DESS Academic City
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$15K – US$17K
Curriculum: International
Age Range: 3–11
Students: ~800
Location: Academic City, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Dubai English Speaking School Academic City opened in September 2025 as the newest primary campus in Dubai's oldest British school network, founded in 1963. As part of the not-for-profit DESS group, it offers guaranteed secondary places at the established DESS College and benefits from reinvestment of surpluses into facilities, though being brand new means it lacks the track record of its sister campuses.
The newest addition to the DESS family, Academic City campus represents a purpose-built primary school designed around modern educational principles while maintaining the traditional British curriculum pathway that has characterized the network for over 60 years. Under the leadership of Katie, who spent two years developing the school's vision and selecting staff, the campus emphasizes creating environments where students are 'known, heard, safe, and challenged.' The school's strategic plan focuses on six pillars: wellbeing, inclusion, community, learning & teaching, curriculum, and professional growth, reflecting contemporary educational priorities within the established DESS framework.
Students at DESS Academic City benefit from guaranteed progression to DESS College in Academic City, which serves over 1,100 students from more than 60 nationalities following Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level pathways. The network maintains strong transition support, with Years 3-6 students visiting the secondary campus 16 times over four years to ensure smooth academic and social progression. The not-for-profit status means all surpluses are reinvested into facilities and educational enhancements rather than distributed as profits, distinguishing it from many commercial international schools in Dubai.
What parents value
- –Guaranteed secondary school places at the established DESS College
- –Not-for-profit status ensures reinvestment in facilities and programs
- –Part of Dubai's oldest British school network with 60+ years of experience
- –Modern, purpose-built primary campus designed for contemporary learning
- –Strong transition support between primary and secondary with structured visit programs
- –Access to DESS Connect alumni network for mentoring and career support
Points of consideration
- –Brand new school with no track record or established community yet
- –Limited information available about specific facilities, fees, or academic outcomes
- –Academic City location may be less convenient than central Dubai options
- –Primary-only campus means families must transition to DESS College for secondary
- –As a new campus, may take time to develop the community atmosphere of established DESS sites
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage 1 | 3 | 15,044 |
| Foundation Stage 2 | 4 | 17,359 |
| Year 1 | 5 | 17,359 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 17,359 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 17,359 |
| Year 4 | 8 | 17,359 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 17,359 |
| Year 6 | 10 | 17,359 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Acceptance 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
Mr. Patrick Affley - Director
Mr. Patrick Affley is a long-term UAE resident who served 11 years as Founding Principal of Dove Green Private School in Dubai.