#durham school

Derek 89 (3/3) Life on the ocean waves: “I met Sheila in the West Indies. Her father was a timber merchant who’d travelled to the West Indies with his wife and daughter and I was touring out there at the time. When I came back to England we spent my Leave together. And thereafter, we spent pretty well every Leave together. Once we’d met we never parted. She was clever – much cleverer than I was, no doubt about that. When I got my Master’s Ticket, she was able to travel with me on the ships. We saw the world together.

I left the merchant navy in 1961. I never went back to sea. We had three daughters and ran a post office and shop in an isolated village in the Lincolnshire Fens. But I'll never forget the sea.”

Choosing the right Schools in Dubai is one of the most significant decisions families make when preparing students for higher education and future careers. At Durham School Dubai, Sixth Form is more than the final stage of school—it is a transformative experience where students develop academic confidence, leadership skills, independence, and the resilience needed to thrive beyond the classroom. Applications for the Academic Year 2026–2027 are now open, offering ambitious young learners the opportunity to become part of a supportive and inspiring learning community.

Best Schools in Dubai

Families looking for the Best Schools in Dubai often seek more than outstanding examination results. They want an environment where students feel valued, challenged, and encouraged to become compassionate global citizens. Durham School Dubai provides exactly that balance through personalised teaching, exceptional pastoral care, and meaningful opportunities for leadership. Sixth Form students are guided by experienced educators who understand that every learner has unique aspirations, whether they are preparing for university, professional pathways, or future entrepreneurship. Small class sizes, individual mentoring, and a culture of respect allow every student to reach their full potential while building lifelong confidence.

Top Schools in Dubai

British curriculum schools in Dubai

Among the leading British curriculum schools in Dubai, Durham School Dubai proudly delivers an education rooted in centuries of educational excellence while embracing innovation for modern learners. Sixth Form students benefit from a rigorous academic programme designed to prepare them for prestigious universities around the world. Equally important is the school’s commitment to nurturing character, integrity, kindness, and resilience. As a device-free school, Durham School Dubai creates an environment where meaningful conversations, active participation, focused learning, and genuine human connections flourish. By reducing unnecessary digital distractions during the school day, students are encouraged to engage more deeply with their studies, classmates, and teachers, promoting both academic achievement and personal wellbeing.

Schools in Dubai Admission

Understanding the Schools in Dubai Admission process is an important step for families planning the next stage of their child’s educational journey. Durham School Dubai offers a welcoming admissions experience supported by a dedicated team that is ready to guide parents through every stage of the application. From discussing Sixth Form pathways to answering questions about subject choices and university preparation, the admissions team provides personalised support to help families make informed decisions. Every interaction reflects the school’s commitment to ensuring students feel confident and excited as they begin this important chapter.

Schools in Dubai near DIP

For families searching for Schools in Dubai near DIP, convenience is only one part of the decision-making process. Equally important is finding a school that provides a nurturing environment where students can flourish academically and personally. Durham School Dubai offers a welcoming campus where young adults are encouraged to think independently, build meaningful relationships, and develop the skills needed for future success. The vibrant learning atmosphere supports curiosity, creativity, and ambition while ensuring every student receives the guidance and encouragement they need throughout their Sixth Form journey.

A Learning Environment That Inspires Excellence

Sixth Form is a time of growth, discovery, and preparation for the opportunities that lie ahead. At Durham School Dubai, students are encouraged to explore their interests while developing the confidence to embrace new challenges. Teachers act as mentors, helping learners identify their strengths, set ambitious goals, and achieve academic success through personalised guidance.

Learning extends beyond traditional classroom experiences. Students participate in collaborative projects, leadership initiatives, public speaking opportunities, enrichment activities, and community engagement that foster confidence and broaden their perspectives. These experiences help develop transferable skills that universities and employers highly value.

Pastoral care remains at the heart of the Sixth Form experience. Every student is supported emotionally, socially, and academically, ensuring they feel valued and empowered throughout their educational journey. Strong relationships between staff, students, and families create a positive culture where wellbeing is prioritised alongside academic achievement.

The school’s device-free philosophy further enhances this supportive environment. Without the constant interruptions of personal digital devices, students enjoy more meaningful classroom discussions, stronger peer interactions, greater concentration, and healthier daily habits. This balanced approach encourages learners to remain fully engaged with both their education and the wider school community.

Preparing for University and Beyond

The transition from school to university is one of the most exciting milestones in a student’s life. Durham School Dubai ensures that every Sixth Form student receives expert guidance throughout this journey. From selecting the right academic pathways to preparing university applications and developing interview skills, students benefit from personalised support that reflects their individual ambitions.

Career exploration, leadership development, and opportunities for independent learning help students become adaptable, confident young adults ready to excel in higher education and beyond. The focus extends beyond academic performance to developing the qualities that will serve students throughout their personal and professional lives.

Begin Your Sixth Form Journey

Applications for Durham School Dubai’s Sixth Form for the Academic Year 2026–2027 are now open. This is an exciting opportunity for students to join a community that values academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care, leadership development, and individual growth. Every learner is encouraged to dream big, work hard, and become the very best version of themselves.

If you would like to learn more about Sixth Form pathways or the application process, Durham School Dubai’s Admissions Team is ready to help. We look forward to welcoming your family and supporting your child as they take the next step towards a bright, ambitious, and successful future.

Derek 89 (1/3) Not quite fitting in: “I was born 5th October 1927 in Annfield Plain, a village in County Durham. Actually, that’s not quite true. I was born in the ambulance. It had to stop in a place called Norwood. My full name is Derek Norwood Richards.

My father sent me to Durham School when I was 13. A marvellous school. I didn’t realise it at the time but I will never forget it. I didn’t do very well, but I have the greatest admiration for the school now. I was quite a good sportsman, enthusiastic anyway, but I didn’t have the confidence that people have at these schools.

I coxed the rowing team and played cricket, but not in the firsts, because I wasn’t the type. In fact, I’m not sure I succeeded across my time at Durham School simply because I wasn’t the type. What I was good at was getting on with people.”

On the 6th June I will be holding a one off exhibition at Durham School for a wine and art evening in conjunction with St James Wealth Management. Several new paintings of Durham will be on display including this new one of Saddler Street in the Snow.

The painting was started at a watercolour demonstration that I was doing on Wednesday evening for Hartlepool Art Club where the theme was cityscapes. I was showing how I begin a cityscape by laying on a pale yellow wash to help create mood, atmosphere and tone.