Cambridge International School, Dubai | Fees, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

The registrar’s office receptionist was unhelpful and had a bad attitude toward my daughter and me this morning. We were only at the inquiry stage for admission, yet we already felt a negative energy from her.

Parents of children with special needs, please be advised that the inclusive department at this school may not meet your expectations. They initially pressured us to hire their expensive Learning Support Assistant (LSA) services. When we explained our financial constraints, they reluctantly allowed us to employ an external LSA. Despite interviewing and approving our chosen candidate, they later made unfounded negative comments about her performance and pressured us to dismiss her, even though she was a qualified and experienced professional. Their focus seemed more on financial gain than our child’s well-being, disregarding the potential impact of a sudden LSA change. Furthermore, the school’s own LSA did not meet our expectations, lacked proper training, and the school provided no contact information or opportunities for us to communicate with her directly. We have heard similar concerns from other parents. We share our experience to raise awareness among parents considering this school for their children with special needs.

Strong communication with parents. Good interaction between students and teachers. However, discipline weakened, as it was stronger before in terms of implementing rules. Leadership should also be stronger.

On behalf of the Sudanese parents, I would like to express my gratitude to the GEMS Cambridge School Dubai family and its exceptional team, represented by Vice Principal Lourdina Franco, Mr. Jain Stanley, who showed patience, cooperation, and extreme dedication in ensuring that the process of accommodating our children went as smoothly as possible, and Ms. Wesam for showing incredible support toward Sudanese students affected by the conflict in Sudan. By graciously opening their doors for them to take their exams, they have given hope and opportunity where it was otherwise lost.

The registrar (Elizabeth Varghese) is disrespectful and ignorant toward the parents. It is unfortunate for them to have such staff.

Amazing school! They do so much to look after the welfare of the students. The teachers are very warm and understanding and will do whatever it takes to help the child do better in school. They also have an amazing school counselor who is always available for any parent or student. Would 10/10 recommend!

I’m so thankful I didn’t enroll my child in this school. Everything was a red flag to me from the beginning.

Initially, when I wanted to apply, I was in touch with the admissions team, Ms. Elizabeth Varghese. She took me through the process and asked me to upload all the documents online, as well as send them to her by email, which I did. She then said she was on holiday and again asked us to send them to her after a few days, which we did.

My child does need a bit of learning support, but that hasn’t stopped her from doing well in her current school. She doesn’t have any behavioral problems or anything else major. Yes, she has special needs, but on the milder end of the spectrum, and all the reports were sent by email and posted online. Letters from her school, doctors, and therapists didn’t even acknowledge she had any issues. Everything was posted on the school admission page, as well as sent by email.

So, when we spoke on the phone this morning, Ms. Elizabeth Varghese opened our file with the registered number and asked us to come in and pay the admission fees. She said there was no waiting list for Grade 1. I explained my child would need a learning support assistant, and she said they have an inclusion team and a teacher who can provide that support. I also asked her if I needed to bring any extra documents, and she said everything was posted and viewable online. There was nothing needed except payment, so we went to the school immediately (fasting) and met with her.

She was clueless that we had spoken an hour prior, and when I reminded her, she said, “Oh yes, for Grade 1,” and opened our file again. “Yes, for Grade 1… alright, okay.” Then, “Oh, your child is special needs? No, no, I’m so sorry, but our inclusion team is full. We don’t have the capacity.”

I reminded her that over the phone she had said there was no waiting list and explained about the inclusion team. She seemed to partially ignore me and kept saying, “Yes, that is for normal kids, but not for those with special needs.” She said even if we were put on the waiting list, she highly doubted there would be placement.

Oh, lady! We are thankful we didn’