
Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai
SISDPart of Nord Anglia, Secular
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
Languages
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) is a leading international day and boarding school offering a bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) education. It is recognized as one of the top 100 private schools globally and is one of only 50 all-through IB World Schools.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The educational philosophy is centered on academic excellence, creativity, wellbeing, resilience, and global connectedness. The school employs a research-led, personalized approach to learning that utilizes technology to foster critical thinking and human skills. It aims to empower students to become global citizens and changemakers who are prepared for a rapidly changing world.
Programmes
The school provides a comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across all stages: Early Years (ages 3-6), Primary Years (ages 6-11), Middle Years (ages 11-16), and Upper Secondary (ages 16-18). Academic pathways include the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), and BTEC qualifications. The curriculum is supported by specialized collaborations, including the Juilliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme, a STEAM programme developed with MIT, and a sports and wellbeing programme with IMG Academy.
Outcomes
Students consistently achieve strong academic results, which facilitate entry into top-ranked universities globally, including institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Stanford. Beyond academic success, graduates are equipped with the confidence, resilience, and global perspective necessary to succeed in their future careers and personal lives. The school maintains an active alumni network that provides ongoing support and inspiration for current students.
Student support
Learning support
Every school within the network maintains a learning support team dedicated to working with parents to identify and address individual student needs. This commitment ensures that each child receives a high-quality education tailored to their specific requirements.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai offer?
- Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- What ages does Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai teach?
- Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
- Is Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai a day or boarding school?
- Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai hold?
- Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai co-educational?
- Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai is a co-ed school.
- Where is Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai located?
- Swiss International Scientific School of Dubai is an international school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The admissions process is designed to be straightforward, beginning with an initial enquiry via telephone, email, or an online form. Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school, either in person or virtually, to meet with the principal and teachers. Following the submission of family details and academic records, the admissions and academic teams evaluate the application, which may include an academic assessment. Once a place is confirmed, the school assists with planning for the student's first day.
Calendar
The 2025-2026 academic year begins on August 26, 2025, and concludes on July 3, 2026. Key breaks include a mid-term break in October, a winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 2, 2026, a spring break from March 9 to March 20, 2026, and a mid-term break in late May 2026. The school provides a detailed calendar covering term dates, holidays, and scheduled activities.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is a sustainable, modern facility located in Dubai Healthcare City, Phase 2, near Dubai Creek. It features state-of-the-art technology, bright and modern classrooms, and extensive outdoor sports facilities. The school also provides boarding accommodation for approximately 200 students aged 11 and above, with staff living on-site to support student wellbeing.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a wide range of activities that extend beyond the classroom, including sports, arts, and community outreach. The school offers a 'Share A Dream' programme for volunteering and fundraising, and students engage with the UN Sustainable Development Goals through a partnership with UNICEF. Additionally, students have access to global, regional, and local opportunities, such as expeditions to Tanzania for community projects and mountaineering and outdoor activities in Switzerland.
- Andrew FitzmauriceChief Executive Officer
Andrew Fitzmaurice has been CEO of Nord Anglia Education since 2003, overseeing a network of schools across 30+ countries. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Wales Cardiff and a master’s degree in international education from King’s College. In 2023, he was appointed Chairman of IMG Academy.
- Dr Elise EcoffChief Education Officer
Dr. Elise Ecoff is the Chief Education Officer, leading the Education Team in research-led educational excellence and continuous improvement. She has over 34 years of experience in education, including serving as Principal at North Broward Preparatory School. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lynn University.
- Kris WebbChief People Officer
Kris Webb is the Chief People Officer with over 30 years of international experience in People and Culture. Before joining Nord Anglia, she was Chief People Officer at Coles Group. In 2024, she was named Australian HR Director of the Year.
- Vanessa NichollsInterim Chief Commercial Officer
Vanessa Nicholls is the Interim Chief Commercial Officer, having joined Nord Anglia in 2023 as Group Strategic Programmes Director. Her background includes a 25-year career in the civil service, including roles in the Department for Education.
- Lorna StreetChief Financial Officer
Lorna Street joined as Chief Financial Officer in April 2026, bringing extensive international financial leadership experience from roles at American Greetings, Kids II/Baby Einstein, and Morgan Stanley. She holds a degree in Monetary and Financial Economics from the University of Geneva and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
- George GhantousChief Operating Officer
George Ghantous is the Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Executive Committee since 2013. He has a background in engineering, construction, and investment banking, and holds an Executive MA in International Education from King’s College London.
- Philippe LaggerChief Corporate Development Officer
Philippe Lagger has led the global Corporate Development function since 2010, responsible for growing the school network. He previously worked with Lydian Capital and the Tetra Laval Group. He holds an MSc from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and an MBA from IMD.
- Liz LambRegional Managing Director, Middle East
Liz Lamb is the Regional Managing Director for the Middle East and a member of the Executive Committee. She joined Nord Anglia in 2012 and has held various leadership roles, including Executive Principal of Compass Doha and Founding Head of Primary at Nord Anglia International School Dubai.
- Stuart WhiteRegional Managing Director, China
Stuart White is the Regional Managing Director for China, bringing over 30 years of experience as an education leader. He previously served as Principal of Collège Alpin Beau Soleil and Head of Secondary/Vice Principal at BISS Puxi.
- Inderjit DehalManaging Director, India and Regional Education Director, Southeast Asia and India
Inderjit Dehal is the Managing Director for India and Regional Education Director for Southeast Asia and India. He has a background in senior roles within local and central government, including 12 years at the UK Department for Education.
- Ruth BurkePrincipal
Ruth Burke is the Principal of the Swiss International School Dubai. She focuses on a holistic approach to education, emphasizing bilingualism, excellence, sustainability, and togetherness.
- Lesley-Ann WallacePrincipal
Lesley-Ann Wallace was appointed Principal of The British International School Abu Dhabi in 2010. She previously led the primary school at The British International School Shanghai, Puxi, and held leadership roles at the Gulf English School and Garden International School Malaysia.
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