We move to Dubai in two months. Finding the right school for Riley (10) and Reggie (7) was one of our biggest decisions.
Here's exactly how we researched, toured, and chose.
Why British Curriculum?
We needed a British curriculum school so the boys could transition smoothly. If we ever move back to the UK, their education continues without gaps.
There are still lots of British schools in Dubai. We had to narrow it down further.
How We Researched
Step 1: Google
Started with "best schools in Dubai." Quickly learned we needed to filter for British curriculum.
Step 2: Facebook Groups
Joined "Brits in Dubai" and asked for recommendations. Real parents, real experiences.
Step 3: KHDA Website
This is the government school regulator – like Ofsted in the UK. You can filter by area and curriculum. Trusted source.
Step 4: Virtual Tours
YouTube has virtual tours for most schools. Good for first impressions before committing to a visit.
Step 5: The Spreadsheet
Adam's domain. We tracked everything: schools, fees, ratings, notes. It really helps when you're comparing lots of options.
Step 6: Book Tours
All you need to book: children's names, current year groups, expected move date.
The Three Schools We Visited
We flew out specifically for school tours. And we brought the boys.
"Because we were moving as a family, we wanted to include the boys. Getting them excited about the move – not just us telling them it'll be great, but them seeing it and feeling it."
School 1: Heartland International
🔗 Heartland International School
The Tour
Just us and the admissions officer. No other families. Private, unhurried.
We saw:
- Primary area (Foundation through Secondary available)
- Classrooms
- Massive auditorium
- Sports centre
- Pool
- Outdoor areas
First Impressions
Open. Airy. Welcoming.
The admissions officer was lovely. She answered everything and even prompted us with questions other parents typically ask – really helpful since it was our first tour.
Key Point
Children must be fluent in English to join. This means all children learn at the same pace – no language barriers slowing the classroom.
Adam's Take
"Our boys are at a mainstream school in the UK – not private. This felt like stepping into another level. The facilities, the environment... I was super impressed and excited for them."
School 2: Repton Al Barsha
Adam's Bias
Adam went to Repton in the UK. Five years there. He was already thinking "it's probably going to be Repton."
The Tour
Again, just us with the admissions officer.
First Impressions
Very different from Repton UK. It had that private school "vibe" – but felt crowded. Hustly, bustly corridors.
"It felt slightly crowded. I expected it to be more organised – staff telling children not to run in corridors, especially with tours happening."
Adam's Honest View
"I went in expecting it would feel like sending my boys to the same place I went. It definitely wasn't that. Completely different vibe. One of the libraries is named after my old headmaster – that was cool. But Sara forced me to be objective rather than nostalgic."
Location
Less accessible. Heartland felt like it had more community around it – important since we want to walk the kids to school daily.
School 3: Jebel Ali School
Why We Visited
Great recommendations from other parents. Near Dubai Lagoons – an area we were interested in living.
The Tour
Group tour. 5-6 other families. Much more structured. Questions saved until the end.
First Impressions
Nice vibe. Airy and fresh. But less personal than a private tour.
"When it's just you and the admissions officer, you can ask anything. With a group, it's more structured – less chance to really get a feel."
Our Family Rating System
After each school, we all said what we liked and didn't like – including the boys.
Everyone rated out of 10.
Short list: Heartland and Jebel Ali
Our Choice: Heartland International
Why it won:
- Spacious, open, airy
- Welcoming vibe from the moment we walked in
- Lovely staff
- Community around the school (walkable)
- Private tour gave us confidence
- The boys were excited
"It just gave us all a real good feeling when we walked around."
The Assessment Process
Once you choose, there's an assessment.
Cost: 525 AED per child
Purpose: Check English fluency and whether any additional learning support is needed.
Options:
- In person at the school
- Arranged with current UK school
We chose in person – any excuse to visit Dubai.
What Happened
- Arrived at Heartland
- Boys went in together
- We waited in the staff/parent café area
- Assessment took ~2 hours
- Boys came out excited
Results: Email within 2-3 days (we were told 7).
Securing the Place
After acceptance:
- Confirm you want the place
- Pay 10% of annual tuition as deposit
- Complete paperwork (medical info, signed letters)
- Place secured
School Comparison Summary
| School | Tour Type | Vibe | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heartland | Private | Open, airy, welcoming | ✅ Winner |
| Repton | Private | Crowded, private school feel | Good, not for us |
| Jebel Ali | Group | Fresh, nice area | Short-listed |
Tips for Your School Search
- Use KHDA – Government-regulated, trustworthy ratings
- Join Facebook groups – Real parent experiences
- Watch virtual tours – First filter before visiting
- Bring your kids – Their buy-in matters
- Book private tours if possible – More personal, more questions
- Make a spreadsheet – Track fees, ratings, notes
- Trust your gut – Vibes matter
Useful Links
Related Content
This process is daunting. I know. But once you're walking around the right school and seeing your kids' faces light up – you'll know. Happy to answer any questions in the comments. 🏫