Top 6 High Schools in UAE 2023

If you’re looking for a high school in the UAE, there are a lot of options.Fortunately, the UAE has a growing number of high-quality schools that offer an excellent education. The best of these are located within the country’s finest neighborhoods and are recognized internationally.

1. The British School Al Khubairat

The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is a top-ranking school in Abu Dhabi that provides students with a superior education. Its goal is to develop children who are happy, confident and curious, and who will be able to make good choices in life.

BSAK is an international school that provides excellent academics, sports and arts programs in a safe environment. It also aims to develop social skills and manners in its students, so that they grow up to be kind, helpful and willing to participate for the benefit of others.

It is one of the oldest institutions in the UAE and has a strong reputation among parents and teachers. It was founded in 1968 and has a rich history of being a melting pot of cultures.

This school is located in Al Mushrif and it offers classes from Nursery to Grade 12. It has a beautiful campus with amazing facilities that help its students develop their all-round potential.

The school’s curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and students are encouraged to learn the English language and other languages such as French, Spanish and Arabic. They also have the opportunity to study drama, product design, psychology and photography.

The school’s academic results are outstanding, and it was rated Very Good by ADEK in 2018. In the last ADEK inspection report, students achieved exceptional grades in English, Mathematics and Humanities. In addition, students have good grades in the subjects they study in the Arabic language. The school also has a BSAK Scholars Program to support its most able students.

2. The British School Dubai

The British School Dubai is an English-medium international school that offers a high-quality education. Its mission is to teach students the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The school also offers various extracurricular activities that help students develop their leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. These activities include a variety of sports, arts and cultural events, and charitable projects.

Its main goal is to inspire students to become leaders and creative thinkers, so they can help shape the world around them. Its teachers work hard to make sure that they provide their students with the tools they need to succeed.

This renowned school is a part of Taaleem Education and offers a diverse and global educational experience. Its teaching staff is highly trained and uses the latest technologies to ensure that their students receive top-notch education.

In addition to offering the National Curriculum for England, The British School Dubai is also known for its innovative approach to learning. This is because its staff believes that children should be given the opportunity to learn in a way that they will enjoy.

Whether your child is in the primary or secondary years, The British School Dubai can help them become leaders of tomorrow. Their educational programs are based on the UK National Curriculum, and their teachers know how to help your child develop the skills that they need to thrive in the world.

3. Dubai English Speaking College

Dubai English Speaking College, also known as DESC, is a co-educational British school in Academic City that follows the National Curriculum of England. It opened in 2005 and is a sister school to the oldest English speaking school in Dubai, which was founded in 1963.

DESC offers GCSE, A-Level and BTEC options for students wishing to further their education. It also offers a foundation year programme that helps students to develop the skills required for A-Level study.

The school’s ethos is to promote social responsibility and to encourage self-discipline in its students. Its curriculum is designed to meet each student’s individual needs and is highly engaging.

A number of extracurricular activities are organised for students at DESC. These include skiing trips, sports and dance classes.

Students can take part in these activities by filling a formal application form with supporting documentation. They should pay a non-refundable deposit of AED 525 within 7 working days from the date of their offer letter.

Admission to DESC is open to students from Year 7 to 13 and Sixth Form. Applicants must have the minimum GCSE grade to qualify for a place at the school. Those who don’t reach the required grades can request a refund for their deposit in writing by 3 PM on the day of GCSE results.

The school has a well-designed campus that features purpose-built facilities including a library, swimming pool and gym. It also has a sixth form centre and multiple outdoor areas for students to socialize and study.

4. The Aquila School

The Aquila School, established in Dubailand, is an international curricular school that provides education from FS1 to Year 10. It has won several local awards and plans to add a year group each year, offering up to Year 13.

The school offers a British curricular syllabus that includes a broad range of subjects, which are based on the National Curriculum for England. It encourages enquiry-based learning, where students are expected to ask questions and learn independently.

It also promotes sustainability by encouraging students to grow vegetables and take care of animals in a hydroponic farm. The school also arranges various field trips to expose students to new experiences and opportunities.

Besides, it has well-stocked libraries that have academic and fiction books as well as magazines. The school auditorium has high-end sound and lighting equipment.

Additionally, it has an excellent staff and senior leadership. All teachers have qualifications from the UK and are certified by the British Schools Overseas (BSO). The school’s principal has extensive experience in running a high-quality educational institution.

Its commitment to the 'The Aquila Promise' of amazing learning is unwavering. Its child-centered approach enables children to develop as broadly as possible, with lessons that have real meaning.

5. Dubai International Academy

Dubai International Academy is a top-notch IB school in the Emirates Hills district of Dubai. The school opened in September 2005 with 500 students from 55 countries and is part of the Innoventures Education Group.

According to its website, DIA has a strong focus on developing students’ social, emotional and academic skills. It is committed to delivering a comprehensive and holistic curriculum that enables its students to become leaders of tomorrow.

In addition to its high academic standards, DIA also offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities. These include art, reading club, music, drama, organised sports activities, computer courses and science clubs.

The school’s students are also encouraged to participate in philanthropic and community projects. They are involved in the GATEWAY programme for gifted and talented students, and they organise events to support the GIVE Foundation’s goals of building schools worldwide.

DIA students have also achieved impressive results in the IB Diploma Programme external exams. They have secured admission into prestigious universities across 17 countries.

The school’s IBDP results have been consistently high in the past few years, with students achieving an average of 37.1 points. It is important to note that a significant percentage of students at DIA achieve 40 points or more, making them among the highest-achieving students globally.

6. Al Ain International School

Founded in 2011 by Aldar Academies, one of the leading providers of private education in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Al Ain International School provides students with a rigorous curriculum that promotes academic excellence. The school aims to inspire and develop an international community of students with strong values and beliefs.

The school combines the English National Curriculum with Arabic to ensure that students gain a broad understanding of the country’s culture and heritage. It also provides an extensive range of extracurricular activities to keep students engaged and entertained.

Its curriculum includes core subjects such as English, maths and science, as well as Islamic studies and UAE social sciences. Additionally, it offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) to non-native speakers of the language.

In addition, it focuses on providing students with extracurricular activities that provide them with an opportunity to socialize and develop friendships. The school also encourages communication between parents and students, and the staff keeps parents updated on important events and activities through a parent portal.

Moreover, the school has a dedicated nurse who is responsible for maintaining student health and wellness. She administers first aid and coordinates vaccination programmes.

In addition, the school is located in a safe neighborhood and has an excellent playground that encourages physical activity. It also has a dedicated music program that encourages students to express their creativity.