Looking for the best inclusive schools in Dubai for your child? In Dubai, inclusion is not just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to accessible, equitable education for every child, backed by government policies like the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017) and Dubai Law No. 2 (2014). In fact, it’s so integral to the emirate’s education ethos that schools are actually rated on how inclusive they are; since 2019, inclusion has been a key metric in the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) school inspections [scroll down for the latest KHDA list of the top 25 schools rated most highly for Inclusion in Dubai]. But what does this look like in practice? How do you find the right school for your student of determination, and what happens if you run into difficulties?
Who is a Student of Determination?
A Student of Determination is a term used in the UAE to describe a child or student with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that, when combined with various barriers, may limit their full and equal participation in education. The term was introduced as part of a wider push toward inclusivity, emphasising the strengths and resilience of these students, rather than focusing solely on their challenges.
This updated perspective places a clear obligation on schools to recognise the barrier they may inadvertently create for learners and to take steps to minimise any harmful effects on their social, emotional, and academic development. Students who are fully included into their school environments benefit from being in a supportive setting where diversity is appreciated, and individual learning styles are accommodated. As a result, these students can participate in meaningful, relevant, and challenging educational activities alongside their peers.
A student of determination may describe any child with different learning, developmental or physical needs, which can range from mild to severe forms of Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD, as well as physical disabilities or conditions such as Down Syndrome.
Understanding Inclusive schools in Dubai
Inclusion in Dubai schools means creating a learning environment where students of all abilities, including those with physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, are welcomed and supported. This model aligns with the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ensuring that no child is excluded from education due to their different abilities.
The framework emphasises that schools are not allowed to reject students based on their additional needs. In fact, schools are required to assess and adapt their resources—whether physical infrastructure or staff training—to meet the diverse needs of Students of Determination. Terrie Spencer, Head of Inclusion at Dubai Heights Academy, says:
“Inclusion means ensuring that every student, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or needs, has access to quality education and opportunities to thrive. It’s about creating an environment where differences are respected, and each student is supported to reach their potential.”
But inclusive schools do not only benefit Students of Determination, says Denise McQuinn, Director of Inclusion at Safa British School:
“Attending an inclusive school like Safa British School benefits all students. For Students of Determination, inclusion ensures they receive the support and adaptations necessary to succeed. For other students, exposure to diverse peers builds understanding, compassion, and the ability to collaborate with people of different abilities. Overall, it creates a more enriching learning experience for everyone.”
Ben Rothwell, Headteacher at Victory Heights Primary School: Sports City and Principal Elect at Victory Heights Primary School: City of Arabia, agrees:
“An inclusive environment isn’t just about support for children with additional needs—it’s about creating a space where every child learns the power of compassion and empathy.
“Children flourish when they understand that we all bring something unique to the table.
“Attending an inclusive school means that all students benefit from a culture of kindness, collaboration, and understanding.
“When we embrace diversity, everyone thrives.”
What Parents Can Expect from Inclusive Schools
In Dubai, inclusive schools are expected to cater to the needs of students of determination by providing necessary support such as Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), trained support staff, and adaptive technologies. Schools that excel at inclusion, like those rated “Outstanding” or “Very Good” in the KHDA’s Inclusion metric, go a step further by fostering a culture of empathy and diversity among all students.
Tahoora Khalil Urehman, Head of Middle East at online British/ IB school King’s InterHigh, notes:
“Inclusion means creating a welcoming and nurturing environment where every student feels valued, regardless of their abilities. At Kings InterHigh we provide personalised support to ensure they can learn effectively and thrive.”
An inclusive school starts with an excellent inclusion team, Lisa Reilly, Deputy Head of Juniors at Kent College Dubai, explains:
“In a truly inclusive school, parents should expect strong relationships with all adults supporting their child not only the inclusion team. They should expect a strong and, more importantly, passionate inclusion team, who are willing to make both you and your child feel confident and comfortable with the support given.
“A wide range of alternative pathways should be offered, if needed, and access to a range of services designed to support their child’s individual needs. These might include personalised learning plans, guidance on trusted external agencies such as specialists like speech therapists or occupational therapists, and appropriate physical accessibility features if needed.”
What Facilities and Support Are Provided?
The exact form of the inclusion offering will be different at every school, and may vary in terms of what is offered free of charge and what must be paid for. However, Terrie Spencer of Dubai Heights Academy suggests that at schools rated by the KHDA as “Outstanding” or “Very Good” for inclusion, parents should be able to expect:
- Free of Charge:
- Individualised Education Plans (IEPs): Tailored programs to meet the unique needs of each student.
- In-Class Support: Trained teachers and support staff to ensure students are well-integrated.
- Specialised Resources: Adaptive technologies and materials available in classrooms.
- Ongoing Assessments: Regular monitoring of progress and adjustments to support plans.
- Additional Paid Support:
- Therapies: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, or psychological counseling may incur extra costs.
- Learning Support Assistants (LSAs): Some students may require one-on-one adult support for specific tasks.
Should you always disclose your child’s additional needs?
Some parents may wonder whether it is necessary to mention their child’s additional needs to a prospective school, especially if they are mild. Some may even worry that their child’s condition could mean they are less likely to be offered a place. However, all school leaders agree that it’s imperative for parents to divulge any additional needs, for everyone’s sake:
Terrie Spencer, Head of Inclusion at Dubai Heights Academy, says:
“Yes, 100%, parents should always share information about their child’s additional needs when applying for a school place, even if the needs are mild. This allows the school to prepare the right support and ensure the child can thrive from day one.
“Early understanding helps us make informed decisions about class placement, resources, and any adjustments that may be necessary for the child’s success.”
Open communication ensures the best outcome for both the student and the school community, says Michelle Choytooa, Inclusion Champion at Victory Heights Primary School (VHPS):
“Being open helps us to prepare, plan, and ensure that the right support is in place from the very beginning. At VHPS, transparency is key to creating the loving, nurturing environment your child deserves.”
Without knowledge of additional needs, there’s a risk your child’s progress could be negatively impacted, says Denise McQuinn, Director of Inclusion at Safa British School:
“Failing to disclose this information could lead to an inadequate support plan for the student, potentially hindering their progress and well-being.”
What to Do if Your Child is Denied School Admission
While Dubai schools are legally required to admit Students of Determination, some parents may face challenges in securing their child’s space, such as waitlists or limited resources.
Unfortunately, some parents even report that schools have retracted a previous offer after learning about a child’s additional needs status. Ben Rothwell, Headteacher at Victory Heights Primary School: Sports City and Principal Elect at Victory Heights Primary School: City of Arabia, is sympathetic to families facing this plight:
“It’s heartbreaking to hear when families experience difficulties with school offers after revealing their child’s additional needs. We would always recommend that parents are honest and transparent about their child’s needs at the time of admissions.
“While every school has its reasons, at VHPS, we stand firmly by our commitment to inclusivity.
“If you ever face a situation like this, we encourage you to ask clear, upfront questions about how your child’s needs will be met. We believe in open communication from day one, and we’re always here to guide and support families through such challenges.”
Lisa Reilly from Kent College Dubai ais also sympathetic, and advises parents to scope out the inclusion team’s ability to cater to your child’s needs before even applying:
“I would hope that schools would not ever act in this way and I really cannot emphasise enough the importance of being open and honest with schools from the beginning and vice versa schools need to be transparent with parents about what support they can offer, their ability to support the child and what they need from parents to help the process.
“You should always get a gut feeling after an admission at a school whether it is the right fit for you. Ask to meet the inclusion team if they are not present during the admission process or for a tour of the inclusion facilities. If you are out of the country, then arrange a zoom call with the Inclusion team and have some questions ready so you can leave that call with a strong feeling of what inclusion means at that school and if nothing else for you to have peace of mind that the school is the right fit for your family.
“A strong relationship with the inclusion team is going to be the key to your child’s success but the team cannot prepare or ensure the best provision for your child if they are being drip fed information or finding things out at a later date. It should be a team effort, and the right school will make you feel comfortable enough to have these open and honest conversations.”
Denise McQuinn of Safa British School adds:
“If a school retracts an offer upon learning of a child’s additional needs, it may be due to a lack of resources or preparedness. However, this highlights the importance of early and open communication. We advise parents to engage in honest discussions with the school about their child’s needs to ensure the institution is properly equipped to support them.”
Is there a limit to Inclusion provision in Dubai schools?
While Dubai’s inclusive schools strive to support all students of determination, there are sometimes limitations to what can be provided within a mainstream environment, says Terrie Spencer, Head of Inclusion at Dubai Heights Academy:
“In a mainstream school, inclusion is about supporting students as much as possible within the resources available. However, there are realistic limitations, as not every student’s needs can be fully met in every setting.”
For students with more complex needs, specialised support or therapies may sometimes be necessary outside the school environment. Lisa Reilly, Deputy Head of Juniors at Kent College Dubai, adds:
“At times, additional support must be outsourced due to resource limitations or the level of specialised care required.”
These limitations can include access to specific therapeutic interventions or highly individualised care that may be better suited to specialist centres. However, schools should aim to work closely with families to find the best possible solution, ensuring students can continue to engage with their peers as much as possible.
Safa British School stands out for having its own specialist inclusion provision housed within the school, says Denise McQuinn:
“The Bridge Learning Centre at Safa British School provides a specialised learning environment tailored to support students with more complex needs.
“Established in response to the growing demand for enhanced support for students with developmental delays and high-complex needs, the Centre offers a bespoke classroom experience within the mainstream school.
“Its approach is grounded in scientifically proven methods, including Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), Speech Pathology, and Occupational Therapy.
“The Bridge Learning Centre promotes social integration within the mainstream school, while preparing students for academic and social expectations through individualized teaching methods and therapy sessions.
“With a team of specialist therapists and experienced educators, the Centre is equipped to address the diverse developmental needs of Students of Determination, ultimately preparing them for successful inclusion in the mainstream classroom and broader society.”
For parents, choosing an inclusive school means understanding what level of support is available and being open with schools about their child’s needs. As Dubai’s educational landscape continues to evolve, families can expect more schools to embrace inclusivity, ensuring every child has access to the education they deserve.
The Top Schools Awards
The Top Schools Award for Best School for Children of Determination 2023 – 2024 was presented to Kings’ School Al Barsha.
Judges wrote:
“We do not think that there can be a single committed educationalist in the UAE who is not mortified at the variability of school responses to the admission of our absolutely wonderful, and wonder-filled, and beyond-inspiring community of children of Determination. We have to collectively start putting this right.
And it is with this background that is time now to unambiguously praise all the Kings’ Schools in Dubai for their absolutely beautiful, humane and inclusive welcome to, and treatment of, Children and Students of Determination.”
You can read the full report of the Top Schools Awards Judges here.
KHDA List of the Best Inclusive schools in Dubai 2024
The KHDA’s 2024 report highlights that 76% of private schools in Dubai are now rated Good or higher for supporting students with diverse learning requirements. Out of the 209 schools reviewed, 27 were given the top rating of Outstanding for their inclusive education programs, reflecting their strong ability to provide environments that accommodate all learners. An additional 57 schools were rated as Very Good for their inclusive practices.
The KHDA’s evaluation considered how effectively schools modify their curriculum and teaching approaches to meet the needs of a diverse student population. These ratings underscore the schools’ commitment to not only maintaining high academic standards but also promoting an inclusive educational experience. The following schools all achieved a rating of Outstanding for Inclusion in the KHDA inspections 2023/24:
The KHDA Best Schools for Inclusion in Dubai 2023 – 2024
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