practical coursework and IGCSE projects.
3 Art & Design Labs
Three dedicated art studios for visual arts, ceramics, and creative projects.
Library
School library with practice suites supporting independent study and research.
Sports & Recreation
Championship Swimming Pool
Championship-sized temperature-controlled swimming pool for PE, swim training, and DASSA competitions.
Outdoor Swimming Pool
Additional outdoor swimming pool for recreational and competitive swimming.
Full-Size Football Pitch
Outdoor full-sized football pitch for training and inter-school DASSA fixtures.
Indoor Sports Hall
Multi-purpose indoor sports hall for basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball, and football.
Rooftop Multipurpose Court
Rooftop court for basketball, netball, and tennis with covered shade areas.
Performance & Arts
2 Drama Studios
Two dedicated drama studios for rehearsals, workshops, and performances.
2 Music Rooms
Two music rooms with practice suites supporting instrumental and ensemble programmes.
General
5 Arabic Teaching Rooms
Five dedicated Arabic language teaching rooms (3 primary, 2 secondary) with interactive platforms.
Cafeteria
On-site cafeteria with commercially-operated kitchen serving meals for students and staff.
35 Classrooms
Thirty-five purpose-built classrooms across three buildings with modern educational technology.
Shaded Outdoor Areas
Landscaped outdoor spaces with shade structures for recreation and outdoor learning.
Transport
Extracurricular Activities
Staffing & Leadership
Senior Leadership
Alison Lamb
Principal
Principal of Dubai Heights Academy since 2019. PENTA-trained British School Overseas inspector with expertise in local and international school accreditation. Led the school from Good to Very Good KHDA rating with 47 improved key performance measures.
Rob Hitchings
Vice Principal
Vice Principal with 28 years of experience in UK and international education settings. Passionate about educational technology and innovation in teaching and learning.
Kenneth Lyon
Head of Primary
Head of Primary with over 11 years in senior leadership roles including Assistant Head and Deputy Head. Oversees Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1-2.
Terrie Spencer
Head of Inclusion
Head of Inclusion with extensive experience in UAE and UK school settings. Leads SEND, EAL, Gifted & Talented support, and literacy/numeracy interventions.