Ages 3 to 18
Enrol with ease
Discover us & the campus
Safe, happy learning
Discover what's happening
Admissions Open for 2027-28
Sixth Form at The Aquila School is where students aged 16 to 18 choose the route that fits their ambitions, and where the enquiry-based, IB-inspired approach that runs through Aquila from Early Years leads into the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) itself. Alongside the IBDP, our four Post-16 Pathways include the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), BTEC Level 3 and ASDAN, all taught in Years 12 and 13 on our campus in Wadi Al Safa 5, in the heart of Dubailand.
Aquila became an IB World School in 2024, the same year our Post-16 department opened, and it is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global family of 121 schools in 25 countries. Our Sixth Formers learn in a community of more than 90 nationalities, and their results set a high bar, with an IB Diploma average of 34.5 points and a highest score of 39.
Four pathways to success
Every student finishes school on the route that suits them: the IBDP, the IBCP, BTEC Level 3 or ASDAN. Each one is built for a different kind of learner, so nobody has to fit a single mold.
Careers and higher education guidance
A full-time careers advisor, the Unifrog platform, careers fairs and organised work placements from Year 12 help each student decide what comes next, with one-to-one support for applications to universities around the world.
Arabic and Islamic Studies
Following the Ministry of Education curriculum, Arab learners keep building their Arabic, while Muslim learners study the history, values and traditions of Islam in Arabic or English, depending on their first language.
Multilingual learning
English is the language of learning in our school, Arabic builds a connection with the culture of the country, and our home language programme ensures that our French, German, Spanish and Russian speakers are fluent.
Life skills
Through the IB’s Approaches to Learning (ATL), Sixth Formers practise research, critical thinking, communication, collaboration and self-management in every subject. These are the habits they will rely on long after they leave.
Inclusive environment
Targeted support and adapted exam arrangements help every student make real progress in our inclusive school.
International opportunities
Recent international trips have included community service in Kenya, space camp in Türkiye, cultural exploration in Greece and skiing in Austria. Closer to home, there is Model United Nations, TEDx-style talks and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and a chance to meet peers across the ISP network through International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS).
Student leadership
Sixth Formers take on real responsibility as Aquila ambassadors, peer mentors and school newspaper editors, and as class representatives, student sports coaches and Model United Nations organisers.
Performing arts
Performers take the stage in music, drama and dance productions and at events such as National Day, drama workshop week, the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) Desert Dance Festival and the spring fair. Dance and theatre can be studied in the IBDP, and acting or dance through the IBCP and BTEC Level 3.
The admissions process
Our admissions process is personal and easy to follow, with multilingual support for families moving from overseas.
Our Sixth Formers work hard, and their results show it. IB Diploma students achieved an average of 34.5 points, well above the 24 needed to earn the diploma, with the highest score reaching 39 out of a possible 45. BTEC Level 3 results are just as strong, with all grades at Merit or above, so each learner leaves with real choices about what comes next.
100% pass rate
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), with an average score of 34.5 points and a highest score of 39 points
IB Career-related Programme (IBCP)
BTEC Level 3, with 100% of grades at Merit or above and 40% of extended diploma grades at Distinction or Distinction*
LAMDA Speaking in Public, with most candidates awarded Merit or Distinction, and a gold medal earned in LAMDA grades 5 to 8
Aquila graduates have gone on to 21 universities and higher education institutions in 10 countries, from the UK and mainland Europe to North America, South Africa and the Gulf. Explore the map below to see where they have continued their studies.
United Kingdom
Spain
France
Switzerland
Hungary
Netherlands
South Africa
United States
Canada
United Arab Emirates
If you are considering the IB Diploma in Dubai, it helps to know how the qualification is built. The IB Diploma is a comprehensive two-year international curriculum for students aged 16 to 19, developed and awarded by the International Baccalaureate. It is a broad, balanced programme: each student takes six subjects drawn from six subject groups, with three or four at higher level and the rest at standard level.
Three core elements sit around those subjects. Theory of Knowledge explores how we know what we know. The Extended Essay is an independent research paper of up to 4,000 words on a question the student chooses. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) takes learning beyond the classroom through creative, physical and community projects.
Each subject earns a grade from 1 to 7, and Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay together add up to 3 more points, which makes 45 the highest possible total.
Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay, combined
Up to 3
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Required, not scored
Highest possible total
45
Needed to be awarded the diploma
24, subject to the IB’s other conditions
Aquila average
34.5
Aquila highest score
39
How the IB Diploma is scored
Six subjects, each scored from 1 to 7
Points
Up to 42
Only an authorised school can offer the IB Diploma. Aquila became an IB World School in 2024, and we teach the IB curriculum in Years 12 and 13, building on the enquiry-led approach that begins in Early Years.
Each student chooses a route according to their aspirations, interests and talents. Here is how the four pathways compare.
Environmental systems and societies, one Diploma subject, a career-focused BTEC specialism and language study
Those with a clear career direction
Higher education or a career in their chosen field
BTEC Level 3
One of seven career-focused specialisms, taught through industry-focused projects
Those who prefer practical, real-world work
Higher education, apprenticeships and employment
ASDAN
Practical, activity-based courses in personal, social and work-related skills
Those who need a route shaped around their learning needs
Further education, training or employment
Pathway
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)
What is studied
Six subjects, plus the three core elements
Suited to
Those who want academic breadth and depth
Leads to
Universities worldwide
Both IB programmes are taught by specialist educators, who encourage every learner to approach each subject from a global perspective and to build critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills along the way.
Aquila’s IB Diploma Programme in Dubai is a rigorous two-year curriculum that takes young people further academically, personally, and globally, and prepares them for higher education worldwide. The six subjects are chosen from these groups:
Every IBDP student also completes the core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and the CAS programme.
“I’m a year 12 IB student studying Business and Environmental Sciences and one day I’ll start my own sustainable business. I feel ready, independent, curious, confident and excited for what’s next.” Aurelia, Year 12, Student
“I’m a year 12 IB student studying Business and Environmental Sciences and one day I’ll start my own sustainable business. I feel ready, independent, curious, confident and excited for what’s next.”
Aurelia, Year 12, Student
The IBCP is a two-year programme for those who already have a career direction in mind. It combines academic study with career-focused learning:
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is a two-year course equivalent to three A Levels. It is taught with input from professionals, through industry-focused projects and assignments that mirror real workplaces, and prepares learners for higher education, apprenticeships or employment. Seven specialisms are offered.
The course covers acting techniques and performance skills, script analysis and interpretation, and voice and movement, with regular performances on stage that build real-world acting experience. Discover more
The course covers dance technique, performance theory, choreography, and dance history and culture, with regular showcases and productions.
Learners build technical skill in drawing, painting and sculpture through visual studies, individual and group projects and hands-on workshops in 2D and 3D, alongside contextual studies, information technology and professional practice. Their final project is shown at our annual arts evening. The course leads towards degrees such as fine art, graphic design and illustration, and towards creative roles such as junior designer, art technician or photographer.
For those heading towards design, engineering or construction, this course develops practical woodworking and metalworking skills alongside design and manufacturing processes, materials science and engineering principles. It begins with 2D and 3D visual arts, technical drawing and digital design, and ends with a final major project in the student’s chosen field.
The course builds the skills and knowledge behind IT roles such as software development, web design and network administration. The course prepares them for degrees in computer science, computer forensics, game design, multimedia or information technology, and for work or internships in IT.
Discover more
The course teaches how to launch, manage and grow a business, with practical experience of marketing, finance and product development through hands-on projects. The course prepares them for business degrees or for starting a venture of their own.
The course starts with the sport and active leisure industry: health, wellbeing, fitness testing, nutrition, self-employment and event organisation. It then moves on to personal training, sports injuries, functional sports massage, sport and leisure facility operations and sports tourism, with hands-on training and real-world placements throughout. It prepares them to work as fitness instructors or personal trainers, with accreditation from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS).
Classes end at 3:30 PM from Monday to Thursday and at 11:40 AM on Fridays, which leaves time to rest and take part in extra-curricular activities. Here is how the day runs.
Morning drop-off
7:25 AM to 7:38 AM
Everyone lines up for the National Anthem at 7:38 AM, then heads to class
Form time
7:38 AM to 7:50 AM
A short time to connect, hear the day’s updates and get organised
Lessons
7:50 AM to 10:30 AM
Morning break
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
11:00 AM to 1:20 PM
Lunch
1:20 PM to 1:50 PM
Hot, nutritious lunches are served every day
1:50 PM to 3:30 PM
School ends
3:30 PM
Post-16 Pathways empower students to take charge of their future, combining academic excellence with global opportunities to ensure success at university and beyond in their chosen careers.
Academic achievement
Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.
Life competencies
Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives.
Multilingualism
Students fast-track English fluency while continuing to grow in their home language, including German, Spanish, Russian and French.
Try global skill-building programmes and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.
Life & career pathways
Benefit from personalised guidance for university and career choices, supporting your chosen path.
At our IB diploma school in Dubai, pupils experience a comprehensive monitoring that tracks more than just academic scores and looks beyond grades, receiving tailored support that fosters significant academic development.
Student progress is tracked through regular internal summative assessments based on official IB materials, with past IB exam papers used for mock exams in years 12 and 13, giving pupils essential exam experience and building the confidence needed for their final year. Short-term progress is monitored through formative assessments focused on building key subject knowledge and skills. In non-core subjects, learners embrace more informal assessments conducted within the classroom. Through external examinations in year 13, tailored to each student’s pathway, learners demonstrate growth and achievement.
At the end of the year, they participate in an awards assembly, exalting their remarkable achievements and fostering a sense of appreciation, confidence and motivation to excel.
Students master essential 21st-century skills - research, critical analysis, communication, collaboration and self-management - through the IB's Approaches to Learning (ATL) framework. This empowers them to become independent learners who can critically assess information, work effectively in teams and organise their time productively.
By developing these transferable competencies across all disciplines, students learn to think both critically and creatively, make meaningful connections between subjects and reflect deeply on their progress. Embracing opportunities such as becoming Aquila ambassadors, they support school events and help younger students, developing leadership, confidence and communication skills. This holistic approach cultivates adaptable, resilient thinkers fully prepared to tackle academic rigour and real-world challenges.
Building on their strong language foundation, students enhance their English proficiency while pursuing specialised language pathways. Arab students develop advanced Arabic skills, mastering the Middle East's primary language, while IBDP students select an additional language from Arabic, Spanish B, German, Mandarin or French Ab Initio.
The home language programme supports native speakers of French, German, Spanish and Russian in maintaining their heritage languages, strengthening cultural identity while contributing to our diverse multilingual community.
At our international baccalaureate school in Dubai, students pursue advanced qualifications in Chinese, Hindi and Persian, while participating in standardised assessments including the Arabic Benchmark Test (ABT) and GL English exams. Through progress tracking and recognition of multilingual achievements, learners build essential skills for academic excellence and global career readiness.
Students participate in unforgettable international journeys to Austria, Kenya, Turkey and Greece, immersing themselves in new cultures, building global awareness and embracing adventure in every step.
Through transformative experiences including TEDx, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and Model United Nations (MUN), students connect with peers from around the world and refine their confidence, sharpen their public speaking and develop the resilience needed to lead in a global society.
Learners take part in ISP's International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS), fostering empathy, creativity and a truly international mindset, preparing to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Students receive dedicated support from our full-time career advisor, helping them identify strengths, set goals and make informed decisions about their future – all aligned with the internationally recognised Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance.
Through the UniFrog platform, industry talks, workplace visits and local/international university tours, students expand their horizons, while thanks to our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a partnership with IDP Education Dubai, they benefit from expert support in university admissions, career planning and language testing. Beginning in year 12, work placements bridge classroom learning with real-world experience, fostering ambition and strategic career planning.
As a registered Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) centre, we provide tailored guidance for UK university applications. Our partnership with International Development Programme (IDP) further supports families navigating admissions to universities worldwide.
ASDAN (the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) offers practical, activity-based courses designed around diverse learning needs. The courses build communication, teamwork, problem-solving and self-management skills alongside academic work, ready for further education, training or employment.
At our private British school in Dubai, students gifted in the performing arts can win performance-based scholarships as part of the ISP scholarship programme. These scholarships can cover up to 75% of tuition fees and are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding ability, passion and commitment in areas such as drama, dance, music and theatre production.
Aquila ensures that the best can be brought out of all their students and doesn’t shy away from supporting us in any way that we need. As a recipient of both a public speaking scholarship and the 2 year 75% scholarship, Aquila’s accessibility has been unimaginably helpful.
Khadyja Year 13, Student
Sixth Form begins in Year 12, when the IB and BTEC courses start. Places are open both to those moving up from Years 7 to 11 at Aquila and to new families, and our admissions team will help you choose the right pathway and the right time. Year 12 applicants can also apply for ISP scholarships. A good first step is a campus tour.
The Aquila School provides four Post-16 options: IB Diploma Programme, IB Career-related Programme, BTEC Level 3 and ASDAN, providing students with flexible options to universities around the world. The ISP Future Pathways programme offers specialist counsellors to support subject selection, personal statements and applications to institutions in the UK, US, Europe and beyond. University fairs, a global speaker series and exclusive ISP scholarships also equip students for their future goals.
Learn how our Match profile helps students find the right university fit in this short video.
The Aquila School has dedicated university and careers counsellors who support students from the beginning of Year 12, providing tailored advice on university choices, subject choices, application process and interview preparation. Families are actively engaged in the process. Students also have access to ISP's global network, connecting them with higher education institutions, industry experts and an A–Z Speaker Series on emerging careers and future industries.
Students work with our counsellors on developing their profiles on our Match platform that helps connect them to the best universities and courses globally. Here's how it works.
Through ISP's Future Pathways programme, students get structured support in planning their next steps. Watch our Future Pathways video.
The Aquila School offers Arabic language and Islamic Studies as part of the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum requirements in Years 12 and 13, alongside the IB Diploma Programme. Muslim students continue Islamic Studies, and students are taught Arabic skills and are involved in Moral, Social and Cultural Studies. The combination of these two programmes helps students to achieve the UAE educational requirements and also to obtain a world-class, internationally recognised qualification.
The Aquila School has integrated IB learning from the Early Years, whereas many other schools in Dubai have only introduced the IB at the Diploma level. Students have already become skilled inquiry learners by the time they enter the IB Diploma Programme, confident in their research skills, critical thinking and independent study. The IB experience here is academically challenging and intensely human, as well as being enriched by Aquila's personal pastoral care, small group sizes and a community of 90+ nationalities.
The IB Diploma Programme at The Aquila School is intentionally challenging students to go beyond the content of their studies. The Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) components involve students in self-directed learning, research and reflection. With expert IB teachers and committed pastoral mentors, students learn to be self-disciplined, intellectually resilient and global-minded, qualities that are actively sought after by top universities and future employers.
Whether your child is drawn to the IB Diploma, the IBCP, BTEC Level 3 or ASDAN, our admissions team would be glad to talk it through with you. Come and see Sixth Form at Aquila for yourself.
Discover safe, happy learning where your child’s curiosity and confidence grow.
