How Much Does It Cost To Take The A Level In Dubai?

A-Level fees in Dubai typically range from AED 40,000 to AED 120,000 per year, depending on the school and facilities offered.

What Are The A Level Courses In Dubai?

Students can choose from a wide range of A-Level subjects including sciences, mathematics, humanities, languages, arts, and business studies.

How Many A-Levels Are Required In UAE?

Most universities in the UAE require students to complete at least three A-Level subjects for admission, but this can vary based on the chosen course and institution.

Top 10 A-Level Schools In Dubai With 2025 Rankings

Choosing the right A-Level school in Dubai plays a crucial role in a student’s academic journey and university prospects worldwide. With several well-established schools offering the A-Level curriculum, comparing academic standards, subject offerings, and learning environments can feel overwhelming.

This guide highlights the best A-Level schools in Dubai for 2026, helping families make informed, future-ready decisions. To complement school learning, Ignite Training Institute provides expert A-Level tutoring in Dubai, offering personalized academic support, subject-specific expertise, and exam-focused strategies to help students perform at their best.

Top A-Level Schools In Dubai With 2026 Ratings & Fees Breakdown

Discover the top A-Level schools in Dubai with our 2026 ratings and detailed fees breakdown. This guide helps parents and students compare leading schools to find the best fit for quality education and budget. Make an informed choice for your child’s academic future today!

1. Dubai College

Dubai College is a highly selective British curriculum school known for outstanding A-Level results and strong university placements. With a long academic legacy, it offers rigorous teaching, excellent STEM and arts facilities, and a vibrant extracurricular culture that supports leadership, sports, and creative development.

KHDA Rating: Outstanding overall (DSIB)
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum – IGCSE – A-Levels
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: Top-tier A-Level results with strong university placements. Provides opportunities for enrichment such as Model UN, F1 in Schools, and various subject societies. Over 130 extracurricular options, including Duke of Edinburgh, debating, athletics, music, drama, and competitive team sports.
Facilities & Development: State-of-the-art STEM laboratories, innovative arts environments, comprehensive athletic facilities.
Address & Location: Al Sufouh, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 1978
Principal/Head: Mr. Tomas Duckling
Average Annual Fees: AED 92,000 – 110,000 (secondary)

2. Dubai British School – Emirates Hills

Dubai British School, Emirates Hills, offers a well-rounded British education through to A-Levels. Known for academic consistency and student well-being, the school provides strong extracurricular opportunities, modern classrooms, and a supportive environment that nurtures confident, capable learners.

KHDA Rating: Outstanding overall
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum – IGCSE – A-Levels
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: Strong IGCSE and A-Level outcomes with supportive, inclusive teaching. Wide-ranging extracurriculars include sports, drama, music, robotics, and community activities. Students who meet the eligibility criteria are permitted to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which focuses on leadership and personal development.
Facilities: STEAM labs, sports pitches, and performing arts spaces.
Address & Location: Emirates Hills, Dubai
Founding Year: 2005
Principal/Head: Mr. Brett Girven
Average Annual Fees: AED 53,000 – 79,000

3. Jebel Ali School

Jebel Ali School delivers the British curriculum to A-Level students within a friendly, community-focused environment. The school emphasizes balanced academics, personal growth, and active participation in sports, arts, and leadership activities supported by quality campus facilities.

KHDA Rating: Very Good overall
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum – IGCSE – A-Levels
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: Balanced A-Level curriculum with strong core subjects and inclusive learning. Students can engage in sports, music, drama, STEM clubs, leadership initiatives, and community service, complementing academics and fostering confidence and teamwork.
Facilities: Athletic fields, scientific and artistic laboratories, as well as auditoriums.
Address & Location: DAMAC Hills (Jebel Ali area), Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 1978
Principal/Head: Simon Alun Jodrell
Average Annual Fees: AED 49,600 – 82,190

4. Arcadia British School

Arcadia British School offers a nurturing British pathway toward A-Levels with a focus on innovation and technology in learning. The school encourages creativity, collaboration, and holistic development through strong arts, language, and extracurricular programs.

KHDA Rating: Very Good (most recent)
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum; senior pathways to A-Levels
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: Offers the British National Curriculum with progression toward IGCSE and A‑Levels in later years, focusing on academic foundations, digital innovation, wellbeing, and life skills.

The school’s Enrichment Learning Programme integrates sport, performing arts, creative projects, and specialist activities into the school day, with options such as the Sports Academy, Junior Duke awards, and music academy to support holistic development.
Facilities: Indoor sports hall, collaborative learning spaces, library.
Address & Location: Jumeirah Village Triangle, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 2016
Principal/Head: Giles Pruett
Average Annual Fees: AED 53,000 – 79,000

5. GEMS Metropole School, Motor City

GEMS Metropole provides a British curriculum education with pathways to A-Levels. The school is recognized for vibrant student life, strong pastoral care, sports excellence, and creative arts, supported by modern learning spaces and sports facilities.

KHDA Rating: Good
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum (IGCSE and senior pathways)
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: Provides the British National Curriculum within a supportive, technology-enhanced setting that prioritizes essential academic skills, self-assurance, and community engagement. Learners have the opportunity to participate in various organized extracurricular activities, such as sports (athletics, invasion games, gymnastics, dance), creative clubs, and enrichment programs designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and social abilities.
Facilities: Standard classrooms and activity zones; sports and campuses support student development.
Address & Location: Motor City, Honsho Road, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 2014
Principal/Head: Mr. Naveed Iqbal
Average Annual Fees: AED 43,700

6. Dubai English Speaking College (DESC)

DESC is respected for consistent A-Level performance and academic excellence. The school blends strong teaching with competitive sports, music, drama, and leadership programs, creating a dynamic environment for well-rounded student development.

KHDA Rating: Outstanding overall
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum – IGCSE – A-Levels & BTEC options
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: Follows the British National Curriculum with strong A‑Level pathways and robust support for academic success. A diverse array of extracurricular activities encompasses robotics and ecology clubs, leadership and enterprise initiatives, sports teams such as football, rugby, netball, among others, as well as opportunities to achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at Bronze through Gold levels.
Facilities: Separate Sixth Form centre, large campus with pitches, aquatic,s and performing arts spaces.
Address & Location: Academic City, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 2005
Principal/Head: Chris Vizzard
Average Annual Fees: AED 84,000 – 90,000

7. GEMS Wellington International School

This established British curriculum school offers A-Level and IB pathways with strong academic outcomes. It features excellent sports, arts, and science facilities and promotes leadership, innovation, and global awareness among students.

KHDA Rating: Outstanding overall
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum & IB Diploma (senior options)
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: A long‑established Outstanding British‑plus‑IB school offering a comprehensive academic framework that will also introduce A‑Levels. It provides extensive extracurricular opportunities in sports, arts, music and leadership activities, supported by strong facilities and a large student community that encourages broad participation and personal growth.
Facilities: Urban campus with athletics, labs, arts studios, and pools.
Address & Location: Al Sufouh, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 2005
Principal/Head: Andrew Jenkins
Average Annual Fees: AED 46,000 – 101,000

8. Kings’ School Al Barsha

Kings’ School Al Barsha provides a high-quality British education leading to A-Levels. Known for academic strength and student wellbeing, it offers outstanding sports, creative arts, and modern classrooms that support interactive, engaging learning.

KHDA Rating: Outstanding overall
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum – IGCSE – A-Levels
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: A British curriculum school that consistently receives an Outstanding rating, featuring a robust academic program and a strong focus on independent learning. The extracurricular landscape spans competitive and recreational sports, performing arts, creative clubs (e.g., ballet, cooking, origami), and service clubs, which all contribute to student confidence, teamwork, and wellbeing.
Facilities: Modern classrooms, activity zones, sports facilities.
Address & Location: Al Barsha, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 2014
Principal/Head: Mr. Sajid Gulzar OBE
Average Annual Fees: AED 58,000 – 105,000

9. Safa Community School

Safa Community School delivers a British curriculum to A-Level students in a vibrant, inclusive environment. It stands out for creative arts, sports achievements, and a positive school culture supported by modern facilities and strong pastoral care.

KHDA Rating: Outstanding overall
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum – IGCSE – A-Levels
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: Strong British curriculum from FS1 to A‑Levels with world‑class exam performance. Offers 300+ extracurricular activities, including extensive competitive sports teams (football, rugby, swimming, athletics, and more), performing arts, robotics, creative clubs, community service, student council, and leadership projects. Sixth form students participate in university preparation as well as the REACH programme, which encompasses research, volunteering, skills, and health.
Facilities: Modern campus with collaborative learning and sports spaces.
Address & Location: Al Barsha South, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 2018
Principal/Head: Ms. Leanne Fridd
Average Annual Fees: AED 54,000 – 89,000

10. Dubai British School – Jumeirah Park

Dubai British School Jumeirah Park offers a modern British education pathway to A-Levels. The school combines strong academics with excellent sports, languages, and performing arts programs within a supportive, student-centered campus.

KHDA Rating: Outstanding overall
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum – IGCSE – A-Levels
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: Follows the British National Curriculum in preparing students for IGCSE and A-Levels, emphasizing personalized learning and language acquisition, which includes Arabic and French. Students are encouraged to participate in broad extracurricular offerings spanning academic clubs, sports, performing arts, community initiatives, and partnerships (such as an official FCBESCOLA soccer programme).
Facilities: Modern labs, sports fields, creative studios.
Address & Location: Jumeirah Park, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 2015
Principal/Head: Ms. Rebecca Coulter
Average Annual Fees: AED 64,000 – 83,000

11. Deira International School

Located in Festival City, Deira International School provides British and IB pathways, including A-Levels. The school emphasizes global learning, academic balance, and extracurricular participation supported by quality sports and arts facilities.

KHDA Rating: Outstanding overall
Curriculum & Pathway: British & IB pathways
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: Offers a broad British curriculum through IGCSE, then moves into internationally recognised IB Diploma and IB Career‑related Programmes in Sixth Form, with a strong record of academic success and an Outstanding KHDA rating. Students participate in a variety of sports, arts, leadership, and global citizenship activities, supported by diverse facilities and a large, multicultural community.
Facilities: Diverse learning spaces, sports, and arts areas.
Address & Location: Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 2005
Principal/Head: Mr. Simon O’Connor (Director)
Average Annual Fees: AED 45,000 – 90,000

12. Jumeirah College (GEMS)

Jumeirah College is known for excellent A-Level outcomes and a strong British curriculum. The school promotes leadership, creativity, and academic excellence through robust extracurricular programs and well-equipped campus facilities.

KHDA Rating: Outstanding overall
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum – IGCSE – A-Levels
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: High academic standards with focused exam preparation and university guidance. Leadership opportunities, performing arts, and competitive sports for student enrichment.
Facilities: Modern academic and extracurricular facilities.
Address & Location: Al Safa, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 1999
Principal/Head: Mr. Nicholas Brain
Average Annual Fees: AED 78,000 – 99,000

13. Repton School Dubai

Repton School Dubai blends British tradition with modern education, offering A-Level and IB pathways. The school is known for leadership development, boarding options, performing arts, and impressive sports and STEAM facilities.

KHDA Rating: Outstanding overall
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum – IGCSE – A-Levels & IB options
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: Blends British and IB curricula, offering IGCSEs, A‑Levels, and IB options with high academic standards and global recognition. Known for its leadership development, expansive sports programmes, performing arts, STEAM, and outdoor education. The campus includes top‑tier facilities and, uniquely for Dubai, boarding options that support a mix of day and residential experiences.
Facilities: Large sports pitches, performance venues, STEAM suites.
Address & Location: Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 2007
Principal/Head: Mr. Michael Bloy
Average Annual Fees: AED 55,000 – 95,000

14. Nord Anglia International School Dubai

Nord Anglia offers a British curriculum pathway to A-Levels with global collaborations in arts and technology. Students benefit from innovative learning spaces, language programs, and a diverse range of extracurricular opportunities.

KHDA Rating: Outstanding overall
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum + Sixth Form choice between A-Levels and IB Diploma
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: Personalized British curriculum with strong international programs and global collaborations. STEAM, languages, performing arts, and global exchange projects that extend learning.
Facilities: Urban campus with advanced STEAM labs, arts, and sports facilities.
Address & Location: Al Barsha Second, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 2014
Principal/Head: Kenneth Duncan
Average Annual Fees: AED 70,000 – 105,000

15. GEMS Wellington Academy, Dubai Silicon Oasis

GEMS Wellington Academy provides British curriculum pathways, including A-Level,s in a modern, well-equipped campus. The school focuses on academic achievement, technology integration, sports, and creative arts development.

KHDA Rating: Very Good
Curriculum & Pathway: British National Curriculum & IB options
Academic & Extracurricular Strengths: A strong academic base that encourages expertise in advanced topics. Involvement in athletic teams, artistic endeavors, technology organizations, and community engagements that broaden student interests.
Facilities: Standard modern facilities including labs, activity spaces and sports zones.
Address & Location: Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, UAE
Founding Year: 2011
Principal/Head: Ms. Sarah O’Regan
Average Annual Fees: AED 64,000

How To Choose The Best A-Level Schools In Dubai?

Choosing the right A-Level school in Dubai is a pivotal decision that bridges the gap between secondary education and global university success. With dozens of “Outstanding” and “Very Good” rated institutions, the choice often comes down to finding the specific environment that aligns with a student’s career ambitions and learning style.

Here is a guide on how to navigate the selection process for the 2026 academic year.

1. Evaluate Academic Pathways & Subject Breadth

The best school for your child is one that offers the specific subjects required for their target degree. While all schools offer core subjects (Maths, Sciences, English), top-tier schools provide a “Super Curriculum” including:

Niche Subjects: Look for Economics, Psychology, Media Studies, or Computer Science if they align with future goals.

Vocational Hybrids: Schools like Safa Community School and GEMS Wellington Academy offer BTEC Level 3 alongside A-Levels, providing a practical “Mixed Pathway” for students who prefer hands-on learning.

2. Decode The KHDA & BSO Ratings

In Dubai, transparency is key. Every school is inspected by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Outstanding/Very Good: These ratings indicate high standards in leadership, teaching, and student outcomes.

3. Review University Placement Records

A-Levels are a “stepping stone.” Investigate where the school’s alumni end up:

Oxbridge & Ivy League Track: Schools like Dubai College and Jumeirah College have dedicated counselors for elite university applications.

4. Analyze Sixth Form Facilities

Sixth Form is a transition to adulthood. The best A-Level schools provide a university-style environment:

Dedicated Sixth Form Centres: Look for separate study hubs, common rooms, and “silent zones” that foster independence.

Technical Labs: For STEM-focused students, check for advanced CNC machining, high-spec science labs, and creative digital studios.

5. Consider “Value Add” & Support

Raw exam results (A*–A percentage) only tell half the story.

Value-Added Progress: This evaluates the degree of progress a student shows from their original baseline. A school that takes a “Grade B” student and helps them achieve an “A” often provides better teaching than one that only accepts “A*” students.

Well-being & Pastoral Care: The A-Level years are high-pressure. Give precedence to educational institutions that offer robust mental health resources and emphasize the principles of “Positive Education”.

Ignite Training Institute – Best A-Levels Tutors In Dubai For Academic Support

Ignite Training Institute is recognised as the #1 A-Level tutoring institute in Dubai, trusted by students and parents for its results-driven academic support.

With expert subject specialists, small-group and one-to-one tutoring, and a deep understanding of A-Level exam boards, Ignite helps students strengthen concepts, improve exam technique, and build confidence across Maths, Sciences, Economics, Business, and more.

What sets Ignite apart is its personalised, exam-focused approach. Each student receives tailored learning plans, regular assessments, and strategic revision support aligned with school curricula and university goals.

Whether students need subject reinforcement or top-grade optimisation, Ignite provides the clarity, structure, and mentorship needed to excel in A-Levels.

FAQs

1. How Much Does It Cost To Take The A Levels In Dubai?

The cost of A-Level education in Dubai generally ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 40,000 per year, depending on the school’s reputation, facilities, and any additional fees.

2. What Is The Average Class Size In A-Level Schools In Dubai?

Class sizes vary, but many top A-Level schools in Dubai aim for smaller class sizes to ensure personalised attention and better learning outcomes.

3. What Is The Typical Duration Of A-Level Programs In Dubai?

A-Level courses typically take two years to complete, though some schools offer a one-year foundation or preparatory program for students needing extra academic support before starting the full A-Level course.

4. Can I Do My A-Levels In Dubai?

Yes, many schools in Dubai offer A-Level programs following the British curriculum, allowing students to complete their A-Levels locally.

5. What Is The Best A-Level School In Dubai?

Top A-Level schools in Dubai include GEMS World Academy, Brighton College Dubai, and Dubai English Speaking College, known for academic excellence and strong university placements.

6. Which co-curricular activities most effectively enhance A Level university applications?

Leadership roles, community service, internships, sports, debate, music, and subject-related clubs add strong value to university applications.

Conclusion

Dubai boasts a thriving landscape of top A-Level schools, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence, holistic development, and global opportunities for students. These institutions exemplify the commitment to nurturing bright minds, preparing them for success in the competitive world of higher education, and molding them into responsible global citizens.

Top 15 A-Level Schools In Dubai In 2026