OPENING FOR
Academic Year
About Us
Rugby’s Spirit of Learning Without Boundaries
For more than 450 years, Rugby School has inspired young people to think boldly, act with purpose, and lead with heart. Founded in 1567 by Lawrence Sheriff, its vision for accessible, world-class education continues to shape generations of thinkers, leaders, innovators, and creators around the world.
In 1823, a Rugby pupil named William Webb Ellis famously broke from convention during a football match and ran with the ball —an act of daring that gave the world a new game and an enduring spirit of courage and creativity. That instinct to think differently still defines how we teach and learn today.
Rugby School Dubai is the next chapter of that legacy—where British heritage meets the UAE’s forward ambition. Guided by our ethos, “The Whole Person, The Whole Point,” we pair academic depth with pastoral strength so pupils grow in scholarship and in self. Across rigorous academics and science, sport, performing arts and music, leadership and service, and House life, every experience helps each child find their voice, expand their horizons, and lead with purpose.
This is more than a school; it is a community where character leads achievement and tradition inspires tomorrow
Academics
Sports & Co-Curricular
Performing Arts & Music
Pastoral Care & House Life
Digital Parent Prospectus
Discover Rugby School Dubai
Begin a new chapter of academic excellence.
A Message from the Principal
"At Rugby School Dubai, excellence is not the destination — it is the starting point.
Our purpose is to nurture young people who think deeply, act with integrity, and lead with heart. Guided by The Whole Person, The Whole Point, we combine British heritage with Dubai’s ambition to create a school where every pupil can thrive — academically, socially, and personally.”
Henry Price
Founding Executive Principal
Our Fees
Choosing Rugby School Dubai means joining a legacy that has shaped leaders, innovators, and global changemakers for over 450 years. Our fees support a whole-person education that nurtures academic ambition, wellbeing, creativity, and character—hallmarks of the Rugbeian experience.
| Grade | AY26/27 | AY27/28 | AY28/29 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS 1 - 2 | 70,000 | 70,000 | 70,000 |
| Year 1 | 75,000 | 75,000 | 75,000 |
| Year 2 - 3 | 90,000 | 90,000 | 90,000 |
| Year 4 - 7 | 95,000 | 95,000 | 95,000 |
| Year 8 - 9 | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| Year 10 - 11 | 110,000 | 110,000 | 110,000 |
| Year 12 - 13 | 120,000 | 120,000 | 120,000 |
| Grade | AY26/27 | AY27/28 | AY28/29 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS 1 - 2 | 63,000 | 68,000 | 70,000 |
| Year 1 - 6 | 63,000 | 68,000 | 73,000 |
| Year 7 - 9 | 90,000 | 95,000 | 95,000 |
| Year 10 - 13 | 90,000 | 95,000 | 100,000 |
| Grade | AY26/27 | AY27/28 | AY28/29 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS 1 - 2 | 63,000 | 66,500 | 70,000 |
| Year 1 | 67,500 | 71,250 | 75,000 |
| Year 2 - 3 | 81,000 | 85,500 | 90,000 |
| Year 4 - 7 | 85,500 | 90,250 | 95,000 |
| Year 8 - 9 | 90,000 | 95,000 | 100,000 |
| Year 10 - 11 | 99,000 | 104,500 | 110,000 |
| Year 12 - 13 | 108,000 | 114,000 | 120,000 |
Notable Alumni
Founder of Humantra & Wellness Entrepreneur
Charlie Wright is the founder of Humantra, a plant-based, sugar-free electrolyte drinks brand now based in Dubai. He initially pursued a traditional law-and-City route, but his curiosity for ideas and business soon guided him elsewhere. He credits his time at Rugby with developing the resilience, discipline and independent thinking that helped him pursue entrepreneurship with confidence.
Charlie Wright
HOUSE C, 2003 – 2008
Best-selling Author, Journalist & Screenwriter
Dolly Alderton is a celebrated author, journalist and screenwriter whose work spans bestselling books, acclaimed journalism and major television projects, including her upcoming Netflix adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Her time at Rugby helped shape the curiosity, critical thinking and creative conviction that underpin her voice as a writer. Today, she is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most influential cultural storytellers. Her journey reflects how thoughtful guidance and academic breadth can help young people discover and refine a talent that becomes their life’s work.
Dolly Alderton
HOUSE G, 2004 – 2006
Professional Cricketer & England T20 Captain
Jacob Bethell is set to become the youngest men’s captain to represent England in a T20 series. Joining Rugby on a sports scholarship, he quickly stood out as a composed all-rounder with a strong work ethic, balancing school life with county and national age-group cricket. Time on Rugby’s pitches and in its training programmes helped him hone both his technical skills and his competitive temperament. His progression from school cricket to the professional game and international captaincy highlights a focus and determination that were evident throughout his years at Rugby.
Jacob Bethell
HOUSE W, 2017 – 2022
Founder of SignUp Captions & Forbes 30 Under 30 Honouree
Mariella Satow founded SignUp Captions, a free browser extension providing sign-language interpretation alongside children’s streaming content on major platforms. While still at Rugby, she recognised that many deaf and hard-of-hearing children were being excluded from the streaming experience and began building a solution. At 19, she became the youngest person named on the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 – Social Impact list. Her work now supports more than 20,000 weekly users and inspired Rugby School to introduce British Sign Language within its co-curricular offering.
Mariella Satow
HOUSE TU, 2017 – 2022
Executive Leader, Board Director & Motivational Speaker
Abisola Barber is a multi-award-winning executive, motivational speaker and board leader with nearly two decades of experience across finance, governance and social impact. During her time in St House, she developed a leadership mindset, a strong sense of purpose and the confidence to ask challenging questions—qualities that would shape her later career. Today, she brings that same focus to global programmes and boardrooms, championing inclusive leadership and meaningful organisational change.
Abisola Barber
HOUSE ST, 2008 – 2010
Tim Burton
Tim Burton, known worldwide as “Shmee150”, has built one of the most recognisable automotive content platforms on social media. At Rugby, he gravitated toward IT, maths and photography, often filming matches and school trips and exploring early digital media. These interests later evolved into a full-time career that includes millions of online followers, daily content production and collaborations with leading automotive brands. His path reflects how early passions—when explored with curiosity and commitment—can grow into a distinctive and successful profession.
Automotive Content Creator “Shmee150” & Digital Entrepreneur
HOUSE SF, 2001 – 2006
Your Rugby Journey Starts Here
Opening for Academic Year 26/27
Choosing the right school is a defining moment, and at Rugby School Dubai, every enquiry marks the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Our Admissions Team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a warm, personal experience from first conversation to first day.