Jumeirah English Speaking School

Focus 

Educating future-ready students

Day fees 

$13,200–$27,100

Pupils 

2,300

Ages

3–18

Spear’s Review

One of the UAE’s longest-standing British schools, Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) has a strong mission statement: ‘Educating to make a difference in the world’. A firm favourite among Dubai parents, its waiting lists are some of the longest in the city. 

Although the school is non-selective, its academic achievements are significant. In 2024, 64 per cent of all GCSE grades were between 7 and 9, and its IB diploma programme had a 100 per cent pass rate. Alumni have continued on to universities including Oxbridge, St Andrews, MIT, Stanford and Columbia. 

JESS is one of the UAE’s strongest sporting schools and is highly competitive in football, netball, basketball, rugby and swimming. It also offers classes in golf and water polo, among others. 

Academics

64 per cent of GCSE results are 7–9 grades.

Average IB score of 37.2.

University and college destinations

Graduates of JESS are accepted into a wide range of prestigious universities across the globe. Many students go on to study at top UK institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge and University College London. Others gain places at elite US universities, such as Harvard, Stanford and Princeton. JESS alumni also pursue higher education at renowned universities in Europe, Australia and the Middle East. 

Head teacher

Jess director Shane O’Brien took on his current role at the school in 2019; he previously was the head teacher at JESS Secondary. Originally from New Zealand, he held a variety of roles in education in New Zealand and the UK before moving to Dubai in 2011. His extensive experience in educational leadership and commitment to academic excellence have been instrumental in shaping JESS’s strategic direction and fostering a supportive, challenging and stimulating environment for students.

Admissions

The admissions process at JESS is designed to be inclusive and straightforward. Prospective students are expected to be fluent in English at an age-appropriate level to access the curriculum effectively. JESS welcomes students of determination and ensures that students are not refused admission based solely on their experience of special educational needs and disabilities. The school’s specialist Inclusion team works to ensure each child fulfils their true potential.

Accessibility

Dubai International Airport: 25 minutes

Location

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