Jumeirah English Speaking School

Focus 

Educating future-ready students

Day fees 2025/26

$14,700-$28,500

Term dates

• Term 1: 25 August to 5 December 2025
• Term 2: 5 January to 13 March 2026
• Term 3: 30 March to 3 July 2026

Ages

3-18

Pupil count

1,813

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. 

Founded in 1975, the school has grown alongside the city, combining tradition with a forward-looking outlook across its two campuses.

JESS offers a broad UK curriculum enriched by a strong focus on wellbeing and community. Classrooms are purposeful yet nurturing, with an emphasis on curiosity.

Beyond academics, the school is widely recognised for its vibrant co-curricular life, particularly in sport, where football, netball, rugby, basketball and swimming are central to its culture.

Academics

In 2025:

• 77 per cent of (I)GCSE results were grades 7-9
  
• Average IB score was 37.3 points 

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. 

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. 

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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