Victoria English School Dubai (VES)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$6K – US$11K
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 2–18
Students: 1,000
Location: Sharjah, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Victoria English School Dubai does not exist - there appears to be confusion with Victoria English School (VES) in Sharjah, which opened in 1996 as a well-regarded British curriculum school serving 800 students from over 60 nationalities. While VES maintains strong teacher retention and a family-community atmosphere, its Sharjah location means it operates outside Dubai's premium international school market with different fee structures and positioning.
The confusion around Victoria English School Dubai stems from the existence of Victoria English School (VES) in Sharjah's Al Azra district, established in 1996 under current Headteacher Keith Sykes. This co-educational institution follows the British National Curriculum adapted for international students, with particularly strong Arabic and Islamic Studies programming that begins in Foundation Stage. The school serves approximately 800 students from over 60 nationalities and maintains full membership in British Schools of the Middle East (BSME), positioning itself as a mid-range option within the UAE's British curriculum landscape.
VES distinguishes itself through exceptional teacher retention rates - achieving 95% retention in 2020 - and strong professional development programs offering 100 hours annually per teacher. The school emphasizes a family-community atmosphere with personalized attention, though its Sharjah location means it operates with different market dynamics than Dubai's premium international institutions. Some expatriate discussions mention Victoria English School alongside Sharjah options when families consider cross-emirate schooling, but parents should understand this represents a different educational market with distinct fee structures and community demographics compared to Dubai's established British schools.
What parents value
- –Strong teacher retention (95%) and extensive professional development programs
- –Established reputation since 1996 with full BSME membership
- –Diverse international community with 60+ nationalities represented
- –Family-focused atmosphere with personalized attention for 800 students
- –Strong Arabic and Islamic Studies integration from early years
Points of consideration
- –Located in Sharjah, not Dubai, affecting accessibility for Dubai-based families
- –Mid-range positioning may not match expectations for premium Dubai international education
- –Limited visibility in Dubai school comparison discussions
- –Different market dynamics and fee structures compared to Dubai institutions
- –Smaller scale (800 students) compared to larger Dubai international schools
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3 | 6,258 |
| FS2 | 4 | 6,258 |
| Year 1 | 5 | 6,617 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7,051 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7,044 |
| Year 4 | 8 | 7,706 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7,711 |
| Year 6 | 10 | 7,728 |
| Year 7 | 11 | 8,962 |
| Year 8 | 12 | 9,302 |
| Year 9 | 13 | 9,523 |
| Year 10 | 14 | 10,891 |
| Year 11 | 15 | 10,900 |
| Year 12 | 16 | 10,963 |
| Year 13 | 17 | 11,340 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 272 |
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.