Dubai College

Curriculum and subject choices

Dubai College follows an adapted English National Curriculum. Lower-school pupils study languages, humanities, science, mathematics, creative subjects and technology. Islamic Studies applies to Muslim pupils.

GCSE science begins in Year 9. The published middle-school programme includes English, mathematics and the three sciences, with option groups covering creative subjects, humanities and languages, set out in an options booklet for each intake.

Most pupils begin Year 12 with four A-level subjects and reduce to three for Year 13. Ask which combinations are available, the entry grades for each subject and whether timetable clashes affect your child’s plans.

The school was established in 1978. It is co-educational and not-for-profit, with policy set by a Board of Governors and daily management by the headmaster and bursar.

How to read results and inspections

The school’s inspection page links its KHDA report for 2023–24, British Schools Overseas report for 2024 and COBIS accreditation summary. Read the dates alongside the findings: these documents describe different review frameworks and periods.

For 2026, the school reports 94% of GCSE grades at 9–7 and an average grade of 8.4. These are school-reported examination results, not a prediction for an individual pupil.

During a visit, ask how teachers support pupils who find the pace difficult, as well as those ready for more advanced work. Compare the response with your child’s current experience and any documented support needs.

Application windows and entry years

The admissions page states that applications for August 2026 are closed for all year groups. For August 2027, Year 7 applications open in September 2026; Year 12 applications are expected in January or February 2027.

Expressions of interest for Years 8, 9 and 10 may open in January or February 2027, depending on expected vacancies; each entry page sets out its own assessment process and deadlines.

2026–27 tuition and the debenture

Annual tuition is AED 97,415 for Years 7–11 and AED 110,305 for Years 12–13, payable over three terms. New pupils also require a personal debenture of AED 30,000. It is refundable when the pupil leaves, less outstanding amounts.

This creates two different budget questions: what you spend each year, and how much money you must provide when joining. For a new Year 7 pupil, tuition plus the debenture requires AED 127,415 before other charges. The refundable AED 30,000 is not an annual tuition expense.

The school lists an annual re-registration payment of 5% at the start of Term 3; the page does not say whether it is credited against tuition. Monthly payment arrangements require agreement with the bursar.

Optional buses cost AED 2,500 per term return or AED 1,320 one-way; private music costs AED 2,750 per term including VAT. A term’s written notice is required to withdraw from these services.

Uniforms, devices, examinations and trips add to the bill. Refund terms matter before accepting a place if the length of your posting is uncertain.

Housing, siblings and settling in

The Al Sufouh campus is convenient from some nearby neighbourhoods; morning traffic and bus coverage decide the actual journey from a given address.