Dubai College
DCSecular, Founded 1978
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
Languages
Dubai College is a leading, independent, not-for-profit, selective secondary school in Dubai. It provides an adapted English National Curriculum and is dedicated to achieving excellence across academic, sporting, creative, and philanthropic pillars.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is committed to providing a rich, holistic education grounded in the values of excellence, hard work, kindness, and integrity. It aims to equip students with deep learning and good character to help them flourish, operating as a not-for-profit institution that reinvests all surpluses into the school environment.
Programmes
The school follows an adapted English National Curriculum for students from Year 7 through to Sixth Form. The academic programme is supported by the Centre of Innovation in Learning and Teaching and emphasizes critical thinking, deep subject knowledge, and research-driven pedagogy. Sixth Form students have access to a dedicated centre with study bays and collaboration rooms to support their A-level studies.
Outcomes
Dubai College is recognized as a high-achieving international school with a strong track record of academic success. In a recent year, GCSE students achieved 95% at grades 9-7, and the school has been named a Pearson Outstanding School.
Student support
Learning support
The school prioritizes student wellbeing through a dedicated student services team and a rolling Positive Education Programme. It employs research-driven pedagogy, including the science of learning and oracy, to support student development and academic success.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does Dubai College offer?
- Dubai College offers IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Dubai College?
- Annual tuition at Dubai College is AED 97.4K–AED 110.3K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Dubai College teach?
- Dubai College enrolls students aged 11 to 18.
- Is Dubai College a day or boarding school?
- Dubai College is a day school.
- What accreditations does Dubai College hold?
- Dubai College holds accreditations including COBIS.
- Is Dubai College co-educational?
- Dubai College is a co-ed school.
- Where is Dubai College located?
- Dubai College is an international school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Years 7-11 | 11–16 | AED 97.4K |
| Years 12-13 | 16–18 | AED 110.3K |
Other fees(3)
| Deposit· A Personal Debenture is required for all new students joining the school in 2026 - 2027, which will be returned less any outstanding sums owing when the student leaves. | AED 30K |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· An annual re-registration fee of 5% of the annual fee is payable at the start of Term 3. | — |
| Bus / transportterm· Bus fees are AED 2,500 per term both ways, and AED 1,320 per term one way. | AED 2.5K |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10%
Admissions
Dubai College is a selective, coeducational secondary school. The main entry point is Year 7, with occasional places sometimes available for Years 8, 9, and 10, and a separate entry process for Year 12. Applications are managed through the school's website, and the school does not accept applications for Years 11 or 13 due to the structure of its two-year GCSE and A-level courses.
Calendar
The academic year typically runs from late August to early July, divided into three terms: Winter (August to December), Spring (January to April), and Summer (April to July). The calendar includes scheduled breaks for half-term, national and Islamic holidays, and staff professional development days.
Facilities
About the campus
Located on a 19-acre campus in the Al Sufouh district, the school features extensive facilities including a science block with 21 laboratories, a music centre, and a 900-seat auditorium. The Sports and Performing Arts Centre of Excellence (SPACE) houses a double-width sports hall, a swimming pool, fitness studios, and drama facilities. The LEED Gold-certified Jafar Centre provides modern learning spaces, including the Bridgman Library, Harkness rooms, art studios, and a maker space.
Co-curriculars
The school emphasizes a holistic education through four pillars: academic, sporting, creative, and philanthropic. Students participate in over 200 character development activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, a House programme, and various sports such as rugby, football, cricket, netball, and tennis. Creative opportunities include music performances, drama productions in the Black Box Theatre, and various societies.
Tomas DucklingHeadmasterTomas Duckling is the Headmaster of Dubai College.
Ben BlackwoodBursarBen Blackwood serves as the Bursar for Dubai College.
Deborah JonesDeputy Head - Pastoral and DSL, Teacher of Physical EducationDeborah Jones is the Deputy Head - Pastoral and DSL, and a teacher of Physical Education.
Tony PiperDeputy Head: Character & Teacher of GeographyTony Piper is the Deputy Head: Character and a teacher of Geography.
Dee SaranDeputy Head - Learning, Teacher of GeographyDee Saran is the Deputy Head - Learning and a teacher of Geography.
Gill HodderEducational Systems Director, Teacher of PhysicsGill Hodder is the Educational Systems Director and a teacher of Physics.
Bobby TrivicAssistant Head: Wellbeing and Inclusion, Acting Head of Sixth FormBobby Trivic is the Assistant Head: Wellbeing and Inclusion and the Acting Head of Sixth Form.
Ed MosleyAssistant Head: LearningEd Mosley is the Assistant Head: Learning.
Hannah PaiceAssistant Head Lower SchoolHannah Paice is the Assistant Head Lower School.
- Martin WoolleyHead of Lower School (Y8), Teacher of Biology
Martin Woolley is the Head of Lower School (Y8) and a teacher of Biology.
Rishi VermaDeputy Head of Sixth Form - Year 13, Teacher of MathematicsRishi Verma is a Deputy Head of Sixth Form - Year 13 and a teacher of Mathematics.
Rachael MaguireDeputy Head of Sixth Form (Y13), Teacher of EnglishRachael Maguire is a Deputy Head of Sixth Form (Y13) and a teacher of English.
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IGCSE
COBIS