DESS Oud Metha
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$12K – US$15K
Curriculum: International
Age Range: 3–11
Students: ~1,900
Location: Oud Metha, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Dubai English Speaking School Oud Metha is Dubai's oldest British school, founded in 1963, serving primary students ages 3-11 with guaranteed progression to its Outstanding-rated secondary college. Operating as a not-for-profit institution on its historic central Dubai campus, it offers affordable British curriculum education with modern facilities while maintaining the intimate community feel of Dubai's original expatriate school.
Established in 1963 with just 10 students taught by a British airman in a small flat, DESS Oud Metha has evolved into the cornerstone of Dubai's oldest British school network. The school moved to its current Oud Metha location in 1967 on land granted by Sheikh Rashid, maintaining its historic single-storey appearance while housing modern internal facilities. Under Katie's leadership since 2014, the primary campus follows the English National Curriculum from FS1 to Year 6, with the Early Years Foundation Stage providing the foundation for academic progression.
The school's not-for-profit status distinguishes it from many commercial international schools in Dubai, with all surpluses reinvested into facilities and educational enhancements rather than distributed as profits. Students benefit from guaranteed progression to DESS College in Academic City, which consistently achieves Outstanding ratings from KHDA and BSO inspectors. The central Oud Metha location near the American Hospital and embassy district provides convenient access for families living in Dubai's established expatriate communities, while the school's affordable fee structure makes British curriculum education accessible to a broader demographic than many premium institutions.
What parents value
- –Dubai's oldest British school with 60+ years of established reputation and community
- –Not-for-profit status ensures reinvestment in facilities and education rather than profit distribution
- –Outstanding ratings from both KHDA and BSO inspectors
- –Guaranteed progression pathway to highly-rated DESS College secondary school
- –Affordable fees positioned as entry-level for British curriculum primary education
- –Central Oud Metha location convenient for established expatriate neighborhoods
- –Intimate campus environment maintaining traditional community feel
- –Modern internal facilities within historic building structure
Points of consideration
- –Single-storey traditional building may feel dated compared to purpose-built modern campuses
- –Primary-only campus requires transition to different location for secondary education
- –Central Dubai location may involve traffic challenges during peak hours
- –Smaller scale may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger international schools
- –Historic campus constraints may limit expansion possibilities for facilities
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage 1 | 3 | 11,732 |
| Foundation Stage 2 | 4 | 14,519 |
| Years 1-6 | 5 | 14,519 |
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 |
| Acceptance Fee | 953 |
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.