Cambridge International School (CIS)

• Cambridge International School location
• Years offered
• Cambridge International School curriculum
• KHDA rating
• How to apply?
• Fee structure
• Cambridge International School scholarships
• Cambridge International School transportation
• PTA and contact information

Managed by GEMS Education, the Cambridge International School (CIS) is one of the longest-established, reasonably priced private schools partnered with GEMS Group that follows the British curriculum.

It opened its doors in 1983 and is presently located in Al Garhoud. CIS is a private and co-education school offering the Early Years Foundation curriculum to kindergarten students and the National Curriculum of England to students until Year 9. International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) are offered to students in Year 10 and 11, respectively. AS and A level is offered as the Sixth Form to students enrolled in Year 12 and 13.

As of now, there are 2,652 students enrolled in the school with the Indian students making up the majority. The school has 143 teachers and 21 teaching assistants; the teacher to student ratio is 1:19. This shows that students get adequate supervision from the teacher in the classroom. Under the Dubai Inclusive Policy Framework, the school has 72 students of determination.

The school has succeeded in maintaining it’s ‘Good’ rating for the past 11 years.

Cambridge International School Dubai is an ideal choice for families living in

• Umm Ramool
• Al Rashidiya
• Dubai Festival City
• Nad Al Hamar

Out of these, Umm Ramool is the closest community. It is hardly a 5-minute drive from the school campus. The community is one of the oldest industrial areas in the city. It recently got connected to the Dubai Metro Red Line after the opening of the Emirates Metro Station.

Parents looking for residential properties near the school can consider:

• Apartments for rent near Cambridge International School
• Villas for rent near Cambridge International School

Cambridge International School Dubai campus is spacious, well-established and boasts top-notch facilities. You will find a clean school canteen that’s well-stocked with nutritious and tasty meals and drinks. There’s a bookstore for students to easily buy the stationery, books and notebooks.

Moving towards sports facilities, the school has a large swimming pool, cricket nets and a multi-purpose hall for students to take part in various sports including basketball, volleyball and badminton. There is a standard size Astroturf football field for inter-school and inter-house matches. Young kids can play in the large, outdoor grass field.

For science and technology, CIS has 5 ICT labs with more than 180 computers equipped with the latest software. There are two well-stocked libraries; one each for primary, secondary level students. Also, students who want to pursue arts and music can make the most of two art studios and a music studio.

Furthermore, the school has established two medical centres with an in-house doctor and nurses to handle emergencies and any injuries that may happen.

GEMS Cambridge International School is located in the community of Al Garhoud. The school can be spotted near The American College of Dubai and the Grammar School. Al Garhoud is a mixed-used community with easy access to Dubai International Airport.

There is so much more to being a member of GEMS Education than just offering high-quality education. The GEMS Education sets a benchmark in the education industry. At GEMS, student grooming is given special consideration and importance so they can develop a social conscience and become a productive member of the global community.

Parents would want to opt for Cambridge International School, Dubai for multiple reasons. First, core values are taught and implemented throughout the school. These values revolve around growing by learning, pursuing excellence, leading through innovation and global citizenship. Students not only receive a quality education, but they are also groomed into well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to the community.

Similarly, students are a part of a global classroom and share education with thousands of other kids enrolled in other GEMS schools. They also receive ample opportunities to engage with different cultures and experience other religions which contribute to an enriched educational curriculum.

Experienced, highly informed teaching staff is another positive. CIS, Dubai constantly strives to groom and polish the teachers even more during the time they spent at the school. For this, the school organises many training sessions and seminars for teachers to widen their circle of knowledge. They are given state-of-the-art facilities, resources and tools to make classroom sessions more interactive.

The local advisory board is always prepared to assist the school in achieving its long-term goals. The board members offer their time and expertise to help teachers change their teaching methods.

CIS is now a Microsoft Showcase School, a fact that exemplifies the best of teaching and learning. CIS is now part of an exclusive global community that is recognised and celebrated for educational transformations.

Another reason to choose CIS school is its parent engagement initiative. Not only parents can be a part of their child’s academic journey, but they can also receive financial support from the school through ambassador and reward programs.

The Government of Dubai has developed protocols for schools to follow until the pandemic is over. This is an accumulative effort and approach to keep everyone, including students, teachers, parents and all the relevant third parties safe and healthy.

The KHDA has uploaded protocols for school reopening on the official website for your convenience. Here’s an overview of the preventive SOPs in place.

• Sterilising the school building, classrooms, laboratories and other facilities regularly, according to the recommendations of the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management.
• Assessing the temperature of everyone who enters the school building daily.
• Maintaining physical distance guidelines as recommended by the relevant health authorities and reducing the headcount capacity in classrooms.
• Seats will be placed 1.5 metres apart in classrooms.
• Keeping the bus capacity between 30% and 50%.
• Limiting gatherings and suspending group activities such as school celebrations and sports events.
• Appointing a trained health and safety officer to ensure that people and processes in the school comply with health and safety protocols.
• Physical education will continue; however, swimming pools will be closed.
• School-wide events such as sports day, assemblies, international days, activities are put on hold.
• Students can either attend classes in person or opt for distance or E-learning; schools can and should provide 100% distance learning provisions.
• For now, schools’ fees remain unchanged for the next academic year; however, schools have the authority to offer discounts as they deem fit.
• COVID-19 PCR testing is not mandatory for students without travel history. Only those who show symptoms of COVID-19 are required to take the PCR test.
• The KHDA recommends schools to provide virtual tours. If parents do visit the campus, they MUST follow all the safety measures. This includes wearing face masks and maintaining a 1.5 metres distance.

Cambridge International School, Dubai follows the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 5.

Cambridge International School curriculum is based on the National Curriculum of England whereas the Early Years Foundation Stage Programme is taught in the Foundation Stages.

Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and prepares kindergarten students for the British curriculum. Seven key learning areas at this stage focus on child-initiated and teacher-led activities for better grooming of toddlers.

The seven key areas of learning are divided into prime areas and specific areas. The form includes Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. While specific areas include Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts & Design.

Key Stage 1

At this level, Cambridge International School focuses on social skill development and the student’s ability to read, write and solve simple mathematical problems. On the other side, participation in enrichment programs and different clubs enable children to develop their creative talents.

Subjects taught in Key Stage 1 include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, French, Computing, Social Studies, Design & Technology, Art, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Music and Physical Education.

Key Stage 2

Key Stage 2 includes Year 3, 4, 5 and 6. Kids get a platform to apply the knowledge they have gained in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. Teachers focus on self-evaluation, assessment programs and the use/application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

By the end of Year 6, the school aims to produce well-rounded students who have matured through character development. These children show traits of self-confidence and articulate expression that will assist them in their education in later stages.

Subjects taught at Key Stage 2 include English, Mathematics, Science, Computer Studies, Social Studies, Art, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Music, Moral Education and Physical Education.

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 includes Year 7, 8 and 9. Students can study English, Mathematics, Science, Computer Studies, Social Studies, Art, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Music, Moral Education, Physical Education, Literature, Humanities, French, Art and Design and Drama.

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4 includes Year 10 and 11 and culminates into the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. Students can choose a particular field to give their examinations. However, there are compulsory courses that each student needs to study and these include:

Key Stage 5

Key Stage 5 includes Year 12 and 13 where students appear for AS and A-Level examination. To assist in the transition from school to colleges and universities, the curriculum offers a wide range of subjects. Again, at this stage, students are expected to show strong leadership qualities that they will require to become responsible citizens of the world.

Compulsory subjects in Key Stage 5 are:

The government of Dubai has mandated schools to offer distance learning provisions in addition to in-class learning, especially in the first phase of reopening. Distance learning format might differ from school to school and term to term but students opting for this model will be kept updated on the curriculum followed.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority is a government regulatory body established for assisting private schools in attaining quality education standards. It rates all private schools operational in Dubai on different aspects ranging from the curriculum and teaching methods to extra-curricular as well as resources and tools available to students. The image below describes the six-point scale used to rate a school’s performance.

The Cambridge International School’s KHDA rating has been ‘Good’ for the past 10 years, including the academic year 2018 – 2019. The school successfully maintained its rating; however, there’s always room for improvement.

The KHDA report highlighted the strong areas of the school.

• Execution of actions that results in a better quality of education.
• The kindergarten years are quite successful in allowing young children to tackle learning and personal development.
• Students can achieve above-average performance towards the end of their school career.
• Students have shown remarkable growth in social and personal development by integrating different cultures and an awareness of social responsibility.
• The curriculum offered comes with a wide range of subjects and activities.

The last KHDA report highlighted one key area for improvement.

• Arabic and Islamic education require a makeover. Aspects that need revision include teaching methods, assessment criteria, developing the student’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills in these subjects. The school must provide opportunities for students to engage in discussions and debates.

Cambridge International School’s academic calendar is 10-month long. It is divided into winter, spring and summer terms. A summary of the calendar is provided below:

• The first term starts in the first week of September and ends in the second week of December. It is followed by a 3-week winter break.
• The second term starts in the second week of January and ends in the last week of March. It is followed by a 2-week spring break.
• The third term starts in the second week of April and ends in the first week of July. Students get a 2-month summer holiday at the end of the third term.

To start the Cambridge International School admission process, parents need to follow these steps.

• Register online to generate a student inquiry ID number. 
• Deposit AED 525 as application fee. This payment is non-refundable if the student rejects the place offered by the school. The deposit will be refunded if the student isn’t offered a place at all. 
• Visit the school with their Emirates ID as well as the applicant’s Emirates ID,  vaccination card copy and the enquiry ID number generated upon online registration.
• Once the registration process is completed, the school will place the student on the waiting list. He/she has to appear for an entrance exam.
• The school will only offer the place after they conduct the assessment and announce the results.

The documents required for registration include:

• 1 copy of the student’s passport and a valid UAE residence visa
• 1 copy of a student’s birth certificate, either in English or Arabic
• 1 copy of the student’s Emirates ID card (both sides)
• 1 copy of each of the parent’s passport, UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
• 1 copy of the school’s report for students admitting in Year 1 and onward (in English)
• If the student is transferring from another emirate, then Transfer Certificate should be attested by the Educational Authority of the respective emirate.
• If the student is transferring from a country other than USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand, his/her Transfer Certificate must be attested by:
  • The Ministry of Education (of the origin country)
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (origin country) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE
  • UAE Embassy/Consulate (in the country the student is migrating from)

Post-16 Admissions

The admission criteria for Key Stage 5 or AS and A-Levels differs slightly from the previous admission process. To gain entry into Post 16 at Cambridge International School Dubai, the student needs to attain A* to C grades in a minimum of 5 subjects in IGCSE or GCSE examination.

If the student meets the above criteria, parents can:

• Download the Post 16 booklet and the application form available in the booklet.
• Print and fill in the application form.
• Attach one reference letter from student’s school commenting on his/her academic and pastoral performance.
• A copy of students IGCSE or GCSE examination results. In case the student has not appeared in the examination, predicted grades of the same is required.

Students can visit the admin office to submit all the documents. If the school deems the candidate suitable for Post 16 stage, he or she will be contacted to establish a day and time for the interview.

Parents must also ensure that their child meets the following age placement criteria before initiating the admission process.

This is based on the age of the students on 31st July (for schools beginning in April) and 31st December (for schools beginning in September). Source: KHDA

* This is to cater to students transferring from systems that admit students of a younger age)

Cambridge International School fee structure for the current academic year is:

Apart from basic tuition fees, several other charges need to be paid including:

• Application fee: AED 525
• Registration fee (non-refundable): AED 500
• Admission fee (non-refundable) but can be adjusted against tuition fee: AED 4,000
• Miscellaneous fees: AED 350 to AED 950
• Computer fee: AED 300 to AED 600

Please note that the re-registration fee for existing students is 5% of the tuition fee and is deductible from the total amount.

Refunds

For both new and existing students, a refund of registration and re-registration fee is not applicable until and unless there are extenuating circumstances. If refunds apply, then following are the ways to calculate them.

• Tuition fees paid before the start of the academic year is refundable after deducting registration and re-registration fees.
• If the student attended school for less than 2 weeks, a month’s fee will be deducted from the refund.
• If the student attended school for more than 2 weeks but not more than a month, two months’ fees will be deducted from the refund.
• If the student spent a month or more at the school, the entire term fees will be deducted from the refund.

Withdrawal and Non-Payment of Fees

In case of withdrawal of the child from the school, parents need to inform CIS one month in advance so that the school can carry out exit formalities and prepare all and any documents that are required.

In the scenario of non-payment of tuition fees, the school has the authority to temporarily withhold examination results, references and school reports. It may expel the child permanently from the institute.

Cambridge International School fees can be paid through cash, cheque, credit card or bank transfer.

GEMS Reward System

Being a part of Cambridge International School, parents receive ample opportunities to avail discounts and monetary relief. The GEMS Reward System applies to the school as well and presents parents and guardians with a platform to collect monetary rewards.

You can use the GEMS FAB Credit Card to pay tuition fees and earn back up to 4.25% of the tuition fees. Similarly, every time parents and guardians buy school supplies from GEMS network of partners and merchants, they receive GEMS points that can be redeemed against the school fees.

COVID-19 Discounts at Cambridge International School

Witnessing a surge in corona virus cases and its consequence, GEMS has announced a relief program for parents which is applicable to Cambridge International School as well.

GEMS Education is waiving registration, admission and administration fees for all parents.

Similarly, a mix of deferment of fees, payment plans or discounts will be available will ONLY be available to families who have suffered proven harm from Corona virus. Families eligible for relief initiative include those:

• who have lost their jobs
• are placed on unpaid leaves
• had salary cuts

Since Cambridge International School Dubai is a part of GEMS Education group, students are eligible for GEMS scholarships. These scholarships are offered in 5 areas including Academic Excellence, Creative and Performing Arts, Sports, Innovative and Digital Technology and Arabic Studies.

However, provision of the scholarship is subject to many factors including the student’s performance in the area he or she is seeking a scholarship in, their most recent school report, participation at a national or international level, assessment of scholarship form and the final interview taken by the school’s principal or the GEMS Scholarship community.

For more information, parents can visit the GEMS Scholarship.

You will find a clean and well-maintained school canteen that serves fresh, nutritious and healthy meals. The official food and beverage provider of CIS is Slices. The company has a School Lunch Program where the lunch is prepared daily in the school canteen under the strict guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Parents can send lunch boxes from home, but all foods and drinks must be healthy. Please note that to avail the cashless canteen service, parents will have to register their child at Slices. For registration, visit the website here.

*Following health and safety measures issued by the KHDA, the school is not offering fresh lunch to students. However, children can bring meals from home.

Transportation facility is provided at CIS, Dubai for the convenience of parents. However, the school outsources this facility to School Transport Services LLC (STS), an established and trustworthy company in the transportation industry.

All the buses provided by STS are well-equipped with video surveillance systems, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and student attendance confirmation scanners. STS follows all the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai guidelines for a safe commute.

To avail STS bus service, you need to follow these steps:

• Submit a transport request form
• Upon submission, an STS representative will check the availability of buses on the route mentioned on the form
• If there is a place available on the bus, then the representative will contact you with pickup and drop-off points and provide you with the contact information of the relevant driver.

Please note that with the discontinuation of the transport service, you will have to pay a fine of AED 100.

Payment for the service can be made through cash, cheque and bank transfer. Also, parents have the convenience of paying either annually or in three terms.

*Following Covid-19 protocols, the school is operating transport services at 30% to 50% capacity.

Students can avail the holiday camp through East Sports Management (ESM). CIS school Dubai has partnered with the organisation for sports activities. The ESM arranges a camp during the summer break where students can enrol themselves and take part in various sports activities.

*Due to Covid-19 restrictions, holiday camps offered by the school are suspended until further notice. Parents must contact external service providers to know about holiday camps offered by them.

Students looking to advance their career in sports can make the most of the sports facilities provided by Cambridge International School, Dubai. These facilities include an indoor multi-purpose arena where students can play cricket, basketball or badminton.

You will also find a large, covered swimming pool and a grassed field for kindergarten children. Moreover, there is an Astroturf football field where sports day events and inter-school matches are held.

*Due to Covid-19 restrictions, swimming pools have been closed across all schools.

To develop well-rounded students, the CIS private school has introduced a rich set of extra-curricular activities. The school offers enrichment activities under seven different categories.

*The school has suspended extracurricular activities until further notice as a result of the KHDA Covid-19 protocols.

The school arranges field trips allowing students to widen their learning outside the classroom while engaging in fun activities with their peers. Memorable trips from February 2019 include students from Year 4 – 6 completing their 3-day programme at NorthStar Dibba Camp.

*Under Covid-19 protocols, the school has suspended all school trips until further notice.

The school offers After School Activities (ASAs) which start at 02:50 pm and end at 03:50 pm.

*Under Covid-19 restrictions, the school has suspended after-school activities/clubs until further notice.

Two medical centres on the school premises are well-equipped as per the regulatory standards with three full-time nurses and an in-house doctor. The facilities provided within the medical centre allow for first-aid treatment if the need arises.

Parents are strongly advised to provide a detailed medical form outlining their child’s specific illness or condition.  Also, the latest contact information should be provided to the school so that in case of any emergency, the school can establish immediate contact with parents or the guardian.

Parents should ensure that their child’s vaccination is up-to-date before admission. In case the child hasn’t received vaccination shots, the school is required to provide the vaccination under instructions from the Department of Health. Parents will have to bring their original vaccination card.

All new admissions will have to go through a medical examination. Similarly, students from FS1, Year 1, 5, 9 and 13 will be medically examined by the school doctor.

The GEMS Education system is a staunch believer of parents’ involvement in their child’s education and learning process. Hence, all the schools operating under the GEMS groups adopt a few measures to establish contact with parents, guardians or sponsors at all times.

The first choice of parent and teacher communication is the GEMS parent portal. By signing up for this portal, parents have access to all school events as well as the activities their children are participating in. They can also keep a check on the attendance, examination results and the academic performance of their children.

After extensive research on the impact of parent engagement in children’s academic life, the group has developed an app called ‘3-a-day’ where parents can continue with their child’s education at home. The app has 3 sections, ‘Something to Talk About’, ‘Activities to Share’ and ‘Guidance to Encourage Children.’

Since parents are the best advocate of an education system, GEMS has come up with the GEMS Ambassador Program. Parents earn back 4% to 100% of the school annual fee in the form of GEMS points. These points can later be redeemed against the tuition fee if parents successfully refer the school to their friends and family.

Parents can always go for the conventional way of communication through feedback and suggestions. You can lodge any query or jot down your suggestions for the school to consider.

• Telephone Number: +971-4-282-4646
• Email:
  • General Enquiries: info_cis@gemsedu.com
  • Admission Enquiries: registrar_cis@gemsedu.com
• Cambridge International School Website
• Cambridge International School Facebook
• Cambridge International School Twitter
• Cambridge International School Instagram
• Cambridge International School YouTube

Note that the cover image belongs to Cambridge International School.