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Oxford School

Curriculum
British
KHDA
Good
Location
Dubai, Muhaisanah 4
Fees
AED 13K - 20K

Oxford School

The Executive Summary

Oxford School Dubai is one of the most significant turnaround stories in the Muhaisanah 4 schools landscape. Established in 1988 and operating under the LEAMS Education group, this co-educational school follows the National Curriculum for England, providing a structured educational framework that prepares students for international standards and qualifications - from EYFS through to A Level. After more than a decade of Acceptable ratings, the school achieved a landmark KHDA rating of Good in the 2023-2024 inspection cycle, a result that reflects genuine, sustained improvement under the leadership of Principal Daspo Yiappos. With school fees ranging from AED 11,856 to AED 19,666 annually, Oxford School positions itself as one of the most affordable UK curriculum options in Dubai, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious families who do not wish to compromise on a recognised international qualification pathway. For parents exploring Muhaisanah 4 schools, this is the anchor institution of the area. The school's strengths are real but require honest framing. Science and English progress in Secondary are rated Very Good by DSIB inspectors, personal development is Very Good across all phases, and the safeguarding and care provision is exemplary. However, mathematics attainment in Primary remains the school's most notable weak point - rated only Acceptable - and the A Level subject range is narrower than peer schools, skewing heavily toward Commerce and Science. Families with children who have strong creative, humanities, or performing arts ambitions may find the offering limiting. For the price point, however, the academic framework, the improving trajectory, and the inclusive ethos represent genuine value. This is not a prestige school chasing league tables; it is a community school that has found its footing and is delivering meaningfully on its mission.
KHDA Good 2023-2024AED 11,856 Entry FeesLEAMS Education GroupCambridge and Edexcel Accredited35+ Years Established

The school environment is so positive and constructive. I can see my children's confidence has increased because of the positive attitude of the team at Oxford. I feel blessed that my kids are studying and learning here.

Parent of Year 2 and Year 8 Students

Academic Framework & Learning Style

Oxford School follows the National Curriculum for England from Foundation Stage 1 through to Year 13, with external examinations delivered via Cambridge International (IGCSE) and Pearson Edexcel (A Level / AS Level). The curriculum is structured across five key stages: EYFS in FS1 and FS2, Key Stages 1 and 2 in Years 1 to 6, Key Stage 3 in Years 7 to 9, Key Stage 4 (IGCSE) in Years 10 to 11, and the International A Level programme in Years 12 and 13. In the Foundation Stage, the school adopts a play-based, child-led model grounded in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The seven areas of learning - Communication and Language, Personal Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design - are embedded into both indoor and outdoor learning environments. The DSIB inspectors noted significant improvements in English, mathematics, science, and assessment in FS, confirming that the early years provision is now laying a very secure foundation for future learning. The school also introduces an early metacognitive approach, encouraging children to reflect on how they learn. At Key Stage 4, the IGCSE subject range is broader than many schools at this price point. Compulsory subjects include First Language English or English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Arabic (for Arab students), and Islamic Education. Students then select five optional subjects from a list including Accounting, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, French, Geography, Physics, Psychology, and Urdu - a commendable breadth. The A Level programme, however, narrows considerably, focusing primarily on Commerce and Science pathways: Accounting, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Information Technology, and Sociology. Students with strong interests in the Arts, Design, or Humanities will find limited options at this stage. In terms of academic outcomes, the 2023-2024 DSIB report is largely positive. Science attainment and progress in Secondary are rated Very Good, and English progress in Secondary is also rated Very Good - standout results. Mathematics attainment in Primary is the persistent weak spot, rated Acceptable, with inspectors recommending more stretch and challenge for higher-ability students. Across Secondary and Post-16, mathematics attainment and progress recover to Good. Learning skills are rated Good across all four phases. For students of determination, the school supports approximately 147 students through an inclusion programme overseen by a dedicated team including a counsellor, special educator, and class teachers. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are developed following psycho-educational assessments. The DSIB rates the school's inclusion provision as Good. The school's admission process screens for needs early, and a capable support team provides targeted interventions in the inclusion centre. EAL provision is embedded in the curriculum structure given the highly diverse student body, with over 80 nationalities represented. Arabic is taught separately for Arab and non-Arab students from Year 2 onwards, and the DSIB noted significant improvements in Arabic achievement across all phases. University destination data is published on the school's website, though without year-of-entry details, making it difficult to benchmark recency or selectivity of placements.
Very Good
Science Attainment & Progress - Secondary
DSIB Inspection 2023-2024
Very Good
English Progress - Secondary
DSIB Inspection 2023-2024
Acceptable
Mathematics Attainment - Primary
Key improvement area per DSIB 2023-2024
147
Students of Determination Enrolled
Supported via IEPs and inclusion centre

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

Oxford School offers a range of extracurricular activities designed to extend learning beyond the classroom, though the school does not publish a comprehensive ECA catalogue publicly. Based on DSIB inspection findings and the school's own communications, the programme includes sports, creative arts, community development initiatives, and enrichment clubs. The DSIB 2023-2024 report confirms that the school offers a suitable range of extra-curricular activities and provides opportunities for students to engage with projects within the school and to help local charities. On the sports front, the school's external facilities include football and basketball courts, and a dedicated FS playground with water play and sand pit areas. Competitive sports participation is part of school life, though the school does not publish specific inter-school competition results or tournament records publicly. Physical Education is a compulsory subject across all key stages. In the performing arts, the school has a music room and references to creative arts programmes appear in parent testimonials on the school's own website. One parent noted that the school provides everything from creative arts programmes to cutting-edge technology. The school also has an amphitheatre, which supports performance and assembly events. The school runs a Go Green Club, referenced in the DSIB report, through which younger students engage with environmental concerns and sustainability initiatives. Students across phases participate in themed events, charity initiatives, and cultural celebrations including UAE Flag Day and National Day. Older students in Secondary and Post-16 are noted by DSIB inspectors as initiating ideas for school events, including exchange programmes and celebration days. Students are also represented on the school's governing board, providing a formal student voice and leadership pathway. The wellbeing curriculum is delivered three times weekly with a specified theme - an unusual and commendable structural commitment to student well-being that extends beyond a typical pastoral period. Club sessions and weekly assemblies further reinforce this. Arabic morning assemblies and language competitions are part of the enrichment calendar. The school also engages with the KHDA's National Agenda Parameter framework, embedding reading literacy strategies across all subjects - for example, science lessons begin with a scientific story that students must read and explain, a cross-curricular enrichment approach that strengthens literacy alongside subject knowledge.
3x Weekly
Wellbeing Curriculum Sessions
Structured thematic delivery - DSIB confirmed
Go Green ClubStudent Governing Board RepWellbeing Curriculum 3x WeeklyCommunity Charity InitiativesUAE Cultural Celebrations

Pastoral Care & Well-being

Pastoral care is one of the genuine strengths of Oxford School, and the DSIB 2023-2024 inspection confirms this with Very Good ratings for Health and Safety and Care and Support across all four phases - Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16. This is the highest-rated domain in the school's inspection profile and represents a consistent, school-wide commitment to student welfare that many schools at higher price points fail to match. The school's safeguarding and child protection arrangements are described by DSIB inspectors as very high quality, with all staff receiving training related to child protection. Risk assessments are undertaken appropriately when planning student activities. The school communicates its health education and child protection policies effectively to all stakeholders. In terms of mental health and counselling, the school employs two guidance counsellors for a student body of 2,217 - a ratio that is functional but not generous. The wellbeing curriculum is delivered three times weekly by trained staff who adapt the content to meet students' needs. Students report feeling safe and are comfortable speaking to trusted adults about issues in their lives, expressing high levels of positivity and a real connection to the school community - a finding that reflects genuine pastoral effectiveness rather than simply policy compliance. The school's anti-bullying approach is reflected in DSIB findings that bullying is very rare and that student relationships are friendly and respectful. Students show consideration and empathy toward peers, including students of determination. Personal development is rated Very Good across all phases - a result that speaks to the school's culture as much as its systems. In terms of student leadership, students are represented on the school's governing board, organise charity initiatives, and engage in themed events. Older students in Secondary and Post-16 initiate ideas for school events and exchange programmes. The school also uses surveys, feedback mechanisms, and classroom discussions to gather and act on student voice data. The DSIB noted that the student-centred approach of leaders ensures that students feel valued as members of the school community. Staff wellbeing is also taken seriously, with professional development, structured induction programmes, and recognition activities including fun days, yoga, Zumba, and smile cards - an approach that signals a leadership team that understands the link between staff wellbeing and student outcomes.

Our concerns are always heard and the teachers are supportive and approachable. We as parents are always informed of every significant event happening through the different communication channels.

Parent of Year 2 Student

Campus & Facilities

Oxford School is located on Beirut Street in Muhaisanah 4, Al Qusais Industrial Area, Dubai - a well-established residential and commercial district in the north-eastern part of the city. The area is well-served by public transport and accessible from Al Qusais, Deira, and surrounding communities. For families residing in Muhaisanah, Al Nahda, Al Qusais, and Hor Al Anz, the school's location is a practical advantage. The school provides transport services through a contracted provider, Guardian One Transport, with routes subject to area of residence. The campus has been operational since 1988 and, while functional, is not a purpose-built premium facility. The DSIB 2022-2023 report previously flagged that science laboratories were not well-resourced to support high-quality learning, that refurbished libraries lacked sufficient Arabic texts, and that access from indoor to outdoor learning in FS constrained free-flow. These are areas the school has been working to address. The 2023-2024 inspection report reflects improvement, noting that the school has made investments in technology and learning resources. Key indoor facilities include subject-specific science laboratories (biology, chemistry, and physics), a library, ICT labs, a music room, an amphitheatre, and a Eureka room - a dedicated space for creative and exploratory learning. The school has invested in BenQ interactive display technology and has technology partnerships with AWS, Fortinet, and GoDaddy, suggesting a meaningful digital infrastructure. The school uses the Zenda app for fee payments and parent portal access, indicating a degree of digital integration in administrative processes. External facilities include a dedicated FS playground with water play and sand pit areas, football courts, and basketball facilities. There is no swimming pool on campus. The campus does not match the scale or specification of premium British curriculum schools in Dubai, but for the fee range it occupies, the provision is adequate and improving. The DSIB confirmed in 2023-2024 that management, staffing, facilities, and resources are rated Good - a step forward from previous cycles. The school's LEAMS Education group context is relevant here: LEAMS operates multiple schools across Dubai with a stated mission of providing quality education at affordable cost, with comprehensive facilities. The group's investment decisions affect individual campuses, and the Oxford School has benefited from group-level technology and infrastructure partnerships.
Good
Facilities & Resources Rating
DSIB Inspection 2023-2024
1988
Year Campus Established
Over 35 years of continuous operation
Science Labs (Bio, Chem, Physics)BenQ Interactive DisplaysEureka Creative RoomAmphitheatre On-CampusFS Outdoor Play AreasICT Labs

Teaching & Learning Quality

The DSIB 2023-2024 inspection rates Teaching for Effective Learning as Good across all four phases - Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16. This is a meaningful improvement from the school's historical trajectory and reflects the deliberate investment in staff development and pedagogical quality under the current leadership. In terms of staff profile, the school employs 150 teachers and 20 teaching assistants for 2,217 students, giving a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:15 (with a class size estimate of around 26-30 students). The largest nationality group of teachers is Indian, which is consistent with the school's demographic and curriculum profile. All teachers are described as holding appropriate teaching qualifications. The DSIB inspectors noted that teachers have secure knowledge of their subjects and a clear understanding of how students learn best. Lesson planning is careful, developing both skills and knowledge. There has been increased use of technology to support learning in lessons, and internal and external assessment outcomes are used to inform future planning. Most teachers use ongoing assessment well in lessons. In some subjects, differentiation is effective - particularly in science - but in others, activities do not offer sufficient challenge for higher-ability students, a finding that connects directly to the mathematics attainment concern in Primary. The school's pedagogical approach is broadly structured and teacher-directed with increasing moves toward student-led and inquiry-based learning, particularly in Secondary. The principal's stated vision is to move toward more student-centred and less overly teacher-directed learning, and the DSIB confirmed this is resulting in a more purposeful learning environment. Technology is being integrated into lessons, though the report notes that not all students have equal access to learning technologies, which limits independent research capacity at times. Teacher retention data, based on available information, indicates a teacher turnover rate of approximately 16% - a figure that is within the normal range for Dubai private schools but is worth monitoring. The school provides a structured induction programme for new staff and invests in ongoing professional development. Staff wellbeing initiatives - including yoga, Zumba, and recognition programmes - are cited by DSIB as evidence of a leadership team that actively supports its workforce. Assessment is rated Good across all phases, with internal data consistently aligned with observed lesson standards.
1:15
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
150 teachers for 2,217 students
16%
Estimated Teacher Turnover Rate
Within normal range for Dubai private schools
Good
Teaching for Effective Learning - All Phases
DSIB Inspection 2023-2024

Leadership & Management

Oxford School is led by Principal Daspo Yiappos, who was appointed on 30 June 2021 and has been the driving force behind the school's most significant period of improvement in its history. Under her leadership, the school moved from an Acceptable rating - held for over a decade - to a Good rating in the 2023-2024 DSIB inspection. The DSIB inspectors described the principal's vision and direction as leading to more student-centred and less overly teacher-directed learning, resulting in a more purposeful learning environment. Self-evaluation is described as more systematic, and improvement planning has addressed almost all previous inspection recommendations. The school is owned and operated by LEAMS Education, a Dubai-based education group with over 40 years in the sector and a portfolio of UK and CBSE curriculum schools across the UAE, collectively serving more than 10,000 students. LEAMS's stated foundation is providing quality education at affordable cost - a mission that is clearly reflected in Oxford School's fee structure and value positioning. The group provides governance, strategic oversight, and group-level technology and infrastructure support. The school has a governing body that is actively engaged in school improvement. Students are represented on the governing board, and the DSIB noted that governors have a strong commitment to the promotion of positive wellbeing. Governors and senior management review wellbeing practices and data annually. The DSIB rates governance as Good. Parent communication is a noted strength. The school uses multiple channels to keep parents informed - including the Zenda app for financial transactions, a parent portal, and regular face-to-face meetings. The DSIB confirmed that leaders give parents regular opportunities to be partners in their children's education, inform parents well about attainment and progress, and act promptly on parental concerns. Parents' views are sought frequently through surveys. The school's senior leadership team is supported by a developing middle management layer, which the DSIB identified as a key structural investment that has contributed to the school's improvement trajectory. The school's mission - to develop a community of creative and independent learners, sensitive and tolerant to the needs of a diverse global society - and its core values of Excellence, Collaboration, Honesty, Respect, and Creativity, are clearly embedded in the school's culture and reflected in DSIB findings on student personal development and social responsibility.

KHDA Inspection Results (Decoded)

The 2023-2024 DSIB inspection awarded Oxford School an overall rating of Good - the first Good rating in the school's inspection history, following a Weak rating in 2008-2009 and eleven consecutive Acceptable ratings from 2009-2010 through to 2022-2023. This is not a marginal improvement; it is a structural shift that reflects years of deliberate investment in leadership, teaching quality, and student outcomes. In terms of student attainment and progress, the picture is broadly positive with one clear exception. Science in Secondary achieves the standout result of Very Good for both attainment and progress. English progress in Secondary is also Very Good. Mathematics attainment in Primary is the single domain rated Acceptable - every other academic subject across every phase is rated Good or above. Arabic and Islamic Education, historically weak areas, are now both rated Good across all applicable phases, which is a significant achievement. Personal and social development is rated Very Good across all four phases - Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16. This is the highest-performing domain in the school and reflects a genuine culture of care, respect, and community. Health and Safety and Care and Support are also rated Very Good across all phases - an exceptional result that distinguishes Oxford School from many peers at similar and higher price points. The National Agenda Parameter assessment is rated Very Good for International and Benchmark Achievement, with the school exceeding its PIRLS 2021 target by 24 points with an average score of 565. This is a meaningful data point that demonstrates real academic progress beyond internal assessments. The Wellbeing rating is Good, and the Inclusion rating is also Good. The DSIB's key recommendations for development are: improve mathematics attainment in Primary to at least Good; improve transition arrangements between FS and Primary; ensure consistently high teacher expectations regarding punctuality, behaviour, and classroom routines; and establish greater coherence between self-evaluation and improvement planning with measurable targets. These are actionable, specific recommendations that the current leadership team is well-placed to address given the progress already demonstrated.
Exceptional Pastoral Care
Health, Safety, and Care and Support are rated Very Good across all four phases - Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, and Post-16. Safeguarding arrangements are described as very high quality, with all staff trained in child protection.
Strong Personal Development
Personal development is rated Very Good across all phases. Students demonstrate respectful relationships, healthy lifestyle awareness, and strong social responsibility. Bullying is described as very rare.
Science and English Excellence in Secondary
Science attainment and progress in Secondary are both rated Very Good - the highest academic rating in the school. English progress in Secondary is also Very Good, demonstrating strong subject-level delivery in the upper school.
Mathematics Attainment in Primary

The single below-Good rating in the school's academic profile. DSIB inspectors recommend more opportunities for students to extend learning above expected curriculum levels and more consistent differentiation to challenge higher-ability students.

FS-to-Primary Transition and Consistency

Inspectors recommend improving transition arrangements between Foundation Stage and Primary to build more effectively on the strong FS provision. Teacher expectations around punctuality, behaviour, and classroom routines need to be consistently high across all classes.

Inspection History

2023-2024
Good
2022-2023
Acceptable
2018-2019
Acceptable
2017-2018
Acceptable
2016-2017
Acceptable
2009-2010
Acceptable
2008-2009
Weak

Fees & Value for Money

Oxford School offers a UK curriculum from FS1 through Year 13, with tuition fees for the 2024–2025 academic year ranging from AED 12,695 for Foundation Stage to AED 20,128 for Years 11–13 (as listed on the KHDA portal, inclusive of mandatory annual fees). The school's fee structure is split into three terms for FS1 to Year 10, and two installments for Years 11, 12, and 13. Mandatory annual fees — covering Activity, Computer Lab, Medical, and E-Learning charges — are bundled into the first term payment, making the Term 1 installment higher than subsequent terms.

AED 12,695
Annual Fees From
AED 20,128
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
FS1
AED 12,695
FS2
AED 12,695
Year 1
AED 13,836
Year 2
AED 13,836
Year 3
AED 13,836
Year 4
AED 13,836
Year 5
AED 13,836
Year 6
AED 14,420
Year 7
AED 14,420
Year 8
AED 14,420
Year 9
AED 14,979
Year 10
AED 14,979
Year 11
AED 20,128
Year 12
AED 20,128
Year 13
AED 20,128

In addition to tuition, families should budget for optional fees such as Skill Development Programme (Science) for Years 10–12 and Enrichment Programme (Computer) for Years 12–13, as well as separate IGCSE/GCE board examination fees for Years 11–13. Books and uniforms are purchased separately. Transport is available through a third-party provider at costs that vary by area of residence. The application fee of AED 525 and the admission confirmation fee (10% of annual tuition) are non-refundable for new students.

Oxford School provides several avenues for fee relief, including sibling discounts of 15% for the first sibling and 20% for subsequent siblings on annual tuition, a 2.5% early payment discount for full upfront payment before the due date, and academic scholarships for high-achieving IGCSE and GCE students. These options, combined with the school's affordable fee positioning relative to other UK-curriculum schools in Dubai, make Oxford School a competitive choice for families seeking quality British education at accessible price points.

Additional Costs

Activity Fee600(annual)
Computer Fee525(annual)
Medical Fee250(annual)
E-Learning Fee450(annual)
National Agenda Parameter Tests (External Exams)150(annual)
National Agenda Parameter Tests (External Exams)350(annual)
Skill Development Programme Fee (Science)1050(annual)
Skill Development Programme Fee (Science)1350(annual)
Enrichment Programme Fee (Computer)760(annual)
IGCSE/GCE Board Examination Fee(per-exam)
Application Fee525(one-time)
Admission Confirmation Fee(one-time)
Cheque Return Fee250(per-instance)
School Uniform(annual)
Books & Materials(annual)
School Transport(annual)

Discounts & Concessions

Sibling Discount – 1st Sibling15%%
Sibling Discount – 2nd Sibling Onwards20%%
Early / Full Payment Discount2.5%%
Tuition Fee Discount – Year 1111.19%%
Tuition Fee Discount – FS1 & FS24.42%%
Academic Scholarshipvaries%

Scholarships & Bursaries

Oxford School offers academic scholarships based on IGCSE and GCE Board Examination results. Year 11 students achieving 7A* in IGCSE receive a 25% scholarship on tuition fees; those achieving 7A* and 1A receive 20%. Year 12 students achieving 3A in GCE receive a 25% scholarship; those achieving 2A receive 20%. Additional scholarship percentages on Annual Tuition Fees are available based on eligibility criteria as determined by the school.

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

Oxford School Dubai is a school that has earned its Good rating through genuine, sustained effort - not marketing. After more than a decade of Acceptable ratings, the 2023-2024 DSIB inspection confirmed what parents on the ground have been observing: this is a school with improving academic standards, exceptional pastoral care, and a leadership team that is driving real change. For families in and around Muhaisanah, Al Qusais, and Deira who want a recognised UK curriculum education with Cambridge and Edexcel qualifications, at a fee level that is genuinely accessible, Oxford School is the most compelling option in its immediate geography. The school is particularly strong for students who thrive in a structured, community-oriented environment with high expectations around character and values. The Very Good personal development ratings across all phases, the very rare incidence of bullying, and the strong student representation in governance all point to a school where children feel safe, valued, and known. For students of determination, the inclusion provision is rated Good and improving, with individualised education plans and a dedicated support team. However, parents should go in with clear eyes. The A Level subject range is narrower than many competitors, focused on Commerce and Science. Students with strong interests in performing arts, design, or humanities will find limited options at Post-16. Mathematics in Primary remains a work in progress. And the campus, while functional, does not offer the premium facilities of higher-fee schools. This is a school where the value is in the people and the culture, not the infrastructure.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Families residing in Muhaisanah, Al Qusais, and surrounding areas seeking an affordable, KHDA-rated Good UK curriculum education from FS1 to A Level, with strong pastoral care, a diverse and inclusive community, and a genuine improvement trajectory under committed leadership.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Students with strong creative, performing arts, or humanities ambitions who need a broad A Level subject menu; families expecting premium campus facilities comparable to higher-fee British curriculum schools in Dubai; or parents seeking published, detailed exam results data to benchmark academic performance.

From creative arts programs to cutting-edge technology, this school provides everything our kids need to make a difference in their future. By investing in our children's academic success, we can help them grow as individuals and make an impact on the world around them.

Parent of Two Secondary Students

Strengths

  • First Good KHDA rating in school history (2023-2024) after sustained improvement
  • Very Good pastoral care and safeguarding across all phases
  • Affordable fees: AED 11,856 to AED 19,666 for full FS1 to A Level pathway
  • Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel accreditation
  • Strong science and English progress in Secondary (Very Good rated)
  • Inclusive community with 147 students of determination supported
  • PIRLS benchmark score of 565, exceeding national target by 24 points
  • Committed principal with clear improvement vision since 2021

Areas for Improvement

  • Mathematics attainment in Primary rated only Acceptable - a persistent weak point
  • A Level subject range is narrow, focused on Commerce and Science only
  • Campus facilities are functional but do not match higher-fee competitors
  • Detailed IGCSE and A Level results not publicly published for benchmarking
  • Only 2 guidance counsellors for over 2,200 students