Repton School - DubaiBritish School in Nadd Al Shiba 3، Dubai
Curriculum
British / International Baccalaureate
KHDA
Outstanding
Location
Dubai, Nadd Al Shiba 3
Fees
AED 57K - 103K
Repton School - Dubai
The Executive Summary
Repton School - Dubai holds a position unlike almost any other school in this emirate. Founded in 2007 as the first UK independent school in the Middle East, it carries the weight of a name rooted in 1557 and the credibility of a KHDA rating Outstanding held continuously since 2014 - a decade of top-tier regulatory endorsement that very few Nadd Al Shiba 3 schools, or indeed any Dubai private schools, can match. The school follows the UK National Curriculum through to Year 11, before offering students a genuine choice at Sixth Form: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the IB Career-related Programme paired with BTEC, or A Levels - a breadth of post-16 pathways that reflects serious institutional thinking about individual student needs. With 2,374 students drawn from over 80 nationalities, a rare boarding option, and a campus that has just undergone a transformative upgrade including a 600-seat Performing Arts Centre and a new Sports Village, Repton Dubai is operating at a scale and ambition level that justifies its premium school fees Dubai families pay. The value proposition is real, but so is the price tag, with annual fees ranging from AED 57,178 to AED 102,753.
Outstanding since 2014First UK school in UAEIB, A Level and BTEC pathwaysBoarding option available80+ nationalities
See how Repton School - Dubai compares across all 105 British schools in our Best British Schools in Dubai 2026 guide.
“Repton pushes and extends children at every level. The academic focus is genuine, the teachers are communicative, and the sense of community across year groups is something you simply do not find at most schools in Dubai.”
— Year 6 Parent(representative)Academic Framework & Learning Style
Repton Dubai's academic architecture is deliberately layered. From FS1 through Year 11, the school follows the English National Curriculum, providing the structured progression and subject rigour that British-curriculum families expect. At IGCSE, students sit examinations across a wide range of subjects, and the 2024 cohort of 101 students entered 1,161 examinations - a significant volume that speaks to genuine breadth. Results were strong: 54.9% of entries achieved Grades 9-7 (A* to A), with 95.5% securing pass grades from 9-4. A remarkable 97% of students earned at least 5 passes at Grade 9-4 including English and Mathematics, a benchmark that matters for university admissions globally. At Sixth Form, the school offers three distinct pathways. The IB Diploma Programme remains the flagship: the 2024 cohort of 28 students achieved an average score of 36 points with a 100% pass rate, and the highest individual score was 43 out of 45. A Levels, introduced from September 2021, are still maturing - the 2024 cohort of 42 students achieved 68% at A*-C and 99% at A*-E, with 17% at A*-A. The KHDA inspection noted that A Level attainment has not yet reached the standard seen in the IB Diploma Programme, which is an honest limitation to acknowledge. The IB Career-related Programme, paired with BTEC in Business Studies and Sports, provides a vocational alternative for students with specific career aspirations. Across the school, the DSIB 2023-24 report rated English attainment as Outstanding in Secondary and Post-16, Mathematics as Outstanding in Secondary and Post-16, and Science as Outstanding across Primary, Secondary and Post-16 - a sweep of top grades in the core subjects that is genuinely impressive. The inspection did identify that independent learning skills are less evident in the primary and secondary phases, and that teaching quality occasionally varies in the primary phase, which is a fair observation that parents of younger children should factor in. Arabic and Islamic Education results remain areas requiring development, with attainment rated Acceptable in several phases. The school's support systems are extensive: 200 students of determination receive specialist inclusion support, EAL provision is in place for non-native English speakers, and careers advice, work experience and university mentorships are described by inspectors as extensive. University destinations are not publicly listed in detail, but the IB average of 36 points positions graduates competitively for Russell Group and global top-tier institutions.
54.9%
IGCSE entries at Grade 9-7 (A*-A)
2024 results, 101 students, 1,161 examinations
36 pts
IB Diploma average score
2024, 100% pass rate, highest score 43/45
100%
IB Diploma pass rate
2024 cohort, 28 students
97%
Students achieving 5+ IGCSE passes incl. English and Maths
2024 cohort
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
Repton Dubai's co-curricular programme is one of the most extensive in Dubai education, and the DSIB 2023-24 inspection explicitly cited the school's extra-curricular activities as a highlight. ECAs and sports squads run from 3:15pm to 4:15pm on Monday through Thursday for Years 1 to 13, meaning the programme is genuinely embedded in the school day rather than an afterthought. The school offers a wide range of competitive sports. The newly opened Repton Sports Village - unveiled in late 2025 with global sports icons in attendance - anchors the physical programme with two full-sized rugby and football pitches, a junior field, a 200-metre running track, a 100-metre sprint track, and a 1,600 square metre multi-sport astro-turf with a central cricket square and nets. Shaded outdoor courts, refurbished indoor basketball courts and an enhanced swimming pool complete the picture. The Repton Royals Netball team competes not only against other schools but in the Dubai Netball League, and the school fields rugby teams at competitive level. Performing arts have been transformed by the opening of the new Performing Arts Centre, which includes a 600-seat auditorium, professional music practice rooms, dedicated dance and drama studios, recording suites and rehearsal areas. A recent production of Frozen, involving students from Year 7 to Year 12, demonstrated the ambition of the programme in its new home. Community service is integrated through the IB CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) framework for Sixth Form students, with documented examples including building a school in Thailand and teaching English to children in Sri Lanka. Students have also participated in walkathons for people of determination and designed sustainability apps. The House system provides a competitive and community framework across all year groups, with the school having introduced an innovative house points programme. Enrichment trips, overseas expeditions and cultural events including International Day and Flag Day celebrations further broaden the student experience.
1,600m²
Multi-sport astro-turf area
Part of new Sports Village, opened 2025
600
Seat capacity, Performing Arts Centre auditorium
Opened 2025, includes dance, drama and recording studios
New Sports Village 2025600-seat Performing Arts CentreIB CAS service programmeDubai Netball LeagueInternational expeditions
Pastoral Care & Well-being
The DSIB 2023-24 inspection rated Repton Dubai's overall wellbeing provision at Very Good, and the detail behind that rating reveals a genuinely comprehensive system. Inclusion leaders demonstrate strong commitment through comprehensive policies, and all staff receive extensive personal development training including mental health first aid. Regular check-in sessions, informal pastoral sessions and timetabled wellbeing lessons all contribute to students' awareness of their own mental health. A dedicated wellbeing team collaborates to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. The school's House system is a genuine pastoral tool, not merely a competitive framework. It forges relationships between older and younger students, creating vertical communities that give every child a sense of belonging beyond their year group. Wellbeing ambassadors, prefects and student committees provide structured leadership opportunities, ensuring that student voice is heard at the institutional level. Counselling is available for both staff and students alongside medical clinics, sporting facilities and pastoral support. The school has implemented restorative approaches to resolve disagreements, and the inspection noted that these have improved relationships and behaviour across the school. Behaviour is described as excellent across all phases. The DSIB inspection highlighted that all students value their roles and responsibilities, and that relationships are respectful and considerate. The school fosters an understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture, with Emirati ambassadors playing an active role in raising cultural awareness. One area for development noted by inspectors is ensuring that all students are well supported both in and out of classes - a nuance that suggests the pastoral net, while wide, is not yet uniformly consistent.
“The school genuinely looks after the whole child. The House system means my daughter has older students she can turn to, and the teachers are open and communicative. There is a real sense of belonging here.”
— Year 8 Parent(representative)Campus & Facilities
Repton Dubai's campus is architecturally distinctive in a city where most school buildings are functional and modern. The school's turrets and cloisters give it a character that is immediately recognisable, and the site is large enough to accommodate nearly 2,400 students without feeling overcrowded. The campus has undergone a significant transformation, with major new facilities opened during the 2025-26 academic year that have materially changed what the school can offer. The centrepiece is the new Repton Performing Arts Centre, a purpose-built facility with a 600-seat auditorium, professional music practice rooms, dedicated dance and drama studios, recording suites and rehearsal areas. After nearly 18 years of waiting, this facility finally delivers on the school's original promise. The Repton Sports Village is equally impressive: two full-sized rugby and football pitches, a junior field, a 200-metre running track, a 100-metre sprint track, a 1,600 square metre multi-sport astro-turf with a central cricket square and nets, shaded outdoor courts, refurbished indoor basketball courts and an enhanced swimming pool. For younger learners, the transformed Early Years Centre includes imaginative purpose-built spaces named the Wonder Library, Imaginarium and Calm Zone. The Sixth Form Centre occupies a dedicated tower adjacent to the Performing Arts Centre, with work and relaxation spaces across two floors above the Senior School library. The DSIB inspection confirmed that the school's buildings, facilities and resources are of an exceptionally high standard. The campus is located in Nadd Al Shiba 3, accessible from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Ain Road, with adequate parking and organised drop-off and pick-up arrangements. Nearby residential communities include Meydan, Mohammed Bin Rashid City and Dubai Silicon Oasis, making it a viable choice for families across a broad swathe of Dubai.
600
Seat auditorium capacity
New Performing Arts Centre, opened 2025
1,600m²
Multi-sport astro-turf
Sports Village, includes cricket square and nets
600-seat auditoriumNew Sports Village 2025Transformed Early Years CentreSixth Form Centre towerEnhanced swimming poolMulti-sport astro-turf
Teaching & Learning Quality
The DSIB 2023-24 inspection rated teaching for effective learning as Outstanding in Foundation Stage, Secondary and Post-16, with Very Good in Primary - a distinction that parents of younger children should note. The report describes highly effective teaching supported by a strong understanding of how students learn in FS, where teachers know how young children develop and actively encourage independence. In Secondary and Post-16, teaching is characterised by expert subject knowledge, purposeful questioning, stimulating learning environments and high expectations. The primary phase, while rated Very Good, shows some variability in quality, and the inspection noted that higher-attaining students in Primary are not always working at a level commensurate with their ability. Assessment is rated Outstanding across all phases - a significant finding that means the school's data collection and use of assessment information is genuinely strong. However, inspectors also noted that teachers' use of assessment data remains uneven, and consistency in marking and feedback is still developing. Repton employs 174 full-time teachers and 43 teaching assistants, giving a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 1:12 - one of the better ratios among Dubai private schools and a meaningful indicator of resourcing depth. The largest nationality group of teachers is British, consistent with the school's UK curriculum identity. Teacher turnover was reported at approximately 4% in recent data, which is low by Dubai international school standards and suggests strong staff retention - a reliable proxy for staff morale and school culture. The DSIB inspection confirmed that staff morale is very high. Professional development is taken seriously: the school provides ongoing CPD, including workshops on differentiation for students of determination, and middle leadership has been a specific focus for improvement. Technology use in teaching is developing positively, with recent initiatives noted by inspectors as having a positive impact. Opportunities for independent research and enquiry-led learning remain underdeveloped in some phases, which is a genuine area for growth.
1:12
Student-to-teacher ratio
174 teachers, 2,374 students
174
Full-time teachers
Plus 43 teaching assistants
~4%
Teacher turnover rate
Well below Dubai international school average
Leadership & Management
Repton Dubai's leadership has seen meaningful change in recent years, and the school enters 2025-26 under the direction of Mr. Michael Bloy, appointed as Principal for the current academic year. Mr. Bloy brings a strong UAE education pedigree: he was formerly part of the leadership team at JESS Arabian Ranches where he introduced the IB Diploma Programme, subsequently served as Head of Secondary at Kings Al Barsha, and most recently held the Principal role at Raha International School Gardens in Abu Dhabi before joining Repton. His IB expertise is directly relevant to Repton's post-16 offering and signals a clear strategic intent to strengthen the school's most academically prestigious pathway. The school is now part of the Cognita Excella group, following a strategic partnership announced in recent years. Cognita, with over 100 schools internationally, has already delivered on its investment promise: the Performing Arts Centre and Sports Village were both completed under Cognita's stewardship. This is a significant positive signal for the school's future capital investment trajectory. The DSIB 2023-24 inspection rated the effectiveness of leadership, school self-evaluation, parent engagement, governance and management as Outstanding across all categories - a clean sweep that reflects genuine institutional strength. The inspection described leaders at all levels as determined and dedicated, noting that they have worked well to improve middle leadership and consolidate teaching quality. The school communicates with parents through parents' evenings, newsletters and online groups. The governing body is described as effective, and the school fosters strong community ties that the inspection explicitly cited as enhancing students' educational experiences. The school's vision - producing students who are Rounded, Grounded and Unbounded - is articulated clearly and is visibly embedded in the school's approach to personal development, which was rated Outstanding across all phases.
KHDA Inspection Results (Decoded)
The DSIB 2023-24 inspection confirmed Repton Dubai's Outstanding overall rating - the school's tenth consecutive Outstanding inspection, a record that began in 2014-15 and has been maintained without interruption. Prior to 2014, the school held a Good rating from 2008-09 through 2013-14, so the improvement trajectory is clear and sustained. The inspection report is broadly very positive but contains several nuanced findings that distinguish it from a simple endorsement. Core academic subjects perform at the highest level: English, Mathematics and Science are all rated Outstanding in Secondary and Post-16, with strong Very Good ratings in Primary. Personal and social development is Outstanding across all phases - an area where Repton genuinely excels, reflecting its investment in the House system, wellbeing programme and community engagement. Teaching is Outstanding in FS, Secondary and Post-16, but only Very Good in Primary, and the inspection noted variability within that phase. Arabic and Islamic Education remain the school's most significant academic challenge. Arabic as a First Language attainment is Acceptable across Primary, Secondary and Post-16. Arabic as an Additional Language drops to Acceptable in Secondary. Islamic Education is Acceptable at Post-16. These are not minor footnotes - they represent a persistent gap that the school's key recommendation from inspectors directly addresses. The National Agenda Parameter was assessed as Very Good overall, with PIRLS 2021 outcomes exceeding the target set by 17 points. Emirati student outcomes are Good across the three core subjects, showing improvement. Wellbeing provision was rated Very Good, and inclusion provision was also rated Very Good, reflecting the school's investment in its 200 students of determination and its broader pastoral infrastructure.
Outstanding Personal Development
Students' personal and social development, understanding of Islamic values and UAE culture, and social responsibility and innovation skills are all rated Outstanding across every phase - Foundation Stage through Post-16. Behaviour is excellent and relationships are respectful.
Core Academic Excellence in Secondary
English, Mathematics and Science attainment and progress are rated Outstanding in Secondary and Post-16. The school's IGCSE and IB Diploma results confirm this, with 54.9% of IGCSE entries at A*-A and an IB average of 36 points with 100% pass rate in 2024.
Outstanding Leadership Across All Domains
The effectiveness of leadership, self-evaluation, parent and community engagement, governance, and management of staffing, facilities and resources are all rated Outstanding - a clean sweep that reflects institutional maturity and strong strategic direction.
Arabic and Islamic Education Attainment
The inspection's key recommendation is to raise attainment and progress in Islamic Education and Arabic as a matter of considerable urgency. Arabic First Language attainment is Acceptable across Primary, Secondary and Post-16. In Arabic Additional Language Secondary, teachers giving instructions in English is actively limiting students' language development.
Reading Literacy and Independent Learning
The National Agenda Parameter assessment found that the impact of reading improvement initiatives remains inconsistent, particularly for Emirati students. Inspectors also noted that independent research, critical thinking and enquiry-led learning are underdeveloped in some phases, particularly Primary and Secondary.
Inspection History
2023-2024
Outstanding
2022-2023
Outstanding
2019-2020
Outstanding
2018-2019
Outstanding
2017-2018
Outstanding
2014-2015
Outstanding
2013-2014
Good
2008-2009
Good
Fees & Value for Money
Repton School Dubai offers a comprehensive British curriculum education for students from FS1 through Year 13, with tuition fees for the 2025–26 academic year ranging from AED 57,178 for FS1 to AED 102,753 for Years 12 and 13. The fee structure is tiered across Early Years, Junior School, and Senior School phases, reflecting the increasing depth and breadth of the curriculum at each stage. As one of Dubai's consistently Outstanding-rated schools (KHDA), Repton Dubai's fees are positioned at the premium end of the market, commensurate with its world-class facilities, highly qualified teaching staff, and exceptional academic outcomes.
AED 57,178
Annual Fees From
AED 102,753
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
FS1
AED 57,178FS2
AED 63,025Year 1
AED 64,631Year 2
AED 64,631Year 3
AED 66,732Year 4
AED 67,266Year 5
AED 75,953Year 6
AED 75,953Year 7
AED 81,121Year 8
AED 84,366Year 9
AED 86,529Year 10
AED 95,182Year 11
AED 95,182Year 12
AED 102,753Year 13
AED 102,753Tuition fees are payable in three instalments aligned to the school's three terms: 40% in August (Term 1), 30% in December (Term 2), and 30% in March (Term 3), or in full at the start of the academic year. Fees do not include school lunches, transportation, or educational trips, and some extracurricular activities with external providers may carry additional charges. New pupils are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the annual tuition fee upon acceptance, while returning pupils pay a 5% deposit — both amounts are deducted from the annual tuition fees in line with KHDA regulations.
For families considering the school's boarding provision, boarding fees are charged separately and annually, with full boarding (Sunday to Saturday) priced at AED 72,000 and weekly boarding (Sunday to Thursday) at AED 66,500 for Years 7 to 13. All meals are included for boarding students. A refundable deposit of AED 50,000 is required for all boarding students, returned upon departure. Optional extras for boarders include visa services at AED 5,000 (inclusive of VAT) and medical insurance ranging from AED 8,400 to AED 12,054 depending on the student's age.
Additional Costs
Application Fee525(one-time)
New Student Deposit10% of annual tuition(one-time)
Returning Student Deposit5% of annual tuition(annual)
Full Boarding (Sunday to Saturday)72,000(annual)
Weekly Boarding (Sunday to Thursday)66,500(annual)
Boarding Refundable Deposit50,000(one-time)
Visa (Full Boarders Only)5,000(one-time)
Medical Insurance (Under 18, Full Boarders)8,400(annual)
Medical Insurance (18 and Above, Full Boarders)12,054(annual)
School Lunches(annual)
Transportation(annual)
Educational Trips(annual)
Extracurricular Activities (External Providers)(per-term)
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
Repton Dubai is one of a small number of schools in this city where the reputation is fully earned and the evidence base is robust. A decade of Outstanding KHDA ratings, strong IGCSE and IB results, a genuinely transformed campus, a rare boarding option, and a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:12 collectively make this a school that delivers at the level its fees suggest. The new Principal, Mr. Michael Bloy, brings relevant IB and UAE school leadership experience, and the Cognita Excella ownership has already demonstrated its willingness to invest meaningfully in the school's physical infrastructure. This is not a school in decline or coasting on reputation - it is actively investing in its future. That said, parents should enter with clear eyes. The primary phase, while rated Very Good, shows variability in teaching quality, and higher-attaining younger students are not always stretched sufficiently. Arabic and Islamic Education outcomes remain below the school's overall standard - a persistent gap that matters for Emirati families and for Arab-background students who want strong Arabic language development. The A Level programme is still maturing. And at AED 95,000-plus for Years 10-13, the fees demand a school that is Outstanding in every dimension, not just most of them. For the right family, this is an exceptional choice. For others, it may be a premium price for a product that does not fully match their child's specific needs.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families seeking a British-heritage school with genuine IB credentials, a rare boarding option, strong Secondary and Post-16 academic outcomes, and a vibrant multicultural community of 80-plus nationalities. Students who are academically motivated and thrive in a structured environment with high expectations.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families prioritising strong Arabic language development or Islamic Education outcomes, as these remain below the school's otherwise Outstanding standard. Budget-conscious families or those whose children are in the primary phase and need consistently differentiated teaching will find better value-for-money options elsewhere in Dubai.
“
We chose Repton because of the name, but we stayed because of the community. The school develops confident, curious young people - and the new facilities have taken things to another level entirely.
— Year 10 Parent
Strengths
- Ten consecutive Outstanding KHDA ratings since 2014-15
- Strong IGCSE results: 54.9% at A*-A, 97% with 5+ passes including English and Maths
- IB Diploma average of 36 points with 100% pass rate in 2024
- Rare boarding option for Years 7-13, one of very few in the UAE
- Excellent 1:12 teacher-to-student ratio with low 4% teacher turnover
- New 600-seat Performing Arts Centre and Sports Village opened 2025
- 80-plus nationalities creating a genuinely international community
- Outstanding personal development and wellbeing provision across all phases
Areas for Improvement
- Arabic and Islamic Education attainment rated Acceptable across multiple phases - a persistent gap
- Teaching quality variable in the primary phase; higher-attaining students not always sufficiently stretched
- A Level programme still maturing and not yet matching IB Diploma attainment standards
- Premium fees of AED 95K-103K for Years 10-13 demand consistent excellence in all areas
- Only one guidance counsellor for 2,374 students - a notable resource constraint