Relocating to Dubai is an exciting step for many families. Whether you are moving for lifestyle, career progression, or entrepreneurial opportunity, one of the first and most important decisions you will face is education.
For parents coming from the UK, the availability of English Schools in Dubai UAE offers reassurance and continuity. Dubai has built a world-class education ecosystem, with British-curriculum schools that follow familiar structures, values and academic pathways.
At the same time, many expats moving to Dubai are also exploring setting up a company in Dubai, creating new opportunities while securing a high standard of living for their family. Education, residence visas, business planning and lifestyle choices all intersect — and approaching them together is key to a smooth relocation.
This guide is designed to make that journey easier.
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Contact us now for more information on how to protect your setting up a company in Dubai, or book a consultation to get started and find out more about relocating to Dubai and Visa options for Expats in Dubai.
Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Right English School in Dubai
1. Pathway to University
Ensure clear academic progression beyond GCSEs.
2. Confirm the Curriculum
Look for British EYFS, National Curriculum, IGCSE and A-Levels if continuity with the UK matters.
3. KHDA Ratings Matter
Dubai schools are inspected annually — ratings provide genuine insight into standards.
4. Location vs Commute
Traffic matters. A nearby school can transform daily life.
5. Class Sizes
Smaller classes often mean more personalised attention.
6. Pastoral Care & SEN Support
Particularly important for younger children or transitions.
7. Extracurricular Activities
Sports, arts and leadership programmes vary widely.
8. Fee Structure & Increases
Understand annual increases and additional costs early.
9. Waiting Lists
Popular schools can fill up quickly — early applications are essential.
10. Community Feel
Visit during school hours if possible to sense culture.
Best Areas in Dubai for Families (Pros & Cons)
Arabian Ranches
- ✔ Family-focused, green spaces
- ✘ Higher rental costs
Jumeirah
- ✔ Beachside living, established schools
- ✘ Older properties, premium pricing
Dubai Hills Estate
- ✔ Modern homes, new schools
- ✘ Still developing in parts
The Springs
- ✔ Affordable villas, strong community
- ✘ Limited school options nearby
Downtown Dubai
- ✘ Less family-oriented for school runs
- ✔ City lifestyle, amenities
Top English Primary Schools in Dubai (With Location, KHDA Rating & Popularity)
Jebel Ali School
Location: Damac Hills, Dubai
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Popularity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very high)
A long-established British primary school popular with UK expat families. Known for strong pastoral care, excellent academic results, and a community-focused environment.
🔗 https://www.jebelalischool.org
Dubai British School
Location: Emirates Hills / Jumeirah Park
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Popularity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very high)
One of the most sought-after English primary schools in Dubai, offering a premium British curriculum with exceptional facilities and strong parent engagement.
🔗 https://www.dubaibritishschool.com
GEMS Wellington International School
Location: Dubai Silicon Oasis
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Popularity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (High)
A highly regarded British primary school within the GEMS network, offering continuity from Early Years through Key Stage 2 with strong academic outcomes.
🔗 https://www.gemswellingtonacademy-dso.com
Jumeirah English Speaking School
Location: Jumeirah / Arabian Ranches
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Popularity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very high)
Often referred to as one of the gold standards for British primary education in Dubai. Extremely popular with expat families — waiting lists are common.
Repton School Dubai
Location: Nad Al Sheba
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Popularity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (High)
Offers British primary education with a traditional ethos, strong values, and a seamless transition into secondary education if required.
Nord Anglia International School Dubai
Location: Al Barsha South
KHDA Rating: Very Good
Popularity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High)
A modern international school delivering the British curriculum at primary level, with global enrichment programmes and strong teacher support.
🔗 https://www.nordangliaeducation.com
Kings’ School Dubai
Location: Umm Suqeim
KHDA Rating: Outstanding
Popularity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very high)
One of Dubai’s most well-known British primary schools. Kings’ is particularly popular for its academic results, nurturing environment, and central location.
Brighton College Dubai
Location: Al Barsha South
KHDA Rating: Very Good
Popularity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (High)
An extension of the UK brand, offering a premium British primary education with a strong focus on confidence, leadership and academic excellence.
🔗 https://www.brightoncollegedubai.ae
The Millennium School Dubai
Location: Al Qusais
KHDA Rating: Good
Popularity: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
A more accessible option for families seeking a British primary education with solid academic foundations and competitive fee structures.
🔗 https://www.themillenniumschool-dubai.com/
Why Families Choose Dubai
- Tax-efficient personal income
- Safe, family-friendly communities
- High-quality healthcare and education
- International exposure for children
- Strong business environment
Many parents find that relocating improves both career prospects and family time.
Setting Up a Company in Dubai While Relocating
For many expats, relocation coincides with setting up a company in Dubai. Whether launching a consultancy, holding company, or international trading business, Dubai offers flexibility, speed and global reach.
Key advantages include:
- 100% foreign ownership options
- Streamlined company formation
- Residency visas for family members
- Access to global banking and markets
You can explore this in more detail here:
👉 https://marlegal.co.uk/legal-services-in-dubai/company-formation-in-dubai/
Aligning your business setup with school placement and visa planning avoids delays and unnecessary stress.
Visa Options for Expats in Dubai (Family Focus)
Common routes include:
- Company-sponsored residence visas
- Investor visas
- Family sponsorship visas
- Golden Visa eligibility (in some cases)
Choosing the right structure ensures children can attend school legally and without interruption.
How MAR Legal Supports Families Relocating to Dubai
MAR Legal provides end-to-end support for families relocating to the UAE. From company formation and visa structuring to ongoing legal guidance, our experienced legal team understands the realities expat families face.
We work alongside you to:
- Structure your move efficiently
- Align business, education and visas
- Avoid common relocation pitfalls
- Provide ongoing legal support after arrival
“Expert legal services for Setting up a Company in Dubai. Providing support to businesses with Visa options for Expats in Dubai and the UAE.”
Start Your Dubai Journey with Confidence
Relocating your family is about more than moving country — it is about creating stability, opportunity and a secure future for your children.
If you are considering Dubai and want clear, practical guidance on education, business setup and long-term planning, our legal team at MAR Legal is here to help.
Complete our contact form today and take the first confident step towards building your future in Dubai.
Relocating to Dubai is an exciting step, but understanding the right visa options for expats in Dubai, alongside business setup and family planning, is essential to getting it right from day one. MAR Legal’s experienced legal team supports individuals and families through every stage of the relocation process — from residency and family sponsorship visas to company formation and ongoing legal guidance.
Whether you are moving for work, setting up a business, or relocating your family, we provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances.
Take the next step towards your move to Dubai today.
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Let MAR Legal support your relocation, visa planning, and long-term settlement in the UAE — so you can focus on building your future with confidence.