Deira International School Dubai (DIS)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$12K – US$24K
Curriculum: IB · British
Age Range: 3–18
Students: ~2,000
Location: Festival City, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Deira International School is an established British curriculum school in Dubai Festival City with Outstanding KHDA and BSO ratings, though recent teacher and parent discussions reveal significant concerns about leadership instability and declining academic standards. While officially well-regarded, the school appears to be experiencing internal challenges that may affect the educational experience.
Founded in 2005 and operated by the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, DIS serves students aged 3-18 following the British curriculum through GCSEs on its purpose-built Festival City campus. The school maintains Outstanding ratings from both KHDA and BSO inspections, with recent recognition including placement among the Top 100 UAE schools and Platinum certification as one of the world's Best Schools to Work. The 2025 GCSE cohort achieved some of the school's strongest results to date, marking its 20th anniversary year.
However, teacher and parent discussions paint a concerning picture beneath these official accolades. Former staff and students describe frequent principal changes, with reports of a new head practically every year creating instability. Multiple sources indicate that experienced, quality teachers have departed, with one former student noting that current staff 'don't hold a candle to the OGs.' Teachers warn potential colleagues to 'avoid Deira International School like the plague,' describing it as 'a terrible school' currently 'in a state of disaster.' These accounts suggest a significant disconnect between official ratings and the actual school experience.
What parents value
- –Outstanding KHDA and BSO inspection ratings
- –Strong 2025 GCSE results from recent cohort
- –Purpose-built modern campus in Dubai Festival City
- –Established 20-year history in Dubai
- –Not-for-profit status under Al-Futtaim Education Foundation
- –Recognition as Top 100 UAE school and Best Schools to Work certification
Points of consideration
- –Frequent leadership changes with reports of new principals annually
- –Teacher discussions describe the school as 'terrible' and 'in a state of disaster'
- –Departure of experienced, quality teaching staff
- –Significant disconnect between official ratings and community feedback
- –Limited recent positive parent or teacher testimonials
- –Concerns about current academic standards despite historical performance
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3 | 12,149 |
| FS2 | 4 | 12,149 |
| Year 1 | 5 | 15,802 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 15,802 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 15,802 |
| Year 4 | 8 | 15,802 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 15,802 |
| Year 6 | 10 | 17,170 |
| Year 7 | 11 | 17,170 |
| Year 8 | 12 | 18,542 |
| Year 9 | 13 | 18,542 |
| Year 10 | 14 | 19,456 |
| Year 11 | 15 | 22,192 |
| Year 12/IB1 | 16 | 24,476 |
| Year 13/IB2 | 17 | 24,476 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Booking Fee | 817 |
Photos
Academic Results
Deira International School (DIS) achieved a 100% pass rate for both the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) in 2025 (DIS News). The average IB Diploma score was 34.5 points , with 49% of the cohort achieving 35+ points and a highest score of 44 (DIS Academic Results). For GCSEs in 2025, 96% of students gained 5 or more A\ -C grades, 78% achieved A\ -B, and 56% achieved A\ -A (DIS Academic Results).
Extra Curriculars
DIS offers an extensive range of activities including representative sports: Football, Netball, Rugby, Rounders, Touch Rugby, Rugby 7s, Athletics, Swimming, Cricket, and Basketball (DIS Sports). Arts and performance opportunities include vocal and instrumental music programs, band, chorus, dance, and art (DIS FAQ). The school also organizes international trips to destinations such as Japan, Kenya, Austria, and London (DIS Student Experience).
The school features a purpose-built 80,000 sq. m. campus (DIS High School Profile).
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
- KHDA/DSIB: Outstanding 2023-2024, 2024
Accreditations
- BSO Outstanding, 2025, COBIS Accredited Member, CIE accredited
Memberships
- BSME, COBIS, HMC, ECIS, BSO affiliated, Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Governance Network for International Schools Pioneer
- Not publicly listed.
Student Body
The student body consists of 2000+ students representing 90+ nationalities (DIS Factsheet). The school caters to students aged 3 to 18 years (Foundation Stage to Year 13) (DIS FAQ). Maximum class sizes are: 20 students in Foundation Stage, 22 in Key Stage 1, 26 in Key Stages 2-4, and 18 in IB classes (DIS FAQ).
Leadership
Simon O'Connor - Director
Simon O'Connor is the Director of Deira International School with oversight over both primary and secondary schools. He has over 25 years of experience in education, having joined DIS in August 2020 after serving as Principal of Jumeirah College in Dubai since 2013.