Safa British School
About
Inspection Rating
Very Good-- KHDA
Languages Taught
English, Arabic, French, Spanish
Phone
Website
Address
Al Safa 1, Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Programs Offered
15 ProgrammesFS1
1 year / EYFS
Foundation Stage 1 for ages 3-4. Curiosity Approach to Early Years with child-led play-based learning in a nurturing environment. Focus on communication, personal development, and physical skills.
FS2
1 year / EYFS
Foundation Stage 2 for ages 4-5. Continued Curiosity Approach with increasing structure. Developing early literacy, numeracy, and scientific understanding through exploration and play.
Year 1
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 5-6. Transition from EYFS to formal curriculum with phonics-based reading, core mathematics, and foundation subjects including art, music, and PE.
Year 2
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 6-7. Consolidating literacy, numeracy, and scientific inquiry. Arabic and Islamic Education introduced per UAE requirements.
Year 3
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 7-8. Broadening curriculum with deeper subject exploration, French language instruction, and enhanced digital learning programme.
Year 4
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 8-9. Developing critical thinking and independent learning skills across all core and foundation subjects.
Tuition Fees 2025/26
All fees in AED per academic year
| Grade | Key Stage | Ages | KHDA Fee | School Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS1 | EYFS | 3-4 | 45,428 | - |
| FS2 | EYFS | 4-5 | 49,754 | - |
| Year 1 | KS1 | 5-6 | 49,754 | - |
| Year 2 | KS1 | 6-7 | 54,081 | - |
| Year 3 | KS2 | 7-8 | 54,081 | - |
| Year 4 | KS2 | 8-9 | 58,407 | - |
| Year 5 | KS2 | 9-10 | 58,407 | - |
| Year 6 | KS2 | 10-11 | 60,571 | - |
| Year 7 | KS3 | 11-12 | 62,733 | - |
| Year 8 | KS3 | 12-13 | 64,897 | - |
| Year 9 | KS3 | 13-14 | 67,060 | - |
| Year 10 | KS4 (GCSE) | 14-15 | 70,305 | - |
| Year 11 | KS4 (GCSE) | 15-16 | 70,305 | - |
| Year 12 | Sixth Form | 16-17 | 73,550 | - |
| Year 13 | Sixth Form | 17-18 | 73,550 | - |
Fee Calculator
Estimate total annual fees for your family
KHDA-approved fees for the 2023-2024 academic year. Annual fee increases are subject to KHDA approval.
Payment Information
Non-refundable registration fee
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 | Accept.Acceptable |
Source: Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) — December 2023
Curriculum
Follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage framework with the Curiosity Approach - a child-led, play-based methodology that promotes natural learning through exploration and discovery. Enhanced outdoor play provision with direct classroom access to outdoor spaces. Focus on communication, personal development, physical skills, and early literacy and numeracy.
Teaching Approach
Curiosity Approach - child-led play-based learning. Direct classroom access to outdoor play spaces. Specialist teachers for art, music, and PE.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
English National Curriculum with phonics-based reading instruction and structured core academics. Arabic and Islamic Education introduced per UAE requirements. Strong emphasis on building foundational literacy, numeracy, and scientific curiosity.
Teaching Approach
Transition from play-based EYFS to structured curriculum. Phonics-based reading programme. Small class sizes capped at 24.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Broad and enriched English National Curriculum with specialist teaching in science, languages, and creative arts. Enhanced digital learning programme introduced. French language instruction alongside Arabic. Preparing students for the transition to secondary education.
Teaching Approach
Specialist teaching for core and foundation subjects. Enhanced digital learning programme. Activity-based learning with increasing academic rigour.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Facilities
Purpose-built campus in Al Safa 1, Jumeirah, Dubai. Relocated in 2020 from the original site around the corner. Modern design with underground car park, classrooms with direct outdoor access for younger students, and cleverly utilised shared spaces.
Academic
Science Laboratories
Specialist science labs for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics practical work across secondary year groups.
FAB Labs
Fabrication laboratories equipped with CNC machine, 3D printers, and maker tools for design, engineering, and technology projects.
F1 in Schools Lab
Dedicated lab for the F1 in Schools STEM competition programme - designing, manufacturing, and racing miniature Formula 1 cars.
Secondary Library
Well-stocked library with over 5,500 books supporting independent study and research across all subjects.
Art Studios
Specialist art studios for drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and creative design projects.
Sixth Form Centre
Dedicated Sixth Form centre with independent study areas, breakout spaces, and university preparation resources.
Sports & Recreation
Olympic-Size Swimming Pool
Full Olympic-size swimming pool for lessons, competitive swimming, and water polo programmes.
Foundation Stage Pool
Separate shallow pool designed specifically for Early Years and younger primary students.
Indoor Sports Hall
Multi-purpose indoor sports hall for PE, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and school events.
Gymnasium and Fitness Centre
Dedicated gym and fitness area for physical conditioning and sports training.
Dance Studio
Purpose-built dance studio for ballet, contemporary dance, and performing arts.
Arts & Performance
Performing Arts Black Box Theatres
Professional-standard black box theatre spaces for drama productions, performances, and creative arts.
Auditorium
School auditorium for assemblies, performances, and community events.
Music Rooms
Specialist music rooms for instrumental lessons, ensemble practice, and music technology.
Campus Features
Safa Farm
School farm featuring chickens, goats, tortoises, and rabbits - a beloved community feature supporting environmental education and student wellbeing.
Safa Sanctuary Garden
Tranquil wellbeing garden with water features and seating areas designed to nurture student mental health and mindfulness.
Outdoor Play Areas
Age-appropriate outdoor play spaces with direct classroom access for Foundation Stage and Year 1 students.
Campus Services
School Clinic
On-campus medical clinic for student health and emergency care.
Parent Cafe
Welcoming cafe space for parents, fostering the strong community ethos of the school.
Transport
Extracurricular Activities
Staffing & Leadership
Majority UK; also Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Europe
Senior Leadership
Brian Horwell
Principal
Appointed Principal from April 2025, formerly Head of Secondary at SBS since 2019. Started his career as a Geography teacher in the UK before moving to Dubai in 2014. Previously served as Deputy Headteacher and Secondary Headteacher with a major UAE school group.
Leanne Fridd
Executive Principal
Executive Principal overseeing Safa British School and its sister school. Provides strategic leadership and oversight across the school group.
Louise McGeever
Vice Principal and Head of Primary
Vice Principal and Head of Primary, supporting the Principal in academic and operational leadership across the primary phase.
Jon Pennock
Head of Secondary
Head of Secondary, appointed to lead the secondary phase and GCSE programme. Responsible for academic standards and pastoral care in Years 7-11.
Craig Brouder
Head of Sixth Form
Head of Sixth Form, leading the A Level and BTEC programmes. Overseeing university preparation and UCAS support for Years 12-13.