Horizon International School, Dubai
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$11K – US$20K
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 3–18
Students: ~1,400
Location: Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Horizon International School Dubai is a well-established British curriculum school serving ages 3-18 in Umm Al Sheif that joined the prestigious Cognita group in 2022, bringing it into a global network of 85+ schools. Teachers at competing Dubai schools recommend HIS, and it maintains a strong reputation among parents despite being smaller than many newer Dubai institutions.
Founded in 2008 and acquired by Cognita in February 2022, HIS operates from a prime location near Burj Al Arab serving over 1,100 students from 75+ nationalities. Under Principal Stephen Quinn's leadership, the school follows the British curriculum from Early Years through A-Levels, with particular strength in personal development and student wellbeing according to KHDA inspections. The Cognita ownership connects HIS to a global education network that includes 40 UK schools and other UAE institutions like Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai.
Parent and teacher discussions reveal HIS as a respected choice in Dubai's competitive market, with educators from rival schools actively recommending it to families. The school maintains a family-focused atmosphere with strong community values, though it operates from a more compact campus compared to Dubai's newer mega-schools. Recent Cognita investment has enhanced resources while preserving the intimate educational environment that appeals to families seeking personalized attention within an established British curriculum framework.
What parents value
- –Teachers at competing Dubai schools recommend HIS to parents
- –Strong reputation for personal development and student wellbeing
- –Part of prestigious Cognita global network since 2022
- –Diverse international community with 75+ nationalities
- –Well-equipped facilities despite smaller campus size
- –Prime location in Umm Al Sheif near Burj Al Arab
- –Family-focused atmosphere with strong community values
- –Established track record since 2008
Points of consideration
- –Smaller campus compared to newer Dubai schools
- –23% teacher turnover rate
- –Limited discussion in parent forums compared to tier-one schools
- –Higher fees typical of Cognita group schools
- –Less visibility than flagship Dubai institutions
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3 | 10,574 |
| FS2 | 4 | 10,574 |
| Year 1 | 5 | 12,137 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 12,137 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 13,850 |
| Year 4 | 8 | 13,850 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 14,807 |
| Year 6 | 10 | 14,807 |
| Year 7 | 11 | 16,770 |
| Year 8 | 12 | 16,770 |
| Year 9 | 13 | 16,770 |
| Year 10 | 14 | 18,073 |
| Year 11 | 15 | 18,073 |
| Year 12 | 16 | 19,911 |
| Year 13 | 17 | 19,911 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Photos
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Dubai's international schools serve a highly diverse student body drawn from over 180 nationalities. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
Mr Stephen Quinn - Principal
Stephen graduated from the University of Manchester (UK) with an Economics BA (Hons) degree. After gaining industry experience, he pursued a BSc (Hons) in Science Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).