Dubai College (DC) is a selective entry British school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 1978, the school caters for students in Years 7 to 13, and is situated in the Al Sufouh area of Dubai. Students prepare for the British GCSE and A-Level examinations. It is a not for profit organisation, and is administered by a board of governors, currently chaired by British chartered accountant, Edward Quinlan.
Dubai College is widely considered one of the UAE's most prestigious schools. In the 2014 COBIS survey of its member schools, Dubai College had the best examination results of all British School Overseas in the world.
The Headmaster, and the school, is a member of the HMC, COBIS and British Schools of the Middle East.
History
Dubai College was founded in 1978 under an Emiri decree issued by the late Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, with the now famous instruction: "Build us a school, here".
Before the school moved to its current location, it was housed in two small villas near Safa Park. Dubai College started its first year with five teachers and twenty two pupils.
The Board of Governors set up a debenture system and arranged bank loans to fund a permanent building for the school. The contracted architectural firm was Brewer, Smith and Brewer. In 1979, the first school building, now dubbed A Block, was constructed.
After some years of absence, the school has reintroduced a compulsory debenture system, payable for all new pupils entering the school from September 2015.
Dubai College was selected to host the COBIS Secondary Games 2016.
Academics
In 2019, Dubai College's GCSE performance was comparable to the 5th best UK co-educational independent school. Their excellent A Level results mean that up to 52% of Dubai College leavers now go on to study at the top 1% of universities worldwide and they are yet again the top performing school in the United Arab Emirates achieving 90% A*/A grades at GCSE and 61% A*/A grades at A Level this year.
KHDA inspection report
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is an educational quality assurance authority based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It undertakes early learning, school and higher learning institution management and rates them as well.
A summary of the inspection ratings for Dubai College.
A summary of all the schools in Dubai's ratings can be found at KHDA School Ratings.
Enrolment
With a predominant reputation in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai College is a popular and highly selective choice. It receives about 450 applicants a year for only 160 spaces. It has approximately 950 students and more than 100 members of teaching staff.
School fees
The school fees for 2018–2019 are AED 80,808 for Year 7 to Year 11 and AED 91,503 for Year 12 and Year 13. A Personal Debenture is required for all new students joining the school to the value of AED 25,000, which will be returned less any outstanding sums owing when the student leaves.
Campus
The campus of Dubai College offers many facilities such as a large sports field with rugby pitches, football pitches, a cricket pitch and cricket nets as well as astroturf tennis courts and netball courts. There are also 3 Design and Technology workshops, a Music Centre with a recording studio, and a specialised Art department. The school has 5 computer suites, with internet access.
A new 950-seat auditorium began construction in 2007, and was opened in 2009. A Wi-Fi network was implemented into the Sixth Form centre in 2010 and the entire school in 2011.
The school has recently built a Sports Pavilion. In 2018 the school opened a new Reception Building and a Teaching and Learning Centre.
Student body
As of 2018 there were 951 students, with 50% originating from British families and the remainder from other foreign nationalities.
Extracurricular activities
Over 130 extracurricular activities are participated in by Dubai College students including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and F1 in Schools.
Athletics
Dubai College students annually partake in the 'Fab 5' athletics tournament, competing against other schools in the area. The college also competes in athletic competitions on a regular basis at Rashid School for Boys. The school also participates in the annual British Schools in the Middle East Games.