International Schools in Dubai

Expat parents looking for an excellent international school in Dubai won't be disappointed. As a global expat hub, Dubai has one of the highest concentrations of international schools in the world. There are top-notch schools offering just about every curriculum imaginable – from the popular International Baccalaureate to the well-respected American and British systems, and more.

Because there are so many schools for parents to choose from, international schools in Dubai are competitive. High standards of education can be expected, alongside top-notch facilities and robust extra-curricular programmes. Teachers are generally well-qualified and knowledgeable. If at all unsure about a school, parents should consult the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) – they do regular inspections of international schools and publish comprehensive reports.

Most international schools have rolling admissions so that families can apply at any time of year. Space can be limited, particularly in primary schools, so it's well worth applying early to secure a spot at the desired school.

Below is a list of some of Dubai's most prominent international schools.

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International schools in Dubai

American School of Dubai

The American School of Dubai is an independent non-profit school. With a history of more than 50 years, the school was the first in the emirate to offer the US curriculum. Its purpose-built campus in Al Barsha is home to top-notch modern facilities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 18

Cambridge International School – Dubai

Cambridge International School Dubai has a student body of 2,300 representing over 65 nationalities. The spacious campus is divided into two: the primary school (Early Years to Year 6) and the secondary school (Year 7 to 13). This UK-curriculum school's combination of good facilities and excellent teaching staff provides students with the resources to excel. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Ages: 3 to 18

Clarion School Dubai

Clarion School offers a challenging, engaging and supportive educational programme, enriched by collaboration with parents and strengthened by strong external partnerships. The curriculum is delivered by the highest standard of teachers, all of whom have Master’s degrees in education. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 18

Deira International School

With pupils of more than 80 nationalities, this is truly an international school. Most teachers are British or Australian and the curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England. The school is well-equipped with all the facilities necessary for a high-quality education. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18

Dubai American Academy

The Dubai American Academy is a GEMS school that opened in Al Barsha in 1997. It has since developed a great reputation among expat parents in Dubai and has obtained a KHDA rating of 'outstanding' for a number of years. The curriculum is American-based, enriched with international elements. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18

Dubai British School

Situated in the Springs area of Emirate Hills in Dubai, Dubai British School is a thriving 1,000-student-strong school which opened in 2005 as part of the Taaleem educational group. With well-equipped sport, academic and cultural facilities, the school aims to foster well-rounded individuals. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Ages: 3 to 18

Dubai College

Situated in the New Dubai district and set in 19 acres of spacious, landscaped grounds, Dubai College has developed an excellent reputation over the last 30 years and is a popular choice for parents wanting a British education for their children. A good range of extra-curricular programmes are run alongside the highly praised academic offerings of the school. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Ages: 11 to 18

Emirates International School Jumeirah

Opened in 1991, this school has grown rapidly and, offering an international curriculum, provides education to 2,200 children of more than 70 different nationalities. The school grounds are lush and leafy, offering plenty of space for students to enjoy, while the school building itself is filled with high-quality facilities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18

English College Dubai

English College Dubai opened its doors in 1992, with a separate primary school built in 2004. The school has a good reputation with expat parents in Dubai and offers a robust British education. The school endeavours to provide a well-rounded school experience, offering diverse sport- and art-focused extra-curricular activities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Ages: 3 to 18

Hartland International School

Hartland International School is a place of learning and discovery that encourages creative thinking. The academic programme has high standards and students are encouraged to develop a sound work ethic and a love of learning. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Ages: 3 to 18

Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)

This excellent non-profit school serves more than 2,000 students over two campuses in Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches. JESS has been rated 'outstanding' by the KHDA on several occasions. The quality of staff here is high and constantly improving as part of the school's professional development programme. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, BTEC and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18

Jumeirah College

This respected UK-curriculum school is situated in the prestigious suburb of Jumeirah and has been ranked 'outstanding' by the KHDA for several years in a row. The campus has good facilities with a diverse student body of 1,000 pupils from more than 60 different countries around the world. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Ages: 11 to 18

The Millennium School

This state-of-the-art school opened its doors in 2000. The Millennium School teaches the well-regarded ICSE curriculum, which originated in India. With an entirely expat student body, children of globally mobile families are sure to feel at home here. The Millennium School supplements its excellent academic offerings with a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Indian (CBSE)
Ages: 5 to 18

Nord Anglia International School Dubai

Nord Anglia International School Dubai opened in central Dubai in 2014, offering the well-respected British curriculum and International Baccalaureate. Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 20 students, so that all can receive individualised attention. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, A-Levels and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18

Raffles International School

A truly diverse school, Raffles International School has around 2,000 pupils hailing from more than 90 countries around the world. The school has an excellent English as a Second Language (ESL) programme as well as a robust mother-tongue programme to support the continuing development of home-language French, Spanish, Russian, German and Hindi speakers. Read more

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, BTEC and A-Levels
Ages: 4 to 18

Repton School Dubai