Jebel Ali School

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

Established in 1977, Jebel Ali School (JAS) is one of the oldest schools in Dubai. The school has come a long way since its early Jebel Ali Primary School days.

Initially, JAS was launched to provide support and education to the children of construction workers at Jebel Ali Port, the largest man-made port in the world. It has been rated as one of the best schools in Dubai and is known for its long admissions waiting list for both primary and secondary schools.

The school offers the popular British education system until Year 13. Throwing light on some statistics; there are over 1,100 students currently enrolled at the school including students of determination. The student body is served by 95 teachers, making the teacher to student ratio 1:12.

• Location: DAMAC Hills
• School fees: AED 45,891 - AED 74,950
• Curriculum: British
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-ed
• KHDA/ADEK rating: Very Good
• Years Offered: FS 1 - Year 13

Since relocating from its original location to DAMAC Hills, the Jebel Ali School has become easily accessible for residents living in many family-friendly neighbourhoods. Residential communities close to Jebel Ali School are:

• Mudon
• Arabian Ranches
• Remraam
• Motor City
• Dubai Sports City

The closest residential area is Mudon, which has a good selection of villas and townhouses for rent and sale.

Parents wanting to stay close to the Jebel Ali School can consider:

• Apartments for rent near Jebel Ali School
• Apartments for sale near Jebel Ali School
• Villas for rent near Jebel Ali School
• Villas for sale near Jebel Ali School

There is currently only one campus for Jebel Ali School Dubai, where both the primary and secondary divisions exist side by side with the Foundation Unit. The massive new campus includes different facilities to promote all-around learning. There are vast green areas as well as shaded outdoor seating areas for reading and relaxing. Many classrooms connect to the outdoor areas and allow lots of light to stream in and evoke a sense of connection with the outdoors. Other facilities in Jebel Ali School include a 650-seat auditorium, lecture theatre, science laboratories, libraries and studios for art and dance.

Jebel Ali School initially was based in Jebel Ali. But it moved to a brand new campus located in DAMAC Hills, near Mudon along Hessa Street in 2016. This new campus has also been expanded with many new features and amenities. Please note that the earlier Jebel Ali Primary School location is no longer in operation. All year groups have moved to the newly built campus in DAMAC Hills.

Jebel Ali School is backed by 41 years of experience. The school initially operated as a non-profit institute, but has now joined Taaleem in 2022 - the second largest group of schools in the UAE - and revoked its not-for-profit status.

It welcomes students regardless of their nationality, religion or ability. It aids students who are identified with exceptionally advanced learning capabilities and specific learning difficulties to flourish with their cutting-edge education techniques. The Jebel Ali School inclusion team is highly skilled and works together with parents, teachers, learning assistants and leaders to ensure every child has a successful learning journey.

Considered one of Dubai’s best British schools, JAS is preferred for its excellent academic results. Parents can rest assured that their children are provided top-notch, high-quality education. Most Jebel Ali Primary School reviews focus on the efficiency of teachers when it comes to incorporating key life skills among students along with curriculum recommended academic acumen.

Jebel Ali School also benefits from having a 7-member Board of Governors. The role of the Board is to provide governance and resources that will help the school’s management and staff to deliver the highest quality of education.

Jebel Ali School follows the British education system; its curriculum is based upon the framework of the National Curriculum of England. The medium of instruction is English, but Arabic is mandatory for all students. Native speakers are taught the more comprehensive Arabic A syllabus while non-native speakers learn the language basics in the Arabic B syllabus as prescribed by the Ministry of Education.

Curriculum in Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage One and Two (FS1 and FS2) is offered for children 3 to 4 years old based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This programme teaches learning through exploration, creating, thinking critically and active learning.

Learning in the EYFS curriculum is divided into seven equally focused categories: Literacy, Mathematics, Communication and Language, Expressive Arts and Design, Physical Development, Understanding the World and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

Curriculum for Primary Years

The Primary education division commences with the British National Curriculum from KS1 to KS2. There are 12 subjects for the primary division. English, mathematics and sciences are the core subjects.

Curriculum for Secondary Years

From KS3, a broader curriculum is introduced, which focuses on four key areas: Core, Creative and Physical Arts, Social Science and Modern Languages. The KS3 division starts to introduce mini-projects to help students transition to the KS4 curricula with ease. It preps students for the future General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams in KS4 and the future Advanced Level (A-Level) exams in KS5.

These four key areas will prep students for the future International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams in KS4.

The Core compulsory curriculum for KS4 includes

Science can be taken as separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) or as a Combined Science Course.

Students can also choose additional subjects at the IGCSE/GCSE examination level. These include:

Post 16 students will follow the proposed KS5 offerings. The KS5 curriculum will consist of A Level subjects and a research dissertation that adheres to the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is the government entity responsible for the quality and growth of private education in the emirate of Dubai. They inspect private schools in Dubai with judgments made on a six-point scale: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak and Very Weak. The KHDA focuses on maintaining a high quality of education and the happiness and wellbeing of students and educators.

JAS has been rated highly by the KHDA over the years. Since 2015, Jebel Ali School has maintained the ‘Very Good’ rating.

Here’s a history of the KHDA ratings for Jebel Ali School so far:

The overall review for the Jebel Ali School by the KHDA states that the leadership and management aspects have been handled with practical and innovative measures, especially in terms of partnership with parents. The curriculum design and adaptation have been efficiently handled, thus leading to high-quality teaching and high levels of success for students in English, mathematics, science and learning skills. Students have exceptional personal and social skills.

Jebel Ali School could, however, improve, especially in Arabic and Islamic Education attainment for all stages.

Jebel Ali School's academic calendar starts in August and ends in July.

Jebel Ali School's admission process is open to everyone. As a well-established institute, JAS takes care of your child's academic as well as emotional and physical needs.

Jebel Ali School accepts applications for the current and coming academic years with the following exceptions:

• Year 10-11 is a two-year GCSE learning programme. Applications are only accepted for entry into Year 10 at the start of the academic year.
• Year 12-13 is a two-year A-level learning programme. Applications are only accepted for entry into Year 12 at the start of the academic year.

Since the school has limited seats available, your child will be shifted to a waitlist until you advise JAS to remove it or you do not respond to call or email.

Please notice that the school will only contact you if your child is being considered for an available place or to remain on the waiting list.

• Copy of Birth Certificate
• Copy of Passport
• Copy of previous academic year school report (if applying for Year 1 and above)
• Copy of the latest interim report if applying for a mid-year place
• A transfer certificate if moving from outside of Dubai. This certificate will need to be attested in the country of issuance by the Ministry of Education. It also needs to be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy (this attestation requirement does not apply to the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand).

Step 1

You have to initiate the admission process by paying the application fee of AED 525 (incl 5% VAT) per child. There are two ways that payment can be made - credit card or bank transfer. If you opt for bank transfer, then you will have to take a screenshot of the bank transfer as a proof of payment and submit it into your application form in Step 2.

Step 2

The second step requires parents to fill the application form as per the year group. While filling the online application form, you will be asked to submit the following documents:

• Applicant’s Birth certificate
• Applicant’s Passport
• Applicant’s Emirates ID (front and back), if available
• Parent’s Emirates ID (front and back) 
• Passport copy of parents if Emirates ID is not available
• Latest end of year report for FS2 and above
• Latest interim school report (for Y1 and above mid-year applications)
• Proof of application fee payment: upload your completed CCAF or bank transfer screenshot

Step 3

After submitting all the relevant documents, your child will be place on the waiting list and the Admissions team will be in contact to arrange an evaluation.
Entrance evaluations are required for all year groups outside of FS1. Typically, this involves reviewing your child/children's current reports/CAT4 scores. The school may invite your child to complete an evaluation on the premise. Sixth form students are invited to participate in an interview/guidance meeting 

For more information, please email admissions@jebelalischool.org or call on +971 (0)4 884 6485.

Parents must ensure that their child/children meet the age placement criteria before initiating the admission process.

This is based on the age of the students on 31st March (for schools beginning in April) and 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)

Jebel Ali School’s fee structure is as follows:

An AED 2,000 re-registration fee will be added to the Term 3 invoice and is deductible from Term 1 of the following academic year.

Jebel Ali School offers a sibling discount of 10% on tuition fees for the third (youngest) and subsequent child in each family, paying full fees, for the academic year. This discount applies to families attending any schools within the Taaleem schools group in Dubai.

Other than the tuition fee, here's a list of optional fees:

The other charges are based on the info available in KHDA’s fee fact sheet.

There are scholarships for secondary students. Scholarships are offered for new and existing students who showcase exceptional academic performance. They should be performing significantly above what would be expected of their relevant age group. Potential scholarship students should also show evidence of using their strengths in a creative or philanthropic way. There are a limited number of scholarship offers, resulting in a maximum reduction in fees of 50% alongside a waiver of the debenture fees.

To determine eligibility for the scholarship programme, applicants should email a copy of their most up to date school report to scholarship@jebelalischool.org in addition to completing the scholarship application form. This can be done in person or online.

Once eligible, invited applicants will have to visit the school and undergo assessments in English and mathematics under test conditions in school. Candidates may also meet with the school Principal and the Head of the Secondary division.

JAS DAMAC Hills encourages students to adopt healthy eating habits. There's a cafeteria in the school serving nutritious and tasty snacks, meals and refreshment. Children from FS to Year 3 should bring a healthy mid-morning snack and lunchbox from home.

From Year 3 to Year 6, children can bring a healthy mid-morning snack and lunchbox from home or they can have a snack or lunch delivered to their classroom from the cafeteria.

From Year 7 and above, students can bring lunch box from their home or go to the cafeteria and chose from the snack and lunch menu.

Sixth Form students have a large lounge called ‘The Cloud’ where they can catch-up with friends during free periods, breaks or lunchtimes. Students have access to their own kitchenette with a microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge, and can make and store their own food. Alternatively, Tuck Shop Cafe  prepare varied, healthy meals and snacks onsite, delivering fresh, tailored menus with non-vegetarian, vegetarian and gluten-free options daily.

Jebel Ali School has a NO NUT and NO PORK policy.

There are currently two school bus routes for students*. Bus route 1 is from Jebel Ali, and Bus route 2 is from The Springs.

Sports facilities for Jebel Ali School students include a 25m competition and teaching swimming pool, pitches for rugby or football, outdoor sports fields and courts and sand and water play areas for younger students.

Extra-curricular activities and after-school activities (ASAs)* are available for students in both Primary and Secondary schools.

*These do change from term to term. Some activities are free to join, paid to join or on an invite-only basis. Activities are different as per year group.

Popular options for the KS2 students:

• Choir held on Monday evenings from 07:00 pm to 07:40 pm.
• Gymnastics (invite only) every Tuesday evening from 06:45 pm to 07:30 pm. Pupils get to participate in gymnastic tournaments and the spring fayre display.
• STEM club and British sign language club on Tuesday afternoons from 02:30 pm to 03:20 pm.

For Secondary KS3 students, popular options include:

• Student Leadership Team on Sundays from 03:30 pm to 04:30 pm.
• Monday afternoons are for the International Kitchen activity, where students can learn to cook various dishes. This is a paid activity for AED 300.
• Rugby takes place on Tuesday evenings from 06:45 pm to 7:30 pm and is open for both genders.

Gulf Star Sports manages paid extra-curricular activities in Jebel Ali School. These include the Karate club, Drama club, Dubai Youth Hockey and more.

Field trips for students of JAS support school lessons. Past trips have included Year 3’s trip to Burj Khalifa to view shadows from the vantage point on the 124th floor to see how they changed over time. This was a visual aid for the ‘Lights and Shadows’ lesson. Year 4 students visited the Dubai Mall Aquarium and Underwater Zoo as the final part of their habitat science work.

The school trip to Dibba for Year 5 students was a social and physical learning experience. The children are given a chance to undertake new and exciting challenges while in a safe and monitored environment. Year 6 students are taken on a 4-night trip to a location in the UAE, such as Dibba, Khorfakkan or Kalba. This trip fulfils the curriculum requirement while also helping the students develop interpersonal skills.

These trips help students visualise what they are studying whilst also helping them grow into well-rounded individuals through communication with their peers and teachers.

After-school activities are the only form of after-school care at JAS. These start from Year 2 onwards.

For the physical well-being of the students, the nurses are the first point of contact. The nurses at JAS will coordinate with governmental bodies, healthcare providers and parents. Children who are not well will head to the nurse’s office, where they will be assessed for the best course of action. If a serious issue requires immediate medical attention, parents will be notified by the nurses themselves to decide on a course of action.

As per the regulations set in place by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Jebel Ali School requires that all school children in the years FS1, Year 1 and Year 4 receive a medical test carried out by the school doctor. This is a simple examination, and parents are notified in advance. Height, weight and basic eye tests are conducted by the nurses annually for all students.

Also, as per DHA regulations, any child transferring from a school outside Dubai will require a health check by the school doctor, regardless of the year group.

There is a parents portal available on the JAS website. This is for parents to be notified of school news and provide feedback. JAS also has an active PTA community and prides itself on connecting with parents on current issues to provide the best environment possible for students and staff.

There are also Whatsapp Groups for parents to join based on the grade their children are studying in. Parents will need to check with the school and request access to stay updated with their children’s progress.

• Telephone Number: +971-4-884-6485 | +971-4-884-6366
• Email:
  General Enquiries: jaschool@jebelalischool.org
  Admission Enquiries: admissions@jebelalischool.com
• JAS Website
• JAS Facebook Page
• JAS Twitter Page

Note that the cover image belongs to Jebel Ali School.

What are the timings of your school?

Jebel Ali School follows varied timings for different year groups.

• Foundation Stage 1: 07:40 am to 12:30 pm (11:30 pm on Fridays)
• Foundation Stage 2: 07:40 am to 02:05 pm (11:30 pm on Fridays)
• Year 1 - Year 2: 07:40 am to 02:15 pm (11:40 pm on Fridays)
• Year 3 - Year 6: 07:40 am to 02:25 pm (11:50 pm on Fridays)
• Year 7 - Year 13: 07:40 am to 03:20 pm (12:00 pm on Fridays)

Do you conduct after-school activities?

Yes, Jebel Ali School Dubai has designed several after-school activities for students. FS 1 students are also provided with after-school care.

How many grades/years are there in your school?

JAS offers education from FS 1 until Year 13 or Sixth Form.

Does your school follow a co-education model?

Yes, JAS follows a co-educational model.

How many students are currently studying in your school?

Currently, there are over 1,100 students studying in the school.

Do you have any special education programmes or learning plans for students of determination?

JAS is committed to provide equal opportunities each student, hence learning programmes for students of determination are in place at the school.

Can you please describe the academic calendar of your school?

Jebel Ali School's academic calendar starts in the last week of August and ends in the first week of July. 

Can you please mention the range of the tuition fee charged by your school?

The annual tuition fee range is AED 45,891 - AED 74,950.

Do you offer scholarship programmes to needy and deserving students?

Secondary students can apply for merit-based scholarship.

How do you communicate with parents?

Parents can communicate with teachers via a parent portal, parent-teacher meetings, WhatsApp groups and the school's social media sites.

Do you have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?

Yes, there's a cafeteria available on campus. Primary and secondary students can order or buy lunch from their. There's a Tuck Shop Café as well.

How often does your school arrange field trips?

JAS organizes domestic and international trips for students round the year.

How many teachers are currently teaching in your school?

Currently, there are 95 teachers and 37 teaching assistants employed by the school.