Schools in Dubai: A Global Standard with UK Curriculum Excellence

Why Schools Matter When Moving to Dubai

For many UK families considering a move to Dubai, one of the first questions is: “What about the schools?”

Relocating isn’t just about starting a business or benefiting from Dubai’s low-tax environment, it’s about ensuring your family thrives. A strong school system with a familiar curriculum is often the deciding factor for entrepreneurs and professionals making the leap.

That’s where Dubai stands out. The city offers a world-class education system with over 80 schools following the British curriculum 

 

Why Choose a UK Curriculum School in Dubai?

Parents often gravitate towards British schools in Dubai for three main reasons:

• Continuity for children: Students moving from the UK can transition smoothly, without major curriculum gaps.
• Global recognition: UK qualifications like IGCSEs and A-Levels are respected worldwide, ensuring university pathways remain open.
• Quality assurance: Dubai’s education sector is tightly regulated by KHDA, meaning schools are graded annually for performance, teaching, and student wellbeing.

Key Benefits of UK Curriculum Schools in Dubai

1. Familiar Structure

Dubai’s UK schools mirror the National Curriculum for England, from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) right through to A-Levels. This ensures consistency for families relocating from the UK or other countries that recognize the British system.

2. Range of Choices

From premium institutions like Dubai College and Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) to newer, more affordable schools, parents can select an option that fits their budget and educational philosophy.

3. Holistic Development

Beyond academics, British schools in Dubai emphasize extracurricular activities, from football and cricket to drama, coding, and Model UN. This broad approach supports both academic and personal growth.

 

Cost of Education in Dubai

School fees vary significantly. On average:

• Premium schools (Dubai College, King’s School) charge AED 80,000-120,000 per year (£17,000-£25,000).
• Mid-range schools are typically between AED 40,000-60,000 per year (£8,500-£13,000).
• Budget-friendly schools still offer strong UK curriculum programs, with fees starting at AED 25,000 per year (£5,200).

While this may seem high compared to UK public schools, many expat parents find value in the smaller class sizes, world-class facilities, and international exposure.

 

Voices from Strive Clients

At Strive, we often hear from clients that finding the right school was just as important as setting up their business.

• “Strive handled our business setup and also guided us on what life would look like in Dubai. Knowing the school options for our children made the move feel far less daunting.” – Teeba Bosnic, Co-founder at Machined
• “When we relocated, education for our daughter was a top priority. Strive gave us clarity, which meant we could focus on growing the business while knowing our family was settled.” – Priyesh Dusara, CEO & Trader at P8FX Trading

Final Thoughts

Dubai has become more than just a global business hub — it’s also a city that provides world-class education for expat families.

For UK entrepreneurs and professionals, British curriculum schools in Dubai mean children can continue their education seamlessly, while parents pursue exciting opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

At Strive, we’ve helped hundreds of families move their businesses — and their lives — to Dubai. Whether it’s understanding company setup, banking, or simply getting a feel for the school system, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Thinking about the move? Let Strive make it easier. Book a free consultation today.