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Arcadia School Dubai
British-curriculum all-through school near Discovery Gardens Metro, founded 2016 by the Arcadia Education group, with a STREAM and Junior MBA spine layered over the English National Curriculum.
In brief
AGS delivers the National Curriculum for England from Early Years through A-Levels, with distinctive STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, Maths) and Junior MBA programmes that emphasize entrepreneurial thinking and project-based learning. The school integrates character education through its recent ACE accreditation, focusing on resilience, integrity, and empathy alongside academic achievement. Teaching methods include creative problem-solving challenges and outdoor education elements within the standard British pathway.
The purpose-built campus near Discovery Gardens Metro station received Outstanding ratings for facilities in the 2022-23 SPEA inspection. Principal Andrew Wilson brings experience from GEMS Westminster School Sharjah and Outstanding-rated Jumeirah College, leading a teaching staff where 21% are native English speakers with strong professional development support. As part of the broader Arcadia Education group founded by Dubai entrepreneur Mohan Valrani, AGS offers families a newer option with strong early leadership indicators but limited track record compared to Dubai's established British schools.
Strengths
- Outstanding-rated leadership and facilities from first SPEA inspection
- Purpose-built campus with swimming pools, science labs, and sports facilities
- STREAM and Junior MBA programmes offer entrepreneurial focus beyond standard curriculum
- Convenient Al Furjan location near Discovery Gardens Metro
- More affordable fees compared to premium British curriculum schools
- Strong early retention rates among teaching staff
- Recent ACE accreditation for character education programme
Considerations
- Very new school with no established academic track record or university placement data
- No published A-Level or GCSE results yet
- Limited parent feedback available given recent opening
- Teaching staff average 3-5 years experience, relatively junior for international school standards
- Competes with many established British curriculum alternatives in Dubai
- May take several years to build reputation and demonstrate academic outcomes
Academics
KHDA Rating: 'Very Good' (KHDA). IGCSE Results (2023-2024): 92% at 9-4, 71% at 9-6, 46% at 9-7, 35% at 9-8, and 22% at grade 9 (Arcadia School). University Destinations: Not published (the school currently offers up to Year 13, but specific university lists are not explicitly detailed on the public website) (Arcadia School).
School life
The school offers an Enrichment Learning Programme (ELP) including Sports/Physical activities (delivered by external coaches), Arts and Crafts, Irish Dancing, French, Happiness Programme (art, music, yoga), Choir, Junior MBA, Chess Club, and Cooking (Arcadia School). Ask the school for the latest activities details for your child's year group.
Facilities include a temperature-controlled learners' swimming pool, state-of-the-art science laboratory, food technology room, music rooms, art rooms, indoor multi-purpose sports hall, performance stage (lighting/sound), climbing wall, library, Oxbridge study area, language room, dance studio, enterprise hub, and rooftop play area. The building is LEED certified (Arcadia School).
Student body
Enrolment: Approximately 1067 students (World Schools). Nationalities: Vibrant community representing many different nationalities. Age Range/Years: FS1 (age 3) to Year 13 (Arcadia School).
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3 | AED 50,765 |
| FS2 | 4 | AED 57,534 |
| Year 1 | 5 | AED 66,163 |
| Year 2 | 6 | AED 70,055 |
| Year 3 | 7 | AED 73,947 |
| Year 4 | 8 | AED 73,947 |
| Year 5 | 9 | AED 77,839 |
| Year 6 | 10 | AED 77,839 |
| Year 7 | 11 | AED 82,893 |
| Year 8 | 12 | AED 83,998 |
| Year 9 | 13 | AED 83,998 |
| Year 10 | 14 | AED 84,551 |
| Year 11 | 15 | AED 84,551 |
| Year 12 | 16 | AED 84,548 |
| Year 13 | 17 | AED 84,548 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | AED 525 | |
| Admission Deposit (Primary) | AED 5,000 | |
| Admission Deposit (Secondary) | AED 6,000 | |
| Admission Deposit (New Year) | AED 7,500 |
Reviews
- Arcadia (the JVT primary and senior campus, also referred to as Arcadia British School) carries strong parent signal across surveys. Around 335 parents rate it, with 90% saying they would recommend.
- KHDA moved the school to Very Good with Outstanding for Inclusion at the most recent inspection, and the BSO inspection returned Outstanding across all eight measures. Reaching Very Good on a second full KHDA inspection is unusual.
- Teacher retention is exceptional by Dubai norms, reported at 5%. Parents also flag long teacher tenure and a stable staff base.
- Inclusion and Students of Determination provision are repeatedly singled out, with parents describing supportive counsellors and a willingness to work directly with families on learning differences.
- A minority of parents flag variability in Arabic and Islamic Education attainment and consistency of communication as the school continues to expand into Key Stages 4 and 5.
Positives
- Parent satisfaction. 4/5 across 335 parents; 90% would recommend, with strong belonging scores.
- Inspection trajectory. KHDA Very Good with Outstanding for Inclusion; BSO Outstanding across all measures.
- Teacher retention. Reported 5% turnover, with long-tenured teachers and stable staffing.
- Inclusion and Students of Determination. Parents single out counsellor and SEND support, especially for learning differences.
Considerations
- Arabic and Islamic Education. DSIB flagged variability in attainment in these subjects.
- Growth pressure. Parents and inspectors note communication consistency as the school expands into senior years.
Leadership
Giles Pruett
Jonathan Locke holds a PGCE in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge. He previously served as Executive Principal at The British School of Barcelona, where he achieved record examination results and high satisfaction levels, and as Headteacher at Leventhorpe School, leading strategic expansions and outstanding ratings.
Accreditations
- BSO British Schools Overseas, Outstanding 2024 01
- No CIS, WASC, NEASC, COBIS, ISQM published 02
- Apple Distinguished School Duke of Edinburgh 03
- participates BSME, FOBISIA games 04
- No Round Square, DASSA, HPL, Eco-Schools published 05
Academic results
- IB Diploma 2024 average 38 points
- A* / A at A Level 2024 52%