Yes

We would assess the requirement for assistance for both written and spoken English, this is usually ascertained in our entrance assessments to ensure all students are able to access the curriculum.

As part of the National Curriculum of England we offer French and Spanish and the UAE Ministry of Education require Arabic. These languages are all offered at both GCSE and A level qualification grades.

25

24

No

We take pride in ensuring we can offer the latest IT equipment and technology tools to support and enhance the learning process - from interactive whiteboards and tablets to specialised software and digital resources

Yes

As an inclusive, culturally aware and multi-denominational international school based in Dubai, we support and encourage the practice of all religions

Non-religious students are present with opportunities to learn about the origins of different religions so that they can form their own judgements and decisions.

IGCSE, A Levels

Our overall results, from students who are not selected academically, show that 42.0% achieved an A* or A grade; 75.3% of students achieved A* – B, 90.3% achieved A* - C and 99.7% passed with grades A* – E. Most students have received offers from their university of choice and this includes Oxford, Cambridge and US Ivy League.

Yes

BTEC and RSL qualifications offer continuous assessment without exams, focusing on coursework. Our vocational students achieve high grades, well above UK averages, reflecting our commitment to tailored educational pathways

Yes

Yes

English and Maths

Please contact admissionsmanager@dessc.sch.ae.

Yes

7:35am

3:00pm

Yes

Yes

With nearly 100 activities taking place each week, Extra Curricular Activities play an important role at DESC. Students participate in and enjoy many opportunities for involvement in areas outside the established curriculum. We continually aim to produce a range of exciting sporting, creative, cultural and aesthetic activities that will help all of our students to develop their talents. There is a clear expectation of our students to participate in at least one ECA per term. All students have gifts and through the extra-curricular programme, we seek to enhance their learning experiences beyond the compulsory curriculum throughout their time at DESC.

DESC students excel on national and international stages, from sports coached by ex-professionals to performing arts opportunities linked with prestigious institutions.DESC's sports programme is renowned for its competitive edge and engages students across 120 teams in a wide range of fixtures each year. Rugby, netball, football, and swimming are our major sports, each supported by specialist directors and tailored development programmes. Additionally, we field competitive teams in athletics, aquathon, basketball, cricket, golf, rounders, running, tennis, and water polo, all backed by experienced and certified coaches

Yes

Recording Studio
2 x Auditoriums
2 x Libraries
2 x Dance Studios
Zen Garden
2 x Canteens
Media Hub
12 x Science Labs
2 x Food Technology Rooms
Photography Studio
Design and Technology Workshop
4 x Art Studios
2 x Quiet Study Rooms
2 x Silent Study Rooms
David May Desert Garden

High Performance Gym, Indoor and Outdoor Swimming Pool, 4 x Netball Courts, 1 x Full Size Rugby Pitch, 4G Football Court, 1 x Grass Football Pitch, 1 x Training Pitch, Sports Hall, Cricket Nets

DESC is a vibrant, successful, inclusive community of students, teachers, parents, and alumni who tackle today’s most pressing challenges with courage and creativity.

We understand that the greatest gift we can give our children is the joy of learning in an environment where they are known, heard, safe and appropriately challenged, and where their little quirks make them special.

For more than 60 years, our hub of learning and growth has been transforming lives with a powerful combination of British education and the not-for-profit status freedom to invest every surplus dirham straight back into enhancing our school.

It enables us to provide an incubator for ability and ambition, where endeavour and discipline sit alongside decency, respect, kindness, and empathy.

We feel remendously privileged to be able to watch tomorrow’s creators, thinkers, and pioneers as they work out how they want to make their mark on the world.

Guided by an amazing team of passionate professionals, we never forget that we are more than just an ‘Outstanding’ school. Yes, we strive for superb academic outcomes, sporting triumph and artistic expression. But we also understand the importance of looking beyond the narrow confines of exams, tournaments, and theatre to define our success.

Ultimately, our school is exceptional because we make it about people and the wellbeing that is fundamental to a child’s success. At the heart of DESS Oud Metha are values of mutual respect, encouragement, and trust, which together create the happy and close-knit community in which everyone has a chance to flourish academically, physically, and emotionally.

We know that to be truly successful children must value diversity, equity, and sustainability. They need to be responsible, enthusiastic, and empowered, placing collaboration above division.

In the face of an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world, education can make the difference as to whether a child rises or succumbs to the challenges that confront them. Now more than ever before children need the broadest possible set of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values.

From classrooms to play areas, we believe that our school facilities have a key role to play in the learning experience we provide and so we continually invest in new and existing equipment and spaces to encourage participation and endeavour.

Our rich extra-curricular programme includes a huge choice of activities and opportunities for every child to pursue their passions and discover new interests. These personalised activities not only enhance skills and discipline but also help to build the spirit, emotional resilience, and character our students need to develop good judgment, demonstrate courage and integrity, and have a deep sense of respect for themselves and others.

Our House system also has a pivotal role to play. One of the main benefits of being part of either Jaguar, Leopard, Lynx, or Panther house is the opportunity it provides children of all ages to work together and contribute to a kind and connected environment. The sense of self-belief and belonging that radiates from our House ‘families’ plays a major role in reassuring children that they belong and have the support of their peers. It also removes any ‘small fish - big pond’ fears that can sometimes be felt - particularly by children who join from smaller primary school environments.

We make sure inclusion courses through our veins, and we are passionate about improving education for all and providing children with the best start in life. We aim to develop self-worth, mutual respect, and enjoyment in the process of learning, and we make sure the quality of a DESS primary education is guaranteed by targeting barriers and addressing needs.

Finally, wellbeing has a major role to play in making DESS a special place to learn and live. We prioritise health and strive to create flourishing children, teachers, and families through a broad range of progressive and effective wellbeing initiatives and strategies. For children, our Wellbeing Team works hard to teach social, emotional and wellness skills that help them to recognise and understand their bodies and minds and spot early warning signs before fatigue and illness strike. Our Wellbeing Lead is always looking to share the latest thinking and trends and creates bespoke lessons to support our children’ personal, social, moral, and emotional development.