As the creator of the TOP 10 Dubai channel, I often get asked by families moving to Dubai: "Which schools are the best for my children?" Dubai offers a wide range of excellent international and British curriculum schools, each with distinct strengths — from elite university placements to outstanding extracurricular and sports facilities. Below is a concise, practical guide to ten of the top schools in Dubai, based on location, curriculum, facilities and unique offerings.
How to use this list
This list presents ten outstanding schools mentioned in my video. It’s intended as a starting point: visit each campus, meet teachers, check the curriculum fit and consider commute, fees and pastoral support. If you have children with additional learning needs, confirm the level of dedicated support a school provides.
10. GEMS Dubai American Academy (Al Barsha)
Founded in 1997, GEMS Dubai American Academy is one of the most sought-after American-curriculum schools in Dubai. It’s located in Al Barsha, a hub for several top schools and close to many residential communities.
- Curriculum: American curriculum with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma offered at high school level.
- Strengths: Outstanding KHDA rating (the only American school with that rating), strong character development and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
- Good for: Families who prefer an American-style education but want the rigor and international recognition of the IB diploma.
9. Nord Anglia International School (Al Barsha South)
Part of the global Nord Anglia Education group, this school blends the English National Curriculum with strong international programs and unique partnerships.
- Curriculum: English National Curriculum with IB options in higher grades.
- Languages & arts: Extensive language program (French, German, Spanish, Mandarin and Arabic) and a close association with The Juilliard School for music.
- Extras: Strong offerings in sports, arts, community engagement and robotics.
- Good for: Families wanting a bilingual and arts-rich education with global connections.
8. Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) (Arabian Ranches)
JESS is a long-established, highly regarded English National Curriculum school known for academic consistency and strong university destinations for graduates.
- Curriculum: English National Curriculum (GCSE/IGCSE) with excellent results.
- Support: Notable for dedicated support and resources for students with special educational needs.
- Facilities: Sports fields, temperature-controlled pools, a purpose-built music centre with a recording studio, dance and drama studios, a 500-seat auditorium and an outdoor amphitheatre.
- Good for: Families wanting a proven British curriculum school with broad extracurriculars and SEN support.
7. Swiss International Scientific School (Dubai Healthcare City)
This is a top-tier IB school offering day and boarding options, with a strong emphasis on multilingualism and STEM learning.
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP).
- Language options: Bilingual tracks (English + French/German) or English plus choice of French/German; Arabic, Mandarin and Spanish also offered.
- Facilities & activities: Olympic-sized pool, running track, multiple football pitches, aerobic studios, large library and a wide extracurricular list including robotics, rhythmic gymnastics and TED-style clubs.
- Good for: Families seeking an IB-focused, multilingual environment with boarding available.
6. Repton School (Nad Al Sheba 3)
Repton is a British curriculum school operating as both a boarding and day school and is one of the larger campuses in the region.
- Curriculum: English National Curriculum to Year 11, with option to continue through Year 13 or switch to the IB diploma.
- Academic outcomes: Strong IB results historically (e.g., high pass rates) and successful university placements including Oxford and UCLA.
- Community & balance: Despite its size, Repton maintains favourable student–teacher ratios and emphasizes arts, drama, music and sport.
- Good for: Families who want a British boarding experience with flexible senior pathways and strong global university access.
5. North London Collegiate School (Nat Al Sheba) & The Indian Academy (Mohasnah)
Two distinct schools were highlighted at this position:
- North London Collegiate School, Dubai (Nat Al Sheba) — A high-achieving independent school offering an IB-affiliated senior secondary pathway. Co-educational day school from pre-KG to Year 12 with an English-medium education.
- The Indian Academy, Dubai (Mohasnah) — A CBSE-affiliated Indian curriculum school operating from pre-KG to Grade 10, managed by Iqra Education, serving families seeking a strong Indian curriculum option.
4. GEMS Wellington International School
Part of the well-known GEMS Education network, Wellington blends UK exam pathways with the IB diploma at senior levels.
- Curriculum: GCSE/IGCSE through Year 11, followed by the International Baccalaureate in Years 12–13.
- University destinations: Alumni have progressed to universities such as Cambridge and Stanford.
- Student support: Dedicated guidance and university counselling teams to help students select appropriate courses and higher-education pathways.
- Programs: Participation in Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award encouraging personal development through goal-setting and challenges.
3. Dubai International Academy (DIA)
Dubai International Academy is a very diverse IB school with students from more than 80 nationalities and strong academic outcomes.
- Curriculum: Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP).
- Academic reputation: Consistently strong results with students admitted to top universities (examples include Princeton and Yale).
- Extracurriculars: Eco club, Model United Nations, music, art and sports programs.
- Good for: Families who want an internationally diverse community and a full IB education from early years to diploma.
2. GEMS Wellington International School (duplicate noted in transcript)
Note: Wellington was mentioned earlier in the transcript and appears again as one of the group's standout campuses. Refer to the entry above for details about curriculum, university destinations and student support.
1. The King's School (multiple campuses)
The King's School operates three campuses across Dubai, strategically placed near many of the city’s residential districts.
- Locations: Campuses in Umm Suqeim (near Jumeirah), Al Barsha (serving Jumeirah Village Circle and Arabian Ranches) and Nad Al Sheba (close to District 1).
- Curriculum & offerings: English National Curriculum with strong programmes in languages, sports, music and even Islamic Education. A modern approach to technology integration supports learning.
- Unique extras: A wide range of activities from cooking and photography to a business club for young entrepreneurs.
- Good for: Families wanting solid British curriculum schools with broad co-curricular offerings and close community ties.
Final thoughts and next steps
Dubai’s school landscape is rich and varied. When choosing the right school, consider:
- Curriculum fit (British, American, IB or national systems)
- Location and commute time
- Specific subject strengths, language offerings and extracurricular options
- Support for special educational needs
- Long-term goals (university destinations and senior qualifications)
These ten schools represent a cross-section of what Dubai does best: international education, strong facilities and pathways to top universities worldwide. For more context and a visual tour of these campuses, check out the original video on my channel, TOP 10 Dubai — it’s a quick way to get a feel for each school before you arrange visits.
Tip: Always arrange a campus tour, speak with admissions, meet teachers where possible, and ask current parents about day-to-day life at the school.
