Why choose us
Why choose us
Why choose us

Why choose us

Students thrive in a vibrant, happy community, engaging in memorable and skill-building lessons underpinned by academic rigour. They're empowered to make thoughtful choices, show kindness and pursue their passions through authentic, real-life opportunities, making exceptional progress.  

Our unwavering commitment to safety and wellbeing ensures every student feels secure and valued, while our deep respect for the UAE’s rich culture and traditions creates an inclusive environment where local heritage is celebrated and every learner thrives.

At The Aquila School, students are inspired to achieve their very best and become confident, compassionate global citizens. 

A journey of growth and excellence

2018
Aquila opens its doors
Aquila opens its doors

With great excitement, The Aquila School opened its doors in 2018, welcoming learners from early years to primary. From day one, Aquila has offered families a vibrant educational experience -deeply rooted in UAE culture while harnessing the global excellence of International Schools Partnership. 

2018
Joined ISP
Joined ISP

The Aquila School became part of International School Partnership, opening students up to new international opportunities and collaborations. 

2019
Launch of Secondary school
Launch of Secondary school

The Aquila school launched its secondary provision with year 7, immediately achieving an Outstanding BSO (British Schools Overseas) rating - a testament to its educational excellence. The community celebrated its first anniversary with exciting abseiling event for students and staff. 

2020
Embracing resilience together
Embracing resilience together

During COVID, we championed the irreplaceable value of in-person learning. As soon as safety allowed, we proudly welcomed every student back all day every day - ensuring uninterrupted education and a stronger, reunited school community. 

2021
World record achieved
World record achieved

Our international IB school in Dubai set a Guinness World Record by uniting 73 nationalities in a single history lesson on the UAE, a powerful example of our commitment to inclusivity and global learning.

2022
Excellence recognised
Excellence recognised

The Aquila School celebrates two significant milestones - a Good rating from Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and maintaining Outstanding across all areas in our latest BSO inspection. Alongside these achievements, we’ve introduced weekly Friday leadership sessions for early years and primary students. 

2023
Excellence in secondary education
Excellence in secondary education

Our Secondary Department proudly received the prestigious Secondary Team of the Year award. 

2023
1000-students strong
1000-students strong

The Aquila School celebrated a major milestone by welcoming the 1,000th student into a thriving community ready to grow and expand even further. 

2024
First examinations cohort and key accreditations
First examinations cohort and key accreditations

 Our first Year 11 students completed their GCSE examinations, the school earned accreditation as an IB World School and our Post-16 department opened as Secondary and moved into a new state-of-the-art building.  

2024
KHDA-rated excellence
KHDA-rated excellence

Aquila received 'outstanding' KHDA ratings for our Foundation Stage and 'very good' for inclusion and wellbeing programmes - a wonderful recognition of our caring, child-first approach to education. 

2025
Celebrating BSO and Platinum Award excellence
Celebrating BSO and Platinum Award excellence

We earned Outstanding grades in all areas from British Schools Overseas and the Platinum Award for Best School to Work For, showcasing our excellence and strong commitment to staff well-being. 

2025
Opening a new school in Nepal
Opening a new school in Nepal

Thanks to Aquila pupils’ fundraising efforts, a brand-new school has opened in Nepal welcoming 219 pupils at its opening and proving that even small actions can create a big impact.

Outstanding academic results

Students at The Aquila School achieved excellent exam results across various subjects.

28%

of students earned grades A - A in their GCSEs.

80%

of students earned grades A - C in their GCSEs.

68%

of students achieved at least five grades between 9 and 4, including English and maths.

45%

of students achieved at least five strong passes at GCSE level, with grades ranging from 9 to 6.

5%

of all grades awarded to our students were at 9, the highest possible grade. 

83%

of grades in English as a second language were at 9 to 7, with strong results also in biology, physics and English literature.

100%

of students passed BTEC qualifications 

43%

of grades awarded were at Distinction level or higher. 

43%

of grades awarded were at Distinction level or higher.

57%

of grades were at Merit level or above.

100% pass rate

in LAMDA Speaking in Public exams with most awarded Merit and Distinction. 

Gold medal

in LAMDA Speaking in Public exams earned by students from The Aquila School in grades 5 to 8.

Why choose The Aquila School?

Top reasons our families choose to belong here. 

Safe, happy learning
Safe, happy learning

Students lead their learning with confidence in a safe and supportive environment where wellbeing comes first. 

Blended British curriculum
Blended British curriculum

Students progress with a world-class British curriculum, empowered by Arabic, Islamic and moral, social and cultural studies, building global minds and local pride. 

 

Four pathways to graduation
Four pathways to graduation

Students shape their futures by choosing from four Post-16 Pathways, each designed to turn aspirations into achievements. 

Inclusion and learning support 
Inclusion and learning support 

Every learner thrives in our inclusive community, with tailored pathways that ignite their unique potential. 

Arabic & Islamic studies
Arabic & Islamic studies

Pupils connect with the UAE’s heritage from day one, learning Arabic and exploring local values, while Muslim students explore Islam’s history, values and traditions with Islamic studies, fully integrated with the MOE curriculum.

Excellent performing arts programme
Excellent performing arts programme

Pupils shine in our vibrant performing arts programme, mastering music, drama and dance while pursuing prestigious LAMDA qualifications. 

Enriching extra-curricular opportunities
Enriching extra-curricular opportunities

At The Aquila School in Dubailand, students discover their passions through a vibrant mix of sports, academics, arts, languages and leadership clubs, broadening their horizons beyond the classroom. 

State-of-the-art facilities
State-of-the-art facilities

Students unleash their curiosity and ambition in cutting-edge labs, sports arenas, urban farms and inspiring spaces crafted for every passion. 

International experiences
International experiences

At our British curriculum school in Dubai, students become global citizens through transformative journeys, international trips, cultural exchanges and leadership awards. 

Life competencies
Life competencies

Pupils embrace leadership from the earliest stages, developing key life skills through the IB’s Approaches to Learning framework. 

Inclusive and diverse community
Inclusive and diverse community

The Aquila’s community thrives on authentic connections, where genuine relationships are the foundation of belonging and shared purpose. 

Our core values

Message from our principal

Why choose The Aquila School, Dubai?

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.

Enquire now

Experience safe, happy learning at The Aquila School, where students grow curious and confident through our British curriculum, enriching activities, leadership opportunities and global experiences.

Enquire now