Dubai College
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$27K – US$30K
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 11–18
Students: ~1,100
Location: Al Sufouh, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Dubai College is a highly selective boys' school with a stellar reputation for academic excellence and university placement. It's considered one of Dubai's premier British curriculum schools, consistently rated Outstanding by KHDA, though the competitive environment and high fees aren't for everyone.
Established in 1978, Dubai College has built a formidable reputation as Dubai's most academically rigorous British curriculum school. The school serves around 900 boys aged 11-18, maintaining deliberately small class sizes of maximum 20 students to ensure personalised attention. With 95% Cambridge-qualified teachers and a track record of multiple Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards annually, it attracts families seeking the highest academic standards and elite university preparation.
The school's selective admissions process creates a highly motivated peer group, with graduates regularly securing places at Oxford, Cambridge, and other world-class universities. Parents consistently praise the academic rigour and university preparation, though some note the competitive atmosphere can be intense. Located in Al Sufouh, the school offers excellent facilities including modern science labs, extensive library resources, and strong sports programmes that regularly win DASSA championships.
What parents value
- –Outstanding KHDA rating maintained since inception
- –Exceptional university placement record including Oxbridge acceptances
- –Small class sizes (maximum 20 students) for personalised attention
- –95% Cambridge-qualified teaching staff
- –Multiple Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards annually
- –Strong sports programme with championship wins
- –Selective admissions creating motivated peer environment
- –46 years of established academic excellence
- –Comprehensive A-Level subject choices including Further Mathematics
Points of consideration
- –Boys-only school limits family options with daughters
- –Highly competitive academic environment may not suit all learning styles
- –Selective admissions with entrance testing required
- –Premium fees of AED 75,000-90,000 annually
- –Cambridge curriculum only - no IB or other options
- –Intense academic focus may leave less time for broader development
- –Waiting lists common due to popularity and limited places
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | 11 | 26,526 |
| Year 8 | 12 | 26,526 |
| Year 9 | 13 | 26,526 |
| Year 10 | 14 | 26,526 |
| Year 11 | 15 | 26,526 |
| Year 12 | 16 | 30,035 |
| Year 13 | 17 | 30,035 |
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 |
| Personal Debenture (Refundable) | 8,169 |
Photos
Academic Results
GCSE (2025): 62% at grade 9; 95% at grades 9-7; average grade 8.4; 88% met/exceeded targets in all subjects. A-Level (2025): 35.5% at A ; 74% at A -A; 93.6% at A -B (record high); 100% pass rate. 77% made expected or better-than-expected progress in all subjects.
Extra Curriculars
Over 200 distinct lunchtime and after-school Character Development Activities (CDAs). Participation is over 95%. Sports: Rugby, football, cricket, netball, tennis, swimming, fitness.
19-acre campus in Al Sufouh. Sports: The SPACE (Sports and Performing Arts Centre of Excellence) opened in 2020 with a double-width sports hall, multi-use gym/fitness area, swimming pool, MUGA, netball/tennis courts, and rugby/football/cricket fields with cricket nets. Arts & Performance: 900-seat auditorium, 160-seat lecture theatre, Black Box Theatre, Music Centre with recording studio and recital areas, Art Studios.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
- KHDA/DSIB Outstanding 2023-2024
Accreditations
- CIS member, NEASC accredited
- Eco-Schools UAE Green Flag. No WASC, COBIS/BSO, ISQM published
Memberships
- MEIBA, THIMUN, DASSA, Eco-Schools
- No FOBISIA, BSME, Round Square, Apple Distinguished School, Duke of Edinburgh published
Student Body
Enrolment: 1,113 students (as of 2024). Nationalities: 63 different nationalities represented. Class Size: Student:Staff ratio is 10:1 (approximately 109 teachers).
Leadership
Simon Crane - Head Master
Simon Crane has served as Head Master of Brighton College Dubai since October 2019, following roles as Head of Senior School and Deputy Head Master at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, and earlier positions in UK schools including Assistant Head and Director of Sport at Hillcrest Grammar School.