
The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai
Part of Cognita
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai is a British private school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18, offering a world-class education rooted in over 500 years of tradition. It is part of the Cognita family of schools and is dedicated to preparing pupils for the challenges of the 21st and 22nd centuries.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is built upon values of respect, scholarship, inclusivity, integrity, courage, and collaboration, drawing on a 500-year heritage from its sister school in the UK. It aims to foster intellectual curiosity, independence, and a responsible attitude toward life, ensuring pupils are celebrated as individuals within a supportive and happy community. The educational approach prioritises the development of the whole child, balancing academic rigour with personal wellbeing and character growth.
Programmes
The school follows the British Curriculum, catering to pupils from FS1 through to Year 13 as it grows year by year. The academic programme is designed to inspire excellence across all Key Stages, supported by expert teaching and personalised learning pathways. The curriculum is complemented by a focus on creative appreciation, awareness, and the development of lifelong learning habits.
Outcomes
The school has achieved a 'Very Good' rating in its first KHDA inspection and an 'Outstanding' rating from British Schools Overseas (BSO). Over 90% of students perform at or above international benchmarks, and 90% of Early Years pupils achieve a Good Level of Development. Pupils are prepared for future success in college and university, with a focus on becoming future-ready global citizens.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains a strong commitment to inclusion, supporting neurodivergent pupils, those with special educational needs, exceptionally able students, and those who use English as an additional language. This support is led by a dedicated Assistant Head of Inclusion, ensuring that the diverse needs of the student body are met within an inclusive and tolerant community.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai offer?
- The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai offers National Curriculum (England).
- How much is tuition at The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai?
- Annual tuition at The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai is AED 78.8K–AED 119.7K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai hold?
- The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai holds accreditations including British Schools Overseas.
- Is The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai co-educational?
- The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai is a co-ed school.
- Where is The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai located?
- The Royal Grammar School Guildford, Dubai is an international school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3–4 | AED 78.8K |
| FS2 | 4–5 | AED 84K |
| Year 1 | 5–6 | AED 95.6K |
| Year 2 | 6–7 | AED 95.6K |
| Year 3 | 7–8 | AED 95.6K |
| Year 4 | 8–9 | AED 95.6K |
| Year 5 | 9–10 | AED 101.9K |
| Year 6 | 10–11 | AED 101.9K |
| Year 7 | 11–12 | AED 101.9K |
| Year 8 | 12–13 | AED 101.9K |
| Year 9 | 13–14 | AED 113.4K |
| Year 10 | 14–15 | AED 119.7K |
| Year 11 | 15–16 | AED 119.7K |
| Year 12 | 16–17 | AED 119.7K |
| Year 13 | 17–18 | AED 119.7K |
Other fees(4)
| Application fee· AED 500 (AED 525 inclusive of VAT) per application, covers standard assessment costs. Non-deductible. | AED 525 |
|---|---|
| Deposit· Non-refundable deposit of 10% of the annual tuition fee for new pupils, 5% for returning pupils. Deducted from annual tuition fees. | — |
| Meals· Tuition fees do not include school lunches. | — |
| Bus / transport· Tuition fees do not include transportation. | — |
Admissions
The school welcomes enquiries and applications for pupils aged 3 to 18. The admissions process includes a standard assessment, and a non-refundable 10% deposit of the annual tuition fee is required upon acceptance of an offer to secure a place. Prospective families are encouraged to book a school tour and complete an enquiry form to begin the process.
Calendar
The 2026-27 academic year is divided into three terms. The Winter Term begins on 31st August 2026, followed by the Spring Term starting 4th January 2027, and the Summer Term commencing 12th April 2027. The school year concludes on 2nd July 2027, with scheduled breaks for half-term, UAE National Day, Winter Break, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus provides an outstanding environment for learning, featuring modern classrooms and specialised spaces such as a Food Tech room. Beyond the school grounds, the institution maintains a platinum partnership with Inspiratus Sports District (ISD) at Dubai Sports City, granting pupils access to world-class sporting facilities including indoor and outdoor grounds, tennis courts, a nine-lane athletics track, and five FIFA-approved football pitches.
Co-curriculars
The school offers an unparalleled breadth of activities designed to foster leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Pupils participate in a diverse range of pursuits, including music, sports, and academic societies, such as the recently introduced student-led Senior Academic Societies. Additionally, the school partners with external organisations like Team Angel Wolf to promote inclusion and community service.

Matthew PearcePrincipalMatthew Pearce is the Principal of RGS Guildford Dubai, bringing over two decades of experience in education and leadership. Previously, he served as Rector at The Glasgow Academy and Deputy Head at Bishopbriggs Academy. He holds a Master’s degree in Education.
Louise FordHead of Senior SchoolLouise Ford is the Head of Senior School. She is an experienced senior leader and English teacher with a degree in History, an MA in Educational Leadership from UCL, and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). She previously served on the leadership team at a top Dubai school for over a decade.
Charlotte GrievesHead of PrepCharlotte Grieves is the Head of Prep and has over 20 years of experience in education and senior leadership roles. She is NPQH qualified and has been teaching in the UAE for more than 15 years.
Nicholas RadbourneDeputy Head (Whole School)Nicholas Radbourne is the Deputy Head (Whole School) and has over 25 years of leadership experience in education across the UK and international settings. He joined the school in 2021 and holds a teaching degree from Exeter University.
James BennettAssistant Head, SportsJames Bennett is an Assistant Head, Sports and one of the founding staff members at RGSGD. He holds a teaching qualification from RGS UK and previously worked at a large London comprehensive.
Isaac InceAssistant Head, InclusionIsaac Ince is an Assistant Head, Inclusion. He began his teaching career in the UK within a Multi Academy Trust in Cheshire and has held several leadership positions in high-performing schools in the UAE. He is a former elite gymnast who competed for England.
Joe CahillAssistant Head, OperationsJoe Cahill is an Assistant Head, Operations. His teaching career began at RGS Guildford Prep in the UK, followed by a position at a British international school in Thailand. He is also an experienced basketball coach.
Rim FerianiAssistant Head of Arabic and IslamicRim Feriani is an Assistant Head of Arabic and Islamic. She has 20 years of middle and senior leadership experience, UK-based teacher training in Modern Foreign Languages, and has held roles at international schools in the UAE and Switzerland.
Craig JeavonsAssistant Head, Senior Curriculum and LearningCraig Jeavons is an Assistant Head, Senior Curriculum and Learning. He is an experienced mathematics educator who has served as both Head of Department and Senior Leader in the UK and UAE.
Michael MorleyAssistant Head (Key Stage 3)Michael Morley is an Assistant Head (Key Stage 3). He is a UK-trained educator with international experience in the UK and the UAE, holding various leadership roles.
Joseph HulmeAssistant Head (Key Stage 4)Joseph Hulme is an Assistant Head (Key Stage 4). He is a UK-trained teacher of Mathematics from Lancashire with experience in school leadership roles including Head of Year and Head of Department.
Nikki LambrosDirector of Education for EuropeNikki Lambros is the Director of Education for Europe.
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