British Elementary through to 6th Form
Headteacher Andrew Gibbs says DESC is a relatively new school, with the advantage of excellent facilities and a highly committed teaching staff. He also says that the school’s endeavour is to provide children with a first class education in the widest sense, where learning, achievement and fulfillment is at the heart of everything that the school does. The school offers the Curriculum for England and Wales for 11 to 16 year olds with a sixth form for 16 to 18 year olds. The school was established in 2005 and prepares students for the GCSE and A level exams.
Location
The school is located in Dubai Academic City, close to Silicon Oasis and Zayed University. We are easily accessible from Emirates Road (311) and the Al Ain-Dubai Road (66). DESC is next to Al Ghurair University.
Who runs the school?
A board of Governors comprising prominent professionals such as John Deykin, CEO of award-winning brand consultancy TMH, Francis Matthew, editor-at-large of Gulf News, Sophia Panayiotou senior vice president human resources business support from the Emirates Group and legal consultant Cynthia Trench.
The headteacher is Andrew Gibbs.
Is this a non-profit school?
Yes
What facilities does it offer?
A grass field, a six lane 25 metre swimming pool, an artificial pitch plus training area, three outdoor netball courts and a double sports hall. Several school trips to destinations like France and Rome are offered, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh International Award which incorporates expeditions and a trip to Cyprus.
DESC even has its own eco farm on the campus where a variety of fruits and vegetables are grown and then sold in the school’s canteen.
What is the school’s philosophy?
According to the school’s handbook, the aim of the school is to provide a high quality secondary education for students between the ages of 11 and 18, preparing them for further education or for their chosen career. It adds: ‘DESC will enable every student to achieve high standards in both academic work and in the wider sporting and cultural life of the school. We will do all that we can to help our students achieve their potential. We will create an environment that combines academic rigour with the recognition and celebration of individual success. The classroom environment will be challenging and supportive. We will strive to ensure that every student achieves his or her potential without an unnecessary degree of pressure.
Admissions requirements
For admissions enquiries contact the registrar – Claire Poole Phone – (+9714)3604866 Ext.203 Fax – (+9714) 3604864 e-mail registrar@descdubai.com
You can also make an appointment to be shown round the school and to meet the registrar to discuss the procedure for entry.
Admissions are guaranteed for Year Six of DESS – (who are on the Admission register on October 1st of Year Six) and whose Optional Registration deposits are paid by January 31st.
Fees
Secondary School – Academic Year 2011/2012
Note: – The school will not charge Debentures
Optional DEPOSIT to secure place
(deducted from first terms fee – non refundable )
AED 3000
TERM FEES – Three terms per year (non refundable) : AED 19,693
TOTAL ANNUAL COST : AED 59,080
Term fees are due on or before the first day of each new term. For academic year 2011/2012 these dates are:
Term 1: August / September 2011
Term 2: January 2012
Term 3: April 2012
Sixth Form – Academic Year 2011/2012
Note: – The school will not charge Debentures
Places will be secured with GCSE Final Results at A* to C
TERM FEES – Three terms per year (non refundable) : AED 21,166, AED 21,167 & AED 21,167
TOTAL ANNUAL COST : AED 63,500
Term fees are due on or before the first day of each new term. For academic year 2011/2012 these dates are:
Term 1: August / September 2011
Term 2: January 2012
Term 3: April 2012
Note: The Total Annual Fees do not include charges for GCSE and GCE examinations or any external examination eg: music, instrumental, dance, etc. These will be invoiced separately and charged on an individual basis. Information regarding the Examination Fees can be obtained from the Examinations Officer
KHDA Ratings
Good (as of 2011)