Thank you for visiting DESS Admissions. We are currently closed for the summer break, and will return on Wednesday, 26^th August.

We are delighted that you are considering applying for a place at Dubai English Speaking Schools. 

Our schools are popular choices for parents both in Dubai and those overseas families who are relocating to the region.  

To contact our Admissions Team, please email admissions@dess.sch.ae or call +971 (0) 4 360 4866.

Thank you for considering DESS and we look forward to meeting you soon.

Warm regards,
DESS Admissions Team

*Information updated on Wednesday, 1st July 2026

DESS College

Due to unprecedented demand, there will be no external application process for Year 7 entry for the academic year 2027/28. The Year 7 cohort will be made up entirely of students currently in Year 6 (2026-27) at DESS Oud Metha and DESS Academic City.

At the start of the next academic year, we will ask our Year 6 families to confirm their Y7 place for the 2027/28 academic year. Any remaining capacity will be offered to students currently on our Year 6 2026-27 waitlist.

This change reflects both the continued growth in demand for places at DESS College and our commitment to providing a clear and secure pathway for our existing pupils.

Regarding Year 12 / Sixth Form applications, this process will remain the same and further details will be available in October 2026.

DESS Oud Metha

The majority of year groups are now at capacity and remain oversubscribed for the 2026-27 academic year. A limited number of places are currently available in selected year groups.

Applications for the 2027-28 academic year will open in September. Demand is expected to be exceptionally high, particularly as our Year 6 are guaranteed a place at DESS College in Year 7*.

DESS Academic City

We have carefully managed capacity for 2026-27 and are currently oversubscribed across all year groups.

Applications for the 2027-28 academic year will open in September. This will be our final year of planned capacity growth.

As with Oud Metha, our students in Year 6 at DESS Academic City are guaranteed a place at DESS College in Year 7*, further increasing demand for places in earlier year groups.

*in accordance with our admissions policy.

*Application Forms are currently not available for Years 1-13.  We are still accepting applications for Foundation Stage.

DESS has updated its admissions procedures to comply fully with the KHDA Student Placement Guidelines. 

Please ensure your application reflects the age appropriate year in line with the guidelines.