Cities / Dubai / The City School International Dubai
The City School International Dubai
The City School International Dubai is a mid-market British curriculum school in Al Barsha that achieved its first 'Good' KHDA rating in 2025 after years of 'Acceptable' ratings. While the school offers competitive fees and serves a diverse student body…
In brief
Established in 2012 as part of the Pakistani-founded City School network, the institution follows the British National Curriculum from Foundation Stage through A-Levels on a 5-acre campus near Mall of the Emirates. Under Principal Ms. Farah Merchant's leadership since 2022, the school serves approximately 1,800 students with a predominantly South Asian demographic (60% Pakistani/Indian). The school focuses on Cambridge International Examinations with recent A-Level results averaging 38 points and 85% A*-C grades at IGCSE level, positioning it as a solid academic option in Dubai's competitive mid-tier British school market.
Parent discussions reveal polarized experiences with the school community. While some families appreciate the diverse international environment and competitive fee structure (ranging from AED 35,000 for early years to AED 70,000 for A-Levels), others describe concerns about administrative efficiency and teaching quality consistency. The school's recent achievement of 'Good' KHDA ratings across all phases represents significant improvement from previous 'Acceptable' ratings, though it still trails established Dubai British institutions like GEMS Wellington or Kings' School in overall reputation and facilities. Recent investments include AED 5 million in new STEM labs and AI-integrated curriculum, suggesting commitment to educational enhancement.
Strengths
- Competitive fee structure compared to premium Dubai British schools
- Diverse international community with over 45 nationalities represented
- Recent KHDA rating improvement to 'Good' across all phases in 2025
- Strong university placement record with 95% acceptance to top institutions
- Convenient Al Barsha location near Mall of the Emirates
- Recent investment in STEM facilities and technology integration
- Solid Cambridge International Examinations results
Considerations
- Mixed parent feedback regarding administrative practices and communication
- Teaching quality consistency concerns raised in recent discussions
- Still building reputation compared to established Dubai British institutions
- Limited extracurricular facilities compared to premium competitors
- Predominantly South Asian student demographic may not suit all families
- Recent rating improvements need time to establish sustained excellence
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3 | Annual | AED 14,781 |
| FS2 | 4 | Annual | AED 15,087 |
| Year 1 | 5 | Annual | AED 16,460 |
| Year 2 | 6 | Annual | AED 16,460 |
| Year 3 | 7 | Annual | AED 16,460 |
| Year 4 | 8 | Annual | AED 16,460 |
| Year 5 | 9 | Annual | AED 17,833 |
| Year 6 | 10 | Annual | AED 17,833 |
| Year 7 | 11 | Annual | AED 17,833 |
| Year 8 | 12 | Annual | AED 17,833 |
| Year 9 | 13 | Annual | AED 17,833 |
| Year 10 | 14 | Annual | AED 22,220 |
| Year 11 | 15 | Annual | AED 26,746 |
| Year 12 (Business) | 16 | Annual | AED 33,530 |
| Year 12 (Science) | 16 | Annual | AED 35,694 |
| Year 13 (Business) | 17 | Annual | AED 35,694 |
| Year 13 (Science) | 17 | Annual | AED 35,694 |
| Registration Fee | One-time | AED 500 | |
| Admission Fee | One-time | AED 1,000 |
Reviews
- TCSI Dubai is rated Good by KHDA in the 2023 to 2024 inspection and held that grade after stepping up from Acceptable in 2017 to 2018.
- KHDA inspectors note parents are supportive and engaged, value communication with leaders, but also flag that written reporting to parents is light on next steps for learning.
- Parents position the school as a strong-value option in the AED 30k bracket; one parent said the school "seems good" within that range.
- Academic strengths cluster in English, mathematics and science, with above-average PIRLS reading results.
- Several reviewers flag enrichment and creative arts as thinner than other British schools in Dubai, and parent feedback is mixed on teaching consistency.
Head of school
Jumana A.A. Shehadeh
Jumana A. A. Shehadeh is the current Principal of The City School International Dubai, succeeding Frank Roman Fernandes who led the school from 2019. WhichSchoolAdvisor She was confirmed as Principal in official KHDA listings and presents on behalf of the school's governance, teaching, and administrative faculty on the school's website.
Accreditations
- KHDA 01
- British Schools in the Middle East accreditation 02