Dubai English Speaking School and College

Here's a visual snapshot of Dubai English Speaking School & College (DESSC), showcasing its modern campus buildings and well-equipped sports facilities in Academic City.

Dubai English Speaking School & College (DESSC) — Overview

Heritage & Structure

Founded in 1963, Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) is the oldest British-curriculum school in Dubai, originally operating from a villa and expanded significantly over the decades.
In 2005, its secondary counterpart, Dubai English Speaking College (DESC), was established. By 2007, DESC moved to a purpose-built campus in Academic City.
Both are governed as one not-for-profit entity. The College began with just 35 Year 7 students and now serves over 1,100 secondary students, with combined enrollments exceeding 2,700.

Curriculum & Academic Excellence

Follows the English National Curriculum, culminating in IGCSEs, A-Levels, and BTEC Level 3 qualifications, with optional Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Rated Outstanding by KHDA consistently since around 2012, including in the 2023–24 cycle. Both well-being and inclusion are also rated Outstanding.
Academic performance is highly regarded: exam results are among the strongest in Dubai for secondary education, and students consistently earn university placements globally

Facilities & Enrichment

Sports & outdoor amenities: Real-grass rugby and football pitches, Astro pitch, multiple courts for basketball, netball, badminton, cricket nets, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, golf net, fully equipped gyms, sports clinic, and coach education room
Academic & creative facilities: Science labs, recording studio, auditoriums, libraries, dance studios, art studios, media hub, zen garden, canteens, photography studio, design and tech workshops, quiet study spaces, and sixth-form center.
Programmes like “Super Societies” and “LIFE Curriculum” support broader student development—ranging from public speaking to essential life skills.

Community & Culture

High satisfaction among parents: 4.4/5 overall, 88% positivity, with 90% indicating they’d recommend the school, and 74% rating fees as good value.
The latest KHDA inspection highlighted strong well-being support, including dedicated student advisor roles, proactive pastoral care, and an inclusive curriculum like GROW and LIFE education.

Fees & Value

Primary (FS1–Year 6) at DESS: From about AED 40,000–49,000.
Secondary (DESC): From approximately AED 79,000–84,000, among the more premium yet regarded offerings in Dubai.

At a Glance

Feature	Details
Established	1963 (DESS); 2005 (DESC)
Age Range	FS1–Year 13 (Primary & Secondary)
Curriculum	British National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Level, BTEC
Rating (KHDA)	Outstanding (overall, well-being, inclusion)
Facilities	Extensive sports, arts, academic, and wellbeing infrastructure
Key Programs	Super Societies, LIFE curriculum, BTEC options
Parental Sentiment	High satisfaction and recommendation levels
Fees	AED 40k–49k (Primary), AED 79k–84k (Secondary)

In summary, Dubai English Speaking School & College (DESSC) stands as one of Dubai’s most prestigious British-curriculum institutions—delivering outstanding academics, world-class facilities, strong pastoral support, and a deeply supportive community ethos. It's a top choice for families seeking a well-rounded, high-performing British education in the UAE.