British schools in Dubai are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best British schools in Dubai, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Table of Contents
Why families choose a British school in Dubai?
British education has achieved a strong reputation for quality, and is recognised and respected around the world. The National Curriculum of England - also commonly referred to as the "UK Curriculum" or "British Curriculum" - enjoys very high popularity. According to research by The International School Consultancy, there are over 3'300 schools (as of March 2017) offering the UK curriculum making it the most demanded curriculum across all international schools around the world. The British curriculum is a very structured curriculum and one of the huge benefits is how transferable it is _ students can move seamlessly from country to country or back to the UK.
Study in Dubai
With a population of more than 2.750 million as of 2015, Dubai is the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dubai has emerged as a global city and business hub of the Middle East. Dubai is also a hub for service industries such as information technology and finance. The city has become iconic for its skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, in particular the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
Top rated British schools in Dubai 2025
This British schools list is informed by World Schools data—we consider parents and students reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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2025Prince of Wales Island International School
0 reviewsBalik Pulau - George TownInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 30,000 to 60,000 myrWelcome to Prince of Wales Island International School (POWIIS). We offer a broad and balanced education based on a British-style curriculum for students aged 3 to 19.Why parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum -
2025Keystone Academy
5 reviewsBeijing - ChinaInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 250000 to 387500 cnyKeystone Academy is an innovative and unique school in China and the world.
Why parents choose this schoolChinese EnglishAmerican Curriculum International Baccalaureate -
2025French International School of Hong Kong (Lycée Français International de Hong Kong)
0 reviewsHong Kong Island - Hong KongInternational Schoolfrom 135000 to hkdCulturally French, Globally Minded – Established in 1963, the French International School of Hong Kong is one of Hong Kong’s first International Schools, and was the first school in Hong Kong to offer the IB Diploma. A world IB School – FIS is a through-train dual-language international school in Hong Kong boasting over 2700 students across 4 campuses. FIS […]
Why parents choose this schoolBilingual English FrenchBritish Curriculum Cambridge Curriculum French Curriculum International Baccalaureate Other -
2025North Broward Preparatory School, A Nord Anglia Education School
3 reviewsBoca Raton - FloridaInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 62650 to 68250 usdAN EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS At North Broward Preparatory School, students are inspired to learn without limits and go beyond any border to make an impact in the world.Why parents choose this schoolAmerican Curriculum International Baccalaureate -
2025Bavarian International School (BIS)
5 reviewsMunich - BavariaInternational Schoolfrom 16340 to 22090 eur“Across both BIS campuses, in Munich-Schwabing and Haimhausen, education for around 1,200 students from more than 60 nations takes place under the philosophy Believe, Inspire, Succeed.Why parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate -
2025Verita International School, Athens
0 reviewsAthens - Central GreeceInternational Schoolfrom 6500 to 10000 eurThe National Curriculum of England & Wales brought to life through inquiry-based learning and social-emotional curriculum. Kind hearts, creative minds, curious souls.Why parents choose this schoolBritish CurriculumADHD Dyslexia Intellectual Giftedness -
2025Prime School International
0 reviewsCascais - LisbonInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 9900 to 33900 eurThe aim of Prime School International is to promote well-being and personal fulfilment within the academic community.Why parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum -
2025Saint-Charles International School
0 reviewsPorrentruy - JuraInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 7900 to 89500 chfEstablished in 1897, Saint-Charles International School is located in Porrentruy, Switzerland. We provide high-quality education for students aged 8-20, with a commitment to fostering global citizens.Why parents choose this schoolChristianBilingual English FrenchInternational Baccalaureate Swiss Curriculum -
2025Hong Kong International School
2 reviewsHong Kong Island - Hong KongInternational Schoolfrom 211400 to 243400 hkdHong Kong International School (HKIS) is a leading private co-educational college preparatory school for students from Reception One (pre-kindergarten) to Grade 12. Since 1966, HKIS has provided an exceptional educational environment grounded in the Christian faith. We know that students learn best when they are in charge of how they learn. Our American-style program permits […]
Why parents choose this schoolAmerican Curriculum -
2025British International School, Phuket
1 reviewsPhuket - Southern ThailandInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 452100 to 899900 thbBritish International School, Phuket (BISP), is an English medium, co-educational, day and boarding school that was established in 1996 in the heart of Phuket, Thailand.Why parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum International Baccalaureate -
2025Hypha International School
0 reviewsLisbon - PortugalInternational Schoolfrom 10495 to 12000 eurHypha is an innovative and specialized international school nestled in the Sintra-Cascais National Park with a unique offering. We blend an evidence-based, innovative approach to academics with nature immersion, in a warm and nurturing setting. We are currently accepting learners 3 – 4 and 5 – 8 years old, for pre-primary and primary school, respectively. […]
Why parents choose this schoolCambridge Curriculum Montessori Other -
2025Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
0 reviewsShanghai - ChinaInternational Schoolfrom 163600 to 359100 cnyYCIS Shanghai marks our first footprint in the Chinese mainland. Over the past 30 years, the school has expanded with six campuses across Puxi, Pudong and Lingang, offering a unique education pathway and competitive international curriculum for expatriate children aged 2 – 18.Why parents choose this schoolBilingual Chinese English SpanishAmerican Curriculum British Curriculum Cambridge Curriculum OtherIntellectual Giftedness -
2025Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong
0 reviewsPudong - ShanghaiInternational Schoolfrom 131193 to 375196 cnyFor over 20 years, NAIS Pudong has welcomed our students into a diverse international community, motivating them to achieve the best academic results and to attend the top universities in the world.Why parents choose this schoolChinese EnglishBritish Curriculum International Baccalaureate -
2025Dwight School
0 reviewsNew York City - New YorkInternational Schoolfrom 17200 to 64400 usdFounded in 1872, Dwight is an internationally renowned independent school (nursery-grade 12) committed to educating the next generation of innovative global leaders ― one student at a time.Why parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate -
2025ISSH International School of Schaffhausen
0 reviewsSchaffhausen - SwitzerlandInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 24590 to 54090 chfThe International School of Schaffhausen (ISSH) is a place where students feel at home away from home.Why parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate -
2025BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School
0 reviewsKleinmachnow - BerlinInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 14500 to 23650 eurWelcome to BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School, a place where students are empowered to reach their unique potential and thrive on a global stage.Why parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate -
2025International School of Beijing
4 reviewsBeijing - ChinaInternational Schoolfrom 232800 to 333300 cnyWith a non-profit model, research-based approach to education, and world-class facilities on our beautiful campus, ISB ensures our students can achieve impressive outcomes and discover their passions.Why parents choose this schoolChinese EnglishAmerican Curriculum International BaccalaureateADHD Autism Dyslexia Intellectual Giftedness -
2025J. Addison School
1 reviewsMarkham - TorontoInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 18000 to 46500 cadAt J. Addison School, we are a K-12 day/boarding school based in Markham, Ontario, Canada that strives to provide an inclusive environment to foster cooperative learning, creativity, and innovation.Why parents choose this schoolCanadian Curriculum
British Primary Schools in Dubai
British Secondary Schools in Dubai
Sixth Form Colleges in Dubai
UK Curriculum Online Schools in Dubai
How much do British schools in Dubai cost?
According to World Schools data, the yearly tuition fee for British schools in ranges between $8900 and $11800. However, the cost varies significantly depending on various factors such as the school curriculum, extracurricular activities, location, and facilities, and can go up to $28400.
The average yearly cost is $10900, around $1100 per month, and can go up to the maximum monthly cost of $2900.
Additionally, most schools will also charge a one-time registration fee, and you also need to count an extra budget during the year for extracurricular trips, holiday camps, etc.
If you would like to explore British schools in with yearly fee filters, please use our advanced search filters.
Understanding the UK Curriculum
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Parent and Student Reviews of British schools in Dubai
- I am very happy with choosing this place. Great approach, very nice atmosphereWritten December 12, 2023
- As a proud alumni and parent of multiple children at HKIS, the school is more than just an educational institution; it’s a nurturing home for students to thrive and excel. Their mission and vision reflect a commitment to fostering holistic growth and well-being. HKIS prioritizes student development, not just academically but also emotionally and socially. My children have not only excelled in academics but have also become confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals.
The emphasis on well-being truly sets HKIS apart. The strong and vibrant community at HKIS is unparalleled. From the faculty welcoming students arriving at school in the early morning to the supportive parent network, it feels like a big family. This sense of belonging makes a significant difference in a child’s educational journey. The student learning experience is dynamic and engaging.
The school’s emphasis on transfer goals ensures that students are well-prepared for the future. My children love going to school every day, which speaks volumes about the quality of the education experience.
The powerful alumni network is a testament to the success of HKIS graduates, something I have experienced first-hand. Knowing that my children will have access to this network in the future provides immense peace of mind.
In conclusion, HKIS isn’t just a school; it’s a community that cares deeply about each child’s growth and well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend HKIS to any family looking for a nurturing and academically enriching environment for their child. It’s not just a school; it’s a home where dreams take flight.Written September 14, 2023 - In a world with dizzying choices for international schools, HKIS has exceeded our expectations at every turn. The values, the quality of the teachers, the facilities, all to the highest standard.
When looking for a school, we reviewed all the materials we could get our hands on. Each institution had an impressive mission statement and it seemed that all were well-equipped to provide a quality education. In the end, one line in particular from the HKIS handbook stood out and guided our selection:
“We appreciate childhood as a unique stage of the human life cycle. We value the quality of children’s lives in the present, not just as preparation for the future.”
The application process was straightforward. HKIS grants an assessment to all who submit by the priority deadline. The Admissions team was helpful and easily accessible throughout. No math test here – a group play-date determined if there was a fit.
Our son enrolled in Lower Primary at the Repulse Bay campus, which comes with a series of age-graded playgrounds, a 25 meter pool with a hydraulic floor, and a “wonder lab” for budding scientists. Classrooms flow to open spaces with ocean views and birdsong from the mountains. A truly beautiful setting to help settle young minds.
Education at HKIS is differentiated by a rigorous focus on the science of learning. Guided-play in the early years teaches perseverance and critical thinking, not just memorization. A strong support structure is in place for specialized learning in middle and high school. Teachers provide regular updates to parents, and counsellors are available to children at every grade.
The environment is wonderfully positive. Teachers glow and children speak with confidence. Parents are given ongoing guidance on how to develop a child’s independence in problem solving, and importantly – what to avoid. The Head of School and Principals are easily accessible, each of whom has an uncanny ability to remember names and particulars of individual families.
Negatives? None. Our biggest surprise is just how much we enjoy the HKIS experience as grown-ups, knowing our son is happy and learning. The parent community is humble and non-competitive, and we have yet to meet a family that is not thrilled to be part of the school.
With just one year in school, our son has been influenced by HKIS values and often reminds his parents of the “4 Bees” – be kind, be responsible, be respectful, and be safe.Written September 14, 2023 - Flat out the best college prep I could have ever imagined. While my new friends and classmates were struggling through the first few weeks and months of engineering at a top university, I felt right at home with the rigor of the IB Programme. I’m also thankful for the CAS program that pushed me to explore new things and encouraged me to live a more balanced lifestyle.Written June 8, 2023
- ISB prepped me most for my current career by creating constant opportunities to interact with new people and places through APAC and China Studies trips, and forcing me to work and make friends with an ever-changing international group from a wide variety of cultural, economic and linguistic backgrounds.Written June 8, 2023
- Being at ISB has allowed me to develop my skills in learning new technologies and comfortably incorporating them in my work flow. Combine that with all the different nationalities and cultural backgrounds in the classroom, it became very clear to me I was in a very special place and well-positioned for the global economy.Written June 8, 2023
- ISB provided me with a solid academic foundation and eye-opening international experiences through my participation at THIMUN and BEIMUN events. I was able to handle my undergraduate and graduate classes with relative ease thanks to the rigor of the IB curriculum at ISB, which then positioned me well to pursue a career in international developmentWritten June 8, 2023
- Our son is 8 years in BISP, next year graduating the IB program. We are so lucky being a part of the school community, having all the experiences in all offered sports, singing , art and foreign languages! Growing in multinational, tolerant, warm hearted environment, learning to give, to think criticaly, to enjoy friendship, active life style and celebrate diversity has been the best choice of school and we would do it again! Love our school! My son hopes it is still here for his future children after 20 years ?Written May 10, 2023
- I hear really great stories from our kids how they experience these distance learning. Really big thumbs up how you and your team are handling this. The teachers are amazing. I think we are very fortunate to have our kids at the BIS!Written February 25, 2023
- Thank you to the BIS leadership team, teachers, staff and IT-specialists who provided our children with this distance learning programme. It not just ensures that the students continue with their learning perspectives, it indeed brings a bit of normality and structure into our homes. No-one I’ve been talking to outside of BIS has a school that is so well prepared for this crisis like BIS. Thank you!Written February 25, 2023
- We are truely impressed how smart and balanced the BIS Distance Learning program is working. The teachers make us believe they have done this many times bevor, really cool!Written February 25, 2023
- You can see that BIS is a truly international school – internationality, diversity and open-mindedness can be felt in every hallway, in every classroom. I also like the fact that children learn at a very early age to work together and help each other, and that the latest technology is sensibly integrated.Written February 25, 2023
- I am very happy with choosing this place. Great approach, very nice atmosphereWritten December 12, 2023
- As a proud alumni and parent of multiple children at HKIS, the school is more than just an educational institution; it’s a nurturing home for students to thrive and excel. Their mission and vision reflect a commitment to fostering holistic growth and well-being. HKIS prioritizes student development, not just academically but also emotionally and socially. My children have not only excelled in academics but have also become confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals.
The emphasis on well-being truly sets HKIS apart. The strong and vibrant community at HKIS is unparalleled. From the faculty welcoming students arriving at school in the early morning to the supportive parent network, it feels like a big family. This sense of belonging makes a significant difference in a child’s educational journey. The student learning experience is dynamic and engaging.
The school’s emphasis on transfer goals ensures that students are well-prepared for the future. My children love going to school every day, which speaks volumes about the quality of the education experience.
The powerful alumni network is a testament to the success of HKIS graduates, something I have experienced first-hand. Knowing that my children will have access to this network in the future provides immense peace of mind.
In conclusion, HKIS isn’t just a school; it’s a community that cares deeply about each child’s growth and well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend HKIS to any family looking for a nurturing and academically enriching environment for their child. It’s not just a school; it’s a home where dreams take flight.Written September 14, 2023 - In a world with dizzying choices for international schools, HKIS has exceeded our expectations at every turn. The values, the quality of the teachers, the facilities, all to the highest standard.
When looking for a school, we reviewed all the materials we could get our hands on. Each institution had an impressive mission statement and it seemed that all were well-equipped to provide a quality education. In the end, one line in particular from the HKIS handbook stood out and guided our selection:
“We appreciate childhood as a unique stage of the human life cycle. We value the quality of children’s lives in the present, not just as preparation for the future.”
The application process was straightforward. HKIS grants an assessment to all who submit by the priority deadline. The Admissions team was helpful and easily accessible throughout. No math test here – a group play-date determined if there was a fit.
Our son enrolled in Lower Primary at the Repulse Bay campus, which comes with a series of age-graded playgrounds, a 25 meter pool with a hydraulic floor, and a “wonder lab” for budding scientists. Classrooms flow to open spaces with ocean views and birdsong from the mountains. A truly beautiful setting to help settle young minds.
Education at HKIS is differentiated by a rigorous focus on the science of learning. Guided-play in the early years teaches perseverance and critical thinking, not just memorization. A strong support structure is in place for specialized learning in middle and high school. Teachers provide regular updates to parents, and counsellors are available to children at every grade.
The environment is wonderfully positive. Teachers glow and children speak with confidence. Parents are given ongoing guidance on how to develop a child’s independence in problem solving, and importantly – what to avoid. The Head of School and Principals are easily accessible, each of whom has an uncanny ability to remember names and particulars of individual families.
Negatives? None. Our biggest surprise is just how much we enjoy the HKIS experience as grown-ups, knowing our son is happy and learning. The parent community is humble and non-competitive, and we have yet to meet a family that is not thrilled to be part of the school.
With just one year in school, our son has been influenced by HKIS values and often reminds his parents of the “4 Bees” – be kind, be responsible, be respectful, and be safe.Written September 14, 2023 - Flat out the best college prep I could have ever imagined. While my new friends and classmates were struggling through the first few weeks and months of engineering at a top university, I felt right at home with the rigor of the IB Programme. I’m also thankful for the CAS program that pushed me to explore new things and encouraged me to live a more balanced lifestyle.Written June 8, 2023
- ISB prepped me most for my current career by creating constant opportunities to interact with new people and places through APAC and China Studies trips, and forcing me to work and make friends with an ever-changing international group from a wide variety of cultural, economic and linguistic backgrounds.Written June 8, 2023
- Being at ISB has allowed me to develop my skills in learning new technologies and comfortably incorporating them in my work flow. Combine that with all the different nationalities and cultural backgrounds in the classroom, it became very clear to me I was in a very special place and well-positioned for the global economy.Written June 8, 2023
- ISB provided me with a solid academic foundation and eye-opening international experiences through my participation at THIMUN and BEIMUN events. I was able to handle my undergraduate and graduate classes with relative ease thanks to the rigor of the IB curriculum at ISB, which then positioned me well to pursue a career in international developmentWritten June 8, 2023
- Our son is 8 years in BISP, next year graduating the IB program. We are so lucky being a part of the school community, having all the experiences in all offered sports, singing , art and foreign languages! Growing in multinational, tolerant, warm hearted environment, learning to give, to think criticaly, to enjoy friendship, active life style and celebrate diversity has been the best choice of school and we would do it again! Love our school! My son hopes it is still here for his future children after 20 years ?Written May 10, 2023
- I hear really great stories from our kids how they experience these distance learning. Really big thumbs up how you and your team are handling this. The teachers are amazing. I think we are very fortunate to have our kids at the BIS!Written February 25, 2023
- Thank you to the BIS leadership team, teachers, staff and IT-specialists who provided our children with this distance learning programme. It not just ensures that the students continue with their learning perspectives, it indeed brings a bit of normality and structure into our homes. No-one I’ve been talking to outside of BIS has a school that is so well prepared for this crisis like BIS. Thank you!Written February 25, 2023
- We are truely impressed how smart and balanced the BIS Distance Learning program is working. The teachers make us believe they have done this many times bevor, really cool!Written February 25, 2023
- You can see that BIS is a truly international school – internationality, diversity and open-mindedness can be felt in every hallway, in every classroom. I also like the fact that children learn at a very early age to work together and help each other, and that the latest technology is sensibly integrated.Written February 25, 2023