Dubai English Speaking College is a British Curriculum school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Annual tuition ranges from $22,962 to $24,679 USD.
Location & Getting There
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Key Details
Key facts
About
Dubai English Speaking College is a co-educational, not-for-profit British curriculum day school located in Academic City, Dubai, serving students aged 11–18 across Years 7–13 with GCSE, A Level, and BTEC qualifications. Part of the wider Dubai English Speaking Schools group, the College has earned outstanding KHDA ratings for both academic achievement and student wellbeing, and draws a diverse student body representing 114 nationalities. The school emphasises character development through its 6Cs framework, inclusive education via the Learning Zone, and holistic support through its DESS 360 Care programme.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
DESC is a well-established British curriculum school in Dubai operating on a not-for-profit basis, with a student body representing 114 nationalities. The school has received outstanding KHDA ratings for academic outcomes and wellbeing. It offers a strong co-curricular programme, the DESS 360 Care holistic wellbeing approach, character development via The 6Cs framework, and a continuous education pathway from age 3 to 18 across three campuses.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Years 7-11 | AED 22,962~$ 6,257 |
| Sixth Form (Years 12-13) | AED 24,679~$ 6,725 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: AED 84,326 - 90,633. Application fee: $143.
Admissions Process
- 1Book a tour or virtual tour and contact the Admissions Team at DESS College, Academic City (Security Gate 2, Parent Services Reception). 2. Submit application form with supporting documents: Birth Certificate (in English), Passport Copy, Recent Passport Photo, academic reports, CAT 4 (if available within last 12 months), Emirates ID (if available), UAE Visa (if available), and any external specialist reports. 3. Pay application fee of AED 525 after submission. 4. Receive offer of place. 5. Pay non-refundable acceptance fee (AED 5,000 for Years 7–10; AED 7,500 for Sixth Form), which is deducted from the first term invoice. 6. Receive invoices on term schedule (1 September, 5 January, 6 April); pay via SKIPLY app or bank transfer.
Admissions Details
There is a waiting list for some year groups where capacity has been reached. Year 7 and Year 6 applications were closed in 2025 due to full capacity, and Year 7 2026 applications closed on 5 December 2025.
School Day
School days start around 07:30 and finish around 15:30 at the Academic City campus.
Student Life
DESS College uses a House System with Desert, Earth, Sky and Coast. Each House has a Captain and Vice-Captain; House points are tallied through a range of activities.
The school requires all students to wear a uniform. Uniforms can be sourced from the on-site uniform shop and via Trutex, including Cityland Mall stores and online pre-ordering.
The campus includes a Parent Café on site.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
Mental wellbeing is central to DESS through the 360 Care focus on emotional growth, a nurturing environment, and parent involvement, complemented by character development (The 6Cs) and mindfulness and emotional-regulation initiatives. KHDA confirms an outstanding wellbeing provision.
KHDA inspection notes safeguarding and health and safety arrangements as outstanding. Safeguarding is supported by a safe bus service with GPS tracking and seat belts, and an on-site medical team of nurses and a doctor.
Student Demographics
School Background
The Dubai English Speaking Schools group operates as a not-for-profit organisation.