GEMS Founders School Dubai Admission Guide for Parents (2025-2026)

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If you are looking for a high-quality British curriculum school in Dubai that is academically focused, inclusive, and supportive of each child’s journey, GEMS Founders School Dubai (GFS) may be the place for you.

GFS has more than 4,000 students from more than 100 different countries and is known for its strong academic foundations and student-centered approach.

This guide will explain each step of the school’s admission process, including the online application, the CAT4 test, interviews, and more.

Let’s dive right in and ensure a smooth application process

What’s on This Page

Why You Should Choose GEMS Founders School?

The GEMS Founder School, located in the heart of Al Barsha South, provides the National Curriculum for England from FS1 to Year 13. They give importance to digital learning, student welfare, diversity, and personalized academic assistance. 

Subject to seat availability, GFS accepts applications all year long, regardless of whether your child is just beginning their educational journey or is moving from another school.

Here are just a few reasons why parents choose GFS:

  • Diverse and inclusive learning environment
  • Emphasis on academic progress and pastoral care
  • Transparent and supportive admissions process
  • Consistent use of external benchmarking tests like CAT4, NGRT, and GL Progress Tests
  • Excellent facilities for academics, arts, and sports

Watch a quick tour of their campus:

Admissions Timeline and Overview

At GFS, the admissions process is designed to be accessible, clear, and responsive. Throughout the year, parents can apply online. But it’s best to apply as soon as possible, particularly during years with high demand.

Step 1: Submit the Online Application

Go to the GEMS Founders School Admissions Page and complete the application form. You will need to upload/submit the following files:

  • Student passport copy
  • UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
  • Passport-sized photo
  • Parent Emirates ID
  • School reports from the past academic year
  • Any educational assessments or SEN documentation (if applicable)

There’s no application fee at this stage; just ensure all information is accurate and complete.

Step 2: Admissions Review

The admissions staff will choose which tests are required after looking over the application. Based on their academic background and year level, the admissions team might ask the student to participate in the following tests:

  • Academic screening
  • CAT4 Test (if applicable)
  • English assessment (especially for non-native speakers)
  • Interview with a senior leader or teacher

Such information is important to help the school understand the student’s current learning level and readiness for the curriculum.

Understanding the CAT4 Test at GFS

The Cognitive Abilities Test, or CAT4, is an important test used in the admissions process. The test provides a view of students’ thought and learning processes that goes beyond what grades alone can show.

Unlike academic tests, CAT4 evaluates a child’s reasoning abilities in four distinct areas:

  • Verbal Reasoning—working with words and language
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning—solving visual patterns and puzzles
  • Quantitative Reasoning—interpreting numerical patterns
  • Spatial Reasoning—understanding shapes and space

These skills help teachers adapt their lessons to each student’s unique cognitive profile and are significant predictors of academic success.

Who Takes the CAT4 Test?

At GFS, CAT4 is administered every two academic years as part of the school’s overall progress monitoring. It is also used as an entry requirement for specific year groups:

CAT4 is required for:

  • All students in Years 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12
  • New applicants to Years 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11

Children entering FS1, FS2, and Year 1 do not take the CAT4 test. Since previous results and academic performance guide progression, Year 13 does not repeat the CAT4 test.

What Should Parents Expect?

CAT4 is not a pass-or-fail test but a diagnostic tool that helps GFS understand how your child learns, where they may need support, and how their skills compare to age-level expectations. After the test, parents receive a clear report showing performance across reasoning categories. 

While there’s no official passing score, higher results will give your child a better chance of being offered a place, especially with many students competing for limited spots.

To help your child prepare, we suggest reading our complete CAT4 Test guide, which offers level-specific resources, advice, and a breakdown of question types.

Step 3: Student Interview or Interaction (Where Applicable)

For younger students or those applying for FS1–Year 1, the school may conduct a play-based interaction session or informal meeting to observe basic communication, socialization, and early learning skills.

Older students may be interviewed to assess their:

  • Academic goals and interests
  • English communication skills
  • Adjustment readiness to the British curriculum

The meeting isn’t a high-pressure session; it’s simply to understand how your child might fit into the GFS environment.

Step 4: Offer and Registration

An offer letter will be sent to you via email if your child passes the tests and meets the requirements for admission. The letter contains information about the curriculum, the year group, and the next steps.

To confirm your spot, you’ll need to:

  • Accept the offer online
  • Pay the registration fee (this is non-refundable)
  • Submit any remaining documentation (like attested transfer certificates)

Once confirmed, the spot is secured, and your GFS journey begins!

Additional External Assessments at GFS

Aside from CAT4, GFS uses various assessments to monitor student progress and ensure learning goals are met.

New Group Reading Test (NGRT)

The NGRT evaluates a child’s reading age, comprehension, and sentence skills from Year 2 to Year 10. It’s useful for:

  • EAL students (English as an Additional Language)
  • Identifying reading gaps early
  • Tailoring literacy interventions

Parents receive a report showing their child’s reading age and comprehension level relative to their chronological age.

GL Progress Tests

Students in Years 4 to 10 also take GL Progress Tests in:

  • English
  • Math
  • Science

These tests provide data on every child’s academic performance and growth, thus supporting evidence-based instruction. GFS also collects classroom performance data to guide decisions about instruction, offer interventions, or extend learning for high achievers.

PASS Survey

The Pupil Attitude to Self and School, or PASS, survey is conducted every year, from Year 1 to Year 13, to help teachers comprehend how the students perceive education, educators, school life, and self-confidence.

Although parents aren’t notified directly of the results, teachers may get in touch with you if you require help with any behavioral or emotional issues.

Key Admission Considerations

Here are a few more things to keep in mind during the admissions process:

  • FS and Year 1 applicants are assessed more on readiness and behavior than academic scores
  • Transfer students may be placed in a different year group depending on their previous curriculum
  • Students of Determination are welcome, and GFS provides inclusion support in line with KHDA guidelines
  • Sibling priority is available, but does not guarantee a place
  • GFS generally follows the British year placement system, but flexibility is allowed based on assessment outcomes

Tuition Fees and Payment Options at GFS

Thanks to its clear and affordable tuition fees, GEMS Founders School Dubai is among the more affordable British curriculum schools in the city without compromising quality.

Annual Tuition Fees by Year Group

As of the current academic year, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • FS1: AED 22,580
  • FS2 to Year 6: AED 26,450
  • Years 7 to 8: AED 31,510
  • Years 9 to 10: AED 35,290
  • Years 11 to 13: AED 36,980

These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to approval by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Parents are encouraged to refer to the GFS School Fees page for the most updated figures.

Payment Schedule

Tuition fees can be paid in three equal installments throughout the academic year — before Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3 begin. The school also offers monthly payment plans through a few chosen financial institutions for families who would prefer to divide the cost more equally.

AED 500 is required as a non-refundable registration fee after a spot has been offered and accepted.

Discounts and Scholarships

GFS occasionally offers the following incentives:

  • Sibling discounts (subject to availability and school discretion)
  • Merit-based scholarships, especially for students who show exceptional academic performance or talents in specific areas
  • Corporate discounts or preferred employer benefits for employees of selected companies

To check current offers or eligibility for discounts, it’s best to speak directly with the Admissions Office.

Additional Costs

While tuition covers core educational services, parents should also plan for

  • School uniforms
  • Books and learning materials
  • External exam fees (such as IGCSEs or A-Levels)
  • Transport services (if availed)

Before the school year starts, all extra fees are explained in detail, and extracurricular activities and after-school programs are billed separately.

Contact the GFS Admissions Department

If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, the friendly admissions team is ready to help.

Address: GEMS Founders School, Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, Al Barsha South, Dubai, UAE

Phone: +971 4 519 5222

Email: registrar@gemsfoundersschool-dubai.com

Website: www.gemsfoundersschool-dubai.com