How many secondary schools in Dubai
KHDA's 2025 to 2026 register lists roughly 110 schools running a full international secondary phase, defined as Year 7 to Year 13 in British schools or grades 6 to 12 in American schools. About 65 of those carry through to a sixth form or high school stage that takes students to age 18. The remaining schools stop at IGCSE in Year 11 or at grade 10, requiring families to move their child for the final two years of school.
The sixth form split is now the most interesting curriculum decision in Dubai. Around 45 schools offer A Level, 18 the IB Diploma, 22 the American high school diploma with AP options, and a smaller cluster of dual A Level and IB providers. The BTEC vocational route, which is widespread in UK state sixth forms, is rare in Dubai. Where it exists it tends to sit alongside A Level at the GEMS estate schools and at Repton.
Outcomes data is more comparable at secondary than at any other phase because the qualifications are externally examined. IGCSE results from selective Dubai schools regularly post 70 to 85 percent grades 7 and above. A Level A and A star rates at Dubai College, Jumeirah College, Brighton College Dubai and Repton Dubai sit between 60 and 75 percent. Dubai's IB Diploma cohort averaged 33.4 points in May 2025, ahead of the global average. For a curriculum-by-curriculum view see our IB hub, British curriculum hub and American hub.
Fees and the sixth form uplift
Dubai secondary fees follow three tiers, but with a sixth form uplift at the top end. The value tier, $11,200 to $14,800, captures schools such as GEMS Founders, Star International and the more affordable Indian-curriculum secondaries. The mid tier, $14,800 to $22,000, covers most established names including JESS Senior, GEMS Wellington and Dubai American Academy. The premium tier, $22,000 to $30,200, is Dubai College, Brighton College Dubai, Jumeirah College, Kings' Al Barsha senior, Repton Senior and Dwight School Dubai.
Sixth form tuition is typically 5 to 12 percent higher than Year 11. Exam fees at IGCSE, A Level and IB Diploma sit between $1,400 and $2,200 a year and are usually billed separately. Read the loading mathematics in our Dubai fees guide. The fees comparison tool shows secondary tuition by year group across cities.
Not sure which secondary is the right fit?
Take our 5 minute school finder quiz. We shortlist three secondaries based on your child's year group, sixth form pathway, and your budget.
Illustrative example schools
The five secondaries below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each runs a strong sixth form, holds Outstanding or Very Good KHDA status, and has a clear identity in the market.
Dubai College in Al Sufouh is the most selective British senior school in Dubai, founded 1978. A Level focus, traditional Oxbridge pipeline, day boarding ethos. Entry from Year 7 is highly competitive and requires a CAT4 and Year 6 reference.
Jumeirah College in Al Safa is the GEMS premium British senior, sister school to Dubai College in admissions difficulty if not in fees. A Level focus, very strong sciences and maths.
Brighton College Dubai in Al Barsha South is the UK Brighton College's overseas franchise. A Level, with selective entry from Year 9 and a competitive sixth form intake.
GEMS Wellington International School in Al Sufouh runs both A Level and IB Diploma at sixth form, the most balanced flagship for families who want both options open.
Dubai American Academy in Al Barsha is the strongest American high school in Dubai, recently adding IB Diploma alongside its AP and US high school diploma pathways.
Where secondary families live
Secondary-age families in Dubai cluster around the same villa zones as primary families but with longer school runs accepted in exchange for selective sixth form access. Jumeirah and Al Sufouh for proximity to Dubai College, JESS Senior and GEMS Wellington. Al Safa for Jumeirah College and the JESS feeder pipeline. Al Barsha and Dubai Hills Estate for Brighton College, Dubai American Academy and Dwight. Nad Al Sheba and MBR City for Repton Senior. Arabian Ranches for JESS Arabian Ranches sixth form.
Apartment families in Downtown, Business Bay, JLT and Dubai Marina rely on school transport, with bus rides routinely 45 to 75 minutes at peak. Sixth formers at most schools can drive themselves once they hold a UAE licence, which loosens the commute calculation for the final two years. See our best schools guide for a fuller editorial picture.
Admissions and transfer windows
Applications for the September 2026 academic year opened in most Dubai secondaries between September and December 2025. Tier 1 selective schools close their Year 7 lists by late January, with assessment days through February and offers in March. Sixth form applications run on a separate calendar at the academically selective schools, with deadlines typically falling between November and February of the Year 11 academic year. Brighton College, Dubai College and Repton run formal sixth form entrance tests.
Year 12 transfers after October are rare and usually involve restarting the qualification, because A Level and IB Diploma assessments are already structured. Year 10 and Year 11 transfers during the IGCSE phase are difficult but possible at schools willing to match subject combinations. For mid-year transfers, applying 6 to 9 months ahead is typical.
Frequently asked questions
How many secondary schools are there in Dubai?
KHDA lists roughly 110 schools running a full international secondary phase, defined as Year 7 to Year 13 in the British system or grades 6 to 12 in the American system, for the 2025 to 2026 academic year. About 65 of those carry a sixth form or high school stage to age 18.
What sixth form options are offered?
Dubai sixth forms split across A Level (45 schools), IB Diploma (18 schools), American high school diploma plus AP (22 schools), the BTEC vocational route at a small number of providers, and a handful of schools running dual A Level and IB. The BTEC option is rare in Dubai relative to the UK.
How much do secondary schools in Dubai cost?
Annual secondary tuition ranges from about $11,200 at value-tier providers to $30,200 at the most premium selective schools. Median Year 11 fees sit near $19,800 in 2026. Sixth form fees typically carry a 5 to 12 percent uplift over Year 11.
What grades do Dubai secondary schools achieve?
At IGCSE, selective schools report 70 to 85 percent grades 7 and above. At A Level, top schools post A and A star rates of 60 to 75 percent. IB schools in Dubai averaged 33.4 points in May 2025, with the strongest cohorts above 36 points. Outcomes outperform UK national averages.
Can you transfer into a Dubai secondary mid-year?
Mid-year transfers in Years 7 to 9 are usually possible at schools with capacity. Years 10 and 11 transfers during IGCSE are difficult because subject choices and coursework are underway. Sixth form transfers after October of Year 12 are rare and usually involve restarting the qualification.
