Dubai English Speaking College, Academic City

• Dubai English Speaking College location
• Years offered
• Dubai English Speaking College curriculum
• KHDA rating
• How to apply?
• Fee structure
• Dubai English Speaking College transportation
• PTA and contact information

Dubai English Speaking College, also known as DESC, is one of the few non-profit co-education colleges in Academic City following the English National Curriculum for GCSE, A-Level and BTEC.

Established in 2005, it currently has more than 1,600 students and offers classes from Year 7 to 13 for students aged 11 to 18. It is a sister school of Dubai English Speaking School (DESS), one of the oldest British schools in Dubai that opened in 1963.

Dubai English Speaking College has been operating in Academic City, Al Ruwayyah, for the last 15 years as a well-established school. The highlight is the ‘Outstanding’ KHDA rating that DESC has secured since 2012 – 2013.

In 2017, Dubai English Speaking College annexed its neighbour, Delhi Private School Academy, resulting in a double-sized campus. The newly renovated college was purpose-built and had different buildings equipped with the particular age group’s necessary facilities.

DESC renovation also resulted in a Sixth Form Centre that provides high-quality education to students aged 16 to 18. This section is dedicated to offering advanced school qualifications such as A-level, Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC), the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma) and the General Certification of Secondary Education (GCSE).

Presently, DESC has 157 teachers and 15 teaching assistants. The teaching staff mainly belongs to the United Kingdom, and the teacher: student ratio is 1:11. The staff motivates and inspires students while using cross-curricular opportunities and real-life applications.

Residential areas in proximity to DESC are:

• Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
• Al Warsan
• International City
• Al Ruwayyah
• The Villa

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is one of the most popular communities for renting affordable apartments in Dubai. The mixed-use development has numerous apartment buildings, complexes, commercial towers and gated villa communities.

Al Warsan is another mixed-use area near DESSC. It is further divided into four sub-communities with affordable properties available for rent and sale.

International City, best known for its country-themed clusters, is an affordable community dominated by apartment buildings offering studio to 2-bedroom units. The area is home to the popular Dragon Mart.

The Villa was launched in 2005 by Dubai Properties. Considered one of the largest residential projects suitable for families, its prime location in the city and connectivity with big roads makes it a suitable residential option.

Residential options around Dubai English Speaking College include:

• Apartments for rent near Dubai English Speaking College

The Sixth Form building established in late 2017 was inaugurated by Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director of the KHDA. The main college areas have a library, a swimming pool, a kitted gym and a much-needed purpose-designed learning space. The primary campus also includes an indoor and outdoor communal social area, a spacious dining area and a kitchen, a yoga studio and a zen garden.

The well-equipped gym is one of the best you’d find in United Arab Emirates schools with changing room and showers. A spacious full-sized sports field is also an essential part of the college campus. There is sufficient parking space outside DESC.

As stated earlier, Dubai English Speaking College is part of Academic City; hence, it shares the location with other schools and universities. Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street is nearby, making commuting easier for students. Some well-known colleges around the DESC include Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University and the University of Dubai.

Dubai English Speaking College is one of the few colleges to receive an ‘Outstanding’ rating from KHDA for the last four inspections. The college is currently thriving with over 1,600 enrolled students and well-qualified teaching staff.

The spacious campus was officially opened in 2007 by the Duchess of Cornwall and Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussien, Princess of Jordan and Sheikha of Dubai. Students are encouraged to think out-of-the-box and are given a lab with 26 computers and 26 iPads, and a collection of more than 12,500 books.

The college also tailors the British curriculum for students who want to attend the Sixth Form. Students who get a place in the Sixth Form are guided regarding the best suitable academic pathway. There are several mix and match courses for every student while the college ensures that the transition between two different courses is smooth.

Students who fail to receive the GCSE required grades to proceed for A-Level, DESC can benefit from the foundation year programme. This programme offers many Level 3 courses for struggling GCSE students. The college guides underperforming students at Year 16. The Foundation Year Programme, in particular, bridges the knowledge gap for such students.

Dubai English Speaking College acknowledges the importance of extracurricular activities during student life. Activities offered include skiing trips, sports, dance and music classes and dramas. DESC has been recognised as one of the best schools for sports in the country. In SchoolsCompared Awards for the year 2018 – 2019, Dubai English Speaking College and Dubai English Speaking School were named the Top School in the UAE.

As per GCSE results for 2018, all students passed the examination. A-Level results were also quite impressive, with a 99.8% pass rate. Students’ attainment is above average, and their progress is outstanding in all subjects.

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 safe and healthy, including students, teachers, parents, and relevant third parties.

The KHDA has uploaded FAQs for schools 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.
• From this academic year, 1-metre distancing is recommended. Schools must take appropriate precautions to ensure that students and teachers stay physically distanced where possible.
• Buses may run at full capacity provided they comply with health and safety protocols.
• Schools shall reinstate Physical Education, swimming lessons and sports activities. Changing rooms and sports areas will be sanitised after each group of students
• The canteen shall reopen and resume live cooking
• School trips, excursions and holiday camps shall be resumed.
• After-hours care, extra-curricular activities, performances, assemblies and other events at school or external venues are allowed.
• Students older than six years, staff and visitors to schools must continue to wear face masks.
• Vaccination is not compulsory. Unvaccinated school staff must submit a negative PCR test each week. Students are not obliged to submit negative PCR tests.
• From October 3rd 2021, all teaching and learning at Dubai private schools will only be face-to-face. Students who wish to continue with distance learning after the stated date must provide a medical certificate issued by Dubai Health Authority.

Dubai English Speaking College offers classes from Year 7 (Grade 6) to Grade 12 (Year 13) based on the English National Curriculum. The school welcomes students aged 11 to 18.

The classes are offered as different levels of courses that include:

• GCE Advanced Level
• Extended Project Qualification
• BTEC Diploma
• Foundation Year Course

The courses are designed to enable students to formulate a best-suited programme that matches their ability, individual interests and future goals.

Those enrolled in Sixth Form at Dubai English Speaking College Academic City and GCE Advanced Level students do not have to complete AS examination at the end of Year 12. On the contrary, the college has its own mid-course assessment process. This results in students receiving far more practical learning time and a fairly better chance of success in the A-level examination in Year 13.

Dubai English Speaking School is the oldest school that follows the UK curriculum in the city. Dubai English Speaking College also follows the English National Curriculum. The college was established to provide a through-school arrangement for students of Dubai English Speaking School. However, DESC has students coming from a range of other schools from the city.

Students enter GCSE after the secondary level. They study AS Level at the end of Year 12 while GCE Advanced Level marks the end of the post – 16 phases.

Other than the traditional A-Level route, BTEC offers options in Enterprise, sports, Applied Science, Entrepreneurship, Creative Media Production, hospitality and ICT.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is for students who wish to expand their knowledge base in a specific subject. The EPQ has additional UCAS points and is equal to 50% of the A– level course helping students get a place at a university. According to KHDA, the curriculum has been adapted effectively to meet the needs of all groups of students.

As per the instructions of The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), all schools across the UAE will discontinue distance learning from January 2022.

Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) works under KHDA and provides a comprehensive report of private schools and their standard of education.

Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) inspected Dubai English Speaking College from 12th to 15th November 2018 and rated it as ‘Outstanding.’ DSIB inspected the school while considering six key standards.

KHDA looked at children’s attainment and progress in different subjects, students’ learning abilities, and social and personal development. Teaching staff’s abilities are also judged and assessed. DSIB also considers the school leadership, governance, management and school facilities during the assessment.

Dubai English Speaking College is rated ‘outstanding’ by KHDA during the latest inspection. DESC has an exceptional record when it comes to KHDA ratings.

Secondary school students show good progress and attainment in Islamic education while Post-16 level students also show good progress in the subject. English is used as the medium of instruction, and its attainment and progress are outstanding in secondary school students.

Post – 16 level students show very good attainment in English. Mathematics is well taught, and students from both levels show outstanding progress in the subject.

Secondary and Post – 16 level students show outstanding learning skills and are well-guided by the teachers. Students were found extremely well-behaved and had a strong sense of social responsibility. Teachers are also highly skilled and motivate students.

Dubai English Speaking College has certain strengths. The curriculum engages students through a wide range of subjects and is designed to meet students’ individual needs. The college gives high priority to students’ health, safety and welfare.

The college calendar is divided into three terms:

• The first term starts in the last week of August and ends in the second week of December, followed by a 3-week winter break.
• The second term starts in the first week of January and ends in the last week of March, 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, followed by a 2-month summer break.

Please note that the dates are subject to change. The academic calendar of DESSC is available on the official website.

Dubai English Speaking College has a simple admission policy. Under Federal Law 29, in no way the school discriminates against any student or family on grounds of academic calibre, nationality, ethnicity and religion.

The college welcomes applications from students with Special Education Needs (SEN). After the form submission, the applicant has to complete an assessment test to help the school decide whether or not it can meet the student’s academic needs.

The selection for admission depends on the following criteria:

• An age-appropriate fluency in English (including speaking, reading, writing and comprehension)
• Student’s positive learning attitude and school reports
• Students’ commitment to contributing to sports, performing arts and other extracurricular activities
• Students’ learning needs that can be met without significant additional adult support

Admission for students coming from Dubai English Speaking College

All Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) children have a seat reserved for them at Dubai English Speaking College. The seat is offered subject to confirmation of the place and a non-refundable payment of AED 3,000 (this is deducted from first term fees).

An official email confirms the student’s place at DESC. Application form DESS students received after the cut-off date will be put on the waitlist.

Applicants can apply by filling the application form available on the official website of Dubai English Speaking College. The application fee is AED 525, which is non-refundable.

Students Applying from Schools other than DESS

• Students who were previously enrolled in a school other than DESS need to submit the application form and supporting documents with a non-refundable application fee of AED 525. These students are also required to appear for an entrance assessment (including verbal and non-verbal reasoning).
• The test helps determine the applicant’s academic ability, and the college can evaluate whether students can keep up with the curriculum offered at Dubai English Speaking College.
• Students with recognised Special Needs (SEND) are welcome to apply. However, the applicants have to go through an assessment to establish if the college has the required resources to meet students’ individual needs.
• A school leaving certificate from the previous school is required for applicants coming from schools other than DESS. A Transfer Certificate is also required if the applicant is coming from a school outside Dubai. The Leave Certificate should not be dated more than three months before the date of entry in the new school.
• If the students are offered a place in the college, a non-refundable deposit of AED 525 must be paid within 7 working days from the offer letter’s date.

Admission coming from DESC to Sixth Form

• Students are required to fill a formal application form and make subject choices along with supporting documentation. With this, parents should pay a non-refundable admission fee of AED 525.
• Students have to give a guidance interview that allows the college to make a final decision.
• When the student gets a place in the college, parents must pay a non-refundable deposit of AED 525 within 7 working days of the offer letter’s date. AED 5,000 deposit will be deducted from the first term’s fee.
• Application made after the cut-off date can be considered.
• Admission in Sixth Form is subject to GCSE results. Applicants must have the minimum GCSE grades.
• Students who fail to attain GCSE grades might not get a seat at DESC. These students can request a refund for their deposit in writing by 3 PM on the GCSE result day.
• Students who get the required GCSE result should confirm their place by 3 PM on the GCSE result day.

Sixth Form Admission Process for other Secondary School Students

Students from other secondary schools have to complete an online application form and submit it along with a non-refundable admission fee of AED 525.

The last date for applying to DESC is 31st January; Applications after the due date are considered. However, candidates who applied within the due date will be given preference.

Applicants must attach a recent report card and letter of recommendation from the headteacher of the previous school.

The student has to attend a formal interview to help DESC make a final decision.

When DESC finalises the admission, students must deposit AED 8,525 with a non-refundable payment of AED 525. AED 8,000 will be deducted from the first term fee, while AED 525 is the enrollment fee and is non-refundable.

Final offers for a Sixth Form seat are subject to GCSE results. Students must score the minimum GCSE grades to enrol in desired A-level courses.

Those failing to attain the required GCSE result can request a refund of their AED 8,000 deposit. This must be done in writing by 3 PM on the GCSE result day.

An original leaving certificate is mandatory from the previous school. A transfer certificate is required for students coming from a school outside Dubai. The certificate must not be dated more than three months before the date of entry into the new school.

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

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

The annual fee at Dubai English Speaking College does not include charges for GCSE and GCE or any external examination such as music, dance, instrumental, dramas, etc. These activities and facilities are charged separately.

DESC offers sibling discount which is as follows:

• 5% off on the 3rd kid.
• Families with four siblings can avail of 10% off on the fee for the 4th kid (youngest child) and 5% off on the third kid’s fee.
• Families with five or more siblings will get a 10% discount for any child after the fourth-youngest student.

Sibling discount only applies to Term 2 fee tuition fee. Term 1 and Term 3 fees remain the same.

The below-mentioned fee has to be paid on an annual basis.

The acceptance fee is deductible from first-term fees and is non-refundable.
For external students, the acceptance fee structure is mentioned below:

Internal Deposits:

Re-Registration Fees

DESSC fee can be paid through RAKBANK without any additional charges using the SKIPLY mobile app. Details for the bank transfer are mentioned on the school’s official website.

Those considering DESC can visit the college after booking a tour. The tour allows parents and students to see what the college has to offer. Visitors can also meet students and teachers during a tour that lasts for one hour.

For Year 7 to Year 11 applicants, the tours are scheduled on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Tours for the Sixth Form level are planned on Sunday and Monday.

There is a vast café and a dining area with wooden benches and tables where students can sit and have lunch.

The Sixth Form section has a bistro-styled café where healthy food is available for the whole school. It also has a wide variety of drinks and smoothies.

Food from the canteen is not only tasty but healthy as well. The school nutritionist helps design a healthy menu that includes salad and brown rice. Indian, Chinese and Australian cuisines are part of the menu.

The school provides reliable and secure transport services, and almost 850 students use it daily.

The school bus shuttles from Jebel Ali to Dubai Silicon Oasis. The responsible bus supervisors ensure the bus service follows RTA regulations.

Students can also see all the information regarding bus services on the school’s website. They can also access the code of conduct, bus routes, late buses, bus service requests and responses to queries.

Students’ safety is of primary concern. Hence, the school transportation strictly sticks to specifications and regulations laid down by the RTA, Dubai. All buses have seat belts, video surveillance, a global positioning system, safety checks and scanners that record students’ attendance confirmation.

All DESC drivers are well-trained and hold RTA-issued driving licenses. Bus supervisors’ contact information is also provided to parents.

Some general points regarding the bus service are:

• A central stop is allocated and the bus service is not provided door-to-door.
• Parents have to ensure their kids reach the pick-up point on time.
• The school does not offer one-way service and full payment must be made for bus services.

The bus carer will report students’ misconduct during the bus ride. All students must follow the DESC Transport Code of Conduct.

*Buses may run at full capacity provided they comply with health and safety protocols.

Dubai English Speaking College has maintained its strong reputation as a leading competitive sports school in the city. It was named the UAE Sports School of the Year 2019. The campus has purpose-built sports fields, an all-grass rugby field, a cricket pitch and a mini-golf course. Watersports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming and water polo.

Sports Day is a big annual event for DESC Dubai. 22 full-time PE and sports staff are an important part of the faculty. Sixth Form section students have full access to the college’s state-of-the-art Health & Fitness Suite. Specialist rehabilitation and sports injury supports are available within the college.

Some sports offered by the college are:

Football is one of the most popular sports among students with 22 teams while basketball has 12 teams.

DESC Dubai runs a Sports Development Programme for rugby, netball, football and swimming. Special coaching is given to selected students during school hours twice a week. These students are also provided special strength and nutritional advice. Some players in this programme have also become part of the national and international sports and professional clubs.

At Dubai English Speaking College, extracurricular activities give students an opportunity to learn and polish their talents outside the established curriculum. Students can enjoy a range of sporting, creating, aesthetic, cultural and physical activities. The college expects students to involve themselves in at least one extracurricular activity every term.

The extracurricular timetable is planned and is put on the tutor notice board at the beginning of each term. It is also published on the website and the Parent Portal.

Students are required to attend the first session and inform about the activity they are interested in. The entertaining extracurricular activities on offer include:

• Debate Society
• Maths Challenge
• World Scholars

These are part of the Sixth Form level and students are encouraged to participate as per their aptitude. Some key extracurricular activities and groups/club include:

The college arranges multiple field trips throughout the term. These excursions involve visiting a venue that helps students learn more about subjects like geography, history and science. These field-tips are not only informative but also interactive.

The Arts & Science trip involved a tour of the recreated tropical forest that houses over 3,000 plants and animals. Students were given an opportunity to make cross-curricular links to both subjects; arts and science.

Students visited Kite Beach to study coastal environments and understand what geographers do. The trip involved a longshore drift, beach profile, pebble analysis, Bi-polar EQS and photos and sketches.

Sixth Form students visited Dubai Eye radio studio to share their insights into the world of online communication. The students confidently engaged with the audience during a live radio show.

International trips are also planned periodically. In 2018, the annual Battlefields trip took place in France, Belgium and London.

DESC students can engage in the following after-school activities:

Health is safety is of prime importance for the college as it has three full-time and well-qualified nurses and a part-time doctor. They provide the following services:

• First-aid and emergency care
• Measure and record the student’s height and weight
• Calculate BMI
• Collaborate with parents and staff regarding health-related concern
• Health promotion
• Coordinate and supervise school medical examinations
• Maintain school health records

The college asks parents to fill a medical form at the time of admission. Students are never allowed to carry medicine with them. If students need to take any medicine during school hours, it should be handed over to the college nurses.

Every student’s immunisation record must be given to the nurses. As per the Dubai School Health Services requirement, a School Medical Examination is mandatory for new students and students in Year 7 and 9. The college also has a strict infection control procedure to minimise the spread of communicable diseases.

There are three clinics in the college, including one in G Block, one in F Block and one in the Sixth Form section. Children are sent back home if they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes and watery eyes.

A Parental Consent should be signed and submitted along with the medical form where parents are asked to allow the college to administer simple medication in case of emergency. To treat minor ailments or accidents, the College Clinic can administer the following medication:

Most of these medications are used to treat minor cases of allergies, vomiting, nausea, joint or muscle pain, headache and fever. If a child requires emergency treatment, he/she will be sent to The Rashid Hospital via ambulance.

Receiving vaccination at Dubai English Speaking College is not mandatory but the college does offer limited vaccinations for specific age groups.

Parents are kept well-aware regarding their child and events and the college’s announcements through the DESSC Parent Portal. Parents can register on the portal through the Registration Number provided to them through email or letter. After-school activities, extracurricular activities, field trips and other significant announcements are published on the portal for parents’ convenience.

WhatsApp groups are also part of parent-teacher communication. Parents can contact the school administration to know more about these WhatsApp groups and register themselves.

• Telephone:+971-4-360-4866
• Admission Enquiries: admissionsmanager@dessc.sch.ae
• Dubai English Speaking Website
• Dubai English Speaking College Facebook
• Dubai English Speaking College Twitter
• Dubai English Speaking College Instagram

Please note that the cover image belongs to Dubai English Speaking College