Durham School Dubai

The school’s mission is to provide a complete education that instils an aspiration for achievement, respect for others, and 'Confidence for Life'. Its values are defined by the acronym MARK: Moral Integrity, Ambition, Responsibility, and Kindness. The school aims to cultivate responsibility and ambition within a community shaped by moral integrity.

The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSE examinations in Years 10 and 11, with A-levels offered in the 6th Form. The core curriculum includes Arabic language (for both native and non-native speakers), Islamic education, Social Studies, and Moral Education. Early reading is taught using the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics programme.

The school emphasizes a nurturing and supportive environment with small class sizes, currently averaging 13 pupils, to ensure individual attention. It maintains a focus on pastoral care to support the emotional, moral, and spiritual strength of its pupils.

The school follows a structured admission process beginning with an online enquiry or phone call, followed by a 45-minute guided tour. Prospective students must complete an assessment conducted by the academic team to ensure the school is an appropriate learning environment. Once an offer is made, a place is secured with a non-refundable registration deposit of 10% of the total tuition fees.

The school operates on a three-term structure: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The academic year typically begins in late August and concludes in early July, with breaks for half-term, National Day, and various religious holidays including Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.

The campus features well-resourced learning environments, an indoor 25m swimming pool, and access to an all-grass cricket pitch located five minutes away. The school provides dedicated spaces for music, art, and drama, including facilities for musical production and recording. Transport services are available, serving various residential areas across Dubai.

The school offers an extensive co-curricular programme covering sports, music, drama, and the arts. Sporting activities include football, rugby, netball, basketball, athletics, volleyball, and swimming, with competitive opportunities through the House system and inter-school events. Students are encouraged to learn musical instruments, participate in school performances, and develop skills in public speaking and oration.