When it comes to choosing the right school for your child, finding an institution that provides both academic excellence and holistic development is crucial. Durham School Dubai stands out among the top British schools in Dubai by offering a unique blend of traditional values and innovative educational practices that ensure a well-rounded, high-quality education. Here are the key elements that set Durham School Dubai apart from other educational institutions in the region.

Our Legacy of Excellence

With over 600 years of educational excellence, Durham School Dubai is built upon the ethos of Durham School UK, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in England. This legacy forms the foundation of our approach, combining centuries of tradition with modern teaching techniques to provide a truly world-class education. Parents looking for a school that upholds British educational traditions whilst adapting to the needs of today’s pupils will find that Durham School Dubai offers the perfect balance.

Traditional British Curriculum

As one of the top British schools in Dubai, our curriculum is guided by the UK’s Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS) framework and English National Curriculum. At Durham School Dubai, we emphasise the importance of building a strong academic foundation. As we encourage innovation and creativity, we also prioritise traditional educational values, ensuring that pupils master core skills in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. This combination of traditional teaching methods with modern, interactive learning techniques enable our pupils to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.

Focus on Values

At the heart of Durham School Dubai are our four core values: Moral Integrity, Ambition, Responsibility, and Kindness. These values underpin everything we do, from academic instruction to how we foster relationships among pupils, teachers, and parents.

• Moral Integrity: We emphasise honesty, trust, and strong ethical behaviour in all aspects of school life, nurturing pupils to grow into principled and responsible individuals.
• Ambition: Our pupils are encouraged to aim high and are provided with the support needed to achieve their goals.
• Responsibility: Pupils are taught to take responsibility not only for their own actions but also for their community. Leadership is actively promoted through opportunities for pupils to guide others and make a positive impact within the school and beyond.
• Kindness: Kindness is central to our community. We take pride in fostering an environment where pupils feel safe, supported, and valued​.

Small Class Sizes and Individual Attention

One of the most distinguishing features of Durham School Dubai is our commitment to providing small class sizes. Unlike larger schools, where pupils may not receive the individual attention they need, Durham School Dubai ensures that each child is known and nurtured. With smaller classes, our teachers can give more personalised guidance, closely monitor progress, and address individual learning needs. For that reason, our maximum class size throughout the school is 20, and currently our average class size is 15.

Co-Curricular Activities

One of the big differentiators of Durham School Dubai from many other schools in the region is our commitment to holistic development. We believe that education should not be confined to the classroom. Through our extensive co-curricular offering, we encourage pupils to explore their talents in sports, the arts, music, and leadership.

Strong Community and Parental Involvement

At Durham School Dubai, we value the role of parents in the educational journey and work closely with families to ensure a cohesive support system for each pupil. Through daily face-to-face contact, twice-yearly parent-teacher conferences, our dedicated Parents Portal, and regular family days and events, we foster a positive partnership between home and school. This level of involvement helps to create an environment where pupils feel supported and engaged both inside and outside of school​.

By offering a comprehensive education that addresses academic, personal, and social development, we equip our pupils with the skills, confidence, and moral compass to thrive in a rapidly changing world. To learn more about our unique approach to education, visit our website.