About Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) was founded in 1975 by teacher Shane O'Brien to meet growing demand for British education among Dubai's expatriate families, at a time when Dubai English Speaking School was already at full capacity. JESS began with just 17 pupils in an apartment near the Dubai Clock Tower before receiving a grant from the Ruler of Dubai to move to a villa in Jumeirah the following year.
Today JESS operates as a not-for-profit, co-educational school across two purpose-built campuses — the original site in Al Safa serving around 800 primary pupils, and a larger Arabian Ranches campus opened in September 2005 serving roughly 1,700 students from Foundation Stage through Year 13. The school follows the National Curriculum for England, delivering IGCSEs at Arabian Ranches and offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the Sixth Form, having been confirmed as an IB World School in March 2009.
JESS has consistently received "Outstanding" ratings from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in every inspection year since 2010–2011, and is featured among the top 150 private schools worldwide by The Schools Index. As one of the few remaining non-profit schools in Dubai, JESS operates on a debenture system that reinvests all financial surplus directly into school resources and staffing, serving students from over 70 different countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was JESS founded?
Jumeirah English Speaking School was founded in 1975 by teacher Shane O'Brien.
How many campuses does JESS have?
JESS operates two campuses: the original site in Al Safa and a larger campus in Arabian Ranches, opened in 2005.
What curriculum does JESS follow?
JESS follows the National Curriculum for England and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the Sixth Form.
Is JESS a non-profit school?
Yes, JESS is one of the few remaining non-profit schools in Dubai, reinvesting surplus into school resources.
What is JESS's KHDA rating?
JESS has received an "Outstanding" rating from the KHDA in every inspection year since 2010–2011.
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