If you are one of the many parents in Dubai wondering if the hefty school fees charged by some schools are really worth it, then you are not alone. Recently I found myself having to take a close look at the affordable British schools in Dubai as an option for my two children. My husband lost his job during the pandemic and that made us sit up and take notice of what we were spending and how much living in Dubai was really costing us.
First, we moved villas to a cheaper area, we sold one car and the next thing on our list was schooling for our children. I took my time researching schools as this is something no parents want to get wrong. What I found was very surprising. There were affordable British schools in Dubai, whose names you may not hear so often but they are doing a phenomenal job educating the children in their care.
I have narrowed my list down to 10 and have listed their attributes in no particular order. I understand that affordability is very subjective but I have ensured that no school on the list has a foundation stage( FS) or starting fee greater than 40,000 AED per annum. Keep reading and do let me know in the comments if you find this article useful.
1. Newlands School
Newlands School follows the UK National Curriculum and is located in Al Warqa’a 1, Dubai Tuition Fees start from AED 19,200 | Admissions Open for FS 1 to Year 10. Newlands is a relatively new school, it was established in 2017. It currently has been rated acceptable by the KHDA in its last inspection, but don’t let that deter you as the school has been working hard to implement the changes needed to move it from acceptable to good or better.
The school keeps its class sizes smaller so that teachers can get to know the class and give each child more time. Overall their fees make it possible to study the full English curriculum without facing the burden of high charges.
2. Star International School Al Tawar
Star International School Twar is a bespoke English Curriculum school in the heart of Al Twar. They describe themselves as very much a family school, with teachers, SLT, TAs, Admin and site staff all working alongside parents and the wider community to offer their children the best opportunities they possibly can.
They currently have a rating of good by the KHDA. The school was commended for The personal and social development of all students. The relationships, attitudes to learning and self-discipline are positive. If you have younger children, the KHDA inspection team found that children in the FS have more age-appropriate responsibilities. They also commended the older students in the school for having a very positive work ethic. School fees at This school range from 20,365 in FS1
3. Star International School Mirdiff
Like its sister school, Star International School Mirdiff offers good British education without the pocket-busting prices. It too has been rated Good by the KHDA. I have personally toured this school and I found the staff to be genuinely polite and helpful and the students also polite and friendly.
The KHDA found that a majority of students in almost all areas of the curriculum, in both Foundation Stage (FS) and the primary phase, make better than expected progress. Progress is even better in FS English and in secondary science. Students’ learning skills are generally at least good. New initiatives to improve their skills in the effective use of technology have been introduced. Fees start from AED 31,600 in FS1.
4. The Winchester School- Jabel Ali
The Winchester School Jabel Ali is a very popular school and for good reasons. The school has been delivering outstanding education since 2003. It delivers the national curriculum of England. It is in a great location for families and most of all it continues to set and achieve high education standards. How much does this great quality education cost? I am sure that is your question. Well, it is less than you might think. Fess starts from, as low as AED 13,822 in FS to AED 30,835 in grades 12 and13. To top it all off, the school has been rated very good in its recent inspection by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau.
5. The Prinstine Private School
I love the name of this school and I am so glad it made the list. I guess you could say we left one of the best for last when it comes to affordability and quality. The Pristine Private school is located in Al Nahda 2, established in 1992, Pristine Private School has been deeply committed to delivering quality education as well as ensuring that every child is equipped with the key skills required to succeed in the 21st century. Keeping in line with the school motto Pristine Private School has been steadily moving on its Onward and Upward journey to consistently create Pathways of Excellence for its students. Now for the part that you have all been reading for; the fees range from AED 10054 in FS1 to 18,835 in year 13.
Keep checking this list as we intend to keep adding to it regularly.
Recent Comments