The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai
WINPart of GEMS Education, Secular, Founded 2003
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
The Winchester School, Jebel Ali is a long-standing international school in Dubai that has provided the National Curriculum for England to a diverse, global student body since 2003. It is recognized for its high standards of education, inclusive environment, and commitment to student growth.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school operates under the motto 'Every Child Matters,' emphasizing a holistic, child-centered approach to education. It focuses on fostering 21st-century skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship while promoting a climate of respect, acceptance, and emotional wellbeing.
Programmes
The school delivers the National Curriculum for England across all stages, from Foundation Stages 1 and 2 through to Key Stages 1–4 and the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13). The academic programme is enriched by STREAM projects, project-based learning, and specialized departments including Arabic, Islamic Studies, and BTEC qualifications.
Outcomes
The school has earned a 'Very Good' rating from the KHDA. Students consistently achieve high standards in external examinations, including IGCSE, AS, and A-levels, and go on to attend prestigious universities worldwide.
Student support
Learning support
The school is fully inclusive and maintains a dedicated Support for Learning Department. It provides personalized pathways and interventions for students with diverse learning needs, including dyslexia and autism, supported by staff trained in early identification and evidence-based pedagogy.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai offer?
- The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai offers National Curriculum (England).
- How much is tuition at The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai?
- Annual tuition at The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai is AED 15K–AED 33.4K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai a day or boarding school?
- The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai is a day school.
- What accreditations does The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai hold?
- The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai holds accreditations including CIS and Cambridge International.
- Is The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai co-educational?
- The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai is a co-ed school.
- Where is The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai located?
- The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, Dubai is an international school in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3–3 | AED 15K |
| FS2 | 4–4 | AED 15K |
| Year 1 | 5–5 | AED 18.7K |
| Year 2 | 6–6 | AED 18.7K |
| Year 3 | 7–7 | AED 18.7K |
| Year 4 | 8–8 | AED 18.7K |
| Year 5 | 9–9 | AED 18.7K |
| Year 6 | 10–10 | AED 19.9K |
| Year 7 | 11–11 | AED 19.9K |
| Year 8 | 12–12 | AED 19.9K |
| Year 9 | 13–13 | AED 23.7K |
| Year 10 | 14–14 | AED 26.7K |
| Year 11 | 15–15 | AED 26.7K |
| Year 12 | 16–16 | AED 33.4K |
| Year 13 | 17–17 | AED 33.4K |
Other fees(3)
| Application fee· Payable at the time of online registration. Non-refundable and non-deductible if the school has not declined the application. Valid for one year. | AED 525 |
|---|---|
| Deposit· Charged to enrol the child and secure the seat once a formal offer is received. | — |
| Deposit· Re-registration deposit of 5% of the total tuition fees is required to secure the seat for the next academic year, deductible from the total tuition fees. | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: Up to 25% / Up to 50%
- Full-payment discount: Up to 3%
Admissions
Admissions are processed online through the school website, with placement dependent on current vacancies. While there is no entrance test for Foundation Stage applicants, an age-related assessment is required; other year groups may be subject to an entrance test at the school's discretion. Preference is given to siblings of current students from the waiting list.
Calendar
The academic year typically runs from late August or early September through early July, divided into three terms. The calendar includes a winter break in December, a spring break in March or April, and a half-term break each term. Islamic holidays are subject to confirmation from the Ministry of Education.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is located in The Gardens, Jebel Ali, and consists of two adjacent buildings, one dedicated to primary students and one to secondary students. The school provides facilities to support a broad range of academic and extra-curricular pursuits, including sports, arts, and technology.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular and enrichment activities, including sports, arts and crafts, and performing arts. Students have access to holiday camps, residential trips, and opportunities to participate in competitions and local events. Additionally, the school facilitates the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) International Award for students aged 14–24.
- Ms. Meenakshi DahiyaPrincipal & CEO
Principal & CEO since 2016, she has been with GEMS at The Winchester School, Jebel Ali since 2005. With 20 years of experience in education, she previously served as Head of Early Years, Head of Primary, and Vice-Principal. She is a Corporate Coach U certified Facilitator and Coach.
- Ms. Harpreet KaurVice Principal
Vice Principal and Child Safeguarding Officer, she previously served as Head of Secondary and Head of Science. She is dedicated to educational excellence and supporting student growth through meaningful collaborations.
- Mr. Gaber Sayah Hamed MohamedHead of Arabic & Islamic Education
Leads the Arabic & Islamic Department, focusing on values, identity, and cultural heritage. He oversees initiatives like the Quran website and the termly Arabic & Islamic Magazine.
- Ms. Pallavi MallikHead of Inclusion
With over 15 years of experience across India, the UK, and the UAE, she holds a Master’s in Special and Inclusive Education from the University of Roehampton. She is a Certified Happiness and Wellbeing Coach and holds leadership qualifications including NPQSL and CPT3A.
- Ms. Anna Francis CherukaraHead of Innovation, Curriculum & Enrichment
Head of Innovation, Curriculum & Enrichment.
- Mr. Neijin PathroseHealth & Safety Advisor, Head of PE – Primary, ASA Coordinator & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Health & Safety Advisor, Head of PE – Primary, ASA Coordinator & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Ms. Preeti ManojHead of Secondary
Head of Secondary.
- Ms. Jaya PaliwalHead of Primary
An accomplished teaching professional with a doctorate and over 20 years of experience in teaching and seven years in leadership. She joined GEMS in 2013 and has served as Head of Year and Head of Key Stage-4 before becoming Head of Primary.
- Ms. Debbiejo MirandaHead of Well Being
Head of Well Being.
- Mr. Nisar MohamedDeputy Head of Secondary & Academic Advisor
Deputy Head of Secondary & Academic Advisor.
- Ms. Steffe HenriquesDeputy Head of Primary
Deputy Head of Primary.
National Curriculum (England)
CIS
Cambridge International