Cities / Dubai / Jumeira Baccalaureate School (JBS)
Jumeira Baccalaureate School (JBS)
Jumeira Baccalaureate School is a pure IB school operated by Taaleem since 2010, offering all four IB programmes on a spacious Jumeirah campus. Parent feedback is generally positive about teaching quality and campus environment, though some note challenges with retention…
In brief
Established in 2010 by Taaleem on a 4-hectare campus in Jumeirah 1, JBS has grown from a primary-only school to offer the complete IB pathway from early years through to diploma level. The school achieved full authorization for all four IB programmes by 2015 and has built a reputation as one of Dubai's pure IB institutions, distinguishing it from schools that blend British curriculum elements. Recent IB results show strong academic performance, with the Class of 2025 achieving exceptional outcomes in diploma examinations.
Parent discussions reveal a school that works well for self-motivated students and families who actively engage with teachers about academic support. The school shows particular strength in subjects like English, History, Social Studies, Arabic, French, Music, Visual Arts, and Business Studies. However, some parents note the school has struggled to retain qualified teachers at the MYP level in certain subjects. The kindergarten program receives praise for caring teachers and learning assistants, though class sizes are notably large compared to some competitors. The campus itself consistently draws positive comments for its spacious, green environment with a spread-out feel that contrasts with Dubai's more vertical school buildings.
Strengths
- Pure IB curriculum across all four programmes without British curriculum blending
- Spacious, green campus in desirable Jumeirah location with spread-out buildings
- Strong academic results in recent IB diploma examinations
- Caring kindergarten teachers and learning assistants despite large class sizes
- Particularly strong in humanities subjects like English, History, and Social Studies
- Supportive environment for self-motivated students
- Operated by established Taaleem group with educational expertise
- Campus praised for its wonderful feel with lots of greenery
Considerations
- Large class sizes in kindergarten and early years may limit individual attention
- Some challenges retaining qualified teachers at MYP level in certain subjects
- School works best for self-motivated students or families who actively communicate with leadership
- IB workload can be demanding with six subjects plus extended essay and theory of knowledge
- Location in Jumeirah 1 may require longer commutes for families living in other Dubai areas
- As a relatively newer school (2010), lacks the long-established reputation of some Dubai institutions
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre KG | 3 | Annual | AED 43,325 |
| KG1 | 3 | Annual | AED 47,675 |
| KG2 | 4 | Annual | AED 52,915 |
| Grade 1 | 6 | Annual | AED 57,285 |
| Grade 2 | 7 | Annual | AED 57,285 |
| Grade 3 | 8 | Annual | AED 63,825 |
| Grade 4 | 9 | Annual | AED 68,195 |
| Grade 5 | 10 | Annual | AED 68,195 |
| Grade 6 | 11 | Annual | AED 79,610 |
| Grade 7 | 12 | Annual | AED 79,610 |
| Grade 8 | 13 | Annual | AED 79,610 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | Annual | AED 79,610 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | Annual | AED 79,610 |
| Grade 11 | 16 | Annual | AED 91,840 |
| Grade 12 | 17 | Annual | AED 91,840 |
| Application Fee | One-time | AED 525 | |
| Registration Fee (New Student Deposit) | One-time | AED 4,000 |
Reviews
- KHDA "Very Good" since 2017, retained at the 2023 and 2024 inspections. English in the Diploma Programme rated outstanding at the most recent visit.
- Parent reviews lean positive on family atmosphere, mix of nationalities and pastoral care. One parent wrote that they were "genuinely happy" with their children's experience starting in early years at JBS.
- IB-continuum, all-through Pre-KG to Grade 12 under Taaleem.
- Survey data shows a soft underbelly: roughly 30% of parents say they have considered moving their child elsewhere, and recurring staff feedback flags increased workload and turnover after a more corporate operating model took hold.
- A small Reddit thread asked specifically how JBS compares to Greenfield for an IB Year 7 entry; pool answers were positive but sparse.
Head of school
Richard Drew
Richard Drew is an experienced education leader with over 30 years in the field, including senior roles in the UK, Australia, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01
Academic results
- IB Diploma 2024 average 99% pass rate
- A* / A at A Level 2024 99% pass rate