The Arbor School: Details and Fees

The Arbor School

CityDubai-Sharjah-Ajman

CurriculumBritish

Leaving qualifications, , and

Language of instructionEnglish

Age RangeAges 3 to 18

Yearly fees: from: Dirham 49,500
to: Dirham 90,250

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Our Unique Ecological Approach

Gemma Thornley
Principal

The Arbor School is an exciting, dynamic and forward-thinking school that prepares young people for a rapidly changing world, nurturing a core belief in environmental mindfulness, responsibility and the importance of sustainability.

Providing a high standard of education based on the National Curriculum for England, we offer a unique ecological approach to learning within a positive and caring school environment, that’s enriched with a compassionate, ethical outlook focused on ecoliteracy, sustainability and environmental justice.

Pupils are encouraged to be engaged, resourceful, curious problem solvers whilst connecting with nature and their world.

We instill in our children a confidence to question and challenge the systems that we live in coupled with compassion and care for their friends, family and wider members of the community as well as a sense of responsibility for their environment.

At the Arbor School we approach education through a multifaceted, experiential lens. This is a necessary component of ecological place-based education and project-based learning, both of which are key foundational aspects of our curriculum. Our pupils are encouraged to be engaged, creative, curious problem solvers whilst reconnecting with nature and their world.

Through experiential education, our students develop a mind-set of experimentation, imagination and curiosity with a special focus on ecological mindfulness and ethical values such as compassion, resilience, and innovation.

Quick summary of key school information

Leaving qualifications		IGCSE, A-Levels, and BTEC
Language of instruction		English
Native English teachers
Extra languages (other than English)
Class sizes	Average	24 students / class
Class sizes	Maximum	25 students / class
Extracurricular activities
School bus

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Yearly fees:	from: Dirham 49,500 to: Dirham 90,250

School fees range in AED valid for the academic year 2025/2026

The school's life in pictures

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School details

We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 42 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.

Nationalities

Number of students	1500
Number of nationalities represented in the school	87
Most common nationality	British
Ratio of local students to international students	Low

Languages

Native English speaking teachers	Teachers are all UK trained, and all staff are high level English speakers.
Language support for students not fluent in English	Yes, and one-on-one tuition.
Additional language classes offered by the school	French , Arabic and Spanish. A mother tongue programme is also available as an after school activity.

Classroom

Max. number of students per class	There is a maximum of 22 students in each class within the Foundation Stage, and a maximum of 25 for Primary to Year 13.
Average number of students per class	24
Does the school employ teaching assistants?	Yes, we have a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in every class.
Use of technology in the classroom	For technology specific lessons such as Computer Science, and for projects that are enhanced using technology. We use a range of learning styles and resources.
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)	Yes.
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?	The school features prayer rooms, and Muslim students take Islamic Studies classes.
How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion?	The school in inclusive and welcoming of all students. Non-Muslim students take alternative pathways during scheduled Islamic Studies classes.

Academics

External examinations or assessments available	IGCSE, A Levels, BTECs
Results in these examinations	95% of students achieve 5 x GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths. Our first cohort is due to undertake A Level exams in 2026.
Do teachers assign homework to their students?	Yes.
Approximate hours of homework given	This varies through year groups and is given according to the needs of particular ages.
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation	Our first cohort is due to graduate in 2026.

Student support

Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs	Yes.
Learning support offered	As per the expectations of the Inclusion Quality Mark, Education for All and good educational practice, students with additional needs are supported at the Arbor School through an induction process and the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs). This service is developed by the appropriate educational professionals in the Teaching and Learning unit and defines in-class support, group work with specialist support in the teaching and learning unit, and one-to-one support.
The school supports gifted, able and talented students	Our 'Thrive' programme provides tailored pathways for students with unique education needs.
Student access to education psychologist	Yes.

Admissions

Entry evaluation for students	Assessment.
Brief description of entry evaluation required	The Arbor School attempts to ensure that the application procedure is informative, yet stress free for the children and families involved. As an inclusive school, Arbor is very aware that children shine in many different ways, so Arbor makes holistic decisions at admissions. Both students and parents meet with the Principal, and for children up to Year 2, a simple period of observation is held in a play setting, combined with some reading and maths tasks. For children in Year 3 and above, an online diagnostic tool is used, but yet again, informs the process in a holistic manner.
Waiting list	Yes, in primary.
Deadline for registration (new academic year)	There are rolling admissions, however the start of the academic year is in August.
Students can join after academic year begins	Yes.

School day

School start time	7:40
School finish time	KG1 - kG2: 15:20 KG3 - G5: 16:15 These timings include the co-curricular programme at the school, which is an expected element of study.
Supervised care before/after school	Yes, as an option.
School bus service available	Yes
School provided lunches	Yes
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)	Yes, there are vegan, vegetarian and non vegetarian options.
Uniform required	Yes

Extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities or clubs offered	The school offers many clubs and activities.
Sports activities included	Physical education, including swimming.
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students	Yes

Facilities

Facilities at the school	Libraries, music rooms, auditorium, reflection garden, muddy play area, science labs, black box, biodomes.
Sports facilities at the school	FIFA compliant soccer pitch, multi-purpose hall for indoor sports, a variety of outdoor courts and a specially designed swimming pool.

About the school

Qualities and characteristics best defining the school

The Arbor School in Al Furjan offers a distinctive British education that combines strong academics with care for people and the planet. Following the National Curriculum for England, lessons are enriched with Arbor’s unique focus on eco-literacy, sustainability and environmental awareness. Students learn through real-world experiences - from growing food in biodomes to exploring Dubai’s natural habitats - helping them understand how learning connects to life beyond the classroom. It’s an education built on curiosity, compassion and responsibility, preparing young people to thrive academically and make a positive difference in the world.

Teaching approach of the school

At the Arbor School, learning is active, purposeful and connected to the real world. Following the National Curriculum for England, teachers use project-based and cross-curricular approaches that encourage curiosity, creativity and independent thinking. Lessons are built around meaningful themes and real-life topics - from sustainability and science to the arts and global issues - helping students see the relevance of what they learn. This hands-on, inquiry-led approach ensures every child develops not only strong academic skills, but also confidence, collaboration and a genuine love of learning.

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Why choose Arbor School?

Foundation | Ages 3 to 5

At Arbor School, we instil a love for learning from the very first steps and we recognise the importance of children having a secure and engaging start to their formal education. Our school vision develops an understanding of the world and how it is changing and we nurture sustainable mindsets through our eco-literacy specialism and our incredible facilities.

We follow a framework from the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, which focuses on the wellbeing and development of children, through a play based approach. Through specialist teaching areas that include climate-controlled biodomes, learning gardens, food technology kitchen, art, drama and music studios, our unique environment will enhance your child’s first hand experiences.

Primary | Ages 5 to 11

Throughout the Primary, we cultivate emotional, social and ecological intelligence through daily school experiences across all subject areas. We provide stimulating learning opportunities which lead to children progressing through a series of assessment levels, culminating in their graduation in Year 6.

From the earliest years, our children begin to develop their understanding of ecoliteracy and become aware of both local and global issues surrounding environmental justice. This is supported by a commitment to exploring local ecosystems, whilst accessing our climate-controlled biodomes and learning garden for more detailed work within controlled environments.

Secondary | Ages 11 to 18

At Arbor, we strive to deliver an exceptional educational experience through a dynamic and holistic curriculum. Rooted in the National Curriculum of England and enriched by our commitment to sustainability and global citizenship, our approach ensures students are prepared for the challenges of the modern world while nurturing a deep connection to ecological literacy and personal growth through educating for sustainability.

The Arbor School Sixth Form provides a transformative educational experience equipping our students with skills, capabilities and dispositions for an ever-changing world whilst preparing them for their own futures. With a diverse range of A-levels and BTEC qualifications, students are empowered to explore their passions and achieve their aspirations, whilst being guided by our expert team on their future pathways and careers.

Arbor School Biodomes

Our ‘living classrooms’ include six climate-controlled biodomes; three large geodesic domes that sit at the heart of the Arbor School Bio Park, two of which function as a full tropical ecosystem available for Ecoliteracy teaching for all years.

The third dome is our Eco Exploratorium originally conceived as a Maker Space, this dome has been reimagined as a hub of specialist Ecoliteracy teaching and learning. It serves as one of two classrooms available for Ecoliteracy teaching for Middle Years students and is used by students in all phases and year groups. The school’s three mini biodomes are dedicated to everything from reading spaces to plant nurseries.

Our Campus

Nestled in Dubai’s Al Furjan community, The Arbor School offers a unique ecological learning environment. Central to its design is 3 climate-controlled biodomes as well as vibrant outdoor learning spaces, a green house, and a bee apiary, serving as immersive ‘Living Classrooms’ where students engage directly with diverse ecosystems.

The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized science labs, art studios, and a 340-seat auditorium with an adjoining black box theatre and a fully-equipped recording studio. Athletic amenities include a full-sized football pitch, indoor and outdoor courts, and a swimming pool.

Complementing its commitment to sustainability, the on-site Farmhouse Café embraces a farm-to-fork philosophy, utilizing school-grown produce, and locally sourced organic ingredients.

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Get in contact with the Admissions team

Admissions Team

Admissions Coordinator

Contact the school

+971 4581 4100

We're delighted that you are interested in enrolling your child at Arbor School.

We know that choosing a school for your child from the many options available may be overwhelming, so our aim is to ensure that you have all the information and advice you need to help inform your choice.

Our school is truly unique, not only in its approach but also in its campus and facilities, so a good starting point is to call us to discuss what is important to you for your child’s education to see how we can help.

Whether your child is taking their first step into full-time education or transitioning from another school, we will ensure that their integration into the Arbor family is as smooth as possible.

Whatever your query, we welcome the opportunity to help and look forward to welcoming you and your child to Arbor.

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News & Articles about the School

Dubai’s Arbor School Secures Global Environmental Education Title

Arbor School, Dubai, has been named the winner of the World’s Best School Prize for Environmental Action 2025. This achievement saw the school rise above 10 shortlisted schools worldwide,...

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The Arbor School
British curriculum

Ages 3 to 18

The Arbor School

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Our Unique Ecological Approach

Quick summary of key school information

Dubai’s Arbor School Secures Global Environmental Education Title

The school's life in pictures

School details

Nationalities

Languages

Classroom

Academics

Student support

Admissions

School day

Extracurricular activities

Facilities

About the school