Top 20 IGCSE Schools in Dubai

This guide is written by Tutopiya’s education experts to help families compare IGCSE options.

Dubai is one of the biggest global hubs for British curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE pathways. Families typically shortlist schools using a mix of published exam outcomes, inspection signals, subject breadth, and how well the school builds exam technique through past-paper practice.

What “IGCSE results data” to ask for

If the school publishes it, ask for:

• A*/A (or 9–7) rate by subject
• Average grade (not just pass rate)
• Number of entries and cohort size
• Any notable top learner recognition (where applicable)
• How outcomes are supported (intervention, revision plans, teacher specialism)

When results data is limited, schools still rank well based on inspection strength, teacher quality, pastoral systems, and consistent exam readiness routines.

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The Top 20 (Dubai)

1. Dubai College – Strong academic culture and outcomes; highly sought-after secondary pathway.
2. Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) – Consistently popular for academics, pastoral strength, and exam readiness.
3. Jumeirah College – Strong secondary provision and exam focus; widely short-listed for IGCSE families.
4. Repton School Dubai – Well-resourced campus; strong senior-year pathway and co-curricular depth.
5. GEMS Wellington International School – Large senior provision; broad subject availability and structured exam preparation.
6. Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) – Strong primary pipeline into secondary pathways; strong foundational academics.
7. Dubai English Speaking College (DESC) – Strong secondary environment and exam culture; good subject breadth.
8. Dubai British School (DBS) – Jumeirah Park / Emirates Hills – Strong British curriculum delivery and student support systems.
9. Nord Anglia International School Dubai (NAS Dubai) – Strong facilities and pathway options; exam readiness emphasis.
10. Kings’ School Dubai / Al Barsha – Well-regarded teaching and pastoral systems; strong progression.
11. Brighton College Dubai – Strong brand and academic expectations; structured exam-year support.
12. GEMS Modern Academy – Strong academics and senior outcomes; families should confirm the exact exam pathway fit (IGCSE/IB/other).
13. Hartland International School – Strong facilities and developing senior pathway; exam support structures.
14. GEMS Jumeirah Primary School / GEMS Wellington Primary – Strong feeder options; check the linked secondary pathway for IGCSE.
15. Raffles International School – Often short-listed for value; confirm exam-year structures and subject breadth.
16. GEMS Founders School (Dubai) – Popular value option; families should compare support, class size, and senior provision.
17. The English College Dubai – Exam-focused culture; confirm subject breadth and cohort structure.
18. Uptown International School – Strong all-round offering; confirm IGCSE pathway details by year group.

Quick checklist before you decide

• Request the most recent IGCSE outcomes the school can share (and the number of entries).
• Confirm the IGCSE subjects available and any restrictions (sciences, languages, options blocks).
• Ask how the school supports past-paper practice and exam technique across Years 10–11.

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