Durham School Dubai

• Durham School Dubai follows the prestigious British curriculum with the application of international education standards, ensuring high-quality academic achievement
• Focuses on comprehensive and balanced education that combines academic excellence with personal and social skills
• Offers diverse extracurricular activities including sports, music, arts, and drama to enhance students' holistic growth
• Safe and well-equipped school environment that supports educational care and monitoring of students' psychological and social well-being
• Relies on established educational values such as integrity, responsibility, ambition, and respect, which are instilled in students from the early stages
• Provides school transportation services and modern facilities such as science laboratories, arts, technology, and sports fields
• Links academic education with life skills, focusing on developing self-confidence, leadership, and critical thinking abilities

Admission at Durham School Dubai

At Durham School Dubai, we recognize that choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make.

Step 1 Make an inquiry: Fill out the online inquiry form or contact the friendly reception team at 800 DURHAM (387426).

Step 2 Book a guided tour of the school online or by calling the number above. The tour takes 45 minutes and is a great opportunity to explore the school, talk with the qualified and experienced teaching staff from the United Kingdom, and learn about the school's philosophy and values.

Step 3 Conduct an assessment: Book an assessment through the admissions team. The assessment is managed by our academic team to ensure that Durham School Dubai provides the appropriate learning environment for your child. After that, you will receive an admission offer and secure your child's place by paying a deposit.

Payment Method at Durham School Dubai

Fees can be paid in person at Durham School Dubai or by bank transfer directly to the school's account.

Refund Policy

For current and new students, registration or re-registration fees are not refunded except in exceptional circumstances, such as relocation to another country or emirate or any other unforeseen circumstances.

Refund Calculation Method:

• Tuition fees paid before the start of the academic year are refundable, with only registration or re-registration fees deducted
• If the student is enrolled in school for two weeks or less, one month's fees are deducted
• If the student is enrolled for between two weeks and one month, two months' fees are deducted
• If the student is enrolled for more than one month, the entire semester's fees are deducted
• Refunds are calculated from the beginning of the semester and the date of submitting the official request from the parent to declare the desire to withdraw, not from the date of the student's absence, with enrollment in school considered as attendance days
• All refunds are issued by check and must be collected from the school office

Discounts at Durham School Dubai:

The above reduced fee structure applies to the academic year 2025/26.

• Sibling discount of 5% granted to the third child and each subsequent child
• Early payment discount of 5% when paying full annual fees before the first day of the academic year
• One-time payment discount of 5% when paying full annual fees before August 15

Approved Corporate Discounts for 25/26: HSBC MyBenefits (8%), NMC Hospital (8%), Emirate Platinum Partners (15%), Etihad MyBenefits (10%), FlyDubai (15%), Esaad (10%), Fazza (10%), and The Langley Scholarship (up to 25%).

Terms and conditions apply subject to KHDA approval. Please inquire for more information.

General Curriculum

Durham School Dubai follows the English National Curriculum across different educational stages, with the application of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework in the foundation stage.

The school seeks to provide balanced and comprehensive education that combines academic knowledge, personal skills, and extracurricular activities to enhance confidence and creativity.

Foundation Stage (Foundation / EYFS)

The focus at this stage is on learning through play, exploration, and developing basic skills early, including:

• Basic English language (listening, speaking, reading, and writing preparation)
• Motor skills and visual-motor coordination
• Mathematical basics through play and experimentation
• Artistic and musical activities to enhance creative expression
• Introduction to Arabic language in an age-appropriate manner

Primary Stage (Primary – KS1 and KS2)

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 include:

Core Subjects:

• English (reading, writing, speaking, listening)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Arabic Language
• Islamic Education for Muslim students

Foundation and Supporting Subjects:

• History
• Geography
• Design and Technology
• Arts

Specialized Skills and Activities:

• Music
• Computing and Technology
• French as a foreign language
• Physical Education and Swimming
• Linking subjects through educational themes that encourage critical thinking and practical application
• Field trips and outdoor experiences to enhance real and direct learning from the surrounding environment

Early Secondary Stage (Secondary – Key Stage 3)

At the secondary stage, students continue to build knowledge and skills through a broader range of subjects, including:

Core Subjects:

• English Language (language and literature)
• Mathematics
• Science (physics, chemistry, biology)
• Arabic Language
• Islamic Education
• UAE Social Studies

Developmental and Applied Subjects:

• History
• Geography
• Computing
• Music
• Arts
• Modern Languages (such as French or Spanish according to the program)
• Physical Education and Swimming
• Personal, Social, and Health Education
• Focus on developing critical thinking, digital skills, and teamwork

Advanced Years and IGCSE (Key Stage 4)

In the upper years (when available with gradual expansion), students study the IGCSE program which leads to internationally recognized examinations.

IGCSE subjects include options in:

• English (language and literature)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Arabic Language
• Other foreign languages such as French or Spanish
• Additional elective subjects such as history, geography, arts, computing, and others, allowing diversification according to student interests and future academic path

Educational and Integrative Skills

In addition to core subjects, the school focuses on developing multiple skills across all stages, including:

• Critical and analytical thinking
• Problem-solving and practical experimentation abilities
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Self-confidence and leadership
• Ability to use technology effectively in learning

These skills are integrated into all subjects and classroom and extracurricular activities to achieve comprehensive education.

Yes. Durham School Dubai is a co-educational school that welcomes male and female students together in the same educational environment across all educational stages it offers, from the Foundation stage to early secondary stage.

You can view complete details of tuition fees through the school's page on the mdares.ai platform.

Life at Durham School Dubai

In addition to our strong academic focus, Durham School Dubai encourages its students to participate in an expanded co-curricular activities program, including sports, artistic, academic, and musical opportunities.

We are among the top 10 international schools in Dubai, and we believe that co-curricular activities contribute to enriching and developing student personality and enhance skills such as leadership, collaboration, and teamwork.

Our mission is to provide students with integrated education that instills in them ambition toward achievement, gives them confidence for life, and enhances their respect for everyone.

Co-Curricular Activities

• Sports: Comprehensive sports program for all age groups, with school teams and participation in local and regional tournaments
• Internal Competitions: Organization of internal sports tournaments through the House system to allow competitive participation for all students
• Recreational Sports: Provision of non-competitive sports activities to support a healthy lifestyle, supervised by physical education teachers and specialized trainers
• Music: Music is part of the curriculum, with encouragement for students to learn instruments and participate in musical events
• Music Facilities and Education: Advanced music facilities and lessons in multiple instruments, in addition to opportunities in music production and recording
• Arts and Drama: Essential creative subjects aimed at developing creativity and participation in school performances from early stages
• Public Speaking and Building Confidence: Focus on public speaking and confident delivery to develop confidence and leadership
• Swimming: Indoor 25-meter pool, weekly swimming lessons for all ages, and an after-school club for competitions
• Cricket: A pivotal game at school, with a dedicated grass pitch and advanced training facilities, and training programs for all ages

At Durham School Dubai, our curriculum is based on the United Kingdom Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the English National Curriculum. Our competent teachers rely on the best modern and traditional educational practices, enhanced and enriched by the use of educational technologies and benefiting from the excellent learning opportunities provided by the Emirate of Dubai.

Durham School Dubai is located in Dubai Investments Park 1, Green Community Village, Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Durham School Dubai operates buses covering several areas including: Green Community, Dubai Marina, JBR, JLT, JVC, JVT, Al Furjan, Discovery Gardens, Damac Hills, Al Qudra, Sports City, Dubai South, Emaar South, Al Ghadeer, Expo Dubai, and Dubai Hills. The school plans to add new bus routes as it grows.

Durham School Dubai Facilities

Academic and Learning Facilities

• Modern classrooms equipped for all educational stages
• Specialized science laboratories for practical experiments
• Arts and design laboratories to support creative expression
• Information Technology (IT) laboratories for learning digital technologies
• Libraries to serve students and provide additional educational resources

Artistic and Performance Facilities

• Acoustically equipped music performance hall for performances and musical activities
• Conference hall/auditorium for meetings, performances, and cultural activities

Sports Facilities

• Multi-purpose gymnasium for indoor sports and physical fitness
• Indoor 25-meter swimming pool for activities and lessons
• Outdoor sports fields and football pitches for various activities
• Rooftop courts to enhance team activities and competitions

Support and Development Facilities

• Rest areas and outdoor spaces for free play and relaxation
• Outdoor green spaces used for recreational and educational activities

Durham School Dubai's Procedures to Maintain Student Safety:

• Strict Security Monitoring: Presence of security staff at entrances and exits, and camera surveillance system throughout the school
• Accurate Entry and Exit Records: Monitoring student and parent movement to ensure security within the school campus
• Safe School Transportation Services: Equipped buses, trained drivers, and tracking system to ensure students arrive safely
• Safety Awareness Programs: Teaching students safety rules inside and outside school, including road safety and emergency response
• Emergency and Evacuation Plans: Clear procedures for building evacuation in emergencies and periodic training on them
• Student Support Teams (Pastoral Care): Monitoring students' psychological and social well-being to ensure a safe and stable environment

Health and Safety Procedures: Commitment to hygiene standards, nutrition monitoring, and provision of primary healthcare when needed