Cities / Dubai / Arcadia Global School
Arcadia Global School
Arcadia Global School opened in August 2023 in Al Furjan as a British curriculum school serving Foundation to Year 13, positioned as a more affordable alternative within the Arcadia Education group. Under founding principal Andrew Wilson, the school earned Outstanding…
In brief
AGS delivers the National Curriculum for England from Early Years through A-Levels, with distinctive STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Maths) and Junior MBA programmes. The school integrates Entrepreneurial Leadership through partnership with Sands Centre USA, focusing on creative problem-solving and project-based challenges. Teaching methods include the Harkness discussion-based approach, while the curriculum covers standard British pathways including GCSEs and A-Levels alongside enrichment through ASDAN accredited programmes.
The purpose-built campus near Discovery Gardens Metro station received Outstanding ratings for facilities and premises in the 2022-23 SPEA inspection. Principal Andrew Wilson brings experience from Outstanding-rated schools including Jumeirah College, leading a diverse teaching staff where 21% are native English speakers. The school achieved ACE (Association of Character Education) accreditation in January 2026, emphasizing character development alongside academic achievement. As part of the broader Al Furjan educational hub, AGS offers families a newer option with strong early leadership but limited track record compared to Dubai's established British schools.
Strengths
- Outstanding SPEA ratings for leadership, management and facilities in first inspection
- Experienced principal Andrew Wilson from Outstanding-rated Dubai schools
- Distinctive STREAM and Entrepreneurial Leadership programmes
- Purpose-built facilities near Metro station for accessibility
- More affordable fees compared to premium Arcadia British School
- ACE accreditation for character education focus
- Strong early staff retention and development programmes
Considerations
- Very new school with limited academic track record or results data
- No established university placement outcomes yet
- Teaching staff experience averages 3-5 years, lower than some premium schools
- Limited parent community discussions or feedback available
- SPEA rated Quality of Education as 'Good with outstanding features' rather than Outstanding overall
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3 | Annual | AED 25,865 |
| FS2 | 4 | Annual | AED 29,008 |
| Year 1 | 5 | Annual | AED 30,683 |
| Year 2 | 6 | Annual | AED 30,683 |
| Year 3 | 7 | Annual | AED 30,683 |
| Year 4 | 8 | Annual | AED 30,683 |
| Year 5 | 9 | Annual | AED 30,683 |
| Year 6 | 10 | Annual | AED 30,683 |
| Year 7 | 11 | Annual | AED 33,788 |
| Year 8 | 12 | Annual | AED 33,788 |
| Year 9 | 13 | Annual | AED 33,788 |
| Registration Fee (EYFS) | One-time | AED 2,000 | |
| Registration Fee (Y1 onwards) | One-time | AED 2,500 |
Reviews
- Parent survey volume is unusually high for a school this new. Over 110 parents have filed responses, scoring it, with 97% saying they would recommend it.
- The first BSO inspection in April 2025 returned Good with outstanding features, with leadership, safeguarding, premises and welfare all rated Outstanding. KHDA has not yet inspected the school.
- Wellbeing and parent communication draw the strongest praise. Parents describe a strong family ethos, open-door leadership, and visibility from senior staff. Reported confidence in safeguarding sits well above national survey norms.
- Value for money rates very high. 87% of surveyed parents totally agreed the school offers good value, against a 52% national benchmark.
- The clearest gaps in parent feedback are performing arts and elite-tier sport, both flagged as developing. Inspectors also noted writing development as an ongoing focus.
Head of school
Andrew Wilson
Andrew Wilson is the Founding Principal of Arcadia Global School in Dubai, where he successfully launched the largest Primary school in KHDA history with over 1000 students on opening, achieving +68. 1 NPS, an excellent KHDA review, and strong BSME feedback.
Accreditations
- British Schools Overseas (DfE) 01
Academic results
- Result No results published as the school opened in September 2023 and currently only offers up to Year 9
- Result Year 10 is scheduled to open in September 2026 with the first IGCSE cohort completing in 2028.