We think beyond the boundaries of traditional education at SISD. Our holistic philosophy, innovative and flexible bilingual pathways, and globally respected International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes guarantee opportunity, nurture our students’ characters, and foster a lifetime love of learning.

One of just 50 IB World Schools, we offer the full spectrum of IB programmes, from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through to the Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma (IBDP), and IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). As well as being academically rigorous – and providing a continuous all-through pathway – our IB continuum is packed with character-forming learning experiences. Every day, from the age of 3 through to 18, your child will immerse themselves in learning that develops the 10 aspirational qualities set out in the IB Learner Profile. This will ensure they grow into a well-rounded individual with the 21st century skills and attributes to thrive.

Throughout their education, your child will learn in an immersive bilingual environment where they’ll communicate, think, and reflect in different languages. In the Early Years and Primary, our students learn in either English, French and English, or German and English. In Middle and Secondary, they choose the language they want to study in subject-by-subject. We give our learners the flexibility to change this each year, too. Our older students also have the option of following bilingual or English pathways in the BTEC and CIS High School Certificate.

With a breadth of pathways and opportunities, every student forges their own unique route to IB Diploma success. In 2024, our Diploma class achieved an average point score of 34 – more than 10% above the global average. More than 60% graduated with a bilingual or advanced bilingual Diploma, too, which is testament to our commitment to bilingualism all the way through to 18.

Armed with world-leading results and an impressive array of IB Learner Profile traits, each SISD graduate receives an average of four offers from the world’s best universities. These include top 100 institutions in France, Switzerland, the UK, and Canada.

Our teachers are holistic educators. They go beyond the pure transmission of academic knowledge to nurture the values, cultural understanding, and global mindset our students need to thrive both now and in the future.

All our teachers are IB specialists, who undertake regular training through the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Many are qualified IB examiners, too. This ensures that your child will benefit from cutting-edge instruction and fully understands what it takes to achieve success.

Hailing from Switzerland, Germany, France, the UK, and beyond, our teachers share a genuine passion for languages. On each of our language and IB pathways, our students learn from native speakers who are committed to bilingualism, cultural immersion, and innovative personalised teaching. Our multilingual staff ensure that each child’s language journey continues beyond the classroom, too.

The togetherness of our team is one of our school’s real strengths. Many of our staff live on campus, which creates a genuine sense of community and camaraderie. When it comes to celebrating cultures, traditions, and different perspectives, our incredible teachers and boarding staff lead the way, fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere across the school.

As an accredited IB World School, our teaching standards are second to none. Our approach also aligns with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) framework and the benchmarks set by Nord Anglia’s global Education Team. We encourage our teachers to pursue their professional goals, too, through weekly development opportunities, target-setting, and access to world-class training on the award-winning Nord Anglia University platform.

Nurturing our students’ character – and giving them opportunities to build and demonstrate their 10 IB Learner Profile qualities – is a top priority at our IB school in Dubai. We know that well-rounded young people with a broad cultural understanding, strong principles, and a myriad of transferable skills will flourish. We also want our students to express their talents and discover new passions.

Both in and beyond the curriculum, our collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) opens our students’ eyes to the possibilities of science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths (STEAM). By solving challenges and working collaboratively, learners of all ages reflect, think critically, and take risks.

Our students explore the world on exciting national and international expeditions. Service trips to Thailand and Borneo give our Secondary students the chance to make a real difference and instil a global perspective, while subject-specific trips – including our geography expedition to Iceland – bring classroom learning to life. Our ever-popular ski trip to Verbier in Switzerland offers fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Sport is an integral part of life at SISD, instilling pride, passion, and a sense of togetherness. We offer activities for all ages and abilities, from our Speedo Swim Academy and Athletics Academy for gifted athletes, to padel tennis, recreational water polo, and beach volleyball clubs. Guided by outstanding coaches, our sports teams compete against the best, both nationally and around the world.

Alongside sports, our internal after-school activity (ASA) programme features a myriad of opportunities, offering something for every child. Clubs include origami, mindfulness, music performance, robotics, and photography. Working closely with the very best providers, we also offer an exciting range of external activities, from a simulator pilot programme and career coaching workshop to coding, ballet, and musical theatre.  

Our campus, infrastructure, and specialist arts and sports facilities are truly world-class. They reflect our commitment to providing the best possible environment for our children, one that truly enriches the holistic education experience we offer.

Set across 70,000 square metres, our ground-breaking international school in Dubai has impeccable sustainability credentials, too. Working with world-leaders in eco design, we’ve created the first-ever purpose-built facility, in a desert climate, to meet certified Minergie standards. This enhances our students’ wellbeing, ensuring they learn in a healthy and comfortable environment filled with clean air and natural light. Our state-of-the-art solar-powered car park, meanwhile, meets over 25% of the school’s energy needs.

When it comes to learning, every specialist space and ultramodern facility is designed to inspire excellence. Creativity flourishes in our awe-inspiring 600-seat auditorium, which is a stage on which our students’ talents shine bright.

Our young athletes train and compete in some of the best sporting facilities in the Middle East, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, 400-metre athletics track, natural grass football pitch, and tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball courts. Our state-of-the-art Technogym and cardio suite give our learners the opportunity to keep fit and look after their health and wellbeing.

Home to modern and luxurious boarding houses, our campus is the perfect place to live, too. All our rooms are ensuite and climate-controlled, with Wi-Fi available throughout. Being on campus ensures our students not only have access to our fabulous sports facilities, but also to dedicated communal spaces, well-stocked pantries, our library, and art and music rooms.  

Our diverse international community is truly special. Home to more than 100 nationalities – and with over 40 mother-tongue languages spoken – SISD is one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural IB schools in Dubai, as well as the Middle East.

This diversity is our strength, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone belongs – and every child can thrive. United by our BEST values of Bilingualism, Excellence, Sustainability, and Togetherness, our students, staff, and parents embrace internationalism and celebrate excellence and effort.

The wellbeing of our community is a top priority – student health and happiness is the bedrock of our holistic approach. Experienced school counsellors, medical professionals, and dedicated mentors ensure our students are safe and supported in school. Weekly wellbeing surveys make sure every child receives the personalised care they need, while whole-school activities, like our Dubai 30x30 event, create a strong sense of togetherness and belonging.

We also empower our students to shape the support they need through our Wellbeing Councils. Working as a team, our impressive young leaders implement an array of positive activities, including Mindful October and Wellness Wednesdays. In doing so, they demonstrate empathy, understanding, and a determination to represent their peers.

Open to everyone, our thriving Parents Association actively organises events – from National Day celebrations to new parent socials – that bring our families together. You’ll also be invited into school to celebrate your child’s achievements, enjoy musical performances, and speak to staff and other parents at regular coffee mornings. 

At our diverse international school in Dubai, your child will discover the world around them – and think about how they can make it a better place. We believe that when students understand why social and environmental challenges exist, both locally and globally, they realise that everyone can take informed and purposeful action.

In the curriculum, our IB programmes are enriched by opportunities that instil a sense of social purpose. Every subject taught in the Primary Years (PYP) and Middle Years (MYP) features a unit of work that culminates in a tangible, community-focused ‘action’. Through the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) element of the IB Diploma, our students go above and beyond to support their communities, demonstrating empathy, teamwork, and determination.

As part of our whole-school commitment to togetherness and helping others, our students support the charities, community projects, and environmental causes that matter to them. Our learners drive sustainable change through our Green Team and develop meaningful connections with the natural world through our Animal Welfare Protection Group. Through our Fruitful Communities project, meanwhile, our caring students collect items and produce packs for local workers. In the process, they demonstrate empathy and kindness, developing future-proofed IB Learner Profile attributes.

Globally, our students explore international issues – like the UN Sustainable Development Goals and climate change – through our collaboration with UNICEF. Joining our Model United Nations group encourages them to think and act like world-changers, too, as they debate, discuss, and propose ideas. Year-round, our learners also raise funds and awareness for Dubai Cares, a global charity that works to ensure inclusive education for all.

We champion sustainable change, too, weaving key social, cultural, economic, and environmental awareness concepts into our students’ education. Our learners get hands-on and develop their love of nature by building bee houses and nurturing our organic garden. They also learn the importance of reducing waste by taking part in the city-wide Dubai Can recycling initiative. We’re a proud member of The Alliance for Sustainable Schools and an award-winning Eco-School, too.