The Aquila School, Dubai
British School in Dubai Land, Dubai
Last updated
Curriculum
British
KHDA
Good
Location
Dubai, Dubai Land
Fees
AED 49K - 78K
The Executive Summary
The Aquila School Dubai is one of the emirate's most compelling recent success stories in Dubai Land schools. Founded in 2018 as the flagship new-build project of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), it follows the EYFS curriculum for early years and the National Curriculum for England for primary and secondary education, with IGCSE examinations, before transitioning to the IB Diploma and Career-related Programmes at Post-16. The school carries a KHDA rating of Good (2023-2024 inspection) - a rating that, read in isolation, undersells a school whose April 2025 British Schools Overseas inspection awarded the highest possible Outstanding verdict across all areas. For parents navigating school fees Dubai, fees run from AED 48,673 (FS1) to AED 77,876 (Year 12-13), positioning Aquila firmly in the premium segment - but meaningfully below the very top tier of Dubai private schools. The combination of BSO Outstanding accreditation, a genuinely warm community ethos, and four distinct Post-16 pathways makes this a school worth serious consideration for families arriving in or relocating within Dubai Land.
The school's defining character is its fusion of academic rigour with an unusually inclusive, child-centred culture. Principal Wayne Howsen has led Aquila since day one, and the result is a school with a coherent identity that is rare in a campus only seven years old. Strengths are real and evidenced: very good wellbeing provision (KHDA 2024), outstanding pastoral care (BSO 2025), strong Foundation Stage outcomes, and a Post-16 offer that now stretches from the IB Diploma to BTEC vocational routes. The honest caveat is that the KHDA 2024 inspection identified inconsistency in teaching quality at Secondary level and noted the secondary curriculum still needed broadening - gaps the school is actively addressing. This is not the right school for families who prioritise a traditional, exam-factory environment or who need a school with decades of established IGCSE results data. It is, however, an excellent choice for families who value a nurturing, globally-minded British education with genuine flexibility at Post-16.
BSO Outstanding 2025KHDA Good 2024Four Post-16 PathwaysISP Network School90+ Nationalities
See how The Aquila School compares across all 105 British schools in our Best British Schools in Dubai 2026 guide.
“We have been at Aquila for three years now. My kids are genuinely enjoying the safe and happy environment - it is everything we hoped for when we moved to Dubai.”
— Primary and Secondary Parent, Dubai LandAcademic Framework & Learning Style
The Aquila School follows the EYFS curriculum for early years and the National Curriculum for England for primary and secondary education, with IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 11. This curriculum Dubai framework is then extended at Post-16 through four distinct pathways: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), BTEC Level 3, and ASDAN - a breadth of Post-16 choice that is genuinely unusual in the Dubai British school sector and a significant differentiator for families planning a child's full educational journey from nursery to university application.
In the Foundation Stage (FS1-FS2), learning is play-based and inquiry-led, with children benefiting from specialist lessons in swimming, PE, and music from FS1. Arabic is introduced from the earliest years, taught by qualified specialists, with 60 minutes per week in FS1 rising to 80 minutes in FS2. The KHDA 2024 inspection confirmed that progress in FS in English, mathematics and science is very positive, with learning skills rated Very Good - the strongest phase in the school academically. Primary (Years 1-6) follows the enriched National Curriculum, with Spanish introduced from Year 3, and cross-curricular enquiry themes linking subjects. The KHDA inspection noted that curriculum design and implementation at Primary is Very Good, reflecting meaningful investment in this phase. Secondary (Years 7-11) delivers a broad KS3 before students enter the IGCSE pathway. At IGCSE, students take the Pearson/Edexcel programme with a compulsory core of English, Mathematics, and Sciences, supplemented by options across Humanities, Arts, Languages, and BTEC Level 2 qualifications in Business, IT, Performing Arts, and Sport. The KHDA inspection rated the secondary curriculum as Good overall, with a key recommendation to broaden and deepen provision in preparation for the IB Sixth Form - work that is actively underway.
On academic results, the school reported that 86% of IGCSE entries achieved Grade 4 (A*-C) or above in 2024, comfortably above the UK national average of approximately 68%. In 2025, 28% of entries were awarded A*-A grades (Grades 9-7), though the overall pass rate dipped slightly to 80%. The school is transparent that detailed subject-by-subject data is not yet widely published, which is a limitation for parents seeking granular benchmarking. In the KHDA 2024 National Agenda Parameter assessments, science results improved to outstanding and the school exceeded its PIRLS reading targets, performing at the high international benchmark level. The Post-16 IB cohort is the first to graduate in 2026, so IB results data is not yet available. University destinations data is similarly not yet published, though the school's Post-16 framework is explicitly designed to support entry to top universities, apprenticeships, and careers worldwide. Academic support is genuinely comprehensive: the school has established provision for students of determination (102 students identified in the KHDA report), EAL learners, and gifted and talented students, with differentiated planning embedded as standard rather than bolt-on. The homework philosophy is notably light in the lower years - reading is the primary expectation, with optional projects - shifting to more structured independent study at Secondary and Post-16.
86%
IGCSE entries Grade 4+ (A*-C), 2024
Above UK national average of ~68%
28%
IGCSE entries awarded A*-A (Grades 9-7), 2025
School-reported figure
Outstanding
NAP Science results improvement (KHDA 2024)
National Agenda Parameter assessment
4
Post-16 Pathways offered
IBDP, IBCP, BTEC Level 3, ASDAN
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
The Aquila School offers a wide-ranging extracurricular programme that extends well beyond the typical Dubai school offering. The school's website and community voices confirm that clubs and activities run both after school and during Friday break times, giving students multiple access points throughout the week. While the school does not publish a precise count of ECAs, the breadth of provision spans sports, academic, cultural, creative arts, and leadership activities, with the school's own communications referencing a dynamic range of options that students across year groups can access.
In performing arts, Aquila has built a genuinely distinctive reputation. The school offers specialist music, drama, and dance classes, with students able to earn LAMDA qualifications - a prestigious UK drama and communication award that carries real weight in university applications and is unusual to find embedded in a Dubai school curriculum. The performing arts complex includes a dedicated auditorium, black box theatre, music studios, and dance spaces, giving the programme genuine infrastructure to match its ambition.
On the sports side, the campus includes two swimming pools (training and competition size), a football and rugby pitch, and multi-sports courts. Competitive sports programmes are in place across multiple disciplines, with students able to represent the school in inter-school competitions. The school's emphasis on physical activity as part of wellbeing is reflected in KHDA findings that most students participate regularly in sports.
For enrichment and leadership, the school runs a Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award programme, and students participate in Model United Nations (MUN) and TEDx speaking opportunities. Community service is embedded meaningfully: students have independently organised events such as the Winter Souq (raising funds for humanitarian causes), a whole-school litter-picking day, and a 'Bird Cage Event' that funded a student-led uniform recycling business idea. The 'Changemakers' initiative, led by students to support disadvantaged groups, is a particularly strong example of student agency in action. School trips are a valued part of the programme, with students across year groups referencing them as highlights of school life.
2
Swimming pools on campus
Training and competition size
LAMDA QualificationsDuke of Edinburgh AwardModel United NationsTEDx SpeakersStudent Changemakers
Pastoral Care & Well-being
Wellbeing is not a peripheral concern at The Aquila School - it is the organising principle of the entire school culture, captured in the school's motto: Safe, Happy, Learning. The KHDA 2024 inspection rated overall wellbeing provision as Very Good, and the April 2025 BSO inspection went further, judging pastoral care, safeguarding, and student happiness as Outstanding. This is a school where the evidence of wellbeing investment is visible at every level.
The school employs 2 guidance counsellors (confirmed in the KHDA report) to support a student body of 1,154 - a ratio that is adequate but not exceptional for a school of this size. However, the pastoral infrastructure extends well beyond formal counselling: the school is affiliated with the National College for Mental Health and Wellbeing, teachers receive regular training in wellbeing, and the KHDA inspection confirmed that most teachers provide students with consistent support and care. Senior and middle leaders actively support a well-defined vision for wellbeing, and the integration of wellbeing into the school's ethos has had a measurably positive impact across all phases.
Safeguarding procedures are described by KHDA inspectors as implemented very effectively in all phases, with health and safety rated Very Good across Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary. The school has on-site medical care and nutritious meals as standard. Anti-bullying culture is strong - student voices consistently describe a school where bullying is not a feature of daily life, and where they feel comfortable raising concerns with the principal directly.
Students demonstrate very well-developed personal and social skills across all three phases (rated Very Good by KHDA in every category). The school's house system and student leadership opportunities - including roles as Aquila ambassadors, MUN delegates, and TEDx speakers - give students meaningful agency. Cultural celebrations and assemblies reinforce a sense of community belonging across the school's 90+ nationalities. One area flagged by KHDA inspectors for development is the need to enhance professional development programmes for staff specifically around innovation in wellbeing provision - a nuanced recommendation rather than a fundamental concern.
“The school provides a nurturing environment and has inspired me to become more confident and be my best self. Aquila ensures that the best can be brought out of all their students and doesn't shy away from supporting us in any way that we need.”
— Year 13 Student, The Aquila SchoolCampus & Facilities
The Aquila School occupies a purpose-built campus in Wadi Al Safa 5, Dubai Land, opposite Dubai Silicon Oasis. The building was purpose-designed from the ground up as ISP's flagship UAE new-build, and won Best Design Education Project of the Year in 2018 - an accolade that reflects the quality of the physical environment. The campus is characterised by large, light-filled classrooms, wide corridor spaces, and a colourful, stimulating aesthetic that reinforces the school's child-centred philosophy. In 2024, a major new Secondary and Sixth Form building opened to accommodate the school's expansion to full FS1-Year 13 provision, adding significant capacity and specialist facilities for older students.
Sports and performance facilities are a genuine strength. The campus includes a dedicated sports and performance complex with a full auditorium, sports halls, and a black box theatre. There are two swimming pools - one for training and one competition-sized - alongside a football and rugby pitch, multi-sports courts, and shaded outdoor play areas appropriate for the Dubai climate. For the performing arts programme, there are dedicated music studios, dance spaces, and drama rooms, supporting the school's LAMDA qualification pathway.
Academic facilities include specialist science laboratories, food technology rooms, and design technology workshops equipped with 3D printing capabilities. The school operates a hydroponics farm and roof gardens - a distinctive sustainability feature that integrates directly into the curriculum and has won praise from inspectors. Libraries, a dedicated Early Years outdoor learning environment, and the community 'Parrot Cafe' complete the campus picture. The BSO 2025 inspection rated premises and accommodation as Outstanding, specifically highlighting safety, accessibility, and quality. Technology infrastructure includes smart learning tools and digital resources across phases, with students developing digital literacy as part of the school's Cambridge University and IB-backed skills framework.
In terms of location, the campus sits in the heart of a densely populated residential community, surrounded by high-rise apartment complexes across the Wadi Al Safa, The Villa, and Centro communities. This makes it genuinely convenient for families living in Dubai Land and the surrounding areas, though commute times from communities such as Mirdif, Jumeirah, or Downtown Dubai can be significant depending on traffic.
2024
New Secondary and Sixth Form building opened
Expanded campus to full FS1-Year 13 provision
2018
Best Design Education Project of the Year
Award-winning purpose-built campus
Purpose-Built 2018 CampusAward-Winning DesignTwo Swimming PoolsHydroponics Farm3D Printing WorkshopsBSO Outstanding Premises
Teaching & Learning Quality
The quality of teaching at The Aquila School is its most nuanced story - one where the headline KHDA rating of Good at Primary and Secondary level does not capture the full picture, and where the BSO 2025 Outstanding judgement reflects more recent progress. The KHDA 2024 inspection found teaching to be Very Good in Foundation Stage, where questioning, differentiation, and knowledge of child development are described as strengths. In Primary and Secondary, teaching is rated Good, with the inspection noting that while most teachers possess strong subject knowledge and build positive relationships with students, there are missed opportunities to consistently challenge higher-attaining students through deeper questioning and more precisely matched tasks.
The school employs 84 teachers and 45 teaching assistants, giving a confirmed student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 1:14 (based on 1,154 students and 84 teachers), though the school's own communications reference a 1:11 ratio when support staff are factored into the calculation. Almost all teaching staff come from the UK, Ireland, or are qualified to teach in England, with the largest nationality group of teachers confirmed as British (KHDA data). Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies hold relevant qualifications from within the Middle East.
The school's pedagogical approach is broadly inquiry-based and student-centred, underpinned by a skills framework backed by Cambridge University and the IB's Approaches to Learning. Cross-curricular themes, STEAM integration, and project-based learning are embedded across phases. The use of discussion is highlighted by KHDA inspectors as a particular strength - students are confident presenters and can engage in substantive debate. Technology is used meaningfully across the school, with students demonstrating good digital literacy.
Teacher retention is a relevant data point: a 14% annual turnover figure has been reported, which is broadly in line with the Dubai private school sector average but does indicate some churn. The school invests in professional development, with KHDA noting that senior leaders provide regular training in wellbeing and the BSO 2025 inspection praising the professional development culture as a driver of improvement. The key development area identified by KHDA - ensuring more consistent use of assessment data to challenge higher-attaining students, particularly in Secondary - is a genuine and honest limitation that the school acknowledges in its improvement planning.
84
Qualified teachers on staff
Largest nationality group: British (KHDA 2024)
45
Teaching assistants
Supporting 1,154 students across all phases
14%
Annual teacher turnover rate
Broadly in line with Dubai sector average
Leadership & Management
The Aquila School is owned and operated by International Schools Partnership (ISP), one of the world's largest and fastest-growing groups of private schools, with a portfolio that spans the UAE, UK, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. ISP's UAE presence includes several other schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, giving The Aquila School access to a network of shared resources, curriculum expertise, and professional development infrastructure that independent schools typically cannot match.
The founding principal, Wayne Howsen, has led the school since it opened in September 2018 - an unusually long tenure for a Dubai school principal, and one that has demonstrably shaped the school's culture and identity. Howsen joined Aquila from Aldar Academies and previously led a primary school in Abu Dhabi that received an outstanding rating from ADEK across all areas. His leadership style is described consistently - by staff, parents, and students - as warm, visible, and deeply committed to child-centred education. The KHDA 2024 inspection confirmed that the principal successfully encourages staff to seek improvements in academic outcomes and that teamwork among leaders is a strength.
In September 2025, the school strengthened its secondary leadership with the appointment of Ms. Yasmine Dannaway as Head of Secondary, joining from the Outstanding-rated GEMS Jumeirah College, and Mr. Arran Elmes as Head of Sixth Form and IB Coordinator, joining from Kent College Dubai. These appointments signal clear strategic intent: to build the credibility and depth of the Post-16 offer as the first IB cohort approaches graduation in 2026.
Parent communication is a noted strength - the KHDA inspection rated Parents and the Community as Very Good, and parent survey data consistently reflects high satisfaction with the school's responsiveness and openness. The school uses digital tools to maintain regular communication with families. Governance is rated Good by KHDA, with inspectors noting that support from governors has been effective. The BSO 2025 inspection praised leadership and governance as inspirational, with clear strategic direction and robust professional development culture. The key leadership development area identified by KHDA is building the capacity of middle leaders to monitor provision and address underachievement more rigorously - an honest gap in a school that has grown rapidly from 70 students to over 1,150 in seven years.
KHDA Inspection Results (Decoded)
The most recent KHDA/DSIB inspection was conducted in January-February 2024, resulting in an overall rating of Good - a rating the school has held consistently across its three inspection cycles (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24). Reading the Good rating in isolation, however, risks missing the trajectory: the inspection report is peppered with Very Good judgements across multiple sub-domains, and the April 2025 BSO inspection - a rigorous, independent assessment against UK standards - awarded the school Outstanding across all areas. The KHDA Good rating reflects a school still consolidating rapid growth; the BSO Outstanding reflects where that school has already arrived by international standards.
On students' achievement, attainment across English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic (first and additional language), and Islamic Education is rated Good across all phases. Progress tells a more positive story: in Foundation Stage, progress in English, Mathematics, and Science is rated Very Good; in Primary, Mathematics and Science progress are Very Good; in Arabic as an Additional Language, progress is Very Good at both Primary and Secondary. The National Agenda Parameter assessments are a particular bright spot, with science results improving to outstanding and the school exceeding its PIRLS reading literacy targets.
On teaching and assessment, Foundation Stage is rated Very Good, while Primary and Secondary are rated Good. The inspection identifies stronger questioning and differentiation in FS, with inconsistency in the use of assessment data to challenge higher-attaining students as the primary development area in upper phases. Students' personal and social development is rated Very Good across all three phases in every sub-category - personal responsibility, cultural awareness, and social/environmental responsibility. This is the most consistently excellent domain in the report and reflects the school's deep investment in character education and community values.
Wellbeing is judged Very Good overall, with the KHDA specifically praising exemplary leadership in promoting wellbeing, strong stakeholder engagement, and a thorough approach to developing students' wellbeing agency. The one development note is to enhance professional development for staff around innovation in wellbeing delivery. Curriculum design and implementation is Very Good at FS and Primary, Good at Secondary - with the key recommendation to develop the secondary curriculum to align with IB principles in preparation for Post-16. Protection, care, and support is Very Good across all phases in every sub-category. Leadership and management overall is Good, with the standout Very Good ratings for Parents and Community engagement and Management/Staffing/Facilities.
Exemplary Wellbeing Culture
KHDA inspectors judged overall wellbeing provision Very Good, praising exemplary leadership, strong stakeholder engagement, and a thorough approach to student wellbeing agency. The school's Safe, Happy, Learning motto is lived, not just stated.
Outstanding Personal Development
Students' personal and social development is rated Very Good across all three phases in every sub-category. Students demonstrate deep respect for Islamic values, Emirati culture, and global awareness, alongside strong social responsibility and enterprise skills.
Strong Foundation Stage Outcomes
Progress in FS in English, Mathematics, and Science is Very Good, with teaching and assessment also rated Very Good. The Foundation Stage is the school's strongest academic phase and a key driver of its positive reputation among early years families.
Consistency of Challenge at Secondary
KHDA inspectors identified inconsistency in the use of assessment data to challenge higher-attaining students, particularly in Secondary. Questioning techniques are not fully developed in all subjects, meaning the most able students are not always stretched to their potential.
Secondary Curriculum Breadth and IB Alignment
The secondary curriculum was noted as not yet fully developed to provide broad, balanced provision with seamless continuity and progression. The key recommendation is to align secondary learning approaches with IB principles to prepare students for Post-16 pathways.
Inspection History
2023-2024
Good
2022-2023
Good
2021-2022
Good
Fees & Value for Money
The Aquila School offers a British curriculum education in Dubai, with tuition fees for the 2025–2026 academic year ranging from AED 48,673 for Foundation Stage 1 to AED 77,876 for Years 12 and 13. Fees are approved by the KHDA and reflect the school's commitment to delivering a personalised, high-quality education across all stages — from Early Years through to Post-16 IB Diploma and Vocational Pathways. The school positions itself as providing outstanding learning that is accessible to families through flexible payment structures.
AED 48,673
Annual Fees From
AED 77,876
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
FS1
AED 48,673FS2
AED 51,917Year 1
AED 54,081Year 2
AED 54,081Year 3
AED 56,244Year 4
AED 56,244Year 5
AED 59,489Year 6
AED 59,489Year 7
AED 64,897Year 8
AED 64,897Year 9
AED 71,386Year 10
AED 71,386Year 11
AED 71,386Year 12
AED 77,876Year 13
AED 77,876Tuition fees are payable in three termly instalments — 40% in Term 1 (August–December), 30% in Term 2 (January–March), and 30% in Term 3 (April–June). Families who pay in full early can benefit from an Early Bird Discount of up to 7% if paid by 30th April. Sibling discounts are also available, offering 5% off for a second child, 15% for a third, and 25% for a fourth or subsequent child, applied to the youngest child's fees. Corporate discounts are available for employees of select companies including Visa, Fazaa, Emirates, Esaad, and HSBC.
Additional costs beyond tuition include optional bus transport, school uniforms (purchased separately via Trutex), and some extra-curricular activities that carry supplementary charges. The school's fee structure is competitive within the British curriculum segment in Dubai, and the KHDA-rated Good overall inspection rating (2023–2024) underscores the value delivered across academic, personal, and social development outcomes.
Additional Costs
Transport (Bus)(annual)
Uniform(annual)
Extra-Curricular Activities(per-term)
Discounts & Concessions
Sibling Discount – Second Child5%%
Sibling Discount – Third Child15%%
Sibling Discount – Fourth Child and Beyond25%%
Early Bird Discount – Pay by 30th April7%%
Early Bird Discount – Pay by 31st May5%%
Early Bird Discount – Pay by 30th June3%%
Corporate Discount
Scholarships & Bursaries
The Aquila School offers scholarships; a dedicated Scholarships page is listed on the school's admissions section. Specific scholarship criteria, values, and eligibility details are not published in the source material — prospective families are encouraged to visit the school's Scholarships page or contact the Admissions team directly.
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
The Aquila School is, at its core, a school built for families who want their children to be genuinely happy and academically challenged in equal measure - and who are willing to invest in a premium British curriculum education that does not sacrifice warmth for results. The school's BSO Outstanding rating (2025) and consistent KHDA Good rating across three inspection cycles tell the story of a school that has grown rapidly and thoughtfully, building a culture that is rare in a campus only seven years old. The Post-16 offer - with four distinct pathways including the IB Diploma and BTEC vocational routes - is a genuine differentiator for families planning a full FS1-to-graduation journey in one school. The inclusive ethos, strong wellbeing infrastructure, and diverse community of 90+ nationalities make it particularly well-suited to internationally mobile families and those with children who benefit from a nurturing, differentiated environment.
The honest limitations are worth stating clearly. The KHDA Good rating at Secondary level reflects real areas of inconsistency in teaching quality and curriculum breadth that the school is still addressing. Families whose primary concern is maximising IGCSE results and who want a school with a long track record of published exam data may find Aquila's relative youth and limited public results history a concern. The campus location in Dubai Land, while excellent for families living in the surrounding communities, is not convenient for those based in central Dubai, Jumeirah, or the Marina. And while fees are competitive for the quality on offer, they are unambiguously premium - families on tighter budgets will find better value elsewhere in the Dubai Land corridor.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Families seeking a nurturing, inclusive British curriculum school with genuine Post-16 flexibility (IB Diploma, IBCP, BTEC, ASDAN), strong wellbeing provision, and a warm community ethos - particularly those living in Dubai Land, The Villa, Wadi Al Safa, or surrounding communities.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families primarily focused on maximising IGCSE league table performance with extensive published results data, or those based far from Dubai Land who cannot absorb significant daily commute times. Also less suited to families seeking a traditional, exam-focused school culture.
“
Teachers are amazing and cooperative. Communication is easy. Thank you Aquila for helping my daughter grow.
— Year 6 Parent, The Aquila School
Strengths
- BSO Outstanding rating (April 2025) across all inspection areas
- Four Post-16 pathways: IB Diploma, IBCP, BTEC Level 3, and ASDAN
- Exceptional wellbeing culture rated Very Good by KHDA and Outstanding by BSO
- Award-winning purpose-built campus with two pools and hydroponics farm
- Generous sibling discounts up to 25% for larger families
- 90+ nationalities creating a genuinely diverse international community
- LAMDA qualifications and Duke of Edinburgh Award embedded in school life
- Strong Foundation Stage outcomes with Very Good progress in core subjects
Areas for Improvement
- KHDA overall rating is Good, not Outstanding - secondary teaching consistency remains a development area
- Limited published IGCSE subject-by-subject results data for detailed benchmarking
- IB Diploma cohort only graduating for the first time in 2026 - no historical IB results available
- Campus location in Dubai Land is inconvenient for families based in central or western Dubai
- 14% annual teacher turnover rate introduces some staff continuity risk