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The Aquila School is a British curriculum school in Dubai for students aged 11 to 16, covering Years 7 to 11. Our campus is in Wadi Al Safa 5, in the heart of Dubailand, close to The Villa and Villanova. Secondary provision began in 2019 with Year 7, and it earned an Outstanding British Schools Overseas rating in that very first year, then again in 2025. The school itself opened in 2018 as part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global family of 121 schools in 25 countries, and Aquila families come from more than 90 nationalities.
The IB curriculum is gaining popularity among Dubai families, and Aquila’s position is simple. An IB-inspired approach to learning runs right through the school, from Early Years all the way to Sixth Form. In Years 7 to 11, that means enquiry-based, student-centred teaching building towards the National Curriculum for England’s GCSEs, BTEC Level 2 and LAMDA qualifications; after Year 11, in Sixth Form, that same approach leads into four formally examined Post-16 routes, including the IB Diploma.
The essentials in one place, for families comparing secondary schools in Dubai and shortlisting the best secondary schools in Dubai for their child.
A private British international school in Dubai, located in Dubailand
English National Curriculum, enriched with UAE cultural context and taught through ISP’s Learning.First™ approach
11 to 16 years
Year 7 to Year 11
Wadi Al Safa 5, Dubailand, Dubai, close to The Villa and Villanova communities
A private British international school in Dubai, located in Dubailand, delivering the British curriculum through an IB-inspired approach from Early Years throughto Post-16. In Years 7 to 11, we offer GCSEs, BTEC Level 2 and LAMDA; the IBDP, IBCP and BTEC follow in Post-16 Pathways (Years 12 and 13)
For families weighing Dubai’s top secondary school options, here is what stands out about life at our private British school.
Life skills built through real challenges
Critical thinking, communication, research and self-management grow through debate, the school film competition and FIRST LEGO League, not worksheets.
A genuinely multilingual environment
Students build fluency fast in a hands-on, everyday learning environment while continuing to develop Arabic, and home language support keeps French, German, Spanish and Russian speakers growing in their mother tongue.
Real leadership roles
Students take on genuine responsibility as Aquila ambassadors, sports coaches and Model United Nations organisers, not token titles.
An inclusive environment
Targeted support and adapted exams, delivered through our Hemam Learning Support Centre, help every student advance, and the school holds the SENDIA award for its provision for students of determination.
Performing arts that go the distance
Drama, dance and music run through LAMDA, BTEC and GCSE pathways, school productions and community events including Desert Dance, run by British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), as part of performing arts at Aquila, which runs from Early Years to Sixth Form.
Career guidance from Year 10
Personalised career programmes, industry guest speakers and workplace visits begin in Year 10, well before students reach Sixth Form, where the Unifrog platform and university tours take over.
A packed extra-curricular programme
The admissions process at Aquila is seamless and personalised, and includes multilingual support for international families.
Our admissions process
Multilingual support helps families arriving from overseas settle in quickly, and every new student meets the Head of Secondary before their first day.
Urban Farm and sustainability
Pupils from Years 7 to 13 grow crops on our rooftop Urban Farm, linking science, geography, business and economics with hands-on learning, and a pupil committee runs it as an enterprise.
Years 7 to 11 make up the secondary stage of the National Curriculum for England, continuing on from our primary school. Years 7 to 9 form Key Stage 3; Years 10 and 11 form Key Stage 4 and are the GCSE years.
The curriculum stays broad and balanced while students build the skills GCSE study will demand: core language and maths lessons continue daily, sciences bring eco-literacy to life, the arts span art and design, drama, dance, music and design and technology, humanities cover Islamic studies, history, geography and moral, social and cultural studies, and computing, digital literacy, food technology, physical education, PSHE and financial literacy round out the week. Spanish begins alongside Arabic.
Alongside the core subjects, students choose electives from business, geography, history, psychology, computer science, IT, separate sciences, digital technology, art, music, drama, performing arts and sports, or pursue LAMDA speech and drama or a Level 2 BTEC in sport, IT, business or performing arts instead.
Attainment across GCSE, BTEC and LAMDA has been strong since that first cohort.
100%
pass rate across GCSE and IGCSE, and 100% on Level 2 BTEC courses
31%
of all grades were 9 to 7, and 87% were 9 to 4
97%
of grades in English and 85% in mathematics reached grade 9 to 4
of Physics grades reached 9 to 4, including 80% at 9 to 7; 65% of Biology grades reached 9 to 7
pass rate, with 70% of grades at Merit or above
pass rate, mostly Merit and Distinction, with Gold medal results at LAMDA grades 5 to 8
Our Secondary students engage in a dynamic programme that blends the National Curriculum for England with UAE Ministry of Education requirements. Led by expert teachers, they deepen learning through enquiry, problem-solving and collaborative projects.
At our international curriculum school in Dubai, learners progress with an ambitious and inclusive curriculum and focus on expanding vocabulary, encouraging debate and making cross-curricular inferences in subjects of these areas -
Pupils continue their journey with advanced classes in the following mandatory subjects, ensuring they have strong foundations for their next steps:
Students personalise their learning by selecting five options from a variety of elective subjects that align with their passions and goals, including:
Every student at Aquila takes part in these subjects. Muslim students follow the Ministry of Education Islamic Studies curriculum in their preferred language; non-Muslim students take part in a dedicated reflection session instead; and everyone explores Islamic values and UAE heritage through tutor time, assemblies and moral, social and cultural studies.
Secondary students move between subject educators and specialist rooms all day, with time built in for a proper break and lunch. Timings on Fridays and during Ramadan vary and are subject to KHDA approval.
Morning drop-off
7:25 AM to 7:40 AM
Everyone arrives and heads to form rooms.
Form time
7:30 AM to 7:50 AM
Registration and a settled start to the day.
Morning lessons
7:50 AM to 10:30 AM
The day’s first block of subject lessons.
Morning break
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Time to eat, socialise and reset.
Lessons continue
11:00 AM to 1:20 PM
The second teaching block of the day.
Lunch
1:20 PM to 1:50 PM
A proper break with a nutritious meal.
Afternoon learning
1:50 PM to 3:30 PM
Lessons continue across the school’s subject-specialist spaces.
School day ends
3:30 PM
Everyone is dismissed or moves on to clubs.
Enrichment
3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
Extra-curricular activities and clubs run beyond the taught day.
At our international IB school in Dubai, students take increasing ownership of their learning journey, strengthening academic foundations while developing independence and curiosity.
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
Develop proficiency in at least one world language, while being supported in home or first languages, including German, Spanish, Russian and French.
International opportunities
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.
Learners undertake formal assessments based on previous GCSE exam papers in their core subjects twice a year, building confidence and exam readiness ahead of year 11, while non-core subjects are assessed through regular classroom activities.
Taking part in external assessments including the CAT4 and the New Group Reading Test (NGRT), they assess their cognitive skills and evaluate reading, while through the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), students measure their math and science skills against international standards.
At our international secondary school in Dubai, each month ends with group assemblies celebrating students’ achievements with teachers and families. At the end of the year, an awards assembly and a special year 11 celebration recognise their successes.
Pupils master ‘learning how to learn’ by developing essential Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills - critical thinking, communication, self-management, research and collaboration. This cultivates adaptable learners who transfer knowledge across disciplines and real-world challenges.
Through leadership roles like peer mentors, editors and council members, they hone confident communication and grow as articulate leaders.
These skills also shine in collaborative projects including our Annual school productions, where students apply creativity and teamwork to bring performances including Matilda and We Will Rock You to life, further building confidence and school pride.
Students grow into confident global communicators in our vibrant English-speaking environment, while staying deeply connected to their roots. They master Arabic to engage with the heart of UAE culture and the wider Middle East and can choose Spanish as an elective.
For our multilingual learners, we celebrate every mother tongue. Through our home language programme, pupils fluent in French, German, Spanish or Russian keep their language alive while enriching our diverse community. Students also take the Arabic benchmark test and earn qualifications in languages including Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Italian and Greek – with literature studies available too.
Learners participate in a variety of international school trips to destinations such as Nepal, Austria, Kenya, Turkey and Greece, gaining immersive cultural and adventurous experiences beyond the classroom. They explore locations including Ski Dubai, Jubail Mangrove park, Etihad museum, the green planet and took a residential trip to Oman, where they kayaked and camped in the wild.
By participating in TEDx, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and the Model United Nations (MUN), learners meet with peers from all over the world and strengthen resilience, debate skills and persuasive communication abilities.
Through exciting events including the BSME debate competition, BSME film competition, the World Scholar’s Cup challenge and the First Lego League, students improve problem-solving and time management while experiencing a fun, stimulating and competitive environment.
Pupils also take part in ISP’s International Learning Programmes (ILOS), including ISP Artists, ISP Chess Masters, ISP Changemakers and ISP Street Child United, enjoying collaborative experiences and cultivating a global mindset.
In The Aquila School, students design their futures. With one-on-one support from dedicated career advisors and Unifrog’s powerful platform, every learner discovers their strengths and chooses electives that truly align with their aspirations.
Beyond the classroom, students connect with industry professionals through guest talks and workplace visits, getting firsthand insights into different careers. They also benefit from our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IDP Education Dubai, gaining expert support with university admissions, career planning and language testing. The journey becomes real in year 10 through structured work placements, where they test-drive careers, grow confidence and start shaping their professional paths.
Students take charge of their learning as they pursue their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications at the end of year 11, by mastering a broad range of subjects and tackling both exams and coursework.
Learners own their achievements, earning qualifications that open doors to further study and exciting opportunities in the UK and around the world.
At our UK curriculum school in Dubai, pupils enrich their academic learning with practical skills and real-world experience through Level 2 BTEC work-related qualifications in sport, IT, business and performing arts.
Bringing together hands-on experience and essential theory, students acquire valuable industry knowledge, versatile skills and positive behaviours to confidently continue their educational journey.
Students master vocal control - perfecting diction, projection and confidence -while learning to captivate audiences through creative self-expression.
Through the LAMDA programme, they refine these skills to excellence, culminating in powerful performances that showcase their public speaking and poetry talents, reflecting both their artistic growth and dedicated practice.
Students benefit from Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) programmes and explore activity-based courses that boost their confidence, resilience and ambition. They develop core skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, research and self-management through a flexible, engaging curriculum that supports their personal growth and future goals.
Students are at the heart of our Performing arts programme, where LAMDA, BTEC and GCSE Drama pathways empower them to cultivate confidence, creativity and a strong stage presence. Guided by expert instructors, students refine expressive performance skills, master vocal technique and engage with a diverse repertoire of dramatic works.
From preparing for school productions and international qualifications to participating in renowned events such as BSME desert dance, students connect passion with purpose while developing technical excellence, confidence and creativity for lifelong success.
Secondary students take an active role in managing our urban farm, growing fruits, vegetables and herbs in an outdoor garden shared across the school. It is a hands-on link between science, sustainability and real responsibility that continues from primary.
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.
The IB-inspired approach that runs through the whole school reaches its formally examined stage in Sixth Form. After Year 11, students move into four formally examined Post-16 routes: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), BTEC Level 3 and ASDAN. Aquila holds IB World School status for this Post-16 stage, and the numbers are public: a 100% pass rate for the IBDP, with an average of 34.5 points and a top score of 39; a 100% pass rate for the IBCP; and BTEC Level 3 grades entirely at Merit or above, with 40% of extended diploma grades at Distinction or Distinction*.
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.
Khadyja Year 13 student, Student
Careers guidance at Aquila starts long before Year 12. From Year 7, students build self-awareness and explore their interests through the ISP Futures Framework; from Year 10, industry guest speakers and workplace visits begin; and in Sixth Form, personalised university counselling continues through the Unifrog platform. The results speak for themselves: Aquila students have secured 140+ university offers across 50+ partner institutions, backed by more than $6.8 million in university scholarships. For full details, including university destinations, check out our future pathways page.
Every student’s journey is unique. My role is to help pupils explore their interests, identify their strengths and make confident decisions.
Ms Lyvica Adekunle, Career Counsellor & Future Pathways Lead
Admissions are open all year round, subject to availability in the year group. The process is simple: apply online, complete a CAT4 assessment, then meet the Head of Secondary. Most families also start with a tour of the campus, and merit-based scholarships are available for eligible students each year.
In Secondary, students at the Aquila School study the British curriculum with the possibility of GCSE, BTEC Level 2 and LAMDA qualifications in Years 10 and 11. The teaching is based on IB-inspired enquiry, and students develop deep understanding rather than a superficial recall. Through the work of dedicated subject teachers, a good structure of revision support and a strong pastoral care system, all students will sit their GCSE examinations feeling well prepared, confident and capable of achieving their personal best.
Secondary students develop leadership and personal skills through a variety of opportunities, including:
These experiences build confidence, leadership, critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
The Aquila School’s secondary education is from Year 7 to Year 11, which is the age range 11 to 16. Years 7-9 offer a wide and balanced curriculum in all core and foundation subjects such as Drama, Dance, PSHE and Arabic. Students select their GCSE or BTEC Level 2 options in Years 10 and 11, based on their strengths and aspirations. This is a structured pathway to ensure a seamless transition to Post-16 study, including the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12 and 13).
The Aquila School is open to new secondary students all year long. All new arrivals have a personalised induction; this involves a cognitive assessment (CAT4) and a meeting with the Head of Secondary to gain an understanding of their background and needs. High-achieving learners are challenged through enrichment opportunities, leadership experiences and deeper inquiry projects.
The Aquila School offers a wide range of activities that support personal development beyond academics, including:
These opportunities help students develop resilience, confidence and a strong sense of identity.
Start your child’s next stage at The Aquila School, where academic rigour builds towards GCSEs, BTEC and LAMDA success, and every Post-16 route stays open. Our admissions team would be glad to hear from you.
Discover safe, happy learning where your child’s curiosity and confidence grow.
