The Arbor School
About
Inspection Rating
Good-- KHDA
Languages Taught
English, Arabic, French
Phone
Website
Address
Al Furjan, PO Box 413898, Dubai, UAE
Programs Offered
15 ProgrammesFoundation Stage 1 (FS1)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 3-4. Play-based learning integrated with ecoliteracy, using living classrooms, biodomes, and the Biofarm as outdoor learning environments.
Foundation Stage 2 (FS2)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 4-5. Preparing children for Key Stage 1 through structured play, early literacy, and hands-on ecological exploration.
Year 1
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 5-6. Core subjects alongside sustainability themes, with access to the Biopark and Biofarm.
Year 2
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 6-7. Building foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and ecological understanding.
Year 3
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 7-8. Broader curriculum with cross-curricular ecoliteracy projects and farm-to-fork learning.
Year 4
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 8-9. Developing research skills, critical thinking, and deeper environmental awareness.
Tuition Fees 2025/26
All fees in AED per academic year
| Grade | Key Stage | Ages | KHDA Fee | School Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS1 | EYFS | 3-4 | 58,806 | - |
| FS2 | EYFS | 4-5 | 58,806 | - |
| Year 1 | KS1 | 5-6 | 68,257 | - |
| Year 2 | KS1 | 6-7 | 68,257 | - |
| Year 3 | KS2 | 7-8 | 74,558 | - |
| Year 4 | KS2 | 8-9 | 74,558 | - |
| Year 5 | KS2 | 9-10 | 79,808 | - |
| Year 6 | KS2 | 10-11 | 79,808 | - |
| Year 7 | KS3 | 11-12 | 89,259 | - |
| Year 8 | KS3 | 12-13 | 89,259 | - |
| Year 9 | KS3 | 13-14 | 94,510 | - |
| Year 10 | KS4 (IGCSE) | 14-15 | 94,510 | - |
| Year 11 | KS4 (IGCSE) | 15-16 | 94,510 | - |
| Year 12 | KS5 (A-Level) | 16-17 | 97,232 | - |
| Year 13 | KS5 (A-Level) | 17-18 | 97,232 | - |
Fee Calculator
Estimate total annual fees for your family
Fees shown are KHDA-approved annual tuition fees for 2024-2025.
KHDA Rating
2023–2024| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
| 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) — February 2024
Curriculum
Follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage framework with a unique ecological twist. Children learn through play-based exploration in living classrooms, biodomes, and the Biofarm. Foundation Stage has dedicated indoor and outdoor learning spaces with a learner swimming pool.
Teaching Approach
Play-based ecological learning. Living classrooms and biodomes used as outdoor learning environments. Learner pool for early swimming.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Core academic subjects integrated with ecoliteracy and sustainability themes. Students engage with the Biopark and Biofarm for hands-on science and environmental learning.
Teaching Approach
Cross-curricular ecological learning. Farm-to-fork projects. Biopark and Biofarm integrated into the curriculum.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Broader curriculum with increasing subject specialisation. Sustainability and environmental action embedded across all subjects. Access to specialist facilities including science labs and DT suites.
Teaching Approach
Subject-focused teaching with cross-curricular ecological themes. Hands-on sustainability projects.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Facilities
Award-winning 7.5-acre living campus in Al Furjan featuring six climate-controlled biodomes, a working Biofarm with aquaponics and seed propagation centre, an on-site apiary, and a reflection garden with brook. Named World's Best School for Environmental Action 2025.
BSO Outstanding rating. World's Best School for Environmental Action 2025. Member of TASS and BSME.
Ecological
Biopark & Biodomes
Six climate-controlled biodomes at the heart of the campus — three large geodesic domes (two functioning as tropical ecosystems, one as the Eco Exploratorium maker space) and three mini domes for reading spaces and plant nurseries.
Biofarm & Aquaponics
Working organic farm with compost bins, garden sheds, aquaponics tank, and a climate-controlled seed propagation centre. Students participate in the full farm-to-fork cycle.
Apiary
On-site beekeeping facility producing honey as part of the sustainability curriculum.
Reflection Garden
Courtyard with a brook where children play and meditate, designed for mindfulness and wellbeing.
Academic
Science Laboratories
Fully equipped specialist science labs for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Design & Technology Suites
Specialist DT suites for design, engineering, and making projects.
Food Technology Kitchen
Specialist kitchen for food technology curriculum, linked to the farm-to-fork ethos.
Library
Well-stocked library with extensive collection for all ages.
Arts & Performance
Music Technology Studio
Specialist music studio with fully equipped recording studio for composition and production.
Art Studios
Dedicated art studios for drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
Drama Studio
Specialist drama space with black box theatre for performances.
340-Seat Auditorium
Large auditorium for school performances, assemblies, and events, with adjoining black box theatre.
Interactive Dance Studio
Dedicated dance studio for PE and performing arts activities.
Sports & Recreation
25m Swimming Pool
Six-lane, 25-metre main swimming pool for lessons and competitive swimming.
Learner Pool
Dedicated smaller pool for Foundation Stage and primary students learning to swim.
Multi-Purpose Sports Hall
Indoor sports hall for PE, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and school events.
Gymnasium
Fully equipped gymnasium for fitness and training.
Football Pitch
Full-sized outdoor football pitch for training and matches.
Basketball Courts
Two indoor basketball courts for PE and competitions.
Student Services
Farmhouse Café
On-site café operating a farm-to-fork model with school-grown produce and locally sourced organic ingredients.
Medical Centre
On-site medical facility for student health and wellbeing.
Transport
Extracurricular Activities
Staffing & Leadership
63% UK-trained, 7% South African, 4% Irish.
Senior Leadership
Gemma Thornley
Principal
Appointed Principal from 2024-25 academic year, succeeding founding Principal Brett Girven. Previously held senior roles at GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail and GEMS Jumeirah College. Background in English Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies. Holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Education.
Kathryn Keeshan
Head of Primary
Joined as Head of Primary for the 2024-25 academic year from Repton School Dubai.
Frances Powell
Head of Secondary
Inaugural Head of Secondary at The Arbor School. Over 14 years' international experience in the UK, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE. Strong focus on student wellbeing and values-based leadership.
Rachel Smith Green
Head of Inclusion
Leads the school's inclusive education programme supporting over 10% of students with additional learning needs.
Dr Saad Al Omari
Founder & CEO (Praxis Education)
Founder of The Arbor School and CEO of Praxis Education.
Dr Pirin Erdoğdu
Deputy Director of Education (Praxis Education)
Co-founder and Deputy Director of Education at Praxis Education.