GEMS Founders School - Dubai South
About
Inspection Rating
Very Good-- KHDA
Languages Taught
English, Arabic, French
Phone
Address
Al Barsha South, Dubai, UAE
Programs Offered
15 ProgrammesFoundation Stage 1 (FS1)
1 year / pre_k
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 3-4. Play-based learning with specialist Arabic, PE, and Music instruction in purpose-built Early Years facilities.
Foundation Stage 2 (FS2)
1 year / pre_k
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 4-5. Structured play and phonics-based literacy with transition preparation for Key Stage 1.
Year 1
1 year / primary
Key Stage 1 first year. National Curriculum for England with core subjects and specialist teaching in computing, music, and PE.
Year 2
1 year / primary
Key Stage 1 second year. Continued core curriculum development with growing independence and assessment readiness.
Year 3
1 year / primary
Lower Key Stage 2 first year. Broader subject range with increased depth in English, Mathematics, and Science.
Year 4
1 year / primary
Lower Key Stage 2 second year. Developing independent thinking and research skills alongside the Flourish support programme.
Tuition Fees 2025/26
All fees in AED per academic year
| Grade | Key Stage | Ages | KHDA Fee | School Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS1 | EYFS | 3-4 | 24,749 | - |
| FS2 | EYFS | 4-5 | 28,126 | - |
| Year 1 | KS1 | 5-6 | 30,375 | - |
| Year 2 | KS1 | 6-7 | 30,375 | - |
| Year 3 | KS2 | 7-8 | 30,375 | - |
| Year 4 | KS2 | 8-9 | 30,375 | - |
| Year 5 | KS2 | 9-10 | 30,375 | - |
| Year 6 | KS2 | 10-11 | 30,375 | - |
| Year 7 | KS3 | 11-12 | 32,624 | - |
| Year 8 | KS3 | 12-13 | 32,624 | - |
| Year 9 | KS3 | 13-14 | 32,624 | - |
| Year 10 | KS4 (IGCSE) | 14-15 | 34,875 | - |
| Year 11 | KS4 (IGCSE) | 15-16 | 34,875 | - |
| Year 12 | KS5 (A-Level) | 16-17 | 37,124 | - |
| Year 13 | KS5 (A-Level) | 17-18 | 37,124 | - |
Fee Calculator
Estimate total annual fees for your family
Part of GEMS Education. Fees inclusive of books and materials. Tuition excludes transport (STS), uniforms, school trips, and external extracurricular activities. iFlourish Scholarships available to qualifying students.
Payment Information
Cash, cheque, credit card, online payment, wire transfer. GEMS FAB Credit Card available for instalment payments.
- Subject to KHDA regulations
- Registration deposit non-refundable and non-transferable
KHDA Rating
2023–2024| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | GoodGood | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | GoodGood |
| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | GoodGood | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | GoodGood |
Source: Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) — January 2024
Curriculum
British Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum introducing young learners to school life through structured play and specialist instruction. Purpose-built Early Years facilities with dedicated indoor play areas, outdoor learning spaces, and Foundation Stage library. Grow intervention programme available for early support.
Teaching Approach
Play-based learning aligned to the EYFS framework with a balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities. High Performance Learning philosophy embedded from the earliest stages. Specialist teaching in Arabic, PE, and Music.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
National Curriculum for England building foundational academic skills in core subjects with specialist teaching. Topic-based learning with growing independence and structured assessment. Grow intervention programme continues for students requiring additional support.
Teaching Approach
Quality first teaching with High Performance Learning values. Phonics-based literacy, concrete-pictorial-abstract maths approach, and cross-curricular topic themes. Dedicated primary library and computing resources.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Broader National Curriculum developing independent thinking, research skills, and deeper subject knowledge. Flourish programme available for Years 3-8 students needing additional support in mathematics and English. Enhanced STEAM enrichment and leadership opportunities in upper years.
Teaching Approach
HPL approach with growing independence and critical thinking. Topic-based learning in lower KS2 transitioning to more subject-specific teaching in upper KS2. Secondary transition support in Years 5-6.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Facilities
Two neighbouring campuses in Al Barsha South — the original campus opened in 2016 and an expanded campus (former GEMS Al Barsha National School) acquired in 2021. Combined facilities include a 25-metre six-lane swimming pool, dedicated learner pool, two air-conditioned sports halls, 13 science laboratories, performance theatre, Mac Lab with 3D printer, and three dedicated libraries for Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary students.
Academic
13 Science Laboratories
Thirteen fully equipped science laboratories across both campuses for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and general science practical work.
Mac Lab & Innovation Suite
Apple Mac computer laboratory with 3D printer for design, coding, and innovation projects. Additional ICT labs across both campuses.
Food Technology & DT Suites
Specialist food technology kitchen and design technology workshops for practical coursework and IGCSE/A-Level projects.
3 Libraries
Three dedicated libraries — Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary — with extensive age-appropriate collections and bilingual resources on the expanded campus.
Art & Music Rooms
Dedicated art studios and music rooms across both campuses for curriculum lessons and extracurricular activities.
Sports & Recreation
25m Swimming Pool
Six-lane 25-metre competition-standard swimming pool on the expanded campus for PE lessons, swim training, and competitions.
Learner Pool
Dedicated smaller pool for Foundation Stage and early swimmers, providing a safe introduction to swimming.
Primary Sports Hall
Air-conditioned indoor sports hall for primary students — basketball, gymnastics, dance, and indoor PE activities.
Secondary Sports Hall
Air-conditioned indoor sports hall for secondary students — basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball, and indoor athletics.
2 Football Pitches
Two full-size 11-a-side football pitches for training, inter-school tournaments, and PE lessons.
5 Shaded MUGA Courts
Five shaded multi-use games areas for basketball, netball, tennis, and recreational play with sun protection.
Rooftop Sports Facilities
Rooftop cricket net, football pitch, and multi-use games area providing additional sports space.
Dance & Fitness Studios
Dedicated dance studios and fitness rooms for PE curriculum, dance classes, and fitness activities.
Performance & Arts
Performance Theatre
Performance theatre on the expanded campus for drama productions, assemblies, GFS Talks, and community events.
Multi-Purpose Hall
Air-conditioned multi-purpose hall on the original campus for assemblies, performances, and large-scale events.
General
2 Medical Centres
Two on-site medical centres (one per campus) staffed with nurses for student health, first aid, and wellbeing.
Dining Halls
Dining facilities across both campuses offering nutritious meals and snacks for students and staff.
Campus Bookstore
On-site bookstore for textbooks, stationery, and school supplies.
Transport
Extracurricular Activities
Staffing & Leadership
345 teachers from 50 nationalities. 50% UK-trained, 50% non-UK trained. All native English speakers.
Senior Leadership
Matthew Burfield
Principal / Senior Vice President
Principal and Senior Vice President of GEMS Founders School Dubai. Holds a BA Honours in History/Politics, post-graduate teaching qualification from University of Sussex, Innovation in Education qualification from University of Warwick, and National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (2021). Oversees all four Founders schools in the UAE and has led GFS Dubai from Good to Very Good KHDA rating and BSO Outstanding accreditation.