GEMS Wellington Academy
WSOPart of GEMS Education, Secular, Founded 2011
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE
IB DiplomaAccreditations
COBIS
British Schools OverseasLanguages
English
Arabic
French
Spanish
German
MandarinGEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis is a premium, 'Outstanding'-rated British curriculum school located in Dubai Silicon Oasis. It provides a seamless educational journey from Nursery through to Post-16, preparing students for global university and career success.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the core values of Unity, Integrity, and Aspiration, with a mission to ensure every student is 'World Class, World Ready.' It emphasizes a personalized approach to learning, aiming to nurture individual talents and foster confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. The school promotes a spirit of cooperation, tolerance, and mutual respect, reflecting the international nature of the UAE.
Programmes
The school follows the National Curriculum for England from FS1 through Year 11, with Nursery provision rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the Curiosity Approach. Post-16 pathways are highly flexible, offering A Levels, BTEC qualifications, the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). Arabic is taught from FS1, with French introduced in FS2, and options for Spanish, German, and Mandarin available in later years.
Outcomes
The school is rated 'Outstanding' by the KHDA and BSO. Students have access to top global universities, supported by bespoke careers guidance and subject-specific mentoring. Graduates achieve placements in Russell Group and Ivy League universities, as well as medical schools, through pathways including A Levels, BTEC, and the IB Diploma and Career-related Programmes.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides English language support for students in Years 2–9 for whom English is a second language, though it does not offer intensive remedial programmes for those more than a grade level behind. Intensive support for age-appropriate English skills may be offered to a limited number of students. Additionally, the school offers one-to-one Learning Support Assistant (LSA) services for an additional fee.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does GEMS Wellington Academy offer?
- GEMS Wellington Academy offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level, IB Diploma, IB MYP and IB PYP.
- How much is tuition at GEMS Wellington Academy?
- Annual tuition at GEMS Wellington Academy is AED 40.3K–AED 89.2K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does GEMS Wellington Academy teach?
- GEMS Wellington Academy enrolls students aged 1 to 18.
- Is GEMS Wellington Academy a day or boarding school?
- GEMS Wellington Academy is a day school.
- What accreditations does GEMS Wellington Academy hold?
- GEMS Wellington Academy holds accreditations including IB, Cambridge International, COBIS and British Schools Overseas.
- Is GEMS Wellington Academy co-educational?
- GEMS Wellington Academy is a co-ed school.
- Where is GEMS Wellington Academy located?
- GEMS Wellington Academy is an international school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-26| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery | 1–3 | AED 45.4K |
| Foundation Stage 1 (FS 1) | 3–4 | AED 40.3K |
| Foundation Stage 2 (FS 2) | 4–5 | AED 50.1K |
| Year 1 | 5–6 | AED 50.1K |
| Year 2 | 6–7 | AED 50.1K |
| Year 3 | 7–8 | AED 50.1K |
| Year 4 | 8–9 | AED 50.1K |
| Year 5 | 9–10 | AED 50.1K |
| Year 6 | 10–11 | AED 50.1K |
| Year 7 | 11–12 | AED 75.7K |
| Year 8 | 12–13 | AED 79K |
| Year 9 | 13–14 | AED 79K |
| Year 10 | 14–15 | AED 81.6K |
| Year 11 | 15–16 | AED 81.6K |
| Year 12 | 16–17 | AED 89.2K |
| Year 13 | 17–18 | AED 89.2K |
Other fees(3)
| Application fee· Application fee of AED 525 payable at the time of applying for entry into the school. Includes VAT and standard assessment fees. Non-refundable and non-transferable. | AED 525 |
|---|---|
| Deposit· A registration deposit of 10% of the total tuition fees will be due upon the acceptance of the offer letter. Non-refundable but adjustable against the total tuition fees for the academic year. | — |
| Deposit· Re-Registration Deposit for current families is 5% to secure a seat for the following academic year. Non-refundable but adjustable against first term fees. | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 15% - 25%
- Full-payment discount: up to 3%
Admissions
The school admits children in line with KHDA regulations and GEMS Education policy, welcoming all nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. The application process requires a non-refundable AED 525 fee, submission of previous school reports, and a Transfer Certificate (TC) as mandated by UAE law. All applicants must complete an age-related placement test, and younger children participate in a 'stay and play' observation. Admission is not solely based on the entrance test, and the school does not offer intensive remedial programmes for students significantly behind in English.
Calendar
The school operates on a term-based academic calendar. Tuition fees are invoiced from the time of admission and are due prior to the start of each term. The finance team is available for inquiries Monday through Thursday from 07:30 to 15:30, and Friday from 07:30 to 12:30.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features a Performing Arts Centre of Excellence, science labs, technology workshops, innovation suites, and secondary libraries. Sports facilities include 3G sports fields, an indoor sports hall, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, and cricket nets. Outdoor learning is supported by dedicated Forest School spaces, tool-use areas, and 'The Hide', while digital learning is facilitated through Apple Suites, green screen rooms, and coding labs.
Co-curriculars
Enrichment is embedded into the daily curriculum, including performing arts, sports, and leadership development. Secondary students participate in a wide-ranging Extra-Curricular Activity (ECA) programme that includes Model United Nations (MUN), STEAM, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. The school also offers opportunities in sailing, entrepreneurship, and various performing arts partnerships, such as West End Stage and UDO Academy.
SARAH O'REGANPrincipal/CEOSarah O'Regan is the Principal/CEO of GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, where she has served for 14 years. With 23 years of experience in education, she has led four 'Outstanding' schools in the UK and internationally. She is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for every student and fostering an aspirational environment.
MIKE STEWARTPrimary PrincipalMike Stewart has been the Primary Principal at GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis since 2000. He has extensive experience teaching and leading in schools across the UK and the UAE, focusing on integrity, approachability, and providing value-led educational experiences.
ANDY KAI FONGSecondary PrincipalAndy Kai Fong is the Secondary Principal at GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, bringing over 25 years of educational leadership experience from New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the UAE. He is dedicated to a unified educational experience from Foundation Stage through Year 13, guided by the school's core values of Unity, Integrity, and Aspiration.
ALISON BALDWINManager of Academy OperationsAlison Baldwin is the Manager of Academy Operations, having joined the school in 2011. She oversees all non-teaching operations, including site health and safety, support services, facilities maintenance, and staff accommodation.
SARAH HOLLINGWORTHAcademy Vice PrincipalSarah Hollingworth is an Academy Vice Principal leading Early Years and Primary, including the Nursery, and overseeing inclusion and the Arabic department. She is dedicated to ensuring every child thrives academically and socially in a caring environment.
HELEN HURFORDAcademy Vice PrincipalHelen Hurford is an Academy Vice Principal who joined the school in 2015. She is passionate about fostering vibrant, dynamic learning environments that ignite curiosity and imagination in students.
REBECCA LEWISAcademy Vice PrincipalRebecca Lewis is an Academy Vice Principal with responsibilities for Pastoral and Wellbeing, Safeguarding, Post 16, and various Academy subjects. She has been with the Academy since 2013, previously serving in roles including KS3 Curriculum Coordinator and Director of Performing Arts.
IAN LARKINVice PrincipalIan Larkin is a Vice Principal who joined WSO in 2018. He began his teaching career in 2013 in Leeds, UK, and is committed to creating innovative, engaging, and supportive learning environments that empower students to reach their potential.
- MATTHEW JAMESVice Principal
Matthew James is a Vice Principal who has been with WSO since 2016. A teacher since 2008, he has held various middle and senior leadership roles and is committed to making school decisions with the student at the forefront.
ROB CURRYVice PrincipalRob Curry is a Vice Principal for Assessment and Academic Systems, Safeguarding, and Community Engagement. He joined WSO in 2013 and holds a Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Durham, with extensive experience in school leadership in both Dubai and the UK.
CIARA MULLIGANNursery DirectorCiara Mulligan is the Nursery Director with over 14 years of experience in education across the UK and Dubai. She is dedicated to creating a personalized, home-away-from-home learning experience for the youngest students.
HANNAH MILNEAssistant PrincipalHannah Milne is an Assistant Principal for Foundation Stage, having joined WSO in June 2021. She began her teaching career in the UK in 2014 and is committed to providing a broad, challenging, and personalized curriculum for early childhood education.
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