Durham School Dubai
About
Inspection Rating
Acceptable-- KHDA
Languages Taught
English
Phone
Website
Address
Green Community Village, Dubai Investments Park 1, Dubai, UAE
Programs Offered
13 ProgrammesFoundation Stage 1 (FS1)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 3-4. Play-based learning in a standalone Early Years Centre with shaded outdoor play areas.
Foundation Stage 2 (FS2)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 4-5. Preparing children for the transition to Key Stage 1 through structured play and early literacy.
Year 1
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 5-6. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, and Science alongside creative and physical education.
Year 2
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 6-7. Building foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and independent learning.
Year 3
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 7-8. Broader curriculum including humanities, languages, art, and specialist teaching.
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 | EYFS | 3-4 | 55,269 | 48,105 |
| FS2 | EYFS | 4-5 | 55,269 | 48,105 |
| Year 1 | KS1 | 5-6 | 70,622 | 51,622 |
| Year 2 | KS1 | 6-7 | 70,622 | 51,622 |
| Year 3 | KS2 | 7-8 | 76,762 | 57,762 |
| Year 4 | KS2 | 8-9 | 76,762 | 57,762 |
| Year 5 | KS2 | 9-10 | 76,762 | 57,762 |
| Year 6 | KS2 | 10-11 | 76,762 | 57,762 |
| Year 7 | KS3 | 11-12 | 89,044 | 64,480 |
| Year 8 | KS3 | 12-13 | 89,044 | 64,480 |
| Year 9 | KS3 | 13-14 | 95,186 | 65,186 |
| Year 10 | KS4 (IGCSE) | 14-15 | 95,186 | 65,383 |
| Year 11 | KS4 (IGCSE) | 15-16 | 95,186 | 65,383 |
Fee Calculator
Estimate total annual fees for your family
Discounted fees apply through 2025/26 only. From 2026/27, full KHDA-approved fees apply.
Payment Information
Refundable if no place offered. Non-refundable if place offered but declined.
Non-refundable but deductible from annual fees.
In-person at school or bank transfer
- Before academic year: Full refund minus registration deposit
- Within 2 weeks: One month fees deducted
- 2 weeks to 1 month: Two months fees deducted
- Over 1 month: Full term fees deducted
- One month written notice required
KHDA Rating
2024–2025| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | Accept.Acceptable |
| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
Source: Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) — April 2025
Curriculum
Exam Board
Pearson Edexcel
Language
English
Phonics
Little Wandle (UK government-approved synthetic phonics)
Maths Scheme
White Rose (with teacher autonomy)
Reading
Oxford Reading Tree
Assessment
GL Progress Tests (external benchmarking), Durham University Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring baseline testing
Max Class Size
20 students
Avg Class Size
13 students
Languages Offered
French (from Year 1), Spanish (from 2024), Arabic (all years)
Device Policy
Personal-device-free school
Teachers
Predominantly UK-trained
Follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Learning through play, exploration, and stimulation. Teaching assistants support class teachers. Specialist carousel teachers deliver Art, Music, and Computing, plus informal Arabic introduction.
Teaching Approach
Play-based learning with specialist carousel teachers. Gradual transition toward more formal instruction in FS2.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Core academic subjects alongside a broad range of specialist-taught foundation subjects. Thematic approach with cross-curricular links and significant use of role play for language development. Field trips to science museums and wildlife parks support learning.
Teaching Approach
Thematic with cross-curricular links. Gradual transition from play-based EYFS to more formal instruction, especially in Year 1.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Same core and foundation subjects as KS1 with themes becoming more in-depth and subject-focused. Upper KS2 timetable runs parallel with KS3 in some areas, enabling specialist teaching earlier.
Teaching Approach
Subject-focused thematic teaching. Upper KS2 runs parallel with KS3 in some areas for earlier specialist exposure.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Arabic Language & Islamic Education
Inclusion & Special Educational Needs
SENCO-led inclusion team. 50 students of determination at time of DSIB inspection. Committed to inclusive values.
Facilities
Purpose-built, renovated campus in Dubai Investments Park with a contemporary design. Separate dedicated sections for Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary. Described as a sparkling white campus surrounded by developing outdoor green areas.
Sports and science facilities were flagged by DSIB as somewhat restricted by the overall size of the school plot.
Academic
Foundation Stage Classrooms
Arranged in a circle, each with direct access to an outdoor shaded playground designed for younger year groups.
Primary Classrooms
Well-resourced with multi-sensory learning materials and display areas.
Secondary Classrooms
Form rooms for each tutor group with subject-specific resources.
Science Laboratories
Specialist science labs for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
IT & Computing Labs
Dedicated computing labs for curriculum and specialist teaching.
Art Rooms & Studios
Specialist art rooms for drawing, painting, sculpture, and design.
Music Rooms
Acoustically designed music performance hall and practice rooms.
Library
Spacious and comfortable library suited for independent study and nurturing a love of reading. Described as a standout area of the school.
Specialist Teaching Rooms
Multiple specialist teaching rooms across the campus.
Sports & Recreation
Multi-Purpose Sports Hall
Indoor sports hall for PE, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and school events.
25m Indoor Swimming Pool
Year-round indoor pool with weekly timetabled swimming for all year groups plus competitive after-school swim club.
Outdoor Recreation Space
Open outdoor areas for play and team sports.
Grass Cricket Field
Exclusive-use all-grass cricket pitch located 5 minutes from school. Indoor and outdoor practice facilities also available on campus.
Primary Play Area
Dedicated play area for primary pupils with a range of facilities and playing field for team games.
Early Years Outdoor Areas
Shaded outdoor play and learning areas specifically designed for Foundation Stage children.
Performance & Events
340-Seat Auditorium
Large auditorium for school performances, assemblies, and events.
Performing Arts Centre
Dedicated space for drama, dance, and performing arts activities.
Music Performance Hall
Acoustically designed hall for concerts, recitals, and music events.
Transport
Extracurricular Activities
Staffing & Leadership
Majority of teachers and students from the UK
Senior Leadership
Kieran McLaughlin
Principal
Relocated from Durham School UK where he was Headmaster since 2014. Formerly academic deputy at Rugby School.
Brice Dempster
Head of Primary
Sue Wade
Head of Secondary
Hayley Aldridge
Assistant Head (Primary Curriculum & Assessment)
Alun Owen
Assistant Head (Secondary Curriculum & Assessment)
Sarah Muldoon-Mitchell
Head of Pastoral
Wael Shokr
Assistant Head (Arabic & Islamic)
Sweta Sheth
SENCO
The school underwent a principal transition around the time of the DSIB inspection. Mark Atkins was the founding principal; Kieran McLaughlin (Headmaster of Durham School UK) has now relocated to lead the Dubai campus.