Frequently asked questions

Curious about The Aquila School? Browse our FAQs to discover the answers you need.

If you can't find what you're looking for,  contact our team - we're eager to help.

Admissions FAQs

Yes. Our British and international school in Dubai follows the KHDA guidance for age placement, and our admissions team will guide you to ensure your child joins the correct year group based on their date of birth and previous schooling.

If your child is transferring from another private UAE school, we will assist with the required documents, including the KHDA transfer process. Our team at The Aquila School in Dubai ensures a smooth transition for your child both administratively and academically.

Devices are not compulsory in primary. Our international school in Dubai provides access to shared devices in class when needed to support learning.

In secondary, personal devices are required to enhance independent learning, research and digital skills. Our team will guide you on the recommended specifications during the admissions process.

Begin by filling out the online enquiry form. The admissions team will then contact you to arrange a school visit and assessment - either in person or online if you're overseas.

Yes. For Early Years and Primary students at The Aquila School, there’s a personalised assessment by the Head of Primary or phase leader. Secondary students complete a CAT4 cognitive ability test, followed by a meeting with the Head of Secondary. If needed, the Inclusion team may also be involved to plan for additional learning support.

After a successful assessment, you'll receive an offer letter. To secure the place, you must confirm within five working days and complete the registration and deposit process.

At our private school in Dubai, placement is based on your child's age as of August 31 (e.g., FS1: turned 4; FS2: turned 5; Year 1: turned 6). For Year 3 and above, placement is based on the last class attended (transfer certificate). Children from overseas with a December school year may be placed according to their age or completed grade.

When accepting the offer, you'll need to submit:

  • Passport, visa and Emirates ID (front & back) for the child and parents
  • Child’s vaccination record
  • Transfer Certificate from the previous school (attested if required)
  • Completed internal forms provided by the registrar

Admissions are first come, first served. Siblings of current students receive priority. If a year group is full, your child may be placed on a waiting list and contacted when a space opens (to be accepted or declined within one week).

The Aquila School in Dubai is inclusive, welcoming students with special educational needs and gifted learners. Inform the school of any such needs during the application. You may be asked to provide professional reports or have the child observed or attend a trial to help tailor support.

Our affordable British school in Dubai requires up-to-date medical information for your child, including any treatments, allergies and vaccination history, and should be informed if circumstances change.

Yes - staff children are guaranteed a place (as per contractual terms and if their needs can be met). They must still complete the enrolment form and provide required documentation.

Applications for the next academic year can be made at any time.

Wellbeing FAQs

Our British school in Dubailand integrates wellbeing into everyday learning through circle time, form-time discussions and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education). These activities promote emotional regulation, empathy, safety awareness and resilience.

At our international IB school in Dubai, students have access to individual counselling, small-group sessions and play therapy, handled by the school counsellor. The focus is on early identification and tailored support.

Yes. Many staff members working with Year 5 and above are certified Mental Health First Aiders (Adult to Teen). Additionally, each secondary tutor group includes two trained Teen-to-Teen Mental Health First Aiders, creating multiple support layers.

At The Aquila School, families receive guidance through workshops and the Family Portal, which offers psycho-education and tips aligned with the school's wellbeing curriculum.

The PSHE curriculum builds essential skills like resilience, self-esteem, critical thinking and teamwork, structured around themes: Health & Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. It’s woven into daily lessons and supported by a strong pastoral team.

Performing Arts FAQs

The Aquila School in Dubai offers a varied programme in music, drama and dance, designed to nurture creativity, expression, confidence and collaboration across all student levels. 

At our UK curriculum school in Dubai, students learn instruments, singing and composition, and can join ensembles like bands and choirs. The school partners with DASH Music Academy for optional instrumental or singing lessons.

At The Aquila School in Dubailand, students explore acting, directing and stagecraft. Annual highlights include school-wide productions - such as Annie, High School Musical and We Will Rock You - and a Drama Workshop Week, culminating in a performance for all pupils.

The dance programme features classes in jazz and modern dance and includes participation in BSME’s Desert Dance festival.

  • EYFS & Primary
    • FS1–FS2: 1 × 40 min Music
    • Years 1–4: 1 × 40 min Music
    • Years 5–6: 1 × 40 min Performing Arts (Drama & Dance)
  • Secondary & Sixth Form
    • Years 7–9: 1 × 50 min Drama + 1 × 50 min Dance
    • Years 10–11: GCSE Drama & BTEC Level 2 Dance (3 × 50 min per option)
    • Years 12–13: IBDP SL/HL Dance, IBDP SL/HL Theatre, IBCP/BTEC Level 3 Acting or Dance

Our British and international school in Dubai features dedicated studios for music, drama and dance, plus an auditorium for performances and assemblies. We also have a 'black box' performance studio that enhances their creative spaces.

Yes - students may pursue BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Performing Arts (Acting or Dance) as practical, career-focused qualifications equivalent to three A-levels.

At The Aquila School, the IBCP allows students to combine IB academic studies with a BTEC Extended Diploma like Performing Arts. It emphasises holistic development - including personal and professional skills - tailored to students aiming for careers in creative fields.

Why choose us FAQs

Amazing Learning is at the heart of everything we do at our international school in Dubai. The Aquila Way emphasises a safe, happy community where pupils are empowered through enquiry-based, creative lessons underpinned by academic rigour. 

The Aquila School in Dubai is recognised for delivering the British curriculum to the highest standards, enriched by our unique “Amazing Learning” philosophy. Independent inspectors have confirmed this quality, awarding the school  a “Good” rating by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) and two consecutive “Outstanding” ratings by British School Overseas (BSO). Families choose Aquila because of its safe, happy community, expert UK-qualified teachers and proven record of academic progress. 

At our private British school in Dubai, learning is an experience that inspires curiosity, creativity and resilience. Teachers personalise learning in real time, so every child studies what they need most at that moment, helping them make rapid and sustained progress.

Independent inspectors have recognised this too. The British Schools Overseas (BSO) report praised Aquila’s “highly engaging, innovative lessons that capture pupils’ interest and foster independence”. The Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) noted that “students demonstrate excellent enquiry skills, problem-solving abilities and creativity across the curriculum.”

This is the heart of our Amazing Learning philosophy: pupils who don’t just remember lessons but are excited to learn, eager to explore and confident to lead their own futures. 

At our private school in Dubai, wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do. Every adult knows every child and takes responsibility for their care. Our small class sizes and strong home–school partnerships mean pupils feel valued, listened to and supported.

We actively nurture respect and compassion through a values-driven curriculum and daily interactions. Pupils are encouraged to celebrate diversity, care for one another and take responsibility for their community. Independent inspectors have noted that “the school is a safe, caring place where students show tolerance and kindness” (BSO, 2022). 

From enrichment clubs and counselling support to our inclusive SEN provision, every child finds a place to belong. Families often tell us that what makes Aquila special is the joyful atmosphere - and the way their children feel known, safe and happy every day. 

The Aquila Way is built on four core values: Integrity, Perseverance, Resilience and Kindness. These are not just words on a wall - they shape daily interactions, lessons and decisions across our British curriculum school in Dubai.

This matters because academic success alone is not enough. By living these values, pupils learn to act with honesty, keep going when things get tough, bounce back from challenges and show compassion to others. Independent inspectors have praised this culture, noting that “students demonstrate respect, empathy and strong social responsibility” (DSIB, 2022).

In a world where universities and employers look beyond grades, these qualities help Aquila pupils grow into confident, caring global citizens who are ready to thrive in life, not just exams. 

Our British and international school in Dubai delivers a British curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage to Sixth Form, with IGCSEs and GCSEs, and future options including the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), IB Career-related Programme, BTEC and ASDAN qualifications.

At our IB school in Dubai, all teachers are native English speakers with UK qualifications and rich international experience. 

We are a fully inclusive school in Dubailand, home to the Hemam Learning Support Centre for SEN, and holders of the SENDIA award for exceptional provision for students of determination.

Yes. Through International Schools Partnership - ISP, pupils access international exchanges, community action programmes and awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.