Safa British School (SBS)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$12K – US$20K
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 3–18
Students: ~1,500
Location: Al Safa, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Safa British School Dubai is a British curriculum school in Al Safa serving students from Foundation Stage to Year 13, with KHDA Very Good ratings and NACE membership for gifted education. While the school maintains reasonable visibility in Dubai's education market, it generates limited detailed discussion compared to tier-one British institutions.
Operating in Al Safa since 2004, Safa British School follows the English National Curriculum through all year groups with particular emphasis on enrichment programming and gifted education support. The school holds membership in NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education), indicating structured approaches to supporting high-ability learners through targeted programs and collaboration with other Dubai schools. Under current leadership, SBS positions itself as a mid-market British curriculum option serving the established Jumeirah community.
Parent discussions reveal generally positive experiences with the school environment, though the institution operates with moderate visibility compared to Dubai's established British schools like Dubai College or JESS. Some families appreciate the school's community focus and British curriculum delivery, while limited negative feedback appears in public forums. The school's location in Al Safa provides accessibility for families in central Dubai areas, though specific details about facilities, academic outcomes, or university placements remain less documented than at tier-one institutions.
What parents value
- –NACE membership demonstrates commitment to gifted and talented education
- –Established presence in Dubai since 2004 with community recognition
- –British curriculum delivery from Foundation Stage through A-levels
- –Generally positive parent feedback where available
- –Al Safa location accessible to central Dubai families
Points of consideration
- –Limited detailed information available about academic outcomes and university placements
- –Moderate visibility in expatriate education discussions compared to established British schools
- –Few specific details about facilities, leadership, or recent developments in public sources
- –Less extensive parent discussion networks than tier-one Dubai British institutions
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3 | 12,370 |
| FS2 | 4 | 13,548 |
| Year 1 | 5 | 13,548 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 14,726 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 14,726 |
| Year 4 | 8 | 15,904 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 15,904 |
| Year 6 | 10 | 16,493 |
| Year 7 | 11 | 17,082 |
| Year 8 | 12 | 17,671 |
| Year 9 | 13 | 18,260 |
| Year 10 | 14 | 19,144 |
| Year 11 | 15 | 19,144 |
| Year 12 | 16 | 20,027 |
| Year 13 | 17 | 20,027 |
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
Brian Horwell - Principal
Brian Horwell is a geography graduate (BSc) with a PGCE in Secondary Education and NPQH qualification, beginning his career as a Geography teacher on the Isle of Wight before advancing to senior leadership roles in UK and Dubai schools, including Deputy and Secondary Headteacher at Dubai British School.