Dubai British School Emirates Hills
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$14K – US$22K
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 3–18
Students: 1,500
Location: Emirates Hills, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Dubai British School Emirates Hills is one of Dubai's original British curriculum schools, established in 2005 in the prestigious Emirates Hills community and rated Outstanding by KHDA. With around 1,400 students and recent expansion including a new early years campus opening in 2025, it maintains a strong reputation as a well-established UK curriculum option, though parent discussions suggest it has grown significantly from its original smaller scale.
Founded in 2005 as part of the Taaleem Group, DBS Emirates Hills was among the first British curriculum schools in the Emirates Hills area, serving families in nearby communities like The Springs and Meadows. The school follows the National Curriculum for England from Early Years Foundation Stage through A Levels, with current Principal Brett Girven leading the institution since 2024. Recent expansion has seen the school grow from its original smaller size to accommodate around 1,400 students, with a new early years campus opening in September 2025 to house Foundation Stage through Year 2 students.
The school's Outstanding KHDA rating reflects strong academic standards, while its location in Emirates Hills provides access to modern facilities including renovated classrooms, STEM labs, and sports amenities completed in summer 2025. Parent discussions highlight DBS Emirates Hills as 'the original' Dubai British School, distinguishing it from newer campuses in the network. With low teacher turnover reported at 2% and a predominantly UK teaching staff, the school maintains stability despite its growth trajectory. The institution serves over 55 nationalities while maintaining its British educational identity within Dubai's competitive international school market.
What parents value
- –Outstanding KHDA rating with strong academic reputation
- –Well-established school with nearly 20 years of operation in Emirates Hills
- –Recent campus expansion and facility upgrades including new early years campus
- –Low teacher turnover (2%) suggesting stable staffing
- –Prime location in Emirates Hills serving nearby premium residential communities
- –Part of established Taaleem Group with proven track record
Points of consideration
- –Significant growth from original smaller scale may affect intimate school atmosphere
- –Parent discussions suggest it's now a 'pretty big school' compared to initial size
- –Limited specific information about fee structure or university placement outcomes
- –Competition from other established British curriculum schools in Dubai
- –Campus split between main site and new early years facility from 2025
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Rising 3s | 2 | 14,439 |
| FS1-FS2 | 3 | 14,439 |
| Years 1-2 | 5 | 14,439 |
| Years 3-6 | 7 | 16,503 |
| Years 7-11 | 11 | 19,599 |
| Years 12-13 | 16 | 21,659 |
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 |
| Registration Fee | 1,089 |
Photos
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Dubai's international schools serve a highly diverse student body drawn from over 180 nationalities. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
Brett Girven - Principal
Brett Girven, originally from New Zealand, brings over 20 years of experience in education across the Middle East (Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi), UK, and New Zealand.