Dubai International Academy Albarsha
International Baccalaureate School in Al Barsha 1, Dubai
Last updated
Curriculum
International Baccalaureate
KHDA
Very Good
Location
Dubai, Al Barsha 1
Fees
AED 53K - 96K
The Executive Summary
Dubai International Academy Albarsha is one of the most compelling additions to the Al Barsha 1 schools landscape since it opened in 2018. Operating the full International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum - spanning the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and the Career-related Programme (CP) - it is one of only a handful of schools in Dubai to offer the complete IB continuum from Pre-KG to Grade 12. Rated Very Good by KHDA in its 2023-2024 inspection, the school has demonstrated a clear upward trajectory since opening, improving from Good in consecutive prior inspections. Operated by Innoventures Education - the same group behind the flagship DIA Emirates Hills - the Al Barsha campus benefits from institutional IB expertise that is rare in a school of its age. With school fees Dubai parents will find competitive for a full IB continuum school, ranging from AED 47,807 to AED 84,928 per year (discounted rates for 2025-2026), and a vast 23-acre campus in the heart of Dubai, this school punches significantly above its age. The 100% IB Diploma pass rate and an average DP score well above the global average signal that academic ambition is being matched by results.
Full IB Continuum SchoolVery Good KHDA 2024100% IB Diploma Pass Rate23-Acre Campus
“Open culture, strong values, great leadership and an inclusion focus - I can see improvements every year. Very approachable management. Excellent in sports and extracurricular activities. Performing arts and music is great.”
— Secondary School Parent(representative)Academic Framework & Learning Style
DIA Albarsha delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum - one of the most rigorous and internationally recognised frameworks available in Dubai education. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) runs from Pre-KG through Grade 5, emphasising transdisciplinary inquiry, student agency, and real-world connections. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) spans Grades 6 to 10, developing conceptual understanding and interdisciplinary thinking through a framework that bridges primary and senior school. Grades 11 and 12 students choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP) - the globally recognised gold standard for university preparation - and the Career-related Programme (CP), which was introduced in September 2023 and pairs IB subjects with BTEC vocational qualifications, providing a genuinely differentiated pathway for students whose strengths lie beyond pure academia.
Academically, the results are striking for a school that graduated its first DP cohort only a few years ago. The school has reported a 100% IB Diploma pass rate - significantly above the global pass rate of approximately 80% - with an average score of 36 points in the most recent session, placing it among the top performers in Dubai. In July 2024, the average DP score was 32 points, with 67% of students achieving 30 points or above and 10% scoring above 40 points. In the e-MYP assessments, the school achieved an average of 45 points, placing it among the top five e-MYP participants in the UAE, with 70% of students scoring above 40 points in 2024.
The KHDA 2023-2024 inspection confirmed Very Good attainment in English and Mathematics across all phases, with Outstanding progress in English in KG and Outstanding progress in Mathematics in PYP. Science attainment was rated Outstanding in PYP. Learning skills were rated Outstanding in KG and Very Good across PYP, MYP, and DP. The weaker areas are Arabic and Islamic Education, where attainment sits at Acceptable across phases - a known challenge across many international IB schools in Dubai and one the KHDA has explicitly flagged for improvement.
The curriculum is enriched by a Mother Tongue language programme offering instruction in up to 14 languages including Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Dutch, and Urdu - one of the widest ranges in the city. From Grade 2, all students study either French or Spanish as a Modern Foreign Language. The school also offers 21 IBDP subjects, providing genuine breadth at the senior level. Academic support includes a dedicated EAL programme for students requiring English language development, and a structured inclusion provision for students of determination - rated Very Good by KHDA - with 148 students currently on the inclusion register. The school uses CAT4 digital testing (GL Assessment's Cognitive Abilities Test) for admissions from Grade 2 upwards, providing objective data on cognitive potential that informs both placement and differentiated support.
100%
IB Diploma Pass Rate
Significantly above the global pass rate of approximately 80%
36
Average IB DP Score (latest session)
Among the top 10 performing IB schools in Dubai
45
Average e-MYP Score
Top 5 e-MYP participants in the UAE
14
Mother Tongue Languages Offered
One of the widest Mother Tongue programmes in Dubai
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
DIA Albarsha's co-curricular programme is one of its most frequently praised attributes, described by the school as holistic, rigorous, and international. The programme runs daily after school and spans teacher-led activities, competitive sport, specialist external partner programmes, and a variety of local and international trips. The school's own website notes that the programme aims to offer something for everyone, with a dual focus on excellence and broad participation.
Competitive sport is a genuine strength. The campus's facilities - including three swimming pools, a running track, and a full-sized astroturf playing field - support a serious sporting culture. Students participate in swimming, athletics, football, basketball, and a range of other competitive disciplines. The school has expanded its sporting events in direct response to student feedback, a detail confirmed in the KHDA 2023-2024 wellbeing report.
Performing arts are anchored by a 400-seat auditorium that was refurbished to serve as the hub for drama, music, and school productions. Music, dance, and theatrical performance are embedded across the school calendar. The KHDA inspection highlighted the positive impact of students' and parents' views on the school's co-curricular development, confirming that new catering arrangements and extended sporting events were direct results of student requests through the school's feedback mechanisms.
Enrichment programmes include Model United Nations (MUN), which is specifically referenced in the KHDA report as an activity students participate in to build global awareness. A Certified Leadership Programme for sports and curriculum leadership is an unusual offering not commonly found in Dubai schools at this level. Students in MYP and DP participate in volunteer programmes, charity work, and entrepreneurial initiatives - including a charity chess tournament and the school newspaper, the DIAB Digest, produced monthly by Grade 9 students. The school's sustainability programme - featuring an eco garden, a hydroponic greenhouse, beehives producing honey, and solar panels - provides applied learning opportunities that are integrated into the curriculum rather than treated as peripheral activities.
Internships for older students provide work-based learning, and the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme - a core requirement of the IB Diploma - ensures that all senior students engage in structured community and creative activities beyond the classroom.
3
Swimming Pools on Campus
Supporting competitive swimming and recreational sport
400-Seat AuditoriumModel United NationsCertified Leadership ProgrammeHydroponic Greenhouse3 Swimming PoolsDaily After-School ECAs
Pastoral Care & Well-being
Pastoral care is one of DIA Albarsha's most consistently praised dimensions, and the KHDA 2023-2024 inspection provides strong independent validation. Personal development was rated Outstanding across all four phases - KG, PYP, MYP, and DP - a remarkable consistency that speaks to an embedded culture of care rather than a patchwork of individual initiatives. The KHDA inspectors noted that students display genuine concern, empathy, and tolerance for others, and that they feel safe, valued, and supported - making a significant contribution to the school's calm and purposeful learning atmosphere.
The school's wellbeing programme is described in the KHDA report as comprehensive and age-appropriate, threading through all lesson plans and subject areas. Senior leaders, counsellors, wellbeing ambassadors, pastoral teams, and inclusion staff work collaboratively to ensure student welfare. The school employs three guidance counsellors to support 1,638 students - a ratio that, while not exceptional, is supplemented by the layered pastoral structure of Home Room Tutors, Grade Leaders, and Senior Leaders. Students recently initiated a programme to highlight the benefits of sufficient sleep, demonstrating genuine student agency in wellbeing.
The student council is actively involved in school life - responsible, for example, for the 'Wednesday Popcorn' wellbeing initiative. Students can share concerns anonymously through a suggestions and concerns box, and senior leaders use the outcomes of parent, staff, and student surveys to inform improvement planning. The KHDA did flag one specific development point: signage indicating the locations of counsellors, medical staff, and wellbeing leads across the campus is not always clear enough - a minor but practical concern in a school of this scale. Anti-bullying frameworks are embedded within the school's broader safeguarding and health and safety structures, which were rated Outstanding by KHDA across all phases.
“The school challenges children without putting pressure on them. Teachers are very nice and the community feel is something you notice from the first day. It is a happy school.”
— Primary School Parent(representative)Campus & Facilities
The DIA Albarsha campus is, by any measure, one of the most impressive in the Al Barsha 1 area. Spanning 23 acres in the heart of Dubai, it provides a scale of space that is genuinely unusual for an urban school setting. The campus is centrally located on Al Barsha Road, making it accessible from Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, Jumeirah, and the wider new Dubai corridor, with strong road connectivity to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.
Sporting facilities are a headline feature: three swimming pools, a full-sized astroturf playing field, a running track, and two indoor sports halls provide the infrastructure for a genuinely competitive sports programme. The school also has specialist learning labs - including newly updated Design Technology labs referenced in school materials - and a 400-seat auditorium that serves as the hub for performing arts, assemblies, and school productions. The KHDA inspection confirmed that facilities and resources were rated Outstanding under management and staffing, reflecting the quality and maintenance of the physical environment.
Sustainability features are woven into the campus design in a way that supports curriculum delivery: beehives producing honey, a hydroponic greenhouse, an eco garden, and solar panels are all in active use. These are not decorative - they are referenced in the KHDA report as genuine learning environments that support students' understanding of environmental conservation. The library has been enhanced with a diverse range of reading materials, and a dedicated staff library has been established to support teachers' professional development.
The campus is well-maintained and hygienic, with accessibility provisions for all students confirmed by the KHDA inspection. The school's own website describes plenty of space, natural light, and shaded areas - practical considerations in the Dubai climate that contribute to student comfort and wellbeing. At capacity, the campus is designed to accommodate between 2,500 and 3,000 students, meaning the current enrolment of 1,638 leaves meaningful room for growth without compromising the quality of the environment.
23
Acre Campus
One of the largest school campuses in central Dubai
2,500-3,000
Planned Capacity
Current enrolment of 1,638 leaves significant room for growth
23-Acre Campus3 Swimming Pools400-Seat AuditoriumFull-Size Astroturf PitchHydroponic Greenhouse2 Indoor Sports HallsSolar Panels On-Site
Teaching & Learning Quality
The KHDA 2023-2024 inspection rated Teaching for Effective Learning as Very Good across all four phases - KG, PYP, MYP, and DP - with Assessment also rated Very Good across the board. This represents a meaningful improvement from the 2022-2023 inspection cycle, with inspectors specifically noting a notable improvement in MYP teaching quality. In the most effective lessons, teachers demonstrate high expectations, use questioning to challenge students to think deeply, and facilitate insightful discussions. However, the inspectors were clear that these approaches are seen in most but not all lessons, and that the level of challenge for more able students is inconsistent - a finding that appears as a key recommendation for improvement.
The teaching team comprises 152 qualified teachers, with the largest nationality group being Irish, reflecting a strong pipeline from the UK and Ireland. All teachers hold a Bachelor of Education degree or a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE), or are working towards the PGCE in exceptional cases. The school offers access to UK National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) for middle leaders, providing a structured professional development pathway that can lead to expedited promotion - an unusual and attractive benefit that supports retention.
The teacher-to-student ratio is approximately 1:11 - one of the more favourable ratios in the Dubai private school sector at this fee level. Each primary class from EY1 to Grade 2 has both a teacher and a dedicated teaching assistant, with a shared teaching assistant between two classes from Grades 3 to 5. There are an additional 47 teaching assistants across the school. Teacher turnover, which was a concern at 31% in 2022, had fallen to 20% by the 2023 inspection - still above the UAE average of approximately 22-24%, but improving. In a growing school that is still scaling, some turnover is structurally inevitable, and the trend direction is positive.
Pedagogically, the school follows the IB inquiry-based approach, with transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary units designed to engage students' curiosity and develop critical thinking. The KHDA noted that enterprise, inquiry, research, and critical thinking feature in the most effective lessons, though these skills are not equally apparent in all subjects. The use of external and internal assessment data to inform teaching is described as rigorous, with individual performance tracked and outcomes analysed to plan further support.
1:11
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
One of the most favourable ratios in Dubai at this fee level
152
Qualified Teachers
Plus 47 teaching assistants across the school
20%
Teacher Turnover Rate
Improved from 31% in 2022; trending in the right direction
Leadership & Management
Ian Thurston has served as Principal of DIA Albarsha since July 2022, bringing with him a track record that is directly relevant to the school's ambitions. Prior to joining DIAB, Mr. Thurston led DIA Emirates Hills - the flagship Innoventures IB school and the first IB school in the UAE to be rated Outstanding by KHDA - back to its best-ever IB Diploma performance in May 2022. Before that, he spent 12 years at Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches (JESS) as Deputy Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form, one of the UAE's most consistently Outstanding IB schools. His appointment to Al Barsha was a clear signal from Innoventures that they intend to replicate the Emirates Hills trajectory at the newer campus. The KHDA inspection confirmed the effectiveness of leadership as Very Good, with inspectors noting that leadership continues to have a significant impact on improving school outcomes.
The school is owned and operated by Innoventures Education, one of Dubai's most established education groups, which also operates DIA Emirates Hills, Raffles International School, Raffles World Academy, and Collegiate International School, alongside nine Raffles Early Learning Centres. Approximately 9,000 children attend Innoventures schools and nurseries across Dubai, giving the group significant institutional depth in IB delivery. The school's governance structure includes an active school board that plays a meaningful role in supporting development - rated Very Good by KHDA - and parents are described as very engaged, with parent and community relations rated Outstanding.
The school's vision is to provide world-class education, with a mission to empower students with a holistic, rigorous, and international education for success in an ever-changing world. Core values of Achievement, Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility are embedded throughout school life. Communication with parents is managed through the school's digital platforms, with regular reporting cycles aligned to the IB assessment calendar. Self-evaluation and improvement planning were rated Very Good, with inspectors confirming that the school's self-evaluation provides an accurate picture and supports effective planning.
KHDA Inspection Results (Decoded)
The DSIB inspection of Dubai International Academy Albarsha conducted in January-February 2024 awarded an overall rating of Very Good - the school's best result since opening in 2018, representing a clear step up from the Good ratings recorded in both 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. This upward trajectory over three inspection cycles is meaningful: it demonstrates that the school is not merely maintaining standards but actively improving them under consistent leadership.
The headline findings are genuinely impressive. Curriculum design and implementation was rated Outstanding across all four phases - KG, PYP, MYP, and DP - the highest possible rating and a reflection of the school's deep IB expertise. Health and safety, including child protection and safeguarding, was also rated Outstanding across all phases. Management, staffing, facilities, and resources received an Outstanding rating, confirming that the physical and human infrastructure of the school is operating at the highest level. Parents and the community received an Outstanding rating - unusually strong for a school of this age and a testament to the community culture that the leadership team has deliberately cultivated.
In terms of student outcomes, English and Mathematics attainment are Very Good across all phases, with Outstanding progress recorded in English (KG) and Mathematics (PYP). Science attainment reached Outstanding in PYP. Personal and social development was Outstanding across every phase - a standout finding that underpins the school's reputation as a genuinely happy and caring community.
The two areas requiring improvement are clear and consistent. First, Arabic language and Islamic Education remain at Acceptable attainment across phases - a structural challenge for an international IB school with a predominantly non-Arab student body, but one that KHDA expects to see addressed. Second, differentiation for more able students is inconsistent: while strong lessons exist, the challenge level for gifted and high-ability students is not reliably planned or delivered across all subjects. These are not minor concerns for parents whose children are academically advanced, and they represent the primary gap between the school's current Very Good rating and a potential Outstanding rating in future cycles.
The school's National Agenda Parameter performance was rated Very Good overall, with the school's PIRLS reading score of 600 exceeding its target of 547. Wellbeing provision was rated Very Good, with inspectors noting that wellbeing is genuinely central to the school's philosophy rather than a bolt-on programme.
Outstanding Curriculum Design
Curriculum design and implementation was rated Outstanding across all four phases - KG, PYP, MYP, and DP - reflecting the school's deep institutional expertise in IB delivery and coherent programme structure.
Outstanding Personal Development
Students' personal and social development was rated Outstanding across every phase. Inspectors noted excellent behaviour, genuine empathy, strong self-discipline, and a calm, purposeful learning atmosphere throughout the school.
Outstanding Safeguarding & Community Engagement
Health, safety, and child protection were rated Outstanding across all phases. Parent and community relations also received an Outstanding rating - an unusually strong result that reflects the school's deliberate investment in community culture.
Arabic & Islamic Education Attainment
Attainment in both Arabic (first and additional language) and Islamic Education sits at Acceptable across PYP, MYP, and DP. KHDA has recommended improving teaching quality and assessment alignment in these subjects, raising expectations particularly for more able students.
Differentiation for More Able Students
The level of challenge for higher-ability students is inconsistent across subjects and phases. KHDA inspectors specifically recommended that learning challenges for more able students be consistently planned and delivered, and that assessment data be used more effectively to match learning activities to all student groups.
Inspection History
2023-2024
Very Good
2022-2023
Good
2021-2022
Good
Fees & Value for Money
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha (DIA Al Barsha) is an IB World School offering the PYP, MYP, DP, and CP programmes to students aged 3 to 18. For the 2025–2026 academic year, KHDA-approved annual tuition fees range from AED 53,111 for Pre-KG up to AED 96,309 for Grades 11 and 12. The school also offers discounted annual tuition fees for both existing and new students, which are lower than the KHDA-approved maximums, reflecting the school's commitment to accessible, high-quality international education on its expansive 23-acre campus in Al Barsha.
AED 53,111
Annual Fees From
AED 96,309
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
Pre KG
AED 53,111KG1
AED 59,898KG2
AED 60,459Grade 1
AED 68,466Grade 2
AED 68,466Grade 3
AED 68,466Grade 4
AED 68,466Grade 5
AED 68,466Grade 6
AED 79,221Grade 7
AED 79,221Grade 8
AED 79,221Grade 9
AED 87,792Grade 10
AED 87,792Grade 11
AED 96,309Grade 12
AED 96,309Fees are structured across three terms, with Term 1 payable in August, Term 2 in January, and Term 3 in March. New students are required to pay a registration fee equivalent to 10% of annual tuition fees, which is adjusted against Term 1 fees. Existing students pay a re-registration fee ranging from AED 2,680 to AED 4,245 depending on grade level, payable by April. The school accepts multiple payment methods including online payment via the Zenda app, cheque, credit card, bank transfer, and cash, providing flexibility for families.
Additional costs such as stationery, field trips, school uniforms, external examinations, meals, and transportation are charged separately and are not included in the tuition fee. Sibling discounts are available, offering 5% for the second and third child, 10% for the fourth, 15% for the fifth, and 20% for the sixth child. Given the school's Very Good DSIB inspection rating (2023–2024), outstanding facilities, and comprehensive IB curriculum, DIA Al Barsha represents strong value within Dubai's international school landscape.
Additional Costs
Entrance Test Fee525(one-time)
Includes 5% VAT; non-refundable; adjustable against Term 1 fees upon admission
Registration Fee (New Students)10% of annual fees(one-time)
Non-refundable; adjusted against Term 1 fees
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - KG1)2680(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - KG2)2810(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 1)3110(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 2)3110(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 3)3130(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 4)3130(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 5)3130(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 6)3530(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 7)3530(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 8)3530(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 9)3910(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 10)3910(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 11)4245(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Re-registration Fee (Existing Students - Grade 12)4245(annual)
Payable by 4 April 2025
Discounts & Concessions
Sibling Discount - 2nd Child5%%
Sibling Discount - 3rd Child5%%
Sibling Discount - 4th Child10%%
Sibling Discount - 5th Child15%%
Sibling Discount - 6th Child20%%
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
DIA Albarsha is a school that has found its identity quickly and is executing on it with increasing confidence. In just six years, it has moved from a standing start to a KHDA Very Good rating with Outstanding sub-scores in curriculum, safeguarding, and community engagement - a trajectory that few schools achieve in this timeframe. The combination of a full IB continuum, a 23-acre campus, a 100% DP pass rate, and a principal with a proven record of building IB excellence makes this a genuinely compelling option for families committed to the IB pathway.
The school is not without its challenges. Teacher turnover at 20%, while improving, remains a factor to monitor. Arabic and Islamic Education attainment at Acceptable levels will matter to families who prioritise these subjects. And the inconsistency in challenging more able students - a finding that appears in multiple KHDA recommendations - is a real limitation for parents of high-achieving children who need consistent stretch across all subjects, not just in the strongest lessons.
For families relocating to Dubai or seeking a full IB school with genuine depth of provision, strong pastoral care, and a happy community culture, DIA Albarsha deserves serious consideration. At its current fee levels, it represents good value within the premium IB segment - particularly for families with multiple children who benefit from the tiered sibling discount.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families committed to the full IB continuum from early years through university; parents who value a strong community culture, excellent pastoral care, and a campus with exceptional sporting and performing arts facilities; children who thrive in an inquiry-based, internationally diverse environment with 90+ nationalities.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families prioritising strong Arabic language outcomes or Islamic Education as core academic subjects; parents of highly gifted students who require consistently differentiated challenge across every subject and every lesson, as the school's own KHDA report identifies this as an area of inconsistency.
“
Excellent curriculum, excellent facilities, great location. It is an excellent school which provides the highest levels of IB education and is continuously upgrading in the field of education, sports, and extracurricular activities.
— Grade 10 Parent
Strengths
- Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP, CP) from Pre-KG to Grade 12
- 100% IB Diploma pass rate with average score of 36 points
- Outstanding KHDA ratings for curriculum design across all phases
- Exceptional 23-acre campus with 3 pools, auditorium, and astroturf pitch
- Outstanding personal development ratings across every phase
- Highly favourable 1:11 teacher-to-student ratio
- One of the widest Mother Tongue language programmes in Dubai (14 languages)
- Strong community culture with Outstanding parent engagement rating
Areas for Improvement
- Arabic and Islamic Education attainment rated only Acceptable across phases
- Teacher turnover at 20% remains above the UAE average, though improving
- Differentiation for more able students is inconsistent across subjects
- No publicly advertised scholarship or bursary programme for new families