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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.
Pupils enrolling at Aquila School are placed in year groups according to KHDA age guidelines, which consider your child’s date of birth. We also review previous schooling, curriculum, development, and wellbeing to ensure the most appropriate placement. Our Admissions and Senior Leadership teams will guide you through the process to ensure a smooth and confident transition.
If your child is transferring from another private school in the UAE, our Admissions team will guide you through the KHDA transfer process and support you with the required documentation. At The Aquila School in Dubai, we help new pupils settle quickly, understand school routines, make friends, and feel confident and happy in our safe and supportive learning environment from their very first day.
Primary: Students do not need personal devices. Shared school devices are provided when required, ensuring technology is used in a balanced and age-appropriate way.
Secondary: Students are encouraged to bring a personal device to support research and independent learning. Our team provides clear guidance for parents on suitable devices and recommended safety settings.
Just complete our short online enquiry form to get started. A member of the Aquila School Admissions team will contact you shortly to arrange:
If you are relocating to Dubai from overseas, we can arrange online assessments and secure your child’s place before you arrive, helping make your move smoother and more reassuring.
Yes. Our assessments are friendly and low-pressure, and simply help us understand how we can best support your child to thrive. The Aquila School does not charge an application fee.
Early Years and Primary:The Head of Primary or a phase leader spends time with your child through activities suited to their age. This helps us understand their early skills and how ready they feel for school.
Secondary:Students complete a CAT4 cognitive assessment and have a conversation with the Head of Secondary. If additional support may be helpful, our Inclusion team becomes involved early to ensure everything is in place from the start.
Once the assessment process is complete, successful families will receive an offer letter by email. To secure the place, we ask you to:
Our Admissions team will guide you through each step and are always available to support you with the next stages of the process.
To complete your child’s enrolment, we will ask you to provide:
Admissions are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to siblings of current students. If a year group is full, your child may be placed on a waiting list and we will contact you if a space becomes available. Families are then invited to accept the place within the timeline outlined in the offer.
The Aquila School is an inclusive community and warmly welcomes students with a range of learning profiles, including:
We encourage families to share any existing reports or assessments during the application process. This helps our team understand your child’s needs and ensure the right support is in place so they can feel confident, supported and ready to learn from their first day.
We ask families to provide up-to-date medical information for every child to help us keep students safe and well at school. This includes:
Please inform the school nurse if any medical information changes during the year so we can keep your child’s care plan up to date.
There is no strict application deadline. The Aquila School accepts applications for the next academic year throughout the year, subject to availability of places. Students may also join during the school year where spaces are available, and our team works closely with families to ensure a smooth welcome and transition.
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.
Students at The Aquila School can access a range of wellbeing support to help them navigate personal challenges. This includes:
Our school counsellor works closely with students and staff to identify early signs when support may be needed and provides tailored guidance so every child feels heard, supported and emotionally safe.
Yes. Several staff working with students in Year 5 and above are trained Adult-to-Teen Mental Health First Aiders. In Secondary School, each tutor group also includes trained Teen-to-Teen Mental Health First Aiders, ensuring students have both adult and peer support available.
Parents are essential partners. We help families through:
This shared approach keeps support consistent at home and at school.
PSHE helps children grow in confidence, communication, resilience and teamwork. It’s built around three main areas:
The pastoral team weaves PSHE naturally into the school day.
The Aquila School offers a comprehensive performing arts programme across music, drama, dance and musical theatre. Students develop their skills through performances, productions and specialist lessons, while also having the opportunity to work towards recognised LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) qualifications. As students progress, they may also pursue pathways such as GCSE Drama, BTEC Performing Arts and IB Theatre.
Music is an important part of the performing arts programme at Aquila School. Students develop skills in singing, instrumental performance and composition through curriculum lessons and regular performance opportunities. They can also join ensembles such as bands and choirs. For students who wish to develop their skills further, optional instrumental and vocal lessons are available through our partner, DASH Music Academy.
Drama at The Aquila School develops students’ skills in acting, directing and stagecraft through both curriculum lessons and performance opportunities. Each year group from Primary through to Secondary takes part in Drama Workshop Weeks, where students collaborate to create and perform a production for the school community. Students also perform in larger school productions such as Annie, High School Musical and We Will Rock You. As students progress, drama can also be studied through GCSE, BTEC and IB pathways.
Students at The Aquila School explore dance through styles such as jazz, contemporary and performance dance as part of the performing arts programme. They develop technique, creativity and confidence through lessons and performances. Many students also take part in the regional BSME Desert Dance Festival, where they perform alongside other international schools.
Performing arts at Aquila School are introduced early and develop progressively as students move through the school.
Early Years and Primary
Secondary School
We are equipped with:
Yes. Students can take BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Performing Arts – equivalent to three A-levels and very practical for anyone aiming at a career in the arts.
At The Aquila School, the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) allows students to combine IB academic subjects with a career-focused pathway such as the BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts. This approach blends academic learning with professional-level performance training, helping students develop both creative skills and practical experience for future study or careers in the performing arts.
The Aquila School is known for delivering a high-quality British curriculum within a safe and supportive school community. Teaching is enriched through IB-inspired approaches that encourage enquiry, critical thinking and global awareness. Students benefit from experienced UK-trained teachers, strong academic pathways through GCSE, IB and career-related programmes, and a broad range of co-curricular opportunities.
The Aquila School is known for delivering a high-quality British curriculum within a safe and supportive school community. Teaching is enriched through IB-inspired approaches that encourage enquiry, critical thinking and global awareness. Students benefit from experienced UK-trained teachers, strong academic pathways through GCSE, IB and career-related programmes, and a broad range of co-curricular opportunities. The school is rated “Good” by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) and has received “Outstanding” judgements from British Schools Overseas (BSO).
At Aquila School, wellbeing is central to the student experience. Small class sizes, strong pastoral care and close partnerships with families help ensure every child feels known, supported and valued. Our values-based approach encourages kindness, respect and responsibility across the school community. Independent inspectors have also recognised this culture, noting that Aquila is a safe and caring school where students demonstrate tolerance and kindness.What values guide student development at The Aquila School?
Student development at The Aquila School is guided by four core values:
These values shape daily interactions, learning and decision-making across the school. They help students develop strong character alongside academic success, encouraging them to act with honesty, show compassion, and persevere through challenges.
The Aquila School follows the British curriculum from Early Years through Primary and into Secondary School. Students then progress to GCSE qualifications before choosing from a range of Sixth Form pathways, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), which may include BTEC career-focused qualifications. This pathway provides a strong academic foundation while offering flexible options for university study and future careers.
Aquila is fully inclusive school in Dubailand. We’re proud to host the Hemam Learning Support Centre and hold the SENDIA award for outstanding provision, meaning every child gets the individual support they need.
Yes. The Aquila School offers a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, including sports teams, creative clubs and leadership activities that enrich learning beyond the classroom. Through our International Schools Partnership membership, students can also take part in global projects, leadership programmes and respected awards such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, connecting them with students and schools around the world. You can explore the full range of clubs, sports and opportunities here:https://www.theaquilaschool.com/school-life/clubs-sports-opportunities
We warmly invite families to experience The Aquila School at our Whole School Open Day.
