GEMS Founders School - Dubai South
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$10K – US$14K
Curriculum: International
Age Range: 3–14
Students: ~6,100
Location: Dubai South, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
GEMS Founders School Dubai South is a new British curriculum primary school that opened in August 2024, serving 685 students aged 3-13 from 62 nationalities in the Dubai South area. The school received positive feedback in its May 2025 inspection for strong leadership, wellbeing focus, and inclusive practices, though as a brand-new institution it's still establishing its track record within the competitive GEMS network.
Part of the established GEMS Founders brand that began with the successful Al Barsha campus in 2016, Dubai South represents the network's expansion into the southern corridor of Dubai. The school follows the English National Curriculum from Foundation Stage through Year 8, with plans to add secondary phases including international GCSEs and A-Levels as enrollment grows. Current leadership has achieved 96% staff retention for the 2025-26 academic year, suggesting strong institutional culture despite the school's infancy. The campus serves a diverse international community with students representing 62 different nationalities.
The school's May 2025 British Schools Overseas inspection highlighted particular strengths in wellbeing, leadership, and inclusion, noting that 9.3% of students receive SEND support and 10.7% are English language learners. Academic programs emphasize play-based learning in early years and personalized support through individual education plans where needed. Co-curricular activities include debate club and Model UN, with expansion planned as the school grows. As a primary-focused institution currently serving ages 3-13, families should consider the eventual transition to secondary education, though GEMS plans to add these phases to the Dubai South campus.
What parents value
- –New facilities and infrastructure in Dubai South location
- –Strong staff retention (96%) and positive leadership culture for a new school
- –Diverse international community with 62 nationalities represented
- –Inclusive approach with dedicated SEND and ELL support programs
- –Part of established GEMS network with proven Founders school model
- –Positive early inspection results highlighting wellbeing and inclusion
- –Plans for secondary expansion including GCSE and A-Level programs
Points of consideration
- –Very new school with limited track record - opened August 2024
- –Currently only serves primary ages 3-13, requiring transition planning for secondary
- –No university placement data or academic outcome history yet available
- –Dubai South location may require longer commutes for families in central Dubai
- –As a growing institution, programs and facilities still developing
- –Part of large GEMS network which may lack the intimate feel of smaller schools
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3 | 9,912 |
| FS2 | 4 | 10,865 |
| Year 1 | 5 | 11,818 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 11,818 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 11,818 |
| Year 4 | 8 | 12,199 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 12,199 |
| Year 6 | 10 | 12,199 |
| Year 7 | 11 | 12,961 |
| Year 8 | 12 | 12,961 |
| Year 9 | 13 | 12,961 |
| Year 10 | 14 | 13,724 |
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 | 136 |
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.