9th. Dubai College
Type of school: Not-for-profit
Curriculum: British EYFS/IGCSE/GCSE/A Level
Age of children: Secondary
School size: 870
Location: Al Sufouh, Dubai
“If Dubai was mature enough to an Ivy League school, Dubai College, established in 1978, would be it.”
These are the words used by our sister site, WhichSchoolAdvisor.com, that capture so well the status of Dubai College in the emirate.
It is probably the aspirational first choice of most parents, but, conversely, also a school that many parents simply ignore because of its well known waiting lists, competition for entry and for some its reputation for a too singular focus on results.
Chances of securing a place at Dubai College probably run to one in three in a good year – and for academically strong (though not necessarily in the same way) students. Many parents too would probably rate this the best school in Dubai and will be surprised at its albeit highly creditable 9th placing. It’s also a pure, traditional A Level school that strikes the right chord with parents who are not convinced by the fit of the IB, regardless of the otherwise dynamics of other competing schools.
There is no doubt that the school is extraordinary, and in countless ways that we cannot cover here. Inevitably it’s a flagship KHDA Outstanding school too and top tier Oxbridge and significant Ivy League and Russell Group placements come with the territory.
New school expansion plans should slightly improve the odds of application, although Dubai College has promised that expansion will also see a reduction in class sizes. The new plans are part of a vision to establish Dubai College as the “best overseas British school in the world” – quite an ambition, but not, in the context of education on offer here, an outlandish one by any stretch.
As with all academically selective schools, it will not suit all children – and certainly for many children will be far from the best school to meet their needs, potential and ambition. This is not a critique, but a reminder for prospective parents that a school can only be as good as its fit for your child. There are certainly better academically inclusive schools – and Dubai College would accept this. Equally, for families who do not secure a place at Dubai College, there are other schools that will deliver the results and a happy education to boot. All this said, for academic students, DC offers the best Sixth Form experience in the emirates and, whilst subject to argument and considerable strength of views, the best education for competitive sports.
For those who do secure a place, you will certainly hear the school praised as the best that any school could be. Dubai College deserves praise for its scholarship programmes which enable children to attend the school who might for various reasons not otherwise be able to – and children who add enormously to school life in the process.
Dubai College Examination results
2017
IGCSE
A*A 84%
A Level
A*A 58%
A*B 88%
Parents should note that Dubai College is academically selective. Examination results in 2017 are the highest of any school in the UAE.
Ratings
Independent feedback: ****
Care of children: *****
Leadership and Vision: *****
Whole and Individual child provision: *****
Facilities (relative to fees): *****
Parental engagement and community: *****
Happiness: *****
‘Bangs for the buck’: *****
KHDA/ADEC rating: Outstanding
SchoolsCompared.com full review: Here
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