New session ahead, choosing schools in Dubai / AI-generated illustration
Dubai’s education regulator, Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), has confirmed the fee framework for the 2025-2026 academic year, capping all tuition increases across private schools. This move aims to balance high educational standards with continued affordability for families.The maximum allowable fee increase for all private schools in the Emirate, regardless of their latest inspection rating, is set at 2.35%.This restriction is particularly relevant for the Emirate’s top institutions, as it overrides the higher increase rates previously permitted for schools rated ‘Outstanding’.
Dubai’s top-rated schools
Choosing the right school is one of the most significant decisions for expatriate families. The following institutions represent the crème de la crème of Dubai’s private education sector, having achieved the highest ‘Outstanding’ rating in the most recent inspection cycle (2023-2024).This guide provides key details, including the curriculum offered and the approximate annual fee range, to aid your search.
| School Name | Curriculum(s) | Annual Fee Range (AED) | Notes on Fees & Level |
| GEMS Dubai American Academy | American / IB | 66,000 – 93,500 | KG1 to Grade 12 |
| GEMS Wellington International School | British / IB | 47,500 – 103,500 | FS1 to Year 13 (Highest for Post-16) |
| Kings’ School Dubai | British (UK) | 47,000 – 72,000 | Primary School (FS1 to Year 6) |
| Dubai College | British (UK) | 97,000 – 110,500 | Secondary School Only (Year 7 to Year 13) |
| Jumeirah College | British (UK) | 79,000 – 99,000 | Secondary School Only (Year 7 to Year 13) |
| Nord Anglia International School Dubai | British (UK) / IB | 69,500 – 100,000 | FS1 to Year 13 |
| Repton School, Dubai | British (UK) / IB | 57,000 – 103,000 | FS1 to Year 13 |
| GEMS Modern Academy | Indian (CISCE/CBSE) / IB | 30,000 – 74,000 | Pre-KG to Grade 12 (IB fees are higher) |
| Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) | British (UK) | 48,500 – 104,500 | FS1 to Year 13 (Includes both Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches campuses) |
| Deira International School | British (UK) / IB | 44,500 – 90,000 | FS1 to Year 13 |
| Safa Community School | British (UK) | 56,000 – 91,000 | FS1 to Year 13 |
| Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) | British (UK) | 43,000 – 53,500 | Primary School Only (FS1 to Year 6) |
| Dubai British School Emirates Hills | British (UK) | 50,500 – 77,500 | FS1 to Year 13 |
For full official school fee sheets and inspection ratings, visit the Dubai school directory
What’s happening with Dubai school fees right now?
Dubai’s education regulator continues to publish school performance and fee changes that affect parents directly. The latest KHDA data shows 23 schools rated “Outstanding” in the most recent cycle useful when weighing value against cost. In May 2025 KHDA approved an Education Cost Index (ECI) that allows many private schools to raise tuition, this year the cap was set at 2.35%, which translated into some parents seeing increases up to about Dh5,000 at premium schools. KHDA has also rolled out tools to help parents: a concise School Fees Fact Sheet lists all potential charges a school may levy during the academic year so families can compare offers transparently.
How to compare fees and spot hidden costs
- Download the School Fees Fact Sheet for every school you consider, it lists tuition, registration, exam, transport and other conditional charges. KHDA introduced this to make comparisons straightforward.
- Ask for the annual total cost in writing, not just the tuition line. Confirm whether extras (uniforms, trips, exam fees) are included.
- Check payment options: some schools give a discount for annual or termly pre-payment; others allow instalments with or without admin fees.
- Compare ECI impact: find out if a school applied the full permitted increase (2.35%) or chose a smaller rise. That determines this year’s change.
Choose what fits your child, not just the hype
Dubai offers some of the strongest schooling options in the region, but the best school is not simply the most expensive or the most talked-about, it’s the one that aligns with your child’s learning style, future pathway and your family’s budget. Use inspection ratings as a guide, not a decision. Visit campuses, talk to teachers, review fee sheets in detail and trust your instincts as a parent. A well-chosen school can shape not just grades, but confidence, wellbeing and long-term growth. Go to Source
