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What's On
a day ago
- Business
- What's On
New schools opening in UAE in 2025 and 2026
From British to IB schools, here's a look at the new schools opening in the UAE across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah in 2025 and 2026. Dubai schools opening this month GEMS School of Research and Innovation GEMS School of Research and Innovation is a premium, forward-thinking institution located in Dubai Sports City, offering education from Foundation 1 through to Year 13. The school is designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and advanced research skills. Set on an impressive campus valued at just under Dhs4 million and spanning 47,600 square meters, the state of the art facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated science and technology labs, innovation hubs, and extensive sports and arts amenities. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning and cutting-edge educational practices, GEMS aims to foster a dynamic and inspiring environment where students can excel academically and personally. Opening: August 2025 Location: Dubai Sports City Tuition fees: Dhs116,000 to Dhs206,000 annually Dubai British School (DBS) The school's performance and educational practices are exceptionally high, consistently surpassing expectations set by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the regulatory authority overseeing private education quality in Dubai. This strong commitment to excellence ensures a supportive learning environment that fosters academic achievement and holistic development. Dubai British School Mira will be the fourth branch in the Dubai British School family, joining the well established Emirates Hills and Jumeirah Park campuses. Like its sister schools, DBS Mira follows the National Curriculum for England, providing an internationally recognized education framework. Notably, the Emirates Hills campus has maintained an 'Outstanding' KHDA rating since 2017, reflecting the school's long-standing dedication to superior teaching standards, student progress, and wellbeing. Opening: August 2025 Location: Mira, Dubai Tuition fees: From Dh51,477 (FS1) to Dh77,217 (Year 13) Victory Heights Primary School Victory Heights Primary School in City of Arabia is a standalone primary institution catering to students from Foundation Stage to Year 6. It is closely affiliated as a sister school to the highly regarded Victory Heights Primary School in Dubai Sports City, which has earned an 'Outstanding' rating from the KHDA. The school is committed to delivering high-quality education with a focus on nurturing young learners through a balanced curriculum and a supportive, community-driven environment. Opening: August 2025 Location: City of Arabia, Dubailandteach Tuition fees: Dh40,000 to Dh57,000 annually BC Academy BC Academy is a boutique private school located in Umm Suqeim 2, Jumeirah, offering a personalised and student-focused learning experience. Situated on a spacious 20,000 square meter campus, the school has the capacity to accommodate up to 700 pupils. BC Academy is known for its commitment to small class sizes, tailored teaching approaches where students can thrive academically and socially. Opening: 2025 Location: Umm Suqeim 2, Jumeirah, Dubai Dubai English Speaking School Academic City (DESSC) DESSC is a primary-only school in Academic City that follows the English National Curriculum. It offers a strong foundation in core subjects while fostering creativity and personal growth in a supportive environment. The school focuses on high teaching standards and well-rounded development to prepare students for future academic success. Opening: August 2025 Location: Academic City, Dubai Tuition fees: Dh55,250 to Dh63,750 Image: Unsplash Dubai schools opening in 2026 Ash Mount School Ash Mount School, launched by Interstar Education, is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School serving students aged 3 to 18 in the Mudon community. The school offers a comprehensive IB curriculum designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are equipped to succeed in a global society. Ash Mount School focuses on fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and personal growth within a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Opening: August 2026 Location: Mudon, Dubai Harrow International School Dubai Harrow International School Dubai is the city's first Harrow school and is operated by the renowned education provider Taaleem. Located on a vast 50,000 square meter campus along Hessa Street, the school has capacity for up to 1,800 students. It offers a world-class British curriculum with an emphasis on leadership, character development, and academic excellence, reflecting the prestigious heritage of the original Harrow School in the UK. Opening: 2026 Location: Hessa Street, Dubai Image: Supplied Abu Dhabi schools opening Gordonstoun School Gordonstoun School's first overseas campus is opening on Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone for this renowned Scottish independent school. Known globally for its unique approach to education combining academic excellence with outdoor learning and character development, Gordonstoun Abu Dhabi aims to offer the same values-driven, holistic education. The campus will provide a rigorous academic programme alongside extensive opportunities for personal growth and leadership. Opening: 2027 Location: Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi Harrow International School The new Harrow International School on Saadiyat Island is an extension of the prestigious Harrow brand, operated by Taaleem. With a capacity for 1,800 students, the school offers the distinguished British curriculum alongside a strong emphasis on leadership, character building, and academic excellence. Designed with state-of-the-art facilities, it serves the growing demand for premium international education in Abu Dhabi's cultural district. Opening: 2026 Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Yasmina American School Yasmina American School is an affordable option within the Aldar Education portfolio, offering a high-quality American curriculum education in Abu Dhabi. It serves families seeking a US-style education with a focus on academic rigor, holistic development, and extracurricular opportunities. As the second school in Aldar's American curriculum group, Yasmina aims to provide accessible education that prepares students for success in local and international contexts. Opening: August 2025 Location: Abu Dhabi Image: Supplied Sharjah schools opening Reigate Grammar School Reigate Grammar School is a branch of one of the UK's most historic and highly ranked private schools, known for its academic excellence and extensive extracurricular programme. Located in the Masaar community of Sharjah, this new campus will have the capacity to accommodate up to 2,700 students when it opens in 2027. Offering a British curriculum, the school combines traditional values with modern teaching methods and state-of-the-art facilities, catering to families seeking a prestigious UK education within the UAE. Opening: 2027 Location: Masaar, Sharjah Rushmore American School Rushmore American School is a new K–12 institution offering a comprehensive US curriculum education, set to open in 2025 in the Al Suyoh residential area of Sharjah. The school aims to provide a rigorous American education framework designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills from early childhood through to high school graduation. With a focus on academic excellence and holistic student development, Rushmore will serve the growing demand for quality US curriculum options in Sharjah. Opening: 2025 Location: Al Suyoh, Sharjah With a diverse range of curriculum choices and state-of-the-art facilities, the UAE's education landscape continues to expand, offering families even more opportunities to find the right fit for their children in the coming years. Images: Unsplash
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Stress' can't be an excuse for letting children off exams
The National Curriculum for England is a relatively recent construct introduced in 1988 by the Thatcher government. Subsequent education ministers have reviewed it and tinkered with its contents and provisions. The Tories in 1995 sought to reduce the volume of statutory content and change methods of assessment. The Blair government announced another overhaul, particularly at primary level, to allow more time to be spent on the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. Further changes were introduced in Sept 2008 and again by Michael Gove in the Coalition in 2013. Another review is under way. An interim report published this week proposes to reduce pressures on pupils by limiting their exposure to exams. It said that 'intensive, high-stakes' assessments were having an impact on their 'wellbeing'. Polling found 41 per cent of last year's GCSE cohort found it difficult, while 10 per cent found it 'very difficult', to cope with exam stress. What has been apparent since the pandemic wrought such havoc with the education of a cohort of children is that their ability to deal with the normal vicissitudes of life has been constrained. Is it really a good idea to compound this tendency by continually making things easier? The review said that it 'would not fundamentally change the number of subjects that students study or are assessed in at GCSE.' But the direction of travel is to make life less stressful whereas it should be about giving pupils the necessary resilience to deal with the inevitable knocks that growing up entails. A curriculum fit for the modern world, which is what the Government wants to see, needs to address that above all else. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.


Telegraph
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
‘Stress' can't be an excuse for letting children off exams
The National Curriculum for England is a relatively recent construct introduced in 1988 by the Thatcher government. Subsequent education ministers have reviewed it and tinkered with its contents and provisions. The Tories in 1995 sought to reduce the volume of statutory content and change methods of assessment. The Blair government announced another overhaul, particularly at primary level, to allow more time to be spent on the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. Further changes were introduced in Sept 2008 and again by Michael Gove in the Coalition in 2013. Another review is under way. An interim report published this week proposes to reduce pressures on pupils by limiting their exposure to exams. It said that 'intensive, high-stakes' assessments were having an impact on their 'wellbeing'. Polling found 41 per cent of last year's GCSE cohort found it difficult, while 10 per cent found it 'very difficult', to cope with exam stress. What has been apparent since the pandemic wrought such havoc with the education of a cohort of children is that their ability to deal with the normal vicissitudes of life has been constrained. Is it really a good idea to compound this tendency by continually making things easier? The review said that it 'would not fundamentally change the number of subjects that students study or are assessed in at GCSE.' But the direction of travel is to make life less stressful whereas it should be about giving pupils the necessary resilience to deal with the inevitable knocks that growing up entails. A curriculum fit for the modern world, which is what the Government wants to see, needs to address that above all else.


Khaleej Times
19-03-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Purpose-driven Education: How The Arbor School is Shaping Future Leaders
Dubai's education landscape is constantly evolving, with schools striving to offer more than just academics. The Arbor School stands out with its forward-thinking approach, seamlessly blending the National Curriculum for England with a strong environmental and purpose-driven ethos. At the heart of Arbor's philosophy is personalised learning. With small class sizes, students receive individual attention, allowing them to explore their passions while excelling academically. The 'Arbor Extend' programme offers students the flexibility to pursue additional GCSEs and BTECs in subjects such as Engineering and Economics - broadening their horizons and preparing them for an increasingly complex world. The school's innovative 'Arbor Inspires' curriculum enables students to advance beyond their year group levels in Maths and English, reinforcing a culture of high achievement. This adaptability ensures that learning is not one-size-fits-all but rather a tailored journey that nurtures each child's unique strengths. What truly sets Arbor apart is its commitment to real-world learning. The eco-literacy curriculum, combined with the Global Perspectives IGCSE, encourages students to translate environmental awareness into action. Whether through community service projects, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, or initiatives like Model United Nations and the Global Impact Certificate, Arbor students are empowered to make a difference beyond the classroom. The school's facilities are equally distinctive. With biodomes, bio-farms, and a dedicated Sea School, students engage in hands-on learning, applying classroom knowledge to real-life challenges. This immersive approach ensures that graduates are not just academically accomplished but also environmentally conscious and socially responsible. Further amplifying opportunities is the Arbor Scholarship programme, which connects students with mentors in fields that align with their aspirations. By combining academic excellence with purpose-driven initiatives, The Arbor School is shaping the next generation of global leaders - equipped with the skills, values, and mindset to navigate the challenges of tomorrow.


Hi Dubai
21-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UK Families Eye UAE as Top Destination Amid Rising Private School Costs, Reveals survey
The UAE has emerged as one of the top destinations for British families considering relocation, largely due to soaring private school fees in the UK, according to a new survey. A report titled Exodus & Education by GEMS Education highlights that the UK government's recent decision to impose a value-added tax (VAT) on private school fees from January 2025—announced in the October 2024 Autumn Budget—has prompted many families to explore international schooling options. Among parents with children enrolled in UK independent schools, 32% cited education as their primary reason for contemplating a move abroad. A Growing Trend of Overseas Relocation The report identifies a broader pattern of British families opting for international relocation, with Spain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and the UAE emerging as the most sought-after destinations. The UAE, in particular, has become a top choice due to its world-class private education sector and tax-free living, offering a stable and high-quality schooling environment. Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, commented on the findings: 'The report shows that, for many families, moving away from the UK could become a reality in the near future. It is interesting to note that education—leading to a better future and job opportunities—is one of the key factors influencing this decision to move abroad." She further highlighted that British families relocating to the UAE can access high-quality schools that follow the National Curriculum for England, ensuring their children graduate with GCSE and A-level qualifications comparable to those obtained in the UK. "Students can seamlessly begin, continue, and complete their schooling abroad, benefiting from an international perspective and global citizenship," she added. The trend is already reflected in GEMS Education's student data, with an 8% year-on-year increase in British family enrollments across its 44 UAE schools and a 26% year-on-year surge in enquiries from UK-based families. UAE's Growing Status as a Global Education Hub Educational experts echo the sentiment that the UAE's reputation as a global education hub is strengthening, making it an attractive destination for UK parents. The country offers internationally recognised curricula, top-tier qualifications, and a multicultural learning environment within a safe and diverse setting. Johanna Waters, Professor of Human Geography at University College London (UCL), who contributed to the report, emphasized the broader implications of the findings. 'As an academic researching the link between education and migration for over 20 years, this report is a vital confirmation of the trends we have been observing. Education has long been a key driver of international relocation for families seeking global opportunities for their children. This report highlights the increasing movement of well-resourced families seeking education abroad amid uncertainty and perceived instability at home.' With its strategic location, world-class education system, and expat-friendly policies, the UAE is poised to remain a prime choice for British families seeking quality schooling options and a promising future for their children. News Source: Khaleej Times