UAE school news, 7 to 13 September 2026

Between Monday 7 September and Sunday 13 September 2026, 20 private schools across the UAE announced 23 verifiable developments on their own websites and social channels.

This week in brief: 6 exam results, 2 admissions or campus announcements, 4 new programmes, 5 leadership changes and 6 awards and competition results. By emirate: Dubai 15, Abu Dhabi 7, Sharjah 1.

Exam and assessment results

Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills (Dubai): The school announced outstanding results for its 15-year-old cohort in the latest PISA global assessments, reporting scores of 610 in reading literacy, 620 in mathematics literacy and 624 in science literacy, each well above the corresponding OECD averages of 461, 463 and 482, which it described as historic, world-class progress. (Instagram post, 12 September)
GEMS Al Khaleej International School (Dubai): In PISA 2025, IB students scored 594 in Science, 578 in Mathematics and 564 in Reading, exceeding Dubai IB averages in all three domains. American curriculum students scored 516 in Science, 502 in Mathematics and 494 in Reading, above the Dubai US-curriculum averages in every domain. (Instagram post, 11 September)
GEMS Founders School (Dubai): Students scored 535 in science, 524 in mathematics and 526 in reading in PISA 2025, exceeding both the Dubai and OECD averages across all three assessed areas, which the school attributes to its whole community's commitment to excellence. (Instagram post, 11 September)
GEMS Wellington International School (Dubai): The school announced its PISA 2025 results, with students performing above both the OECD average and the Dubai private school average across all three assessed areas. The school credited the dedication of its students, teachers and wider community for the achievement. (Instagram post, 10 September)
Emirates International School, Meadows (Dubai): EISM reports strong PISA 2025 performance in Science, Mathematics and Reading, outperforming Dubai private-school and OECD averages in every subject. Results already reach the lower threshold of its PISA 2029 targets four years early, with improvement in all three subjects since PISA 2022. (Instagram post, 9 September)
Raffles International School (Dubai): The school's Extended Project Qualification cohort achieved 12 A grades, including 3 A* grades, alongside 5 B grades. The school describes the EPQ as highly valued by universities for developing independent research and project management skills. (Instagram post, 8 September)

Admissions, campuses and fees

Pace British School (Sharjah): The school has released its official fee structure for the 2026/27 academic year for new admissions, covering FS1 through Year 13. Annual fees for FS1, FS2 and Year 1 are each AED 19,000, excluding a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of AED 500. Fees vary by year group and rise through the stages. (school's website, 10 September)
Victory Heights Primary School (Dubai): Year 6 pupils have begun using the school's new science laboratory, carrying out hands-on investigations into the pH levels of different substances and exploring what makes them acidic or alkaline. The school presents the lab as part of its emphasis on experimental, hands-on science learning. (Instagram post, 8 September)

Curriculum, programmes and accreditation

Jumeira Baccalaureate School (Dubai): Taaleem has signed a memorandum of understanding with St. George's University, creating enhanced medical pathways for students across its schools. The collaboration provides access to medical education opportunities, scholarship support and guidance for students considering a future in healthcare. The school's principal, Richard Drew, commented on the partnership. (Instagram post, 13 September)
Regent International Private School (Dubai): Regent's Head of Maths in Secondary, Muhammad Bhankarally, explained how Further Maths has grown from a subject option and extracurricular offering into a full-time curriculum subject this year. The update was shared in the school's weekly video alongside highlights of the Jeans for Genes Day charity initiative. (Instagram post, 11 September)
GEMS School of Research and Innovation (Dubai): The school launched a new student golf development experience on campus in partnership with the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, built around professional expertise, performance technology and support for young golfers from first swings to competitive ambition. (Instagram post, 10 September)
Dubai College (Dubai): A new academic enrichment programme, Charlton's Scholars Series, is being launched for all Year 11 students. It focuses on interdisciplinary exploration of questions about knowledge, power and the future, building analytical and intellectual skills valued by universities and employers beyond examinations. (school's website, 7 September)

Leadership changes

Liwa International School Al Mushrif (Abu Dhabi): Liwa International School Al Mushrif has introduced Ms Sabah Rasheed as its new principal. The school describes a values-based environment with an international teaching team. (Instagram post, 11 September)
Lycee Louis Massignon (Abu Dhabi): Lycée Louis Massignon has introduced Mr David Binan as its new Principal at the start of the school year. In a back-to-school message to families, he shared his ambitions for the year and stressed high standards, trust and collective success. (Instagram post, 11 September)
GEMS School of Research and Innovation (Dubai): The school introduced Richard Jones as its incoming Principal in the first of a planned series of conversations, in which he shares his perspective on education, opportunity and preparing young people for the future ahead of the next chapter at the school. (Instagram post, 11 September)
Brighton College Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi): The school announced the appointment of Mr Nick Crafts as its new Head of Senior School, highlighting his leadership experience in pupil achievement, pastoral care and curriculum development gained across UK and international school settings. (Instagram post, 9 September)
Horizon Private School - Branch, Khalifa City (Abu Dhabi): The school held a meeting with its Parent Council to introduce Jouliana Abdel Samad as the new Vice Principal. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the school and the Parent Council to support students and the wider school community. (Instagram post, 7 September)

Awards and competitions

Dunes International School (Abu Dhabi): The school's primary section has been shortlisted for 'Primary School Team of the Year' at the Education Achievement Awards organised by Stratos Pulse, recognising its educators' collaborative spirit and innovative teaching. (Instagram post, 11 September)
British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) (Abu Dhabi): Students at the school were recognised at a Duke of Edinburgh's International Award ceremony, achieving 69 Bronze Awards and 20 Silver Awards after completing expeditions across the UAE's deserts and mountains, along with volunteering and skills development. (Instagram post, 10 September)
Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills (Dubai): Teams from Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills competed at the World Scholar's Cup Dubai Global Round 2026. The Senior Team earned 13 medals collectively, while the Junior Team placed 2nd in Junior Collaborative Writing. (Instagram post, 10 September)
The Philippine School (Dubai): Four TPS senior teams delivered strong performances at the WSC Global Round in Dubai across Debate, Bowl, Writing and Challenge subjects, finishing as 2nd Overall Champion with 117 medals and 11 trophies, including two subject champions. (Instagram post, 10 September)
Dunes International School (Abu Dhabi): Dunes International School Abu Dhabi was named winner in the School Category at the Global Sustainability Awards 2026. The school describes the award as recognition of sustainability becoming part of its culture, involving students, staff and the wider community. (Instagram post, 9 September)
JSS Private School (Dubai): Middle School educators and its STREAM-ER Programme have been shortlisted at the Education Achievement Awards by Stratos Pulse, across categories including Science Teacher of the Year, Math Teacher of the Year, and STEM Program of the Year. (Instagram post, 8 September)

Previous edition: UAE school news, 31 August to 6 September 2026.