Best schools in Dubai: Every 2024 ‘Outstanding’ KHDA school revealed

Private schools in Dubai are regulated by the KHDA, ensuring they meet high standards of education. The KHDA provides oversight to ensure schools offer diverse curricula and foster environments that support both academic excellence and holistic development.

According to a KHDA report there are 220 private schools in Dubai and 365,572 students. The KHDA inspected 209 schools in its most recent cycle, accounting for the education of 360.420 students in Dubai.

Outstanding schools in Dubai

Each school is rated as Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable or Weak, with the KHDA saying 81 per cent of Dubai students now attend private schools rated Good or higher.

The KHDA has announced private schools in Dubai will not undergo comprehensive inspections during the 2024-25 academic year.

So, until the next round of inspections there are:

• 23 schools rated Outstanding
• 48 schools rated Very Good
• 85 schools rated Good
• 51 schools rated Acceptable
• Two schools rated Weak

See every Outstanding school in Dubai

Kings School Dubai     

• Location: Umm Suqeim Third    
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: FS1 – Year 6
• Website: https://kings-edu.com/dubai/
• KHDA report highlights: “Students’ excellent achievement in almost all core subjects. The strong vision and exemplary leadership of the principal and leaders at all levels ensuring the highly effective daily management of the school. The high level of challenge in the learning opportunities provided for children in the early years. The caring ethos and commitment of all staff towards achieving the highest possible standards for students alongside their excellent attitudes to learning, their keenness to improve and their strong sense of social responsibility”.

Victory Heights Primary School              

• Location: Dubai Sports City
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: FS1 – Year 6
• Website: https://www.vhprimary.com/
• KHDA report highlights: Exceptional leadership and strategic support from the governing body have significantly enhanced the school’s performance. Impressive student achievements in English, mathematics, and science are the result of high-quality teaching, thorough assessment, and a curriculum tailored to individual needs. Students demonstrate admirable attitudes, actively striving to positively impact their current and future environments. A strong emphasis on well-being ensures comprehensive care, support, and safety for all students. The dedicated involvement and support from staff and parents are pivotal in promoting an inclusive educational atmosphere for children.

Dubai British School Jumeirah Park     

• Location: Jumeirah Park
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: ECC (2-3) – YEAR 13   
• Website: https://www.dubaibritishschooljp.ae/
• KHDA report highlights: Teaching and learning is personalised by inspiring teachers in early years. Students experience excellent care, support and safety and achieve especially well in English and science. Parents support the school and believe in inclusive education. The school has outstanding leadership and governance.

Dubai British School        

• Location: Emirates Hills         
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 13      
• Website: https://www.dubaibritishschool.ae/
• KHDA report highlights: The vision of all leaders, with the well-targeted support of governance, to move the school beyond outstanding. A highly inclusive school that provides effective pathways, excellent support and opportunities for all students. The very high standards of teaching, assessment and a quality curriculum, delivering high and improving student achievement. The personal, social and learning skill development of all students enabling them to take responsibilities for themselves and their community. The implementation of a vibrant and dynamic learning community for students, for staff and for parents.

Jumeirah English Speaking School      

• Location: Arabian Ranches         
• Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 11,GRADE 12 – GRADE 13        
• Website: https://www.jess.sch.ae/
• KHDA report highlights: The improvements students are making in Arabic and Islamic education and their deep understanding of Islamic values. Students’ outstanding performance across all phases in English, mathematics, and science. Very respectful students that enjoy excellent relationships with staff and the strong provision for students of determination, which is very highly regarded by parents. The excellent arrangements for child protection and and wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Safa Community School    

• Location: Al Barsha South First       
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 13      
• Website: https://safacommunityschool.com/
• KHDA report highlights: Inspirational leaders and governors supporting high-quality teaching, learning and assessment. Compassionate relationships which actively support students’ welfare and wellbeing. An inclusive curriculum which ensures students’ strong academic success. The strong partnerships with parents and extensive links with the community.

Nord Anglia International School      

• Location: Al Barsha Second          
• Curriculum: UK        
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 11,YEAR 12 – YEAR 13        
• Website: https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/nas-dubai
• KHDA report highlights: Clear vision and expert leadership prioritise student well-being and strong parental partnerships, characterising the school’s inclusive nature. High-quality teaching that motivates and fully involves students in their learning journey. A welcoming and stimulating early years setting that fosters rapid learning progress across all areas. A creative curriculum and a wide array of extracurricular activities drive notable academic successes and excellence in arts and sports. Robust support from the governing bodies and outstanding facilities and resources enhance the learning experience.

Dubai International Academy    

• Location: Emirates Hills         
• Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
• Grade: KG 1 – GRADE 13                
• Website: https://www.diadubai.com/
• KHDA report highlights: The diverse pathways in the upper school that lead to outstanding results at the diploma programme but also ensure that all students’ have equal opportunity to progress to higher education. The relationships between students, governors, leaders and teachers, that are built on mutual respect and ensure that their voice is heard. The quality of teaching in all phases that develops students’ outstanding learning skills. The rigorous and comprehensive analysis of collected assessment data and its use to inform teaching and curriculum modifications. The very diverse co-curricular programme that provides opportunities for individuals to excel in sports, the arts, community service and much more, and extensive opportunities for students to display exceptional leadership skills.

Kings School Al Barsha      

• Location: Al Barsha Second       
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 13
• Website: https://kings-edu.com/dubai/Kings-School-Al-Barsha        
• KHDA report highlights: Exceptional achievement in English, mathematics and science as well as throughout the Foundation Stage (FS). Students’ positive attitudes, respectful relationships and cultural and social awareness. The health, care and support provided by the school as well as the promotion of students’ welfare and wellbeing. Effective and evaluative leadership, strong partnerships with parents and supportive governance.

GEMS Dubai American Academy – Dubai Branch   

• Location: Al Barsha South First        
• Curriculum: American         
• Grade: KG 1 – GRADE 12
• Website: https://www.gemsaa-dubai.com/
• KHDA report highlights: Highly effective leadership and governance Sustained, excellent student outcomes and learning skills. Commitment to an inclusive culture which pursues well-being for all. Continued excellent personal and social skills of students and a stimulating and futuristic learning environment.

Dubai English Speaking College         

• Location: Academic City         
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: YEAR 7 – YEAR 13       
• Website: https://www.dessc.sch.ae/
• KHDA report highlights: The exemplary leadership focused on ensuring that students’ well-being and achievement are at the centre of this inclusive college. The caring ethos and commitment of staff enabling students to achieve excellent standards in English, mathematics and science. The impressive improvements in provision and outcomes in Arabic and Islamic Education. Students’ personal development, their strong sense of social responsibility, and deep understanding of Islamic values. Teachers’ very high expectations of what students can achieve; their expert subject knowledge and excellent grasp of effective teaching methods.

Dubai College     

• Location: Al Safouh First       
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: YEAR 7 – YEAR 13       
• Website: https://www.dubaicollege.org/
• KHDA report highlights: Students’ strong learning skills, excellent examination results in English, mathematics and science, and their improving progress in Islamic Education and Arabic. Students’ excellent personal and social development, including care for the environment and understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture. Exceptionally strong leadership at all levels, ensuring a high-quality curriculum is taught extremely well across the school.

GEMS Wellington International School – Dubai Branch      

• Location: Al Safouh First       
• Curriculum: UK/IB
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 13           
• Website: https://www.wellingtoninternationalschool.com/
• KHDA report highlights: A strong ethos of positive well-being and inclusion that pervades the school. The confident start and all-round development of children in Early Years Students’ very positive attitudes and behaviour, their confidence and empowerment as ambassadors for the school. The development of Islamic education and Arabic, leading to improved student outcomes in these subjects. The leadership’s ongoing commitment to ensure sustained excellence in school outcomes.

Repton School     

• Location: Nadd Al Shiba Third       
• Curriculum: UK/IB
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 13          
• Website: https://www.reptondubai.org/
• KHDA report highlights: Highly committed leaders and governors. Students’ social development and understanding of Islamic values. Assessment procedures, curriculum provision and extra-curriculum offer. The health, care, support and promotion of welfare and wellbeing. Strong partnerships with parents and extensive links with the community. Safe and secure premises, well-maintained facilities and high-quality resources.

GEMS Modern Academy       

• Location: Nadd Al Shiba First          
• Curriculum: Indian
• Grade: GRADE 6 – GRADE 12,Pre primary – GRADE 12          
• Website: https://www.gemsmodernacademy-dubai.com/
• KHDA report highlights: Student achievement across all areas and their well-developed learning skills. The leadership of the school for effectively supporting the dual curriculum pathway from Grade 6 onwards. The facilities and the strong care and support provided by the school.

GEMS Jumeira Primary School – Dubai Branch    

• Location: Jumeira Third     
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 6    
• Website: http://www.jpsdubai.sch.ae/
• KHDA report highlights: Highly effective senior leadership and governance Sustained excellent student achievement and learning skills for most subjects with students generally improving their rates of progress in Islamic education. Commitment to a stimulating, cohesive and inclusive culture in the school, where all individuals are valued. Students’ continued excellent personal development and social skills, particularly in Foundation Stage (FS).

Jumeriah College

• Location:  Al Safa First
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: YEAR 7 – YEAR 13
• Website: www.gemsjc.com
• KHDA report highlights: Students’ exceptional and improving progress in all subjects, including Arabic and Islamic Education. The caring, safe and nurturing environment, which results in a strong sense of community and outstanding inclusion and well-being. Students’ outstanding learning skills and personal development. Exceptional teaching across the school, with particular strengths in the sixth form. Exceptional leadership, supported by a dedicated governing board and powerful parental partnerships.

Jumeirah English Speaking School   

• Location: Al Safa First   
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 6      
• Website: www.jess.sch.ae       
• KHDA report highlights: Highly effective senior leadership and governance. Sustained excellent student outcomes and learning skills for most subjects. Commitment to an inclusive culture. Students’ continued excellent personal and social skills. A stimulating and cohesive learning environment.

Horizons English School    

• Location: Al Wasl       
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 6           
• Website: www.horizonschooldubai.com       
• KHDA report highlights: Students’ outstanding progress and attainment in English, mathematics and science. The community spirit, caring culture and high level of wellbeing across the school. Teaching at the Foundation Stage (FS) and the achievements of the children. A curriculum which is taught very skillfully, and includes smooth progression. Strong leadership at all levels, very positive input from teachers and other staff, and strong support and challenge from governors.

Deira International School     

• Location: Dubai Festival City     
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 11,YEAR 12 – YEAR 13       
• Website: www.disdubai.ae
• KHDA report highlights: Provision across the Foundation Stage (FS) and progress in English, mathematics and science. Students’ personal and social development and their understanding of Emirati culture. The health, care, support and safety promoted by the school to ensure students’ welfare, and well-being. Leaders, governors and parents as well as extensive facilities and a stimulating environment. The commitment to inclusion and well-being ensuring each child is valued and encouraged.

Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou School Oud Metha     

• Location: Oud Metha      
• Curriculum: French
• Grade: Pre primary – KG 2            
• Website: www.lgp.ae
• KHDA report highlights: The excellent achievement of students in French, English, mathematics, and science. The excellent personal development of students and their understanding of Islamic values and social responsibility. A knowledgeable management board fully committed to the continuous improvement of the school together. The strong engagement of the school with parents as partners in supporting their children’s learning. The very effective daily management of the school campus, conducive to learning and ensuring a safe and secure environment.

Lycee Francais International     

• Location: Oud Metha      
• Curriculum: French
• Grade: Pre primary – GRADE 12       
• Website: www.lfidubai.aflec-fr.org/        
• KHDA report highlights: Senior leaders’ vision to enhance student achievement within an inclusive learning community where diversity and well-being are valued. The outstanding student achievement in French, English and mathematics. Students’ strong personal development, awareness of Islamic values and work ethic. The outstanding curriculum and its adaptation to meet the needs of all students and the school’s diligence in promoting students’ healthy living. The impact of governance and engagement of parents as partners in their children’s education.

Dubai English Speaking School       

• Location: Oud Metha       
• Curriculum: UK
• Grade: FS 1 – YEAR 6     
• Website: https://www.dessc.sch.ae/
• KHDA report highlights: The clear vision of a very effective leadership team, ensuring that students’ personal and social development, their well-being and strong partnerships with parents lie at the heart of this inclusive school. Highly successful outcomes in benchmark tests and students’ outstanding attainment and progress in English and mathematics and science. The attention to detail given to health and safety procedures. The innovative, alternative curriculum which inspires and enthuses students to lead change.