Safa British School

Q: Where is Safa British School located in Dubai?

Safa British School operates in Jumeirah & Wasl, Dubai 's coastal district. Families in Al Safa, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Downtown reach the campus via Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road.

Q: What curriculum does Safa British School offer?

The school follows the British curriculum based on the National Curriculum for England, covering Foundation Stage through GCSE examinations in Year 11 .

Q: What age groups and grade levels are available at Safa British School?

Safa British School enrols students from FS1 to Year 11 , providing education from age 3 to 16 years. The school does not currently offer sixth form.

Q: What are the tuition fees at Safa British School?

Tuition ranges from AED 45,428 to AED 73,550 per year, based on year group. Additional costs may apply.

Q: Who is Safa British School best suited for?

Safa British School is best suited for families seeking quality British education with strong academic foundations. The school attracts residents of Al Safa, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, and Business Bay seeking British education with comprehensive IGCSE and A-Level pathways.

2023-2024Very good

Curriculum

British

Annual Fees

45K - 74K AED

Location

Al Wasl

About Safa British School

Last updated 15 September 2026 · Sources: KHDA inspection reports · methodology

Safa British School is a British school established in 2005 in Al Safa. The school provides UK education for boys and girls aged 3 to 16, offering classes from FS1 to Year 11.

Approximately 1,540 students attend the school, supported by a curriculum that adheres to the UK National Curriculum framework. The programme prepares students for GCSE and IGCSE qualifications, ensuring a comprehensive pathway through their academic journey.

The school holds BSO accreditation and has received a "Very Good" rating from KHDA for the 2023-2024 academic year, reflecting its commitment to quality standards.

Annual tuition fees range from AED 45,428 to AED 73,550, depending on grade level. The campus is conveniently located for families residing in Al Wasl, Street 9A, Umm Al Sheif, and Jumeira 1.

Location

Al Safa

Fees & Admissions

The academic year of some recorded fees has not been verified against its source. Confirm current rates with the school before using them.

Grade Level	Annual Fees (recorded)	Est. Monthly
FS 12026-2027 (year unverified)	45,428 AED	~3,786 AED
FS22026-2027 (year unverified)	49,754 AED	~4,146 AED
YEAR 12026-2027 (year unverified)	49,754 AED	~4,146 AED
YEAR 22026-2027 (year unverified)	54,081 AED	~4,507 AED
YEAR 32026-2027 (year unverified)	54,081 AED	~4,507 AED
YEAR 42026-2027 (year unverified)	58,407 AED	~4,867 AED
YEAR 52026-2027 (year unverified)	58,407 AED	~4,867 AED
YEAR 62026-2027 (year unverified)	60,571 AED	~5,048 AED
YEAR 72026-2027 (year unverified)	62,733 AED	~5,228 AED
YEAR 82026-2027 (year unverified)	64,897 AED	~5,408 AED
YEAR 92026-2027 (year unverified)	67,060 AED	~5,588 AED
YEAR 102026-2027 (year unverified)	70,305 AED	~5,859 AED
YEAR 112026-2027 (year unverified)	70,305 AED	~5,859 AED
YEAR 12 (Advance)2026-2027 (year unverified)	73,550 AED	~6,129 AED
YEAR 13 (Advance)2026-2027 (year unverified)	73,550 AED	~6,129 AED

Inspection Report

KHDA rated Safa British School "Very good" in its 2023-2024 inspection, its third consecutive "Very good". The school has been inspected 14 times since 2008-2009.

Latest Rating (2023-2024)

Very good

Download Report

What inspectors found in 2023-2024

Strengths noted by inspectors

Inspirational leadership, highly committed governors and fully engaged parents
Students' outstanding attitudes, behaviour and relationships
Broad and ambitious curriculum supporting strong academic success
High level of support ensuring students' safety, welfare and wellbeing
Strong commitment to inclusion and wellbeing embedded across the school

What the school was asked to improve

Raise attainment and progress in Islamic Education and Arabic
Improve consistency of teaching by sharing best practice across the school
Improve self-evaluation and improvement planning
Ensure quality and validity of self-evaluation and improvement documents are consistent and prioritised

Source: KHDA inspection report 2023-2024 (PDF, pages 1–21), inspected 27 to 01 December 2023. Restated by BestSchool.ae.

Since the 2022-2023 inspection

Of the 65 performance indicators rated in both reports, 10 improved, 0 declined and 55 kept the same rating.

Students

1,389 → 1,540

+151 (+11%)

Teachers

106 → 140

+34 (+32%)

Students of determination

292 → 264

-28 (-10%)

Emirati students

72 → 90

+18 (+25%)

Improved

Arabic as an Additional Language — Attainment · Primary: Acceptable → Good
English — Attainment · Secondary: Very good → Outstanding
English — Progress · Foundation Stage: Very good → Outstanding
English — Progress · Secondary: Very good → Outstanding
Mathematics — Attainment · Primary: Very good → Outstanding
Mathematics — Progress · Primary: Very good → Outstanding
Science — Attainment · Primary: Very good → Outstanding
Science — Progress · Foundation Stage: Very good → Outstanding

and 2 more

Did Safa British School act on the 2022-2023 recommendations?

Of the 5 recommendations made in 2022-2023, 5 can be checked against the 2023-2024 ratings: 1 show an improvement, 4 no change yet.

Share and embed best practices in teaching, learning and assessment across all subjectsNo change yet
6 related indicators kept their ratings in 2023-2024
Ensure the long-term improvement plan builds on curriculum breadth to meet needs of all Upper Secondary studentsImproved
The effectiveness of leadership: Very good → Outstanding
Use assessment data more effectively to guide teaching and curriculum design, especially in Islamic EducationNo change yet
19 related indicators kept their ratings in 2023-2024
Provide more accurate and consistent feedback to students on how to improve their workNo change yet
3 related indicators kept their ratings in 2023-2024
Improve students' progress in Secondary Arabic to match progress made in PrimaryNo change yet
4 related indicators kept their ratings in 2023-2024

Performance standards by year (73 indicators, 6 inspections)

Indicator	Phase	2015-2016	2016-2017	2017-2018	2019-2020	2022-2023	2023-2024
Students' achievement
Islamic education — Attainment	Foundation Stage	N/A	N/A	—	—	—	—
Islamic education — Progress	Foundation Stage	N/A	N/A	—	—	—	—
Islamic Education — Attainment	Primary	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
Islamic Education — Progress	Primary	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good	Good	Good	Good
Arabic as a first language — Attainment	Foundation Stage	N/A	N/A	—	—	—	—
Arabic as a first language — Progress	Foundation Stage	N/A	N/A	—	—	—	—
Arabic as a First Language — Attainment	Primary	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
Arabic as a First Language — Progress	Primary	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good	Good	Good
Arabic as an additional language — Attainment	Foundation Stage	N/A	N/A	—	—	—	—
Arabic as an additional language — Progress	Foundation Stage	N/A	N/A	—	—	—	—
Arabic as an Additional Language — Attainment	Primary	Acceptable	Weak	Weak	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good
Arabic as an Additional Language — Progress	Primary	Acceptable	Weak	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good	Good
English — Attainment	Foundation Stage	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good	Good	Very good	Very good
English — Progress	Foundation Stage	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Very good	Outstanding
English — Attainment	Primary	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Very good	Very good
English — Progress	Primary	Good	Good	Very good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Mathematics — Attainment	Foundation Stage	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Mathematics — Progress	Foundation Stage	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Mathematics — Attainment	Primary	Good	Good	Very good	Very good	Very good	Outstanding
Mathematics — Progress	Primary	Good	Good	Very good	Very good	Very good	Outstanding
Science — Attainment	Foundation Stage	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good	Good	Very good	Very good
Science — Progress	Foundation Stage	Good	Acceptable	Good	Very good	Very good	Outstanding
Science — Attainment	Primary	Good	Good	Very good	Very good	Very good	Outstanding
Science — Progress	Primary	Good	Good	Very good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Learning skills	Foundation Stage	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Learning skills	Primary	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Islamic Education — Attainment	Secondary	—	—	—	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
Islamic Education — Progress	Secondary	—	—	—	Good	Good	Good
Arabic as a First Language — Attainment	Secondary	—	—	—	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
Arabic as a First Language — Progress	Secondary	—	—	—	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
Arabic as an Additional Language — Attainment	Secondary	—	—	—	Weak	Acceptable	Acceptable
Arabic as an Additional Language — Progress	Secondary	—	—	—	Acceptable	Acceptable	Acceptable
English — Attainment	Secondary	—	—	—	Good	Very good	Outstanding
English — Progress	Secondary	—	—	—	Very good	Very good	Outstanding
Mathematics — Attainment	Secondary	—	—	—	Very good	Very good	Very good
Mathematics — Progress	Secondary	—	—	—	Very good	Very good	Very good
Science — Attainment	Secondary	—	—	—	Very good	Very good	Very good
Science — Progress	Secondary	—	—	—	Very good	Very good	Outstanding
Learning skills	Secondary	—	—	—	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Students' personal and social development, and their innovation skills
Personal development	Foundation Stage	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Personal development	Primary	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures	Foundation Stage	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures	Primary	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Social responsibility and innovation skills	Foundation Stage	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Social responsibility and innovation skills	Primary	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Personal development	Secondary	—	—	—	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures	Secondary	—	—	—	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Social responsibility and innovation skills	Secondary	—	—	—	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Teaching and assessment
Teaching for effective learning	Foundation Stage	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Teaching for effective learning	Primary	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Very good	Very good
Assessment	Foundation Stage	Acceptable	Acceptable	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Assessment	Primary	Good	Acceptable	Good	Very good	Very good	Very good
Teaching for effective learning	Secondary	—	—	—	Very good	Very good	Very good
Assessment	Secondary	—	—	—	Very good	Very good	Very good
Curriculum
Curriculum design and implementation	Foundation Stage	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum design and implementation	Primary	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum adaptation	Foundation Stage	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum adaptation	Primary	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum design and implementation	Secondary	—	—	—	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Curriculum adaptation	Secondary	—	—	—	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
The protection, care, guidance and support of students
Health and safety, including arrangements for child protection/safeguarding	Foundation Stage	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Health and safety, including arrangements for child protection/safeguarding	Primary	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Care and support	Foundation Stage	Good	Good	Good	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Care and support	Primary	Good	Good	Good	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Provision and outcomes for students with SEND	Whole school	—	Good	—	—	—	—
Health and safety, including arrangements for child protection/safeguarding	Secondary	—	—	—	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Care and support	Secondary	—	—	—	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Leadership and management
The effectiveness of leadership	Whole school	Good	Good	Very good	Very good	Very good	Outstanding
School self-evaluation and improvement planning	Whole school	Good	Acceptable	Good	Very good	Very good	Very good
Parents and the community	Whole school	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding	Outstanding
Governance	Whole school	Good	Acceptable	Good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Management, staffing, facilities and resources	Whole school	Very good	Very good	Very good	Very good	Outstanding	Outstanding
Provision for students with SEND
The overall effectiveness of provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities	Whole school	Good	—	—	—	—	—

Earlier inspections

2022-2023Very good

Safa British School provides a very good quality of education, with outstanding learning skills, personal development, curriculum and care across all phases. Mathematics and English are particularly strong, though Arabic and Islamic Education attainment lag, and teaching consistency across subjects needs improvement.

Strengths noted by inspectors

Highly inclusive school culture with excellent support for students' wellbeing
Strong Foundation Stage provision where teachers unlock every child's potential
Outstanding student behaviour, respect for Islamic values and strong work ethic
Enthusiastic students engaging with an interesting, motivating and diverse curriculum
Strong respect and support from governors and parents for leaders and teachers

What the school was asked to improve

Share and embed best practices in teaching, learning and assessment across all subjects
Ensure the long-term improvement plan builds on curriculum breadth to meet needs of all Upper Secondary students
Use assessment data more effectively to guide teaching and curriculum design, especially in Islamic Education
Provide more accurate and consistent feedback to students on how to improve their work
Improve students' progress in Secondary Arabic to match progress made in Primary

Source: KHDA inspection report 2022-2023 (PDF, pages 2–20), inspected 23 to 27 January 2023. Restated by BestSchool.ae.

2019-2020Very good

Safa British School is a very good school with outstanding personal development, attendance and parent partnerships. Teaching, curriculum and care are strong across phases. Islamic education and Arabic remain weaker areas, needing more challenge and better identification of starting points.

Strengths noted by inspectors

Outstanding personal development, social responsibility and attendance of students
Very good teaching, assessment, curriculum design and adaptation across the school
Outstanding health and safety, child protection, care and support arrangements
Outstanding partnership with parents and the community
Very good leadership, self-evaluation, governance and management

What the school was asked to improve

Ensure greater consistency in teaching quality across all subjects and phases
Systematically develop literacy, enterprise and innovation skills in Foundation Stage
Encourage independent learning and greater challenge in Islamic education
Accurately identify and use students' starting points in Arabic to improve progress
Encourage students to make more effective use of self-assessment in their learning
Improve science laboratory facilities to support practical lessons

Source: KHDA inspection report 2019-2020 (PDF, pages 2–22), inspected 20 to 22 January 2020. Restated by BestSchool.ae.

2017-2018Good

Safa British School is good overall, with outstanding personal development and strong primary progress in English, maths and science. Leadership is very good, driven by a purposeful principal and supportive governors. Arabic as an additional language remains weak, and Foundation Stage attainment and SEND progress need further development.

Strengths noted by inspectors

Very good progress in primary English, mathematics and science
Excellent student behaviour, work ethic and care for their environment
Strong emphasis on healthy lifestyles, healthy eating and physical activities
Energetic, purposeful leadership with outstanding parental support
Positive impact of the governing body on school improvement since the last inspection

What the school was asked to improve

Modify Arabic teaching strategies and curriculum to address gaps in students' learning
Raise Foundation Stage attainment by sharing very good teaching practice and raising expectations
Provide sustained opportunities for students to develop enquiry and critical thinking skills
Set clearer targets in personal learning programmes to accelerate progress for students with SEND
Monitor classroom teaching more closely to ensure it meets the needs of all students

Source: KHDA inspection report 2017-2018 (PDF, pages 2–25), inspected 9 to 11 October 2017. Restated by BestSchool.ae.

2016-2017Good

Safa British School provides a good quality of education, marked by outstanding personal development, social responsibility and innovation skills, and strong health and safety and parent partnerships. However, Arabic as an additional language is weak, FS attainment is only acceptable, and governance and self-evaluation need strengthening under the newly appointed head teacher.

Strengths noted by inspectors

New head teacher shows strong commitment, evidenced by the newly developed STEAM facility.
Good teaching has led to well-developed learning skills and good progress, especially in English and mathematics.
Students show outstanding personal development, social responsibility and innovation skills school-wide.
Outstanding provision for health, safety and partnerships with parents and the community.

What the school was asked to improve

Urgently improve attainment and progress in Arabic as an additional language by monitoring new teaching strategies and assessment methods.
Improve FS children's knowledge and skills in English, mathematics and science through better teaching and assessment use.
Establish effective internal assessment processes and use accurate international benchmark data to monitor progress.
Ensure governance fulfils responsibilities of broad representation, monitoring for accountability, and supporting the new head teacher.

Source: KHDA inspection report 2016-2017 (PDF, pages 2–25), inspected 7th to 9th November 2016. Restated by BestSchool.ae.

2015-2016Good

Al Safa Private School was judged good overall, with outstanding personal development and parent partnerships. Primary attainment and progress in English, mathematics and science were good, though Foundation Stage attainment and Arabic/Islamic education remained acceptable, and self-evaluation planning lacked sharp focus.

Strengths noted by inspectors

Outstanding personal development and social responsibility skills across Foundation Stage and Primary
Outstanding partnerships with parents and the community, with frequent, effective communication
Good progress in English, mathematics and science in Primary, with good attainment too
Outstanding health and safety, including child protection and safeguarding arrangements
Improved provision and communication with parents for students with SEND since the last inspection
Very good management, staffing, facilities and resources supporting the school

What the school was asked to improve

Improve attainment and progress in Foundation Stage English, mathematics and science to at least good
Strengthen Arabic and Islamic education attainment and progress, particularly recitation and writing skills
Make identification and support for students with SEND more consistent across Foundation Stage, English and Arabic
Sharpen improvement plans so they focus clearly on key priorities rather than being too numerous
Improve consistency of attendance figures across all grades

Source: KHDA inspection report 2015-2016 (PDF, pages 2–22), inspected 9 to 11 November 2015. Restated by BestSchool.ae.

Rating History

2022-2023Very good

2019-2020Very good

2018-2019Good

2017-2018Good

Quality Indicators

2023-2024 inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Safa British School located in Dubai?

Safa British School operates in Jumeirah & Wasl, Dubai's coastal district. Families in Al Safa, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Downtown reach the campus via Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road.

What curriculum does Safa British School offer?

The school follows the British curriculum based on the National Curriculum for England, covering Foundation Stage through GCSE examinations in Year 11.

What age groups and grade levels are available at Safa British School?

Safa British School enrols students from FS1 to Year 11, providing education from age 3 to 16 years. The school does not currently offer sixth form.

What are the tuition fees at Safa British School?

Tuition ranges from AED 45,428 to AED 73,550 per year, based on year group. Additional costs may apply.

Who is Safa British School best suited for?

Safa British School is best suited for families seeking quality British education with strong academic foundations. The school attracts residents of Al Safa, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, and Business Bay seeking British education with comprehensive IGCSE and A-Level pathways.

What is Safa British School's KHDA inspection rating?

KHDA rated Safa British School "Very good" in its 2023-2024 inspection, its third consecutive "Very good". The school has been inspected 14 times since 2008-2009.

What did KHDA inspectors say about Safa British School in 2023-2024?

Safa British School is rated very good overall, with outstanding leadership, wellbeing, and personal development. English, mathematics and science achievement are strong across phases, while Islamic Education and Arabic attainment remain weaker, and improvement plans lack clear prioritisation. Strengths noted by the inspectors in 2023-2024: inspirational leadership, highly committed governors and fully engaged parents; students' outstanding attitudes, behaviour and relationships; broad and ambitious curriculum supporting strong academic success; high level of support ensuring students' safety, welfare and wellbeing; strong commitment to inclusion and wellbeing embedded across the school.

What was Safa British School asked to improve in its 2023-2024 inspection?

The 2023-2024 KHDA report recommended that the school: raise attainment and progress in Islamic Education and Arabic; improve consistency of teaching by sharing best practice across the school; improve self-evaluation and improvement planning; ensure quality and validity of self-evaluation and improvement documents are consistent and prioritised.

Has Safa British School improved since its 2022-2023 inspection?

Between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 inspections, 10 of the 65 indicators rated in both reports improved, 0 declined and 55 kept the same rating. Improvements include Arabic as an Additional Language — Attainment (Primary) from Acceptable to Good, English — Attainment (Secondary) from Very good to Outstanding, English — Progress (Foundation Stage) from Very good to Outstanding. Enrolment went from 1,389 to 1,540 students (+11%). Of the 5 recommendations made in 2022-2023, 5 can be checked against the 2023-2024 ratings and 1 was followed by a measurable improvement.

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At a Glance

From the 2023-2024 inspection profile

Grades

FS1 to Year 11

Age

3 to 16

Students

1,540

Genders

Boys and girls

Curriculum

Language

English

School Profile

As reported for 2023-2024

Principal

Brian Barrie Horwell

Since 2/21/2018

Opening year

2005

Teachers

140 (+59 assistants)

Counsellors

Largest nationality teachers

United Kingdom

Largest nationality students

Arabic

Emirati students

Determination students

264

Accreditation

BSO

Curriculum examinations

GCSE, IGCSE

Last inspection: 27 to 01December 2023

About Safa British School

Last updated 15 September 2026 · Sources: KHDA inspection reports · methodology

Safa British School is a British school established in 2005 in Al Safa. The school provides UK education for boys and girls aged 3 to 16, offering classes from FS1 to Year 11.

The school holds BSO accreditation and has received a "Very Good" rating from KHDA for the 2023-2024 academic year, reflecting its commitment to quality standards.

Annual tuition fees range from AED 45,428 to AED 73,550, depending on grade level. The campus is conveniently located for families residing in Al Wasl, Street 9A, Umm Al Sheif, and Jumeira 1.

Grade Level

Annual Fees (recorded)

Est. Monthly

Fact Sheet

FS 12026-2027 (year unverified)

45,428 AED

~3,786 AED

FS22026-2027 (year unverified)

49,754 AED

~4,146 AED

YEAR 12026-2027 (year unverified)

49,754 AED

~4,146 AED

YEAR 22026-2027 (year unverified)

54,081 AED

~4,507 AED

YEAR 32026-2027 (year unverified)

54,081 AED

~4,507 AED

YEAR 42026-2027 (year unverified)

58,407 AED

~4,867 AED

YEAR 52026-2027 (year unverified)

58,407 AED

~4,867 AED

YEAR 62026-2027 (year unverified)

60,571 AED

~5,048 AED

YEAR 72026-2027 (year unverified)

62,733 AED

~5,228 AED

YEAR 82026-2027 (year unverified)

64,897 AED

~5,408 AED

YEAR 92026-2027 (year unverified)

67,060 AED

~5,588 AED

YEAR 102026-2027 (year unverified)

70,305 AED

~5,859 AED

YEAR 112026-2027 (year unverified)

70,305 AED

~5,859 AED

YEAR 12 (Advance)2026-2027 (year unverified)

73,550 AED

~6,129 AED

YEAR 13 (Advance)2026-2027 (year unverified)

73,550 AED

~6,129 AED

Inspection Report

KHDA rated Safa British School "Very good" in its 2023-2024 inspection, its third consecutive "Very good". The school has been inspected 14 times since 2008-2009.

Latest Rating (2023-2024)

Very good

Download Report