Repton School Al Barsha (formerly Foremarke School Dubai) is the partner school of Repton’s Preparatory School in the United Kingdom. Repton is a well-respected British public school that succeeds both academically and in terms of developing the ‘whole child’. Clearly Repton School Al Barsha has the same aims.

The story so far...

Repton School Al Barsha  (formerly Foremarke School Dubai), having initially opened from FS to Year 6, has experienced several changes of plans with regard to its growth over the years.  With an initial decision to expand to Year 8, enabling students to remain at the school in preparation for the Common Entrance examination to gain entry to public schools in the UK, subsequently the decision was made to open all-through to Year 13.  The school is currently open to Year 12, and its first cohort of A Level students will take their examinations in June 2026.

In November 2020, Dubai owners Evolvence Knowledge Investments (later Excella) announced the decision that Foremarke School would rebrand to become Repton School Al Barsha.  This means that there are now three Repton-branded schools in the UAE, with Repton School Dubai and Repton School Abu Dhabi (located on two campuses) making up the triumvirate. with Repton School Dubai and Repton School Abu Dhabi (located on two campuses) making up the triumvirate. The transition follows that of sister school Foremarke Hall in the UK, which was rebranded to become Repton Prep School.

A far more significant announcement subsequently followed in May 2023, when the Repton schools in the UAE became "part of the Cognita family of schools" through an undefined partnership.  It appears that Excella has divested itself, finally, of what has clearly been an expensive engagement over the ten years that it owned the Repton schools outright.

Find out more about the new relationship with Cognita here.

The rebranding and its timing coincided with physical upgrades to the Al Barsha campus and were implemented by the start of the 2021-22 academic year when the school welcomed its first Year 10 students. The lengthy transition to the new brand has been planned to ensure “both parents and students are acclimated with comfort and ease” said a school spokesperson.

In March 2022, Zoe Woolley who, as Headmistress of Repton Al Barsha, had been responsible for its development from a Primary only school to an all-through environment, announced her departure to take on a new challenge as one of the few female Heads in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).  

Chandini Misra, who joined the school as Head of Senior School in February 2021, was joined by Repton Abu Dhabi’s Principal, Gillian Hammond as the Interim Principal for the 2022 – 2023 academic year, aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for the rest of the academic year. 

Following her interim Principal tenure at Repton Al Barsha, in July 2023,  Ms. Hammond assumed the role of Chief Education Officer for the Repton UAE schools and Principal of Repton School Dubai (she has since left the school in early 2025).  Concurrently, Mrs. Misra was appointed as the new Principal of Repton Al Barsha. 

 Mrs. Misra has worked previously as a Deputy Director of Sixth Form in London and Assistant Principal in Leeds. Her most recent role, prior to joining Repton Al Barsha in April 2021, was as Assistant Principal, leading teaching and learning at  Jumeirah College, a school which has been placed in the top 3% of schools globally for student progress in both GCSE and A-level outcomes.  Ms. Misra has a particular focus on STEM subjects, having graduated in 2011 from Keeble College, University of Oxford, with a Masters in Chemistry.  Interestingly, Ms. Misra also trained as a broadcast journalist for BBC News 24 and worked as a news correspondent.

In August 2023, Repton Al Barsha announced the appointment of Mrs. Hannah Cunningham as the Head Teacher, Junior School.  She had previously held the position of Deputy Head (Academic) for the Junior School.  Mrs. Misra is further supported by Assistant Headteachers Zoe Cass and Mr. Tom Asbury.

This is a school designed for student numbers in the hundreds, not several thousands, as is Repton Prep School, the sister school in the UK, with only has 600 pupils aged from 3 to 14 - forty percent less than its sister school in Dubai. In total 80 different nationalities are currently represented in the student body, two-thirds of whom come from the United Kingdom. Gender is equally split between male and female pupils.

The school opened in 2013 and has grown organically, year on year, with Year 12 having opened in the 2024-2025 academic year and currently has approximately 1, 300 students. 

Read our article on the school's planned expansion to Year 13 here. 

Repton Al Barsha has some 96 teachers, according to the last DSIB inspection report from February 2024.  The current teacher to pupil ratio is 1:13 across the school. Class sizes have a maximum of 22 pupils and all classes in Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) have a full time Teaching Assistant. All teachers are UK qualified, and many have UK Prep School experience. There are a total of 30 teaching assistants.

The fact that the school has only progressively added year groups as students "grow" into them, means that it has had a strong element of control which has enabled stable, organic growth.  Staff turnover has been falling and is currently 14%, low for an international school in Dubai (the average is 20-22%).

A ‘Prep School’ Experience

Repton Al Barsha aims to provide a genuine prep school experience in Dubai. To help create that, Repton Al Barsha has become the first school in the UAE, and only the second school globally, to have been given the status of an IAPS World Hub School, by The Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS). Highly regarded Tanglin School in Singapore, was the first school to be awarded the status.

 IAPS, an association for the world’s preparatory schools with some 600 member schools, allows prep schools to carry the IAP kite-mark only after accreditation.

[British ‘prep schools’ are the equivalent of primary and middle schools of the UK’s state education sector. Privately funded, they – in general – offer higher academic standards, more specialist teaching, more teaching time, place greater focus on ‘traditional, moral values’, and offer wider extra-curricular opportunities than their state-owned counterparts.]

At Repton Al Barsha, in order to reflect the Prep school connection, the school has eschewed the usual Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form designations, choosing instead First School (for Key Stage 1, Years 1 and 2), Lower Junior School (Years 3 and 4), Upper Junior School (Years 5 and 6), Senior School (Years 7 to 11) and Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13).

What about the curriculum?

Repton Al Barsha says it aims to build “well-rounded, well grounded, confident young people who display a love for learning and a zest for life.” The school also says it places a strong emphasis on “respect for others, care and courtesy; combined with academic rigour appropriate to ability, [that] will lay a strong foundation for the successful transition to one of a wide range of quality senior schools both locally and overseas.”

The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage for its youngest students, followed by the National Curriculum for England (NCfE), leading to I/GCSE and A Levels.  The curriculum is said to be enhanced by elements of the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB)curriculum, linking to the Common Entrance examinations taken at 11+ for entry to higher performing selective private (and some state) schools. 

On entry to First School, children are allocated to their Class Teacher and subject specialists who deliver a broad curriculum, including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Art, Drama, Computing, Music, French, P.E., Arabic (A and B), and Islamic Studies (for Muslim pupils).

As students join the Lower School, specialist teaching is enhanced with computing is now taught by specialists, and Spanish being added to the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum.

In Upper School, the subjects taught by specialists include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Music, Art and DT, Drama, French and Spanish, Arabic, Islamic Studies (for students of Arabic A), PE, Games and Swimming, and Moral, Social and Cultural Studies.

In terms of academics the 11+, Common Entrance (CE) exams focus means an emphasis on providing the 3R’s of reading, writing and arithmetic necessary to perform well. Common Entrance Examinations are taken by some children internationally as part of the admissions process for academically selective secondary schools at age 11 or 13. 

As students move through the Senior School in Years 7 to 9, Repton Al Barsha seeks toemphasise creative and expressive arts to develop students' appreciation for these subjects, which benefits traditional academic subjects. Arabic, Islamic, and Social Studies, as per UAE Ministry of Education regulations, are integral parts of the Senior School curriculum.

In Years 10 and 11, students prepare for and sit GCSE examinations. Most pupils study nine GCSE subjects, including six compulsory ones: Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. They also choose three optional subjects, ensuring a broad and balanced education. The core curriculum is designed to keep future university and career pathways open, offering flexibility for students to specialise according to their interests and expertise. Arabic language is compulsory at GCSE for all native Arabic-speaking pupils.

With its ongoing expansion to Year 13, Repton Al Barsha intends to put in place still further support which focuses on the development of skill-sets which equip students to become successful and confident global citizens, including CV, Application and interview workshops, access to a variety of University Fairs, bespoke Career guidance, Oxbridge application seminars, and a dedicated careers and university advisor.  Repton Al Barsha will also facilitate access to established links with global leading universities through the Repton group in the UAE and in the UK. 

As in many prep schools, and in common with UAE sister schools Repton Dubai and Repton Abu Dhabi, children have full specialist subject teachers from Year 5 and up. 

Despite a traditional academic focus, the school says it does not sacrifice the breadth of curriculum. There is a focus on the arts, with instrumental music as part of core teaching time. All children are taught an instrument, including violin and keyboard. In addition, extra-curricular Sports, Music and Drama are offered, while some additional academic studies are offered before lessons start in the morning. 

Repton Al Barsha also places emphasis on physical activity with three hours of physical education scheduled into each week by Year 3.

Repton Al Barsha provides 30-50 after school clubs termly that are free of charge. Additionally, there are 10-15 external providers that offer specialised extracurricular activities. In addition, a comprehensive outdoor programme is offered from Year 2 onwards with costs varying based on camps or trips.

An “Apple Distinguished” School

Repton Al Barsha has achieved “Apple Distinguished School” status together with its Abu Dhabi based sister schools.  

Apple Distinguished Schools are described by the brand as;

“… centers of leadership and educational excellence that demonstrate Apple’s vision for learning with technology — and we believe they are some of the most innovative schools in the world”.

What about Students of Determination and those with Gifts and Talents?

The school is somewhat selective on intake, with an assessment for all ages and informal interview with parents prior to a place being offered. Despite the assessment process, Repton Al Barsha is an inclusive school. Under the umbrella of “FAB” both gifted and talented children and children with additional learning needs are given individual attention. Small classroom sizes (generally up to 22 students) mean Repton Al Barsha is able to offer differentiated activities in all lessons, and also extension groups in its dedicated ‘Curriculum Plus’ time before and after school.

The school employs a Head of Inclusion, Mrs. Ami Perry, with responsibility for pupils with SEN and EAL needs. The inclusion team is complemented by a visiting Occupational Therapist and a Speech and Language Therapist two days each week.

At the time of the most recent DSIB inspection, in February 2024, 140 students had been designated with additional learning needs, a significant 11% of the total on roll.  They are provided with Very Good support according to the inspection team which found that "Detailed and informed systems identify students of determination. Assessment processes enable staff to identify students with gifts and talents."

What about the Facilities?

Set on a sizable 10 acre site, the school has an impressive range of facilities including 82 classrooms with Interactive smart boards in every class room, two libraries, science and chemistry labs, an art gallery, art room, DT room, Innovations classroom, two music rooms and 6 private music lesson rooms. The Dining hall is a particular feature where three course meals are served.

The youngest pupils (in the ‘Foundation Stage’) are in a completely separate building from KS1/2 students with the two parts of the school having separate entrances, reception areas, hall, parking and play areas.

Once inside the school, however, the Foundation Stage does not feel separated from the rest of the school, and the children are clearly able to see the older children when playing outdoors. All Foundation Stage classrooms have access to designated play areas, plus an outdoor area adjacent to each classroom - ideal for break out activities and creative and messy play.

The school has made significant investment in sports facilities, with a host of new space on offer for budding athletes. Repton Al Barsha has a 25 metre competition swimming pool (with the Foundation School having its own, shallow swimming pool). The pools and playing fields feature comfortable raised seating areas for supporters (one area even being air conditioned for the hotter months).

In addition, there are three netball and tennis courts, two multi-purpose outdoor courts, three multi-purpose sports halls, two junior cricket fields including one grass wicket, four junior sized football/rugby pitches, indoor and outdoor cricket nets.

In tandem with the additional sports facilities, the school has also opened a  dining hall for the prep school students. Repton Al Barsha has specialist Art, Music and Drama classrooms. 

The school is also home to two science labs, plus specialist computing and language classrooms.

What the Inspectors Say

Repton School Al Barsha was rated Very Good for the second year running in 2018-19.  With no subsequent reports issued in 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, the school was again awarded a Very Good rating for the third time in its first post-Covid inspection in January 2023 having solidified its second highest KHDA rating.  It was awarded the same Very Good rating during the 2023-24 inspection round in February 2024.

Having received its fifth Very Good rating in a row in 2024, one might be inclined to ask why the school has not been able to achieve the top Outstanding rating.

Whilst there are clearly sections of Repton Al Barsha that are performing at the highest level, this is largely confined to the Early Years section of the school, where English and Maths are rated Outstanding.  In terms of Student Achievement, only Primary Maths has been awarded Outstanding, with the remainder of the ratings across the school for English, Maths and Science being Very Good.  Arabic and Islamic Studies are rated a mixture of Good and Acceptable. 

And while Teaching and Assistant and the Curriculum are also rated Outstanding in the Foundation section (and these are the other two key performance standards that reflect most closely on Student Achievement), the remainder of the school is rated Very Good.   Only the Protection, Care, Guidance and Support of students is rated Outstanding across the school.

The inspection team defined the strengths of Repton Al Barsha as:

• The vision and commitment of the principal and the leadership team, and the valuable support received from parents, governors and the Repton Family of Schools.

• Students' attitudes, attendance, behaviour, relationships and personal development.

• Exceptional teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum in FS.

• Attainment and progress in English in FS, and in mathematics in FS and the primary phase.

• The care, support, inclusion and wellbeing provided by the school.

In terms of areas of improvement, Repton Al Barsha should:

• Raise attainment and progress in Islamic Education and Arabic by improving the quality and consistency of teaching.

• Develop greater consistency in achievement, teaching, assessment and leadership.

• Ensure that the school development plan contains targets with measurable success criteria, and that individual department plans are better matched to the school’s development plan.

If you would like to read the full inspection report - and we strongly advise that you do so in order to understand the reasons behind the ratings and recommendations - please go here.

Following a new initiative launched by the KHDA for the 2022-23 academic year, Repton Al Barsha was again evaluated by the DSIB inspectors in the 2023-24 inspection round for the 'quality of wellbeing provision and outcomes' which was found to be at a very good level. 

The inspectors commented that:

• A strong culture of wellbeing exists across the school because of the commitment of senior leaders and the governing board. Leaders demonstrate commitment through the vision of ‘Better Every Day’, which securely guides their practice. Members of staff are empowered to improve the wellbeing opportunities that they offer. Robust assessment information of wellbeing informs decisions. Using self-reviewal practices, leaders identify strengths to be maintained and processes to be improved.
• The wellbeing team assists any member of the school community who may need personal or emotional support. The school climate enables students to learn to be positive, respectful and kind. The student wellbeing committee is not yet active enough in initiating activities, nor in listening to students or in enhancing wellbeing provision. Almost all new members of staff feel fully supported at the start of their careers. Staff confirm their sense of belonging to their school.
• The wellbeing curriculum is carefully planned and  firmly established. It permeates most of the school. Active learning and wellbeing thrive in the positive and stimulating classroom climates. The wellbeing of almost all stakeholders is nurtured. Students demonstrate commitment, engagement and resilience as they undertake increasingly challenging tasks. The very broad range of additional activities helps many students to develop teamwork. They have opportunities to excel in sport, music and the arts. Students feel safe and valued at school.

In terms of areas for Development, the inspectors recommended that the school should:

• Enhance the impact of the wellbeing curriculum to include enriching experiences which promote the wellbeing of all.
• Enable the student wellbeing committee to play an even greater role across the school.

In January 2024, Repton Al Barsha announced that it had been awarded ‘Outstanding’ for the quality of education provided by British Schools Overseas (BSO) for the 2023 – 2024 academic year (the rating remains valid for three years). 

Repton Al Barsha achieved the ‘Outstanding’ recognition across all areas including Quality of Education; Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development in the school, Welfare, Health and Safety of students, Sustainability of Staff, Professionalism with communication and feedback, Campus and facilities; and the Provision of information and Quality of leadership.

The report can be found here.

What about Academic Achievement?

With the first cohort of I/GCSE students having take their examination in May/June 2024, Repton Al Barsha released very limited information on their website, but did provide WhichSchoolAdvisor.com with full details of the outcomes of the examinations. 

The first cohort of 24 students sat a total of 114 examinations (an average of 4.75).  This suggests that a proportion of the entries were early entries for Year 10 students. 

Overall, we were told that 35% of all entries were awarded Grade 9, whilst 53% of all entries were awarded A* - A (Grades 9-7), 81% A*- B (Grades 9 -6) and 100% of entries were awarded a pass grade from A* - C (Grades 9-4).  Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and History saw particularly strong performances, with a 100% pass rate. 

As the school's second cohort of I/GCSE students take their examinations in Summer 2025, and last year's cohort their first set of AS examinations, we hope that the school will continue to share the details of students' performance. 

The Buzz

The WhichSchoolAdvisor.com parent survey shows that the majority of parents are happy with the school.  An overall rating of 3.8/5 - a positivity rating of 76% is lower than we might have expected, based on feedback from close to 50 parents. 

77% believed that their children had a strong sense of belonging and enjoyed going to school a 'tremendous amount', and only 19% had even considered a move to another school (compared with a UAE average of 25%). Interestingly, the respondents to our survey did not consider "a happy school" as the key consideration in their choice of school - choosing instead the teacher:student ratio and teacher qualifications as their top two criteria.  Nationality of fellow students was also a priority.

88% were fully satisfied with the academic performance of their child, with the same percentage saying that they would recommend the school. Despite their apparent satisfaction with the academic performance of the school, however, 63% of parents (over double the UAE average) believed that additional external tuition was required for their children.  But despite this feedback, 59% of parents were confident that Repton Al Barsha could meet their child's specific learning needs.

If there is an area of lower satisfaction, it is in relation to the value for money that the fees at Repton Al Barsha represent. Whilst 58% agreed that they did so,  27% were unsure, and 15% of respondents disagreed that they did so.  This compares with a figure of just 3% two years ago.

If you are a parent, teacher or Secondary student at Repton Al Barsha School, please share your opinions with other potential members of your community by completing our survey here.

What about the fees?

Fees for Repton Al Barsha start high, and move higher – this is a premium school, and that requires funding. However, they have been significantly reduced since the launch of the school and the school is clearly keen to attract secondary students. 

Fees now start at AED 52,311 for FS1, increasing to AED 73,446 in Years 5 and 6 and rising to a flat rate of AED 87,713 from Years 7 to 13. The tuition fee is inclusive of iPads, text books, stationery, inclusion department support and ECA’s from year 1.

There is a Registration non-refundable fee of AED 525, and a deposit payment on acceptance of a place for new pupils of 30% of annual tuition fee. There is a discount of 5% on the tuition fees if payment is made in full for the entire academic year.

There is a sibling discount of 5% on the third and subsequent child. Children joining Repton Al Barsha School directly from Dovecote Nursery will receive a discount of 15% on the tuition fees for the first year they attend Repton Al Barsha.

This school is in a Best School by parents ranking

Repton School Al Barsha is a Best of school, a ranking determined by parent surveys on the site. It can be found in the following Best of rankings:

• #102 in Best Schools in the UAE
• #42 in Best Premium Schools in Dubai
• #34 in Best Premium British Schools in Dubai
• #26 in Best A Level Schools in Dubai
• #53 in Best British Schools in Dubai
• #71 in Best Schools in Dubai

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