GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis

Overview

GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis is a British international school in the Dubai Silicon Oasis district, operated by GEMS Education, the largest school group in the United Arab Emirates. It opened in 2008 and grew quickly into a large through school taking children from Foundation Stage to Year 13. The academy follows the English National Curriculum and adds a sixth form where students choose between A Levels and the IB Diploma, which makes it a useful option for families who want a recognised British pathway with an international exit route.

The school sits within Dubai's regulated private sector, which means it is inspected by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and works to the British Schools Overseas framework. For families comparing systems, our British curriculum guide explains how the English National Curriculum, IGCSE and A Levels fit together, and the Dubai city guide sets out the wider international school landscape across the emirate.

Wellington Silicon Oasis suits parents who value a large school with broad subject choice, strong co curricular provision and a clear progression from early years through to university entry. It is one of several GEMS British schools in Dubai, so families often weigh it against sister schools and other British providers before deciding.

Curriculum and programmes

The academy delivers the English National Curriculum from Foundation Stage through to Year 11, where students sit IGCSE and GCSE examinations with boards such as Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge. In the sixth form, students choose between A Levels and the IB Diploma Programme, giving families two routes to university depending on whether a child prefers depth in three or four subjects or the breadth of the IB.

English is the language of instruction, with Arabic taught as required under UAE regulations and a range of modern foreign languages offered. The dual sixth form pathway is the academy's defining feature, and it is worth confirming current subject availability for both A Level and IB with the school, as option blocks change year to year. Families choosing between the two routes can read more in our IB curriculum guide.

Fees

Annual tuition at Wellington Silicon Oasis rises with each year group and is highest in the sixth form. The figures below are indicative ranges for recent years and should be confirmed with the school, as fees are reviewed annually and approved by the Dubai regulator. Budget also for one off registration costs and extras such as transport, uniform and examination entry.

These ranges are indicative only. For a city wide picture across all curricula see our Dubai school fees guide, or estimate your own costs with the fee calculator.

Admissions

Admission is by application followed by an age appropriate assessment, with the main intake in September at the start of the academic year and rolling entry into year groups that have space. Families are usually asked for recent school reports, and older applicants may sit subject assessments, particularly for sixth form entry where minimum IGCSE or equivalent grades apply.

Popular year groups can fill early, so applying several months ahead is sensible, especially for families relocating mid year. Entry to the IB Diploma and to A Level courses is conditional on results, with higher expectations for Higher Level IB subjects and for facilitating A Level choices.

Campus and facilities

The Silicon Oasis campus is purpose built for a large through school, with separate areas for primary and secondary phases, science laboratories, sports facilities, performance and arts spaces and dedicated early years provision. As a GEMS school it benefits from the group's scale in areas such as co curricular programmes, technology and student support.

Facilities and provision evolve, so families should take a tour to see current spaces and confirm what is available for their child's year group.

Location and where families live

Dubai Silicon Oasis is a self contained district in the south east of the city, built around a technology park and residential communities. Families who choose the academy often live within the Silicon Oasis development itself or in nearby areas such as Academic City, Mirdif and the communities along Dubai Al Ain Road, which keep the school run manageable.

For the wider relocation picture including visas and cost of living, see our relocation hub.

Other schools to consider

If you are weighing up options, these Dubai schools are worth shortlisting alongside Wellington Silicon Oasis. Details are illustrative and should be confirmed with each school.

Frequently asked questions