Safa British School
Safa British School is an independent, all-through British curriculum school (FS1 to Year 13) in Jumeirah, Dubai, serving 1,600+ students from 80+ nationalities with a 12:1 teacher ratio and BSO 'Outstanding' rating.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersDubai, United Arab Emirates
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Safa British School does
Safa British School (SBS) is an independent, all-through British curriculum school operating from a single campus in Al Safa 1, Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2004 and relocated to a newly designed campus in 2020, SBS delivers the UK National Curriculum from Foundation Stage (FS1, age 3) through Year 13, including GCSE and A-Level pathways, to a student body of 1,600+ drawn from over 80 nationalities. The school is led by Principal Brian Horwell and operates with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, a dedicated Sixth Form area, and a multi-disciplinary Inclusion/LINK team supporting SEND, EAL, and gifted-and-talented students.
The school's core technology stack is an integration of third-party digital learning platforms rather than proprietary systems: iSAMS for the parent portal and school management, Seesaw for FS1-Year 6 digital portfolios, Learning Ladders for assessment and parent communication, Abjadiyat and arabits (the latter with AI-powered speech and handwriting recognition) for Arabic language instruction, epraise for house points, Microsoft Teams as the secondary virtual learning platform, and Unifrog for careers guidance in Years 7-13. Operational technology is augmented by School Transport Services (STS) with GPS and RFID tracking, Tuck Shop Catering with a cashless canteen, and ClassPoint/ClassCharts for behaviour tracking. The school holds BSO 'Outstanding' and KHDA 'Outstanding' for Wellbeing & Inclusion, plus SMSC Quality Mark, ASDAN accreditation, Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre status, and LAMDA Exam Centre status.
SBS operates a private fee-paying model with revenue primarily from tuition across FS1-Year 13, supplemented by ancillary services (Star Club after-school care at 35-110 AED per session, transport via STS, on-site canteen, and uniform resale through Stitches). Distribution is direct via website enquiries, virtual and physical school tours, and online enrollment. The school employs 137 staff and serves a single UAE market, with no disclosed parent company, no funding rounds, and no M&A activity.
Safa British School firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Safa British School
- Legal name
- Safa Community School
- Website
- https://safabritishschool.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Safa British School is an independent, all-through British curriculum school (FS1 to Year 13) in Jumeirah, Dubai, serving 1,600+ students from 80+ nationalities with a 12:1 teacher ratio and BSO 'Outstanding' rating.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Safa British School industry classification
Industry- Product category
- K-12 International Education
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- International/Global Curriculum Schools (IB, Cambridge, etc.) (EDAJABAG)
Keywords
Where Safa British School is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dubai
- HQ country
- United Arab Emirates
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices1 record
Markets served
Safa British School business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Star Club Session 1 (FS1): 1PM-2PM |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Star Club Session 1 (FS2): 2PM-2:30PM |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Star Club Session 2 (FS2): 2PM-3PM |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Star Club Full Day (FS2): 2PM-5PM |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Star Club Session 1 (Primary): 2:30PM-3PM |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Star Club Full Day (Primary): 2:30PM-5PM |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Star Club Late Pick Up: Up to 30 min |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Star Club Late Pick Up: Up to 1 hour |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Star Club After 5PM |
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Safa British School product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Safa British School is an all-through British international school in Dubai delivering the UK National Curriculum from Foundation Stage (FS1, age 3) through Year 13 (age 18), including EYFS, Primary, Secondary (Key Stages 3 and 4 with GCSEs), and Sixth Form (A-Levels). It also offers Inclusion support, 60+ extracurricular activities, after-school Star Club, Duke of Edinburgh Award programmes, school transport, and an on-site canteen as integrated parts of its educational offering.
Product overview
Safa British School is an all-through British curriculum school (FS1 to Year 13) offering comprehensive UK National Curriculum education. The school operates as a unified educational institution with multiple integrated components: Foundation Stage (EYFS), Primary School, Secondary School (Key Stages 3-4 with GCSE), and Sixth Form. Supporting the core curriculum are digital learning platforms (iSAMS Parent Portal, Seesaw, Learning Ladders, arabits with AI capabilities, Microsoft Teams), inclusion services (LINK Programme with specialized interventions), enrichment programmes (60+ ECAs, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Little/Rising Star Awards), student leadership development, and support services (Star Club after-school care, school transport, canteen). The school serves 1,600+ students from over 80 nationalities and was rated 'Outstanding' by British Schools Overseas.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- All-Through British Curriculum Education (FS1 to Year 13) UK National Curriculum education delivered continuously from Foundation Stage through Year 13, including EYFS, Primary, Key Stages 3-4 (GCSE), and Sixth Form (A-Levels), serving students aged 3-18.
- Foundation Stage (EYFS) Programme Early years education for FS1-FS2 (ages 3-5) following the UK Early Years Foundation Stage framework with child-led learning under the Curiosity Approach.
- Primary School Programme Primary education for Years 1-6 following the UK National Curriculum with emphasis on core subjects and holistic development.
- Secondary School Programme (Key Stage 3, GCSE, Sixth Form) Secondary education covering Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), Key Stage 4/GCSE (Years 10-11), and Sixth Form (Years 12-13) preparing students for university admission.
- Inclusion Services and LINK Programme Comprehensive inclusion support including LINK provision with Challenge, Boost, and Support provisions (Reading Rockets, Twist & Shake, Magic Maths, Building Blocs, Learning Labs, Communication Station, Reflection Section, Ahlan Arabee), plus SENCO support, EAL provision, and Gifted & Talented programmes.
- Star Club After-School Care After-school activity club operating 1pm-5pm Monday to Thursday for FS1 to Year 6, offering arts, crafts, games, outdoor play, story time, and homework support, with per-session pricing.
- School Transport Service
- School Canteen (Tuck Shop) On-site canteen with healthy meal options, cashless payment system via Tuck Shop, online meal planning and top-up system, tap-and-go card readers, and nut-free environment.
- Extra Curricular Activities (ECAs) Over 60 extracurricular activities spanning sports, arts, academic subjects, and creative pursuits, available free of charge to enrolled students.
- Duke of Edinburgh International Award Programme International Duke of Edinburgh Award with Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, offered as an official Independent Award Centre for students aged 14+, plus Micro, Mini, and Junior Duke for younger students.
- Little Star, Rising Star and Karam Awards Age-appropriate school award programmes (Little Star for FS1-FS2, Rising Star for Year 1-8, Karam Award) with online portal and badge system.
- Student Careers Programme Comprehensive careers education from Years 7-13 following Gatsby Benchmark and CIEAG guidelines, utilizing the Unifrog platform, digital student portfolios, and industry partnerships.
- Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Comprehensive wellbeing support with a dedicated pastoral team, child protection services, and mental health resources; rated 'Outstanding' by KHDA for Wellbeing & Inclusion.
- Medical Services (School Clinic) School clinic with a medical team (school doctor, lead nurse, nurses) providing health awareness campaigns, routine vaccinations, emergency response, and health protocols aligned with DHA and KHDA.
Companies that use Safa British School
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Safa British School technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration15 records
AI capability4 records
Feature5 records
Safa British School partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- School Transport Services (STS)coreSTS provides school transport services to Safa British School, operating since 2008. STS is a leading transport provider serving over 60k students daily from more than 50 schools throughout the UAE. Buses equipped with GPS, electronic attendance, seatbelts, video surveillance, panic button, RFID student tracking, and driver fatigue cameras.
- iSAMScoreiSAMS provides the school's management information system including the parent portal app, attendance tracking, timetable management, and daily bulletins. The system enables real-time communication between school and parents.
- SeesawcoreSeesaw is the main learning platform for FS1 to Year 6 providing digital portfolios of children's learning with daily updates through pictures and videos aligned to learning objectives. Parents receive login details at start of school year.
- Learning LadderscoreLearning Ladders is an online assessment tool used weekly by class teachers to record learning objectives. 'Ladders at Home' connects parents to real-time learning information with articles created by UK classroom teachers available in multiple languages.
- AbjadiyatcoreArabic language learning platform for Arabic A students offering engaging and interactive content designed by leading academics. Provides scaffolded approach ensuring students of different levels can learn and practice Arabic at school and home.
- arabitscoreComplete Arabic B language learning system created by education professionals and powered by state-of-the-art AI. Develops listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with speech and handwriting recognition at Safa British School.
- epraisecoreOnline house points system used to foster community spirit across four houses (Fire, Air, Earth, Water). Designed to motivate students and engage parents through showcasing house points, badges, leaderboards and certificates.
- UnifrogcoreOnline career guidance platform used by Safa British School for students in Years 7-13. Students maintain digital portfolios showcasing skills, experiences, and achievements. Career team actively monitors the platform and relays critical information to relevant stakeholders.
- Tuck Shop CateringcoreProvides the school's cashless canteen service with online meal ordering, card top-up system, and tap-and-go purchasing. Pre-packed meals in eco-friendly packaging prepared fresh daily in the on-site kitchen.
- StitchescoreOfficial uniform provider for Safa British School since 1995. Leading UAE manufacturer of quality uniforms made from premium materials. Located in Al Quoz 1 with online ordering available.
- Surridge SportminorSports squad uniform provider combining 150 years of experience with latest technology for sportswear garments. Located in JLT Cluster X with online purchasing available.
- Microsoft TeamscoreMain online teaching and learning platform for Secondary students. All students receive education copy of Microsoft Office. Virtual Learning Platform built around Microsoft Teams application.
- The Duke of Edinburgh International AwardcoreOfficial Independent Award Centre (IAC) for the International Duke of Edinburgh Award providing Bronze, Silver, and Gold award opportunities. School participates actively with opportunities for students aged 14+.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Safa British School competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Taaleem: Taaleem is one of Dubai's largest premium K-12 operators, running multiple British-curriculum schools (e.g., Jumeira Baccalaureate School, Raha International). Directly comparable as a same-curriculum, same-fee-tier operator in the same Dubai catchment.
- Dulwich College International: Dulwich College International operates premium British-curriculum schools in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi). Comparable as a directly competing premium UK-curriculum international school group targeting similar expatriate families in the same region.
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS): JESS runs two Dubai campuses (Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches) following the UK National Curriculum for ages 3-18. Directly comparable as a British-curriculum school in very close geographic proximity to Safa British School.
- Kings' School Dubai: Kings' is a leading UK-curriculum British school in Dubai (Umm Suqeim and Al Barsha), also rated Outstanding. Directly comparable because it serves the same British-curriculum premium expat families in adjacent Dubai neighbourhoods.
- Repton School Dubai: Repton Dubai is a premium British-curriculum school (FS1-Year 13) in Dubai with strong exam results and enrichment programmes. Directly comparable because it targets the same British-curriculum premium market segment and charges similar fees.
- Dubai College: Dubai College is one of Dubai's most established premium British-curriculum schools serving ages 3-18 with a strong academic record. Directly comparable as a same-curriculum, premium-fee, all-through competitor for British-expat families.
- Wellington International School: Wellington International is a premium UK-curriculum school in Dubai (Umm Suqeim) operated by Cognita, serving a similar affluent expatriate cohort. Directly comparable as a premium British-curriculum competitor in central Dubai.
Broad incumbents
- GEMS Education: GEMS is the largest private K-12 operator in Dubai and the UAE, running dozens of British and international curriculum schools. Directly comparable because it competes head-to-head with Safa British School for the same mid-to-premium British-curriculum families in Dubai.
- Cognita Schools: Cognita is a global K-12 operator running multiple premium British/international schools in the UAE (e.g., Wellington International, RAK Academy). Comparable because it is a multinational premium-school platform competing in the same Dubai/UK-curriculum segment.
- Nord Anglia Education: Nord Anglia operates premium international schools globally, including British International School of Dubai and several other UAE campuses. Comparable as a global premium-school operator competing for the same Dubai British-curriculum families.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Safa British School social profiles
Digital presenceSafa British School compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Safa British School financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Safa British School leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Safa British School funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Safa British School M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Safa British School
What does Safa British School do?
Safa British School is an all-through British international school in Dubai delivering the UK National Curriculum from Foundation Stage (FS1, age 3) through Year 13 (age 18), including EYFS, Primary, Secondary (Key Stages 3 and 4 with GCSEs), and Sixth Form (A-Levels). It also offers Inclusion support, 60+ extracurricular activities, after-school Star Club, Duke of Edinburgh Award programmes, school transport, and an on-site canteen as integrated parts of its educational offering.
Is Safa British School a public or private company?
Safa British School is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Safa British School founded?
Safa British School was founded in 2004. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Safa British School based?
Safa British School is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region.
Who are Safa British School's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Taaleem, Dulwich College International, Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS), Kings' School Dubai, Repton School Dubai, Dubai College and Wellington International School. Broad incumbents are GEMS Education, Cognita Schools and Nord Anglia Education.
Does Safa British School have an API?
No public API is recorded for Safa British School.
What industry is Safa British School in?
Safa British School's product category is K-12 International Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJABAG, International/Global Curriculum Schools (IB, Cambridge, etc.). Its NAICS code is 6111 and its SIC code is 8200.