Dubai British School Jumeirah Park Admission Guide

You might want to consider Dubai British School Jumeirah Park (DBSJP) if you’re looking for a leading British curriculum school in Dubai. The school is known for academic excellence, a supportive environment, and a global outlook.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the admissions process, explain the all-important CAT4 assessment, give you an idea of tuition fees, and make sure you feel confident about your child’s application journey. 

Whether your child is starting school for the first time or transferring from another institution, we’ve got you covered!

What’s on This Page

Step 1: Starting with the Online Application

Whether they are applying from abroad or already in Dubai, parents will find it handy as the admissions process starts online. To complete an application, visit the official DBSJP admissions website.

You will want to be ready as follows before you begin:

  • Passport copy for the student and Emirates ID
  • Passport copies and Emirates IDs from parents
  • The birth certificate of the student
  • Immunization notes kept by the Dubai Health Authority
  • Previous school reports, minimum for the last academic year
  • Transfer certificate from the present school; if your kid has already taken the exam, this is necessary for KHDA registration
  • CAT4 results; if not available, don’t worry – we will explain below!

The application calls for a non-refundable AED 525 fee covering VAT. Standard throughout Taaleem schools, this charge pays for the administrative handling of your child’s application.

Tip: Unless your child is waitlisted, in which case you may transfer the cost, even if you are applying to many Taaleem schools, you will still have to pay the price for each one.

Once submitted, the admissions team will review your application and get in touch to guide you through the next stages. They’re very responsive and helpful, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any initial questions!

Step 2: Understanding the Assessment Process

After your application is submitted, DBSJP will invite your child for an assessment. This step ensures that the school can meet your child’s academic and personal needs while placing them in the right year group.

The process varies slightly depending on your child’s age:

For Early Years (Rising 3’s, FS1, and FS2):

The youngest learners are assessed in a warm, play-based environment. During the session, the staff gently observe:

  • Social interaction and how your child engages with others
  • Language and communication skills
  • Physical coordination and play preferences
  • Basic recognition of colours, shapes, numbers, and letters

The goal here is not to “pass or fail” but to understand your child’s developmental stage and ensure they are ready for the school setting.

For Lower Primary (Years 1–2):

Children in this group participate in informal activities designed to explore:

  • English language ability
  • Basic math and number sense
  • Social skills and behavior

Teachers observe how your child approaches tasks, interacts with peers, and responds to gentle prompts. It’s all done in a relaxed environment to keep children comfortable.

For Higher Primary (Years 3–6) and Secondary (Years 7–11):

Academic records are crucial in this case, and DBSJP will request your child’s CAT4 results if available. If they haven’t taken the test before, don’t worry — DBSJP will arrange it for them.

The assessment typically includes:

  • Reviewing school reports and references
  • A formal CAT4 assessment, which tests cognitive abilities like verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning
  • An interview for older students, focusing on their interests, strengths, and goals

Need to prepare for the CAT4?

Explore our CAT4 Test Guide. It covers every level from Pre-A to G, with practical insights to help your child feel confident on assessment day.

These evaluations help the school understand how your child learns best and ensure they receive the right support from day one.

Step 3: Receiving and Understanding the Offer

Once assessments are complete, the admissions team will review:

  • Academic records
  • Assessment results (including CAT4)
  • Any disclosed learning needs or support requirements

They will then issue one of the following:

  • Full Acceptance: Congratulations! Your child has secured a place.
    Conditional Acceptance: Some conditions may need to be met, such as additional learning support arrangements.
  • Waitlist Placement: If the year group is full, your child may be placed on the waitlist. The school keeps waitlist parents regularly updated.

Tip: Year groups like FS1 and Year 1 fill up quickly. Applying early increases your chances of getting your preferred start date!

The admissions team is transparent throughout, and you’ll receive clear communication about any next steps. If your child requires additional support, they’ll explain everything, including costs if applicable.

Step 4: Securing Your Child’s Place

If you receive an offer, you’ll need to confirm your child’s place promptly by paying the AED 4,000 registration deposit. This fee is deducted from the first term’s tuition and secures your child’s enrollment.

It’s also time to finalize your child’s KHDA registration, which is mandatory for all private schools in Dubai. The school will guide you through this, ensuring that all documents are correctly submitted.

If you’re an overseas family, DBSJP’s Admissions team will work closely with your child’s current school to make the transition as smooth as possible, including handling assessments remotely if needed.

Reminder: If you need to defer your child’s place due to unforeseen circumstances, DBSJP allows a one-year rollover of the application (depending on availability).

Step 5: Preparing for Orientation

Once everything is set, DBSJP warmly welcomes new families to orientation!

The orientation day is a wonderful way to:

  • Meet the leadership team and teachers
  • Tour the school and classrooms
  • Learn about daily routines, uniform requirements, and school expectations
  • Connect with other parents and families

Orientation helps children feel at ease before their first day and gives parents a chance to clarify any final details. It’s part of the school’s commitment to making the transition seamless for every family.

Pro tip: Check your inbox for the orientation invite — the school typically sends this after final enrolment.

Understanding Year Group Placement and Age Requirements

If you’re relocating to Dubai or moving from a different curriculum, you might be wondering how your child’s age and previous schooling will fit into the British curriculum structure at DBSJP. The good news is: the school has a clear, parent-friendly process!

At DBSJP, year-group placement follows guidelines set by the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority). The key rule is the cut-off date of 31st August — your child’s age as of this date determines their year group entry.

Here’s a quick look at the age-year equivalency:

Year GroupAge (as of 31st August)Equivalent Grade (US Curriculum)
FS13 years oldPre-KG
FS24 years oldKG1
Year 15 years oldKG2
Year 26 years oldGrade 1
Year 37 years oldGrade 2
Year 48 years oldGrade 3
Year 59 years oldGrade 4
Year 610 years oldGrade 5
Year 711 years oldGrade 6
Year 812 years oldGrade 7
Year 913 years oldGrade 8
Year 1014 years oldGrade 9
Year 1115 years oldGrade 10
Year 1216 years oldGrade 11
Year 1317 years oldGrade 12

Important points to note:

  • While age is the primary factor, DBSJP also considers your child’s previous school records, completion of the last academic year, and assessment results.
  • In some cases, if it’s in your child’s best interest, they may be placed in a year group lower than their age, but this will require parental consent and approval from KHDA.
  • For international families, DBSJP carefully reviews transcripts to ensure smooth transitions between educational systems, so your child won’t lose a year of study.

Tip: If you’re unsure about your child’s placement, discuss it early with the admissions team. They’ll help clarify everything and guide you through the KHDA process.

Preview of Tuition Fees at DBS Jumeirah Park

Before finalizing your application, it’s helpful to have a clear idea of the expected tuition fees. DBSJP follows a transparent fee structure aligned with the standards set by the KHDA, ensuring parents are well-informed from the start.

Here’s a general preview of the tuition range (subject to updates by the school):

Year GroupApproximate Annual Tuition (AED)
FS156,000 – 60,000
FS258,000 – 62,000
Year 1 – Year 665,000 – 75,000
Year 7 – Year 978,000 – 85,000
Year 10 – Year 1185,000 – 95,000
Year 12 – Year 1395,000 – 100,000+

Note: Fees are paid termly, and additional costs may apply for uniforms, transport, extracurricular activities, and external examination fees.

Registration and Re-Registration Fees

  • New Student Registration: AED 4,000 (non-refundable, deducted from first term fees)
  • Re-Registration for Continuing Students: AED 2,000 annually to hold your child’s place

Pro Tip: DBSJP occasionally offers sibling discounts or corporate packages — it’s worth checking with the admissions team for any current offers!

For the most accurate and updated fee schedule, always refer to the official DBSJP admissions page or reach out to the Admissions team directly.

Special Support for Students of Determination

Dubai British School Jumeirah Park is an inclusive environment that welcomes students of determination. If your child has special educational needs, the admissions team will work closely with the Head of Inclusion to ensure that the right support is in place.

Parents are encouraged to share all relevant reports and assessments early in the process. The school will not refuse admission based solely on learning needs, in line with Dubai’s Inclusive Education Policy.

For a deeper understanding of your rights as a parent, you can refer to the KHDA’s guide on inclusive education.

Final Checklist Before You Apply 

Let’s keep things simple! Here’s your admissions checklist:

  • Complete the online application
  • Gather and upload all required documents
  • Pay the application fee (AED 525)
  • Prepare for the assessment, including CAT4 (see the guides on our site)
  • Review and accept your offer
  • Finalise KHDA registration and pay the registration deposit
  • Attend orientation day!

Contact Dubai British School Jumeirah Park Admissions Team

Have more questions? The friendly Admissions team is ready to help.

Dubai British School Jumeirah Park
Jumeirah Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: admissions@dubaibritishschooljp.ae
Phone: +971 (0)4 552 0247
Website: dubaibritishschooljp.ae

They’re just a call or click away!

Explore DBSJP Through Video

Take a virtual tour and see DBSJP in action. Watch this YouTube video from DBSJP to experience the vibrant school life and community spirit.

Choosing the right school is a big decision, but with DBS Jumeirah Park, you can be confident your child is stepping into an environment where they will flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. With this guide, you’re fully prepared to start the application journey.