Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches 

An inclusive, not-for-profit all-through school situated in the Ranches community, JESS AR offers a British curriculum via I/GCSE, IB and BTEC to girls and boys aged 3 to 18
- Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches
Arabian Ranches
Dubai
UAE - T +971 (0) 4361 9019
- E [email protected]
- W www.jess.sch.ae
- School Ages: 3-18
- School Gender: Co-ed
- Total School Numbers: 1,814
- Teaching Language(s):
- English
- SEN: Mainstream with SEN support
- Boarding: Not available
- Uniform: Yes; 6th form business attire.
- School Year: August – June with three terms
- School Hours: FS1: Monday-Thursday 7.40am-12pm, Friday 7.40am-11.40am; FS2: Monday-Thursday 7.40am-2.05pm, Friday 7.40am-11.40am; Years 1-2: Monday-Thursday 7.40am-2.30pm, Friday 7.40am-11.50am; Years 3-6: Monday-Thursday 7.40am-2.40pm. Friday 7.40am-11.55am
- Annual Fee Range: AED 48,330 - AED 99,567
- Fee Information: Application fee: AED 500 (non-refundable)
- Religion: Non-denominational
- Memberships: COBIS, IAPS
- State/Independent: Non-profit
- Linked schools: Jumeirah English Speaking School Jumeirah
Curricula:
- International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
- International Baccalaureate (Diploma)
- National Curriculum for England
- BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) Level 3 Extended Diploma
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Accreditations/Inspections:
- BSO (British Schools Overseas inspection programme)
- British Schools in the Middle East
- Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) of KHDA
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What The Good Schools Guide International says
Director
Since 2019, Shane O’Brien BA (Hons) MBA NPQH. Degree in humanities, history and religious studies (Brunel University of London) and master’s in educational management (Uni of Leicester). Started teaching career at Latymer Upper School in London, as a PE teacher and rowing specialist, while completing his degree. Then joined Shiplake College (also in the UK) as head of PE, then became housemaster and head of sixth form before becoming deputy head and completing twelve years at a school that ‘truly shaped him'. He says that ‘as an inclusive school, it was teaching a range of children that made him a better teacher’ - the pastoral care had to be top priority. ‘The headmaster really believed in me. That’s who made a difference in my professional life; he gave me opportunities and believed that I could lead.’ Always on a quest for adventure, he looked abroad for his next challenge and ‘stumbled upon JESS’. It caught his eye straight away. ‘The feel of the school was something special,’ he says, a sentiment shared repeatedly by those we spoke to. He joined as head of secondary and after eight years was promoted to director.
A proud Kiwi from a working-class family, he attended the local school ‘down the road’. On leaving, it was his love of rowing that was at the forefront of his mind (which at the time in New Zealand didn’t quite carry the affluent label that it might do today). His younger years involved cycling ten miles to a rowing club and later moving away from home for months at a time to train and race. This sporting dedication remarkably resulted in an Olympic gold medal at the Los Angeles games in 1984 and was, he says, formative in his desire and ambition for professional success.
Tall (around 6ft 8in at a guess) but, despite his height, not overbearing in character at all. In fact, while Mr O’Brien is a deep thinker and focused on the strategy and vision of JESS Dubai, it’s clear that he sits back from the day-to-day running of the school, trusting his team implicitly. He highlights the headteachers of primary and secondary as integral to everyday school life, and they are who families are most familiar with (with communication largely going through the form tutors and heads of year). A genuinely impressive chain of command that works, and yet you will still see Mr O’Brien happily chatting to parents and children at the school gates every week. We even heard how he brought in his precious gold medal to show the kids who were learning about the ancient Greeks. They then had the opportunity to interview him and make replica medals. Lucky children!
Married with grown-up boys, he is (unsurprisingly) a busy man with school life. In his free time he likes to keep fit and over the holidays he has swapped summers in France to travel home to New Zealand, where both his children now live.
Entrance
Two main entry points: foundation one stage and year seven. Applications only accepted two years in advance of enrolment or if you have a sibling at the school. Limited places for sixth form. All other year groups are (currently) full and waitlists are over-subscribed, so no applications accepted unless you are a corporate debenture holder or an Emirati national.
Exit
Most of the primary years’ children transition seamlessly through to the senior school alongside the cohort from their sister primary school, JESS Jumeirah. Families say they feel at home and that it’s a natural next step. A few get tempted by competitor schools, but predominantly those who are highly academic or the sporting elite. References always given without any hesitation; it’s all about the children. So refreshing!
University destinations span the globe, but UK, Europe and USA are generally the most popular, including Ivy League and Russell Group unis. Careers team (two uni counsellors) unite with children throughout the sixth form and students say they feel ‘very supported’.
Latest results
In 2024, at I/GCSE, 64 per cent achieved grades A*A/9-7 and 42 per cent achieved grades A*/9-8. Grades were similar in 2023, with 65 per cent achieving A*A/9-7 and 43 per cent gaining A*/9-8.
At IB, average score of 37, in both 2024 and 2023. BTEC results across both years also matched, with an average score of D*D*D (distinction).
Teaching and learning
Primary and secondary teaching areas are broadly split across the campus with crossover in sports facilities, music rooms, auditorium and canteen. Primary (foundation to year six) follow the English national curriculum. In foundation stage one, they are allocated an extra learning support assistant (LSA) for the first term, amounting to a class teacher and three LSA’s. Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is taught using a curiosity approach. We saw classrooms equipped with only raw materials, think cardboard boxes, draped natural fabrics and crates on the floor with comfy cushions - not a plastic toy in sight! We loved the junk modelling station with boxes and egg cartons ready for the children to create their masterpieces.
From foundation to year two, classrooms are on ground level, backing onto outdoor learning spaces with two individual playgrounds featuring sandpits, construction areas and climbing frames. Years three to six are on the first floor (and also accessible from outside) with central breakout areas for each year group. Class sizes of 22 in foundation and 24 in year one and above. With only three classes per year in primary (eight in secondary), it feels small, and everyone seems to know everyone in their year.
At the end of year nine, students choose I/GCSE options. The majority study nine subjects, including Arabic. Unusually, there aren’t subject blocks to pick from (to manage timetabling pressures) - ‘they try to accommodate every student’s wishes.’ For subjects that haven’t been studied before, specialist teachers (eg economics or business studies) put on taster lessons, but there are no shut doors. Equally, a subject not studied at GCSE, isn't totally off the cards for IB either. Popular subjects include psychology and sports science.
Sixth form offers two pathways: IB diploma or BTEC plus programme. Students we spoke to say the IB allows them to be more well-rounded, and if they struggle they ‘never feel weak asking for help.’ Class teachers are passionate about their subjects. Generally speaking, teachers are here to stay. In fact, jobs come so rarely that applications hit the hundreds. ‘It feels like a real privilege to work here,’ teachers say. Secondary students are each allocated a tutor (who stays with them the whole way through, as does the head of year – enables stronger relationships). If any concerns, parents can contact the tutor in the first instance, though students tend to go directly to their class teachers.
Homework (primarily online, much to the disappointment of a fair few parents) isn’t overwhelming. Children see it as reinforcement of what they have learnt in class. No stigma around teaching sets: ‘It’s not explicit and they don’t talk about it.’ All secondary students get tested across subjects throughout the year, but parents aren’t given the results, so it is up to the child whether they pass test scores on. End-of-year results are, however, provided in reports. With a new dedicated exam block being built, tests will become more formalised in the near future.
Learning support and SEN
Dedicated ‘Oasis’ team has grown significantly, offering a tailored and hands-on approach, for example, placing Velcro under desks to support children with sensory regulation (helps as a tactile stimulus). Grateful parents also told us how school helps contact outside providers to set up meetings. At the same time, gifted and talented children are offered multiple maths and poetry competitions to stretch them.
Teachers are transparent about their own struggles - mentioned by parents as a ‘brilliant and brave’ way to ensure children of all abilities are accepted and championed. For children who need more help, extra classes are available before and during school hours, with both internal and external support on offer. In house occupational therapist and speech and language therapist available at extra cost.
The arts and extracurricular
The introduction of musical instruments in primary is seen as a great way for children to explore music. While ‘they don’t always get a choice of what they like,’ students say they like that the programme offers ‘music for fun’ and they can perform in class ensembles. Individual instrumental lessons (at extra cost) are popular, and aside from the numerous concerts that children can take part in, there is also early morning busking which showcases talents in an informal way. We love it!
Dance has grown considerably, with timetabled lessons and selected group squads for both boys and girls. Some classes see primary and secondary students mix eg the Acro advance class. Performing arts opportunities for everyone from key stage three (ages 11 and above). Drama lessons offered in the curriculum, students can also enrol in paid acting or public speaking courses. A highlight is the end-of-year production where the stage comes alive. Shows such as ‘The 39 Steps’ saw students dazzling the audience with their spectacular dance and acting skills.
Extracurricular activities aplenty. So many that kids will need to choose carefully as there are inevitable clashes. In primary, in addition to the usual offering of sports and music, children can enjoy finger skateboarding (sounds fun!), a cooking club and a movie club (all firm favourites, we hear). Parents say the list changes depending on teachers’ availability to run the clubs eg language ECAs are 'a bit sporadic'. Secondary clubs offer academic enrichment eg debating, maths and the F1 club - all popular.
Sport
‘Sports for all’; a fully inclusive programme is the aim. Facilities include a huge multi-purpose grass field, two indoor sports halls, a small gym and a swimming pool (currently being refurbished). In primary, sports are enjoyed on termly rotation. By year six they are playing in tournaments and experiencing their first sports trip abroad.
Focal sports in secondary include football, rugby, netball, basketball and swimming, with teams competing in top leagues and travelling abroad for international competitions. Unsurprisingly, for a school that is high-performing in sports, we are told the focus is on the A teams or the elite athletes with a strong drive to win. A few grumbles that this ‘comes at the expense of the B and C teams’ with fewer training sessions and tournaments. Other sports include athletics, cricket, cross country, water polo and golf.
Ethos and heritage
Opened in 2005, following the success of the founding school, JESS Jumeirah. Now there are ‘three schools, two sites, one JESS’ with the Arabian Ranches campus in the heart of the community. Many children travel to school on their bikes, and there are eight bus routes in addition to regular shuttles from the JESS Jumeirah campus.
Buildings are two storeys (unlike their sister school counterpart), yet the school doesn’t feel massive and has a homely feel to it. The younger year groups enjoy landscaped outdoor areas featuring mud kitchens, planting troughs and pipe water-play stations. Moving into secondary, you will find blocks of classrooms organised by subject, with a snug quad in the middle equipped with bean bags fully occupied by smiling children on our tour.
The newly-developed, designated sixth-form block is modern and comes with a fully equipped kitchen, silent study rooms, soft seating and meeting rooms. Further renovations will see a new library, wrap-around care space and computing room.
Canteen serves hot meals at lunchtime and there is a snack kiosk for busy students grabbing lunch on the go. Children say they love that there is diversity in the cuisine with chicken biriyani and Asian Thai noodles, for example, on the menu, alongside the daily pasta dish and sandwiches.
Students are members of a house from primary all the way through the school. Plentiful house events see Falco, Tahr, Oryx and Panthera challenge each other across sports, arts and academics. Children say they love the house spirit!
Pastoral care, inclusivity and discipline
Holistic approach to school life. Every individual’s wellbeing is imperative, and school is fully connected with parents over concerns: it’s a partnership. In primary, restorative justice is engaged when a child makes a mistake or steps out of line - teachers are committed to helping the children along their journey. In secondary, disciplinary action sometimes goes further. JESS AR is the first school in the UAE to have introduced Yonder pouches for mobile phones, and this is having a huge, positive impact on behaviour.
Two counsellors in secondary, one in primary. They are readily accessible for just a check-in or can support children on a 12-week rotation if necessary.
Classroom and community
Pupils defend their school vehemently. They particularly love the community spirit which they say is next to none. There is a mix of students and abilities, yet school works hard to make sure all are fulfilling their potential (across both academics and school life) and are having fun along the way. Sixth form wear business attire and can leave school premises to visit the nearby community centre during free periods. They are respected by younger students who never shy away, we hear, and are confident enough to approach them.
Support between parents is brilliant, and they unanimously agree that school coffee mornings and parent workshops are educational. There is a parent’s choir, and international day always sees many parents step up to take the helm. A parent council is in discussion (already implemented at JESS Jumeirah). Every parent forms part of the JPG (with links to the Jumeirah parent body).
Leadership positions in both primary and secondary. In primary, there are three house captains for each house - appointed by student vote, whereas head boy/girl and pupil execs are decided by teachers. Secondary head girl/boy and the deputies are selected after a long process. Elected children say that it was worth the meaty interviews; they value their growth in leadership skills and the responsibility given.
Money matters
A not for profit school governed by a board of unpaid trustees. Fees have increased due to necessary improvements to both schools but are still relatively affordable. Few complaints from parents as they see the united schools as a benefit.
The last word
An all through, not for profit, school that is ‘on everyone’s lips’ for all the right reasons. JESS Arabian Ranches fosters an excellent education alongside core values. Academics are strong, school life is busy, and community is everything!
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