The UAE school pioneering personalised pathways to success by championing inclusion through its community-based approach
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, an independent kindergarten, primary and secondary school in Jumeirah Park, Dubai, UAE, is pioneering a community-driven approach that integrates families and the broader community into the learning journey, a rare approach in Dubai, to ensure every child is given a personalised pathway to success. Driven by community involvement, the comprehensive model gives equal weight to sports, art, and academia to ensure every child is seen and every talent is nurtured. With academic achievement a primary focus in the region, the role of sports and the arts in shaping personal development has often been neglected and the school sought to address this. Inclusivity was another challenge facing communities, particularly for learners with special needs who are often underserved. DBSJP was determined to address this gap by providing a learning environment where all students can receive support in a sanctuary of creativity, ambition, and belonging.
As part of the Taaleem Group, and the first school in the UAE to offer a comprehensive model of this type, the school welcomes children of all abilities, supported by personalised education that ensures no student is left behind. The empowering learning environment aims to help all types of students stretch the boundaries of their personal potential. Performance art is a pillar of the school, and students are given the opportunity to take instruction from and collaborate with some of the world’s foremost creative minds. An alliance with Barcelona's Football Escola allows students to train with and learn invaluable sporting skills, discipline, and teamwork from world-class athletes.
To ingrain its culture of inclusion, Michelin-starred chefs transform the dining experience to ensure that each meal becomes a moment for sharing and connection through nourishment. A vibrant media centre and strong pastoral care are at the heart of the school, empowering students to share their stories and support and inspire one another.
The model integrates families and the community, with a strong focus on support. With Dubai offering limited access to community-based schools, its position within a family-oriented community means children can walk or bike to school, with parents often describing the school as having a “family-like atmosphere”. In the evenings, the school comes alive as a community centre, a unique space in this region. It has become a home away from home, where students, staff, and parents unite in a culture of kindness, belonging, and shared purpose. Parents are deeply involved in the learning process, and through consistent collaboration, the school is able to adapt the approach based on parents’ feedback to ensure learners stay engaged. Collaborations with community partners deliver key social initiatives like international days and charity drives that enhance the student experience, in and beyond school hours.
The school has a 100% pass rate, with over 70% of students at A-level achieving B grades or above, and a 100% university acceptance rate. Home to more than 2,000 students from over 90 nationalities, serving high achievers and children who require more tailored support, the school is truly inclusive and has been awarded a historic UK Inclusion Award, the first of its kind in the UAE. Students excel in national and international sporting tournaments. It was recognised as the Best School for Theatre, Dance, and Performing Arts in 2023, and became the first ever Taaleem school, in its 20-year history, to win the British School in the Middle East (BSME) Games. Enrolment has grown from 1,000 to over 2,100 students in five years, and it ranked number one in the Top Ten of Dubai Schools in 2024. Each year, graduating students leave as more than just scholars, but leaders, innovators, and changemakers, earning places at some of the world’s most prestigious tertiary institutions. The school places a high priority on the wellbeing of its staff and was recently awarded platinum certification as Best School to Work in the UAE.
Despite the competitive nature of Dubai’s education market, the school aims to be as collaborative as possible, often sharing practices and opening its doors to others to share ideas and best practices.
