Arcadia School, Dubai
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$14K – US$23K
Curriculum: International
Age Range: 3–18
Students: ~2,300
Location: Jumeirah, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Arcadia Global School opened in August 2023 in Al Furjan as a more affordable British curriculum option serving Foundation to Year 13. Under founding principal Andrew Wilson, the school earned Outstanding ratings for leadership and facilities in its first SPEA inspection, though it's too new to demonstrate established academic outcomes.
AGS delivers the National Curriculum for England from Early Years through A-Levels, with distinctive STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, Maths) and Junior MBA programmes that emphasize entrepreneurial thinking and project-based learning. The school integrates character education through its recent ACE accreditation, focusing on resilience, integrity, and empathy alongside academic achievement. Teaching methods include creative problem-solving challenges and outdoor education elements within the standard British pathway.
The purpose-built campus near Discovery Gardens Metro station received Outstanding ratings for facilities in the 2022-23 SPEA inspection. Principal Andrew Wilson brings experience from GEMS Westminster School Sharjah and Outstanding-rated Jumeirah College, leading a teaching staff where 21% are native English speakers with strong professional development support. As part of the broader Arcadia Education group founded by Dubai entrepreneur Mohan Valrani, AGS offers families a newer option with strong early leadership indicators but limited track record compared to Dubai's established British schools.
What parents value
- –Outstanding-rated leadership and facilities from first SPEA inspection
- –Purpose-built campus with swimming pools, science labs, and sports facilities
- –STREAM and Junior MBA programmes offer entrepreneurial focus beyond standard curriculum
- –Convenient Al Furjan location near Discovery Gardens Metro
- –More affordable fees compared to premium British curriculum schools
- –Strong early retention rates among teaching staff
- –Recent ACE accreditation for character education programme
Points of consideration
- –Very new school with no established academic track record or university placement data
- –No published A-Level or GCSE results yet
- –Limited parent feedback available given recent opening
- –Teaching staff average 3-5 years experience, relatively junior for international school standards
- –Competes with many established British curriculum alternatives in Dubai
- –May take several years to build reputation and demonstrate academic outcomes
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3 | 13,823 |
| FS2 | 4 | 15,666 |
| Year 1 | 5 | 18,016 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 19,076 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 20,135 |
| Year 4 | 8 | 20,135 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 21,195 |
| Year 6 | 10 | 21,195 |
| Year 7 | 11 | 22,571 |
| Year 8 | 12 | 22,872 |
| Year 9 | 13 | 22,872 |
| Year 10 | 14 | 23,023 |
| Year 11 | 15 | 23,023 |
| Year 12 | 16 | 23,022 |
| Year 13 | 17 | 23,022 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 143 |
| Admission Deposit (New Year) | 2,042 |
| Admission Deposit (Primary) | 1,361 |
| Admission Deposit (Secondary) | 1,634 |
Photos
Academic Results
KHDA Rating: 'Very Good' (KHDA). IGCSE Results (2023-2024): 92% at 9-4, 71% at 9-6, 46% at 9-7, 35% at 9-8, and 22% at grade 9 (Arcadia School). University Destinations: Not published (the school currently offers up to Year 13, but specific university lists are not explicitly detailed on the public website) (Arcadia School).
Extra Curriculars
The school offers an Enrichment Learning Programme (ELP) including Sports/Physical activities (delivered by external coaches), Arts and Crafts, Irish Dancing, French, Happiness Programme (art, music, yoga), Choir, Junior MBA, Chess Club, and Cooking (Arcadia School). Ask the school for the latest activities details for your child's year group.
Facilities include a temperature-controlled learners' swimming pool, state-of-the-art science laboratory, food technology room, music rooms, art rooms, indoor multi-purpose sports hall, performance stage (lighting/sound), climbing wall, library, Oxbridge study area, language room, dance studio, enterprise hub, and rooftop play area. The building is LEED certified (Arcadia School).
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
- KHDA/DSIB Very Good 2023-2024
Accreditations
- BSO British Schools Overseas, Outstanding 2024
- No CIS, WASC, NEASC, COBIS, ISQM published
Memberships
- Apple Distinguished School Duke of Edinburgh
- participates BSME, FOBISIA games
- No Round Square, DASSA, HPL, Eco-Schools published
Student Body
Enrolment: Approximately 1067 students (World Schools). Nationalities: Vibrant community representing many different nationalities. Age Range/Years: FS1 (age 3) to Year 13 (Arcadia School).
Leadership
Jonathan Locke - Principal
Jonathan Locke holds a PGCE in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge. He previously served as Executive Principal at The British School of Barcelona, where he achieved record examination results and high satisfaction levels, and as Headteacher at Leventhorpe School, leading strategic expansions and outstanding ratings.