In this guide
How inclusion is judged in Dubai
Since 2019 the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the KHDA, has rated every Dubai private school on inclusion as a separate dimension from its overall judgement. The measure looks at how well a school identifies students who need extra support, plans for them, supports them in class and includes them in the full life of the school. In the UAE such students are described as students of determination.
An Outstanding inclusion rating means all of those criteria are strong. It is the single most useful public signal for a family choosing a mainstream school for a child with additional needs, though it is no substitute for a direct conversation about your child's specific profile.
What strong support looks like
At schools rated Outstanding or Very Good for inclusion, families can expect individual education plans that classroom teachers actually use, trained in class support, specialist staff and adaptive resources, and regular review of progress. Ask to meet the head of inclusion, ask how many students of determination the school supports, and ask for concrete examples of adjustments made. A confident, specific answer matters more than any brochure.
The schools
GEMS Dubai American Academy
Reported as the first American curriculum school in Dubai to earn a KHDA Outstanding rating for inclusion. A strong option for families who want a US style pathway with well established support for students of determination. Confirm current provision and the latest inspection judgement with the school, since ratings are reviewed over time.
GEMS Wellington International School
A large British curriculum through school with an IB pathway that has been recognised among Dubai's Outstanding schools for inclusion. Its scale allows a sizeable specialist team. Suited to families who want a broad academic offer alongside strong, well resourced learning support across the age range.
Kings' School Dubai
A highly regarded British curriculum school named among Dubai's strongest for inclusion, with an established learning support team. A good fit for families who want a well run British primary and through pathway with a genuine commitment to students of determination. Confirm current provision for your child's specific profile with the school.
Horizon English School
A long established British curriculum school recognised among Dubai's Outstanding for inclusion, with a strong reputation for pastoral care at the primary stage. Suited to families who want a smaller, community feeling school with well embedded learning support. Confirm the stages offered and current provision with the school.
GEMS Modern Academy
A leading school offering an Indian curriculum and the IB that has been recognised among Dubai's Outstanding for inclusion. A strong choice for families who want that curriculum combination with well resourced support for students of determination. Confirm current provision and places with the school.
GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis
A British curriculum and IB school in Silicon Oasis recognised among Dubai's Outstanding for inclusion, convenient for families based in the south east of the city. Suited to those who want strong learning support with a British and IB pathway close to home. Confirm the current inspection judgement and provision with the school.
Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills
A long established IB school in Emirates Hills whose provision and outcomes for students of determination have been rated Very Good, with care and support of students rated highly. Suited to families who want a full IB pathway with solid, well regarded learning support. Confirm the latest inspection detail and provision for your child with the school.
Compare these schools side by side
Our school compare tool lines up fees approach, curriculum and location for up to three schools at once, and the fees explorer shows how the wider Dubai market is banded.
Fees and value
Dubai international schools with strong inclusion provision span the full fee range, from mid band to premium campuses; a strong inclusion rating is found across the range.
Across the Dubai market, faith schools sit in three broad bands. Mission supported and community schools tend to price below the headline secular internationals. Day schools with a full international curriculum sit at or near the market rate for the city. Premium campuses with extensive facilities sit at the top. We do not print a specific figure for any school here, because fees change by stage and year; treat each school's published schedule by grade as the number to plan against, then add registration, deposit and optional costs. Our fees explorer shows how the wider market is banded.
Frequently asked questions
What does an Outstanding inclusion rating mean in Dubai?
The KHDA rates every Dubai private school on inclusion as a separate dimension. Outstanding means the school is strong across identifying students who need support, planning for them, supporting them in class and including them fully in school life. It is the most useful public signal for families of a child with additional needs.
What is a student of determination?
It is the term used in the UAE for a child with a long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory need. The phrase is part of a wider push toward inclusion that emphasises the strengths and resilience of these students.
Do these schools charge extra for learning support?
Some schools charge additional fees for higher levels of individual support, on top of tuition. Ask each school directly what its inclusion provision includes at no extra cost and what carries an added charge, and get it in writing.
How should we choose for our child?
An inclusion rating is a starting point, not a decision. Meet the head of inclusion, share your child's profile, ask how many students of determination the school supports and ask for concrete examples of adjustments. A specific, confident answer matters more than the brochure.