Al Diyafah High School
Secular, Founded 1982
Updated July 2026
British EYFS
IGCSELanguages
English
ArabicAl Diyafah High School is a private institution in Dubai offering the National Curriculum of England to students from Foundation Stage through to Year 13. Established in 1982, it provides a holistic education focused on academic achievement and personal development.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is committed to a holistic educational approach that empowers students to become confident, competent, and caring individuals. It emphasizes learner-centric pedagogy, critical and creative thinking, and the development of global citizens who are socially responsible and environmentally aware. The leadership promotes a data-driven culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Programmes
The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum for the Foundation Stage and the revised English National Curriculum for primary and middle school years. Secondary and post-secondary students pursue qualifications from the University of Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel at the IGCSE, AS, and A-level stages. The curriculum is further enhanced by a Personal Enrichment Program and community outreach initiatives.
Student support
Learning support
The Student Support Team, comprising a counsellor, special educator, and learning support assistants, provides individual education plans and intervention sessions for students with diverse learning needs. The school also operates a gifted and talented programme, which utilizes CAT4 assessments to identify students for enrichment and acceleration opportunities. Career guidance is provided through fairs, internships, and interface sessions for secondary and post-secondary students.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Al Diyafah High School offer?
- Al Diyafah High School offers British EYFS, National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Al Diyafah High School?
- Annual tuition at Al Diyafah High School is AED 11.6K–AED 24.7K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Al Diyafah High School teach?
- Al Diyafah High School enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
- Is Al Diyafah High School a day or boarding school?
- Al Diyafah High School is a day school.
- Is Al Diyafah High School co-educational?
- Al Diyafah High School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Al Diyafah High School located?
- Al Diyafah High School is an international school in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| FS 1 | 3–3 | AED 11.6K |
| FS 2 | 4–4 | AED 11.6K |
| YEAR 1 | 5–5 | AED 12.2K |
| YEAR 2 | 6–6 | AED 12.2K |
| YEAR 3 | 7–7 | AED 12.2K |
| YEAR 4 | 8–8 | AED 12.6K |
| YEAR 5 | 9–9 | AED 12.6K |
| YEAR 6 | 10–10 | AED 12.6K |
| YEAR 7 | 11–11 | AED 12.9K |
| YEAR 8 | 12–12 | AED 14.6K |
| YEAR 9 | 13–13 | AED 16.2K |
| YEAR 10 | 14–14 | AED 20.5K |
| YEAR 11 | 15–15 | AED 20.5K |
| YEAR 12 | 16–16 | AED 20.8K |
| YEAR 13 | 17–17 | AED 24.7K |
Other fees(3)
| Registration fee· Admission and registration Fee payable upon confirmation of admission. One-time, non-refundable and non-adjustable. | AED 1K |
|---|---|
| Deposit· A registration fee of 10% of the school fee is payable along with the admission and registration fee. Adjusted against First Term Fees, non-refundable. | — |
| Registration fee· Re-Registration Fee of approximately 5% of the school fee is charged in March for existing students. Adjusted against First Term Fees, non-refundable. | — |
Admissions
Registration for the 2026-27 academic year is open, with specific interview and assessment dates for different year groups. The process involves online registration, submission of required documentation, and age-appropriate assessments or interviews. Admission is confirmed only upon payment of the registration fee and the first term's fees, subject to KHDA approval.
Calendar
The academic year concludes on July 3, 2026. School hours are Monday to Thursday from 7:15 am to 2:30 pm (FS1 and FS2 until 12:00 pm) and Friday from 7:15 am to 12:00 pm for all students.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features interactive boards in every classroom, fully equipped Physics, Chemistry, and Biology laboratories, and separate computer labs for primary and secondary students. Additional amenities include a senior school library, a clinic with a doctor and three nurses, a prayer room, a canteen, and both indoor and outdoor playgrounds. Transport services are outsourced to a third-party provider.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a variety of clubs including literacy, sports, and music, often led by students. Students participate in events such as the Dubai Scholars Cup, ADPIQ, and various enterprise-related projects and competitions. Additional opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh Program, STEM initiatives, and the Peter Jones Foundation Program.
Neetha ShettyPrincipalMs. Neetha Shetty holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics, a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management. With 28 years of experience in British Curriculum schools in Dubai, she has served as Principal of Al Diyafah High School LLC since 2012, focusing on holistic student achievement and data-driven improvement.
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Mahesh SajnaniVice PrincipalMr. Mahesh Sajnani holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Management and has 27 years of experience in education, including 11 years in Dubai. He previously served as a Founding School Principal and Vice Principal at other institutions before joining Al Diyafah High School LLC.
Sudha Charles RobertsHead of SecondaryMs. Sudha Charles Roberts is a postgraduate in Chemistry with a Master of Philosophy and 20 years of experience with UK board-affiliated schools. She has held various leadership roles, including Head of Department and Vice-Principal, and focuses on school improvement plans and curriculum development.
Mallika MenonHead of Sixth FormMallika Menon holds a Master's degree in Physics and in Education, with 25 years of experience preparing students for Edexcel and Cambridge examinations. She is responsible for the academic supervision of all Sixth Form students and supports them with the UCAS application process.
Padmaja MenonHead of PrimaryPadmaja Menon has held various teaching and leadership positions in reputable schools in Dubai. As Head of Primary at Al Diyafah High School LLC, she focuses on shifting teaching toward a learner-centric approach that empowers students to take ownership of their learning.
Doaa HassanSubject Leader ArabicMs. Doaa Hassan holds a master's degree in education with a major in leadership and management and has 20 years of experience in education. She is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and works to ensure the Arabic Department aligns with the school's goals and vision.
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