Choosing the right A-level schools in the UAE is a crucial decision in a student’s life, as it significantly impacts academic success and admission to top universities, whether medical or engineering universities. A-level is a stage that bridges the gap between primary level education and professional fields. Hus, selecting the best institute for A-levels should be a priority for students.
Parents and students seeking the best A-level schools in the UAE must navigate through rankings, curriculum strengths, and campus culture, which can be overwhelming.
In this guide by VACE Global, we highlight the best-rated A-Level schools in the UAE for 2025 and 2026, exploring their academic excellence, subject offerings, extracurricular programs, fee structures, and more to help you make an informed choice
To support and guide students beyond the classroom, VACE Global offers expert and experienced A-level tutoring in the UAE. With personalized guidance, subject-specific support, and proven strategies, our experienced tutors are committed to helping every learner reach their full academic potential. Whether you’re looking to explore the differences between Edexcel vs Cambridge or A-level vs FSc in Pakistan, VACE Global is your one-stop solution to everything related to O/A-level.
Criteria for selecting the best A-level schools in the UAE?
There are certain factors that parents look for while choosing the best A-level schools in the UAE. Below is a list of a few factors that parents consider:
- Teaching quality and learning environment: The quality of teaching and learning environment is the first important element that parents look for while selecting the best schools.
- KHDA rating: It is a rating given by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for overall performance, leadership, and student outcomes, reflecting its consistent commitment to quality education. This rating is important while selecting schools in the UAE region.
- Facilities and resources: After analysing the education quality, parents look for the facilities and resources that the top school provides to the students.
- Extra-curricular activities: Along with education, extra-curricular activities are important for the psychological well-being of the students. This is another important element to look for.
- Location and Transportation: The location of the school matters while analyzing the costs. The further the school, the higher the transportation cost is. Also, the locality where the school is located matters a lot.
- Fee and value for money: The most important factor after the education quality is the fee structure. Parents analyze schools based on how much they get in their pockets. But quality education always comes with a cost. Parents often search for affordable A-level schools in the UAE.
List of the best A-level schools in the UAE:
Below is a list of the best A-level schools in the UAE that are preferred by parents and students:
- GEMS Firstpoint School:
GEMS FirstPoint School, situated in The Villa, Dubailand, is a premier British curriculum institution offering education from the Foundation Stage up to Year 13. It follows the National Curriculum for England, preparing students for both IGCSEs and A-Levels, making it an excellent option for families seeking a complete British education experience in Dubai.
The school holds a “Very Good” rating from KHDA and has been rated “Outstanding” across all areas by British Schools Overseas (BSO) — a testament to its commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development.
Location: The Villa, Dubailand
KHDA Rating: Very Good
Fees: AED 43,271 (FS1) – AED 74,017 (Year 13)
- Brighton College:
Brighton College Dubai, founded in 2018 and located in Al Barsha South, is a prestigious British curriculum school and a proud member of the renowned Brighton College family. It provides education from FS1 through to Year 13, following the National Curriculum for England, and prepares students for IGCSEs and A-Levels.
For the 2023–2024 academic year, the school earned a “Very Good” rating from KHDA, with 16 areas judged as ‘Outstanding’, underscoring its dedication to academic excellence and the well-rounded development of its students.
Location: Al Barsha South, Dubai
KHDA Rating: Very Good
Fees: AED 61,119 (FS1) – AED 100,736 (Year 13) for the 2024–2025 academic year, with sibling discounts available.
- Durham School Dubai:
Durham School Dubai, founded in 2022, is the Dubai branch of the prestigious Durham School UK, which boasts a remarkable heritage of over 600 years. Situated in Dubai Investments Park, the school follows the British National Curriculum from FS1 to Year 10, with expansion plans to include Year 13 in the near future.
The school adopts a holistic educational philosophy, emphasizing academic excellence, character development, and co-curricular participation to nurture confident, capable, and well-rounded learners.
Location: Dubai Investments Park
KHDA Rating: Not yet rated (as of May 2025)
Fees: AED 44,730 (FS1) – AED 64,000 (Year 10) for the 2024–2025 academic year
- Dubai British School:
Dubai British School (DBS), established in 2005, is one of Dubai’s most reputable British curriculum schools, located in the prestigious Emirates Hills community. The school offers a seamless education from FS1 to Year 13, following the National Curriculum for England, culminating in IGCSEs and A-Levels.
Managed by Taaleem, one of the UAE’s leading education providers, DBS is recognized for its strong academic performance, student-centered approach, and nurturing environment that encourages personal excellence and character development.
The school holds an “Outstanding” rating from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), highlighting its excellence in teaching quality, student progress, and leadership. DBS consistently receives praise for its inclusive ethos and commitment to supporting every child’s individual learning journey.
Location: Emirates Hills, Dubai
KHDA Rating: Outstanding (2023–2024)
Fees: AED 58,000 (FS1) – AED 97,000 (Year 13) for the 2024–2025 academic year
- South View School:
South View School, located in the welcoming Remraam community of Dubailand, provides a comprehensive British curriculum from FS1 to Year 13. Established in 2018, the school has quickly earned a reputation for combining academic excellence with a strong focus on student well-being and holistic growth.
Since its first KHDA inspection in 2021, South View School has consistently maintained a “Good” rating, with its child protection and safeguarding practices recognized as “Outstanding” in the most recent report, a reflection of its deep commitment to student safety and care..
Location: Remraam, Dubailand
KHDA Rating: Good (2023–2024)
Fees: AED 45,400 (FS1) – AED 64,500 (Year 13) for the 2024–2025 academic year
- Arcadia Global School:
Arcadia Global School, located in Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT), is a modern British curriculum school known for its innovative teaching methods and inclusive learning environment. Established in 2016, it offers education from FS1 to Year 13, following the National Curriculum for England, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and creativity.
The school has received a “Very Good” rating from KHDA and is praised for its future-ready learning approach, use of technology in classrooms, and exceptional pastoral care. Arcadia Global School also places a strong focus on entrepreneurship and leadership, encouraging students to think critically and act responsibly.
Location: Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT), Dubai
KHDA Rating: Very Good (2023–2024)
Fees: AED 45,000 (FS1) – AED 85,000 (Year 13) for the 2024–2025 academic year
- Safa Community School:
Safa Community School, founded in 2014, is a premier British curriculum school located in Al Barsha South, Dubai. It provides education from FS1 to Year 13, with a strong focus on academic excellence, student well-being, and holistic development.
For the 2023–2024 academic year, the school earned an “Outstanding” rating from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), a recognition of its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional education and fostering continuous improvement.
Safa Community School also offers a rich variety of extracurricular programmes, encompassing music, performing arts, sports, and leadership initiatives, ensuring students receive a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.
Location: Al Barsha South, Dubai
KHDA Rating: Outstanding (2023–2024)
Fees: AED 53,187 (FS1) – AED 87,386 (Year 13) for the 2024–2025 academic year
- Jebel Ali school:
Jebel Ali School, established in 1977, is one of Dubai’s oldest and most respected British curriculum schools. Located in Damac Hills, it offers a comprehensive education from FS1 to Year 13, following the National Curriculum for England.
In 2022, the school joined the Taaleem family, one of the UAE’s leading education providers, a partnership that has strengthened its focus on academic excellence, student well-being, and continuous improvement.
Jebel Ali School has consistently earned a “Very Good” rating from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The 2023–2024 KHDA inspection praised the school’s strong student attainment and progress, particularly in mathematics and science, as well as its outstanding personal and social development programmes.
Location: Damac Hills, Dubai
KHDA Rating: Very Good (2023–2024)
Fees: AED 48,490 (FS1–Year 6), AED 74,830 (Years 7–11), AED 80,300 (Years 12–13) for the 2024–2025 academic year
- GEMS Wellington Academy:
GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, established in 2013, is a leading British curriculum school in Dubai, offering education from FS1 to Year 13. The academy follows the National Curriculum for England, culminating in IGCSEs and A-Levels, and is part of the renowned GEMS Education network, known globally for its excellence in teaching and learning.
Rated “Very Good” by KHDA, the school is celebrated for its strong academic outcomes, inclusive ethos, and future-focused approach to education. It places great emphasis on innovation, leadership, and student well-being, preparing learners for success in higher education and beyond.
Location: Al Khail, Dubai
KHDA Rating: Very Good (2023–2024)
Fees: AED 49,200 (FS1) – AED 95,870 (Year 13) for the 2024–2025 academic year
- Cambridge International School:
Cambridge International School – Dubai, part of the GEMS Education group, is one of the emirate’s long-standing British curriculum schools, founded in 1983. Located in Al Garhoud, the school offers a comprehensive education from FS1 to Year 13, following the National Curriculum for England, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels.
The school holds a “Good” KHDA rating and is widely recognized for its academic standards, student well-being initiatives, and multicultural environment. With a focus on developing global citizens, it provides students with the skills, confidence, and values needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Location: Al Garhoud, Dubai
KHDA Rating: Good (2023–2024)
Fees: AED 22,660 (FS1) – AED 45,560 (Year 13) for the 2024–2025 academic year
VACE Global: The best A-level tutors in the UAE:
VACE Global serves as a trusted tutor, mentor, and experienced teacher for A-levels in the UAE, with a large number of satisfied and happy students from all around the globe. With our expert faculty with years of experience and affiliation with Cambridge, VACE Global gets on board with you on your A-level journey in the UAE, Dubai, Sharjah, and all the surrounding regions. The expert Learning Management System (LMS) will keep a record of your status, tests, and lectures.
To achieve exceptional grades, you will need both good academic support and guidance, as well as the best A-level schools in the UAE. From counselling you on A-level subject selections to helping you get an A in those subjects, VACE Global is your one-stop solution for all. We will help you create a study schedule, follow effective revision strategies, and assist you in securing scholarships.
Enroll today and get to know about our merit-based scholarship. Start your A-level journey with us and watch your grades go boom!
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. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.