British Elementary through to Primary[/icon
Started in 1963, the school now boasts modern facilities and classrooms of the highest standards. There are now 800 children with five classes in each year group. The Primary School covers the National Curriculum for England and Wales for children from age 4 to 11. Being a non-profit school means that there is a considerable reinvestment in the school which has ensured that the facilities offered are excellent. As one of the oldest schools in the UAE, DESS is well regarded for its track record and its comprehensive programme which includes sports and performing arts as well as academics.
Location
The school is located on Oud Metha Road, between Karama and the western shore of the Dubai Creek.
Who runs the school?
A board of Governors comprising prominent local professionals administers DESS. The headteacher is David Hammond.
Is this a non-profit school?
Yes
What facilities does it offer?
DESS offers the following : swimming, games, athletics, gymnastics, striking and fielding and dance. A comprehensive programme of after school activities is offered each afternoon, and the school says it has now achieved outstanding levels of results in competitive sport. Netball, rugby and football league performances continue to be strong and DESS has also become one of the leading schools in swimming in Dubai. Additionally, the school has a very strong art programme and design technology programme.
What is the school’s philosophy?
The school’s mission statement is as follows: DESS enables a child to develop as a lifelong, independent learner, providing a balanced and structured curriculum in which the needs of the individual and his/her potential are paramount. High self-esteem is developed in a caring, nurturing and cooperative environment in order to foster the leadership and interpersonal skills needed to be a citizen in a modern and changing society.
Admissions requirements
Parents are requested to make appointments to visit the school and meet the admissions secretary to discuss the procedure for entry. Parents are also welcome to visit the school and meet staff, however, this should be arranged by prior appointment. An application form is available on the school website and must be filled in and handed in along with the following: Dhs300 non-refundable registration fee, six passport photos, two copies of the birth certificate, two copies of the passport with the residence visa page, two copies of the latest school report and a transfer or leaving certificate (if a place is offered to your child).
If an assessment is necessary, you will be contacted in due course. Each application has to be reconfirmed in writing annually, between November 1 and December 31 until you are notified of admission. If not, then you will automatically be taken off the school’s waiting list.
Fees
Annual fees are Dhs32,880 per year, with term fees of Dhs10,960 per term payable for three terms per year. There is a non-refundable application fee of Dhs300, an advance fee of Dhs2000 which is to be paid to secure the place (and is deducted from the first term fees), as well as an enrolment fee of Dhs400 for new entrants.
KHDA ratings
Good (as of 2011)
No man who wpoihsrs education has got the best out of education…. Without a gentle contempt for education no man’s education is complete. ~G.K. Chesterton