Ages 
As an academic school with a drive for more than just classroom learning, NAS Dubai achieves sound results but goes far beyond, especially with its arts and language programmes. Although their continuous expansion has worried a few, the school is aware that with expansion comes adaptation to ensure values remain intact. Indeed, once integrated into the Nord Anglia Education family, most will find it difficult to leave - and those that have left before their time, more often than not, find their way back!
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Overview
- Student numbers
- 2800
- Curricula
- British
- International
- SEN provision
- Mainstream with SEN support
- Pre school provision (up to 4)
- Yes
- Religion
- Non-denominational
- Fees
- AED 77,353 - AED 100,264
- Ownership
- Nord Anglia Education
Head of school
Principal
Kenny Duncan
Since 2025, Kenny Duncan MA. Previously principal at another Nord Anglia International School, in Hong Kong (for five years) and before that he was principal at Kingsbridge Community College and Sidmouth College, both in Devon in the UK.
Entrance
Admissions assessment for all, and while the school claim they are not academically selective they do benchmark the results against current students to make sure this school is the right fit. From year 2, children sit English and maths papers, with
Exit
Students leave to a large range of universities all around the world eg to the UK (Cambridge, Durham University, London School of Economics (LSE), University College London (UCL) and University of Edinburgh etc), US (UCLA, UPenn, Dartmouth College,
Latest results
In 2025, average IB score of 36.
In 2022, average IB score of 37 with a top score of 45, and 40 per cent of pupils received scores above 40.
I/GCSE results also proved solid in 2021, with 48 per cent of students gaining A* (8-9) and 97 per
Teaching & learning
Parents’ number one reason for choosing the school is sound academic results. A flagship Nord Anglia Education (NAE) school, and one of the family of 76 NAE schools around the world, NAS Dubai (as it is known) ‘gets the basics absolutely right, and
- Curricula & qualifications
- British - Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- British - A levels
- British - International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
- British - GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
- International - International Baccalaureate (Diploma)
Learning support & SEN
Any areas of concern must be highlighted at the point of admissions so that school can assess if it can accommodate the child’s full needs. One parent noted the outstanding provision even before the family had moved to Dubai, with proactive phone
Language support
English proficiency is an entry requirement. That said, young primary school children are not expected to be fluent and if there are any language barriers, in-class support is offered. The language academy allows for mother tongue language
Arts & extracurricular
Performing arts is lauded, with a notably proud collaboration with The Juilliard School in New York City. Children from the early primary years embark on a journey of dance, drama, and music weekly, with the programme intensifying as they move up the
Sport
Like most schools in this city, NAS Dubai offers a sports-for-all environment and focuses on fostering sports both in competition and recreation. The list of sports is extensive and as the school has expanded, so have the sports facilities with
Ethos & heritage
The school is situated out in Al Barsha 3, surrounded by popular residential areas. There are many schools in the vicinity, and while parents moan about the traffic to and from school and the lack of a proper car park, others are grateful for the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The principal attributes safety and happiness, alongside outstanding academics, to the success of the school. This sentiment is echoed by many parents who say that children are cared for and have a sense of belonging. Teachers go above and beyond,
Classroom & community
The top nationality is British, accounting for 27 per cent of students, with nine per cent Indian and eight per cent American passport holders thereafter. But it doesn't feel like the Brits dominate, with the remaining 73 per cent of children
- School year
- August – July, with three terms
- School hours
- 7:30am – 3:30pm
- Uniform requirements
- Yes
Money matters
NAS Dubai is one of 76 schools in the Nord Anglia Education (NAE) group. NAE rents the land for the whole campus from a local partner and the capital investment into the school’s building and facilities lies with NAE. The principal of the school has
- Annual fee range
- AED 77,353 - AED 100,264
- Fee information
- Application fee: AED 525
Registration Fee: AED 5000
The last word
As an academic school with a drive for more than just classroom learning, NAS Dubai achieves sound results but goes far beyond, especially with its arts and language programmes. Although their continuous expansion has worried a few, the school is
Accreditations, inspections & memberships
- Accreditations/Inspections
- Authorised by International Baccalaureate Organization (not to be confused as an inspection or accreditation agency)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
BSO (British Schools Overseas inspection programme)
Education Development Trust- Memberships
- BSME, COBIS. Owned by Nord Anglia Education.
