In a major announcement, GEMS education is to transform its powerhouse GEMS Royal Dubai School, Mirdif by moving to all -through provision by 2026 with the landmark opening of an extraordinary all-new, architecturally Tier 1 Secondary School – images above and below. The development has already now begun with confirmation by GEMS Education that applications for Year 7 are now open for joiners in August 2024, this to be followed followed by Year 8 opening in 2025 – to full all-through opening by 2026.
An Exciting New Chapter Begins
GEMS Royal Dubai School has historically been primary-only and, whilst currently rated ‘Very Good with Outstanding Features‘ by Dubai’s education regulator the KHDA, the school has a long history of Outstanding British curriculum provision and a reputation as one of Dubai very best primary schools. The move to extend its education to secondary students addresses the growing demand for all-through school places across Dubai.
While awaiting the completion of the landmark new secondary school (scheduled for the 2026-27 academic year), the initial Year 7 and Year 8 cohorts will be housed within the current school grounds. GEMS Education, however, plans to enhance the existing facilities to support secondary education, by immediately opening a major new purpose-built Science Lab, a Design and Food Technology Centre, and expanded spaces for Music, Art, Drama, and recreation.
View from the Top
Jan Steel, Principal and CEO of GEMS Royal Dubai School, shared her thoughts on the new venture:
“We are thrilled at the prospect of opening our secondary provision. This will give RDS students a seamless educational journey from FS1 through to post-16, offering a variety of pathways within the British curriculum, including GCSEs, iGCSEs, A-levels, BTEC, and vocational routes.
“As a premium GEMS Education school, our experienced UK-trained teachers will continue to deliver high-quality learning opportunities across both primary and secondary as we enhance our links with our local community. With our focus on ‘Family First’ and students being at the heart of our vision, the growth of RDS opens new doors as we continue to deliver the #RoyalStandard – defining excellence in education in the Mirdif area.”
Future-Ready Campus
The planned secondary campus, set to open in the 2026/27 school year, will be located near the existing primary school. The new secondary school will include features like an Innovation Hub, Royal Makerspace, landmark library, Inclusion Centre, and specialised centres for the Performing Arts, Music, and the broader Arts. Additionally, there will be a dedicated British Sixth Form and senior study halls.
Sporting facilities will include a 25-metre swimming pool, a full-size football pitch, and padel courts.
Pictured: first architectural render of the landmark all-new Tier 1 Premium Secondary School set to open in 2027-2027. Year 7 entry is opening from August 2024.
Premium British Education
Pictured: GEMS Royal Dubai School has been a pioneer in British education in Dubai with a strong cultural commitment to British values and learning
With the launch of Year 7 in 2024 and Year 8 in 2025, the expansion marks a new phase for GEMS Royal Dubai School, which will now offer a complete educational journey from Early Years through to British Sixth Form.
GEMS Royal Dubai School is a member of an elite group of GEMS schools, the aptly named ‘First Royal Alliance’. The First Royal Alliance schools are a premium schools group, designed to fast-track member schools to Outstanding+ KHDA school status. So far, the group comprises two GEMS schools:
GEMS FirstPoint School The Villa; and,
Whilst the schools remain separate with their own identities, in practice the approach here is to unite the leadership of two of GEMS powerhouse British schools to share best practice across the schools much more closely. It is yet to be seen whether other schools will be allowed to become part of the First Royal Alliance.
Part of Dubai’s Education Boom
The announcement of GEMS Royal Dubai School’s secondary phase comes amidst an education boom in the UAE. With at least nine new schools set to open within the next two academic years and a total of 18 new schools planned for Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the near future, the UAE remains a dynamic and expanding education market.
The recent wave of new school announcements, including GEMS Founders School Dubai South, Reigate Grammar School, and Ignite School, reflects the UAE’s growing population and increasing demand for high-quality education. These new schools aim to cater to the diverse needs of the expatriate community, providing internationally recognised curricula that appeal to families from around the world.
Navigating a Competitive Market
Pictured: architectural aerial render of the major new Tier One Premium Secondary campus that will open in 2026. Note the major new investment in Sporting facilities and landmark architectural design brief.
As Dubai continues to attract families from around the world, the competition among schools is intensifying. Currently, most schools are operating at full capacity, making the addition of new schools a timely development.
For parents navigating this evolving landscape, the variety of curricula offered by these many new schools will surely provide opportunities to find suitable options for their unique children’s needs. Using SchoolsCompared.com to stay informed about school openings and offerings will be crucial for making well-considered decisions.
Further Information
Read about Dubai’s education BOOM!
Visit the GEMS Royal Dubai School Website
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