The English College Dubai
About
Inspection Rating
Very Good-- KHDA
Languages Taught
English, Arabic, French, Spanish
Phone
Website
Address
Al Safa 1, 35th Street, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, UAE
Programs Offered
15 ProgrammesFoundation Stage 1 (FS1)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 3-4. Inquiry-based curriculum in safe, stimulating spaces designed for discovery.
Foundation Stage 2 (FS2)
1 year / EYFS
Early Years Foundation Stage for ages 4-5. Building school readiness through play-based learning across seven areas.
Year 1
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 5-6. Core subjects combined with creative themes and STEAM projects.
Year 2
1 year / KS1
Key Stage 1 for ages 6-7. Building foundational literacy and numeracy through engaging cross-curricular learning.
Year 3
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 7-8. CAT4 cognitive assessments introduced. Broader curriculum with specialist teaching.
Year 4
1 year / KS2
Key Stage 2 for ages 8-9. Developing critical thinking and research skills across the curriculum.
Tuition Fees 2025/26
All fees in AED per academic year
| Grade | Key Stage | Ages | KHDA Fee | School Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FS1 | Foundation Stage | 3-4 | 41,000 | - |
| FS2 | Foundation Stage | 4-5 | 46,000 | - |
| Year 1 | Key Stage 1 | 5-6 | 53,000 | - |
| Year 2 | Key Stage 1 | 6-7 | 53,000 | - |
| Year 3 | Key Stage 2 | 7-8 | 56,000 | - |
| Year 4 | Key Stage 2 | 8-9 | 56,000 | - |
| Year 5 | Key Stage 2 | 9-10 | 56,982 | - |
| Year 6 | Key Stage 2 | 10-11 | 56,982 | - |
| Year 7 | Key Stage 3 | 11-12 | 56,982 | - |
| Year 8 | Key Stage 3 | 12-13 | 56,982 | - |
| Year 9 | Key Stage 3 | 13-14 | 56,982 | - |
| Year 10 | Key Stage 4 (GCSE/IGCSE) | 14-15 | 61,817 | - |
| Year 11 | Key Stage 4 (GCSE/IGCSE) | 15-16 | 61,817 | - |
| Year 12 | Sixth Form (A Level/BTEC) | 16-17 | 68,265 | - |
| Year 13 | Sixth Form (A Level/BTEC) | 17-18 | 68,265 | - |
Fee Calculator
Estimate total annual fees for your family
Fees are subject to KHDA-approved annual increases. Non-selective admissions welcoming students of all abilities.
Payment Information
Non-refundable application fee (from Year 3 onwards, includes age-appropriate assessment)
Non-refundable, deducted from first term fees upon acceptance
Bank transfer, cheque, credit card
- Application fee of AED 500 is non-refundable
- Tuition deposit of 10% is non-refundable but deducted from first term fees
- One full term written notice required for withdrawal
- No refund for the current term if the required notice period is not provided
KHDA Rating
2023–2024| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | GoodGood | GoodGood |
| Progress over time | N/A | GoodGood | GoodGood |
| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | GoodGood |
Source: Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) — March 2024
Curriculum
The EYFS programme provides an inquiry-based curriculum in safe, stimulating spaces designed for discovery. Children develop foundational skills through play-based learning across seven areas of learning, building English and Arabic fluency from the earliest years.
Teaching Approach
Inquiry-based, play-centred learning in purpose-built early years spaces. Bilingual English-Arabic development from FS1. ISP Learning competency framework embedded across all activities.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Key Stage 1 combines core subjects with creative themes, emphasising STEAM projects and cross-curricular learning. Students build foundational literacy and numeracy skills with specialist teaching in PE, music, and Arabic.
Teaching Approach
Creative, theme-based curriculum combining core academic subjects with STEAM projects. Specialist teaching in PE, music, and Arabic. ISP Life Competencies framework developing skills for learning and life.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Key Stage 2 extends learning across the English National Curriculum with specialist teaching and CAT4 cognitive assessments from Year 3. Students develop critical thinking and research skills through creative activities, collaborative learning, and integrated STEAM projects in the new STEAM Centre.
Teaching Approach
Specialist teaching with CAT4 cognitive assessments. STEAM projects in the new purpose-built centre. Focus on developing independent thinking and collaborative learning.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
Facilities
Sports & Recreation
Swimming Pool
Outdoor swimming pool for lessons, squads, and water safety
Sports Hall
Multi-purpose sports hall for PE, basketball, netball, badminton, and school events
Fitness Studio
Dedicated fitness studio for conditioning and physical development
Football Field
Outdoor football field for football, rugby, athletics, and sports days
Basketball Court
Outdoor basketball court for PE and inter-school competitions
Academic
STEAM Centre
New four-storey building (opened 2026) with robotics, graphic design, design technology, and textiles suites
8 Science Laboratories
Dedicated labs for Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and General Science with prep rooms
Food Technology Centre
Purpose-built kitchen and food technology classroom for practical cooking and nutrition
Library
Well-resourced library supporting all phases from EYFS through Sixth Form
Sixth Form Study Rooms
Dedicated study spaces and common room for Year 12 and 13 students
Creative Arts
Performing Arts Centre
Performance venue with recording studios and practice rooms for music and drama
Black Box Theatre
Flexible black box theatre for drama productions, rehearsals, and performances
Art & Graphics Studios
Specialist art studio and graphics studio for painting, sculpture, and digital design
Music Rooms
Dedicated music classrooms with instruments for vocal, instrumental, and ensemble work
Student Life
Dining Hall
School dining hall with outdoor terrace for meals and social time
School Clinic
On-site medical clinic staffed by a nurse and part-time doctor
Extracurricular Activities
Staffing & Leadership
Senior Leadership
Emily Hopkinson
Principal
Principal of The English College with 20 years of experience in education spanning the UK, Malaysia, and the UAE. Originally from Yorkshire, she previously served as Head of Secondary at EC before becoming Principal. Part of the ISP leadership network.
Dr. Carmella Jodrell
Head of Primary
Head of Primary since August 2023, holding a Doctorate in Sociolinguistics from the University of Bath. Previously Head of Primary at Kent College Dubai and a highly regarded British school in Cairo, with experience in the UK, Taiwan, and Indonesia.
Mark Ford
Board of Governors
Former Principal of The English College, now serving on the Board of Governors to maintain continuity and strategic oversight of the school.