DESS vs DESC: Dubai English Speaking School and College compared
Dubai English Speaking School, in Oud Metha, is listed by KHDA under the UK curriculum and is rated Outstanding (2023-24) by KHDA; its KHDA fee table covers FS1 to Year 6. Annual payable tuition: AED 43,084 to AED 53,320. Dubai English Speaking College, in Dubai Academic City, is listed by KHDA under the UK curriculum and is rated Outstanding (2023-24) by KHDA; its KHDA fee table covers Year 7 to Year 13. Annual payable tuition: AED 84,325 to AED 90,633. The two KHDA fee tables meet where DESS ends at Year 6 and DESC begins at Year 7.
Last checked against KHDA on 22 October 2026.
Side by side
| Dubai English Speaking School | Dubai English Speaking College | |
|---|---|---|
| KHDA rating | Outstanding (2023-24) | Outstanding (2023-24) |
| Curriculum (KHDA listing) | UK | UK |
| Year groups (KHDA fee table) | FS1 to Year 6 | Year 7 to Year 13 |
| Annual tuition | AED 43,084 to AED 53,320 | AED 84,325 to AED 90,633 |
| Area | Oud Metha | Dubai Academic City |
Sources: KHDA directory entry for Dubai English Speaking School and KHDA directory entry for Dubai English Speaking College. Where a school publishes a discount on its KHDA fact sheets, the fee after that discount is shown. Fees rise with year group, so check the fee for your child's year with the school.
Frequently asked questions
Which is rated higher by KHDA, Dubai English Speaking School or Dubai English Speaking College?
Both are rated Outstanding by KHDA (2023-24).
Which has the lower starting fee?
Dubai English Speaking School has the lower lowest annual tuition, at AED 43,084, according to KHDA. Fees rise with year group, so compare the fee for your child's year.
Where are Dubai English Speaking School and Dubai English Speaking College?
Dubai English Speaking School is in Oud Metha and Dubai English Speaking College is in Dubai Academic City.
Are fees rising in 2026-27?
No. KHDA confirmed on 22 May 2026 that there will be no increase in school fees for private schools in Dubai for the 2026-27 academic year.