Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Nationalities
Number of students |
2300 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
73 |
Most common nationality |
British |
Ratio of local students to international students |
2% |
Languages
Native English speaking teachers |
Yes, where possible |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
There are many extra classes from EAL classes through our Oasis team to native language assistants working with our Modern Foreign Language Department |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, Spanish, Arabic, English, Dutch |
Classroom
Max. number of students per class |
In primary it is 22, in Year 7 it is 24 and in sixth form it averages 15. |
Average number of students per class |
Varies from primary, secondary and sixth form depending on subject choices |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Use of technology in the classroom |
Technology is embedded in every classroom with students having access to their own devices and shared technology. JESS is an award-winning school for innovative use of technology. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
For those students choosing to study Islamic Studies, they will learn about Islam and Islamic culture |
How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
We are an international school with multiple faiths and religions all accommodated and recognised. |
Academics
External examinations or assessments available |
GCSEs, International Baccalaureate, and BTEC are the formal examinations JESS students take. |
Results in these examinations |
Our annual examination results are published on our website https://www.jess.sch.ae/about-jess/examination-results |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
Approximate hours of homework given |
Varies depending on the year group and subject. |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
On average 98% of our students go on to university. |
Student support
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes, we have a dedicated Oasis support team with SENCO trained teachers and qualified school counsellors |
Learning support offered |
Please see our website https://www.jess.sch.ae/school-life/inclusion-and-send |
The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Please see https://www.jess.sch.ae/school-life/inclusion-and-send |
Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
Admissions
Entry evaluation for students |
There is a short age-appropriate assessment. |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
For Secondary mIDyIS DATA and for Primary CEMselect
|
Waiting list |
Yes, in many year groups, unfortunately, we have to run a waiting list |
Students can join after academic year begins |
UAE law only allows students to move school up to 15 January for students already in-country
|
School day
School start time |
7.30am Secondary
|
School finish time |
3.20pm Secondary
|
Supervised care before/after school |
Yes, a wrap-around care service is available |
School bus service available |
Yes |
School provided lunches |
Yes, there is a cashless cafe on site for our secondary students. Primary students at the moment bring a packed lunch. |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes, there is a selection of food available to suit certain dietary requirements. |
Uniform required |
Yes, except for the sixth form students. |
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
There are a wealth of extracurricular clubs and activities that change each term depending on sports seasons, weather, and availability. In addition, we run the Duke of Edinburgh International Award at Bronze, Silver, and Gold level. |
Sports activities included |
The school offers a range of sports from netball, basketball, rounders, football, rugby, swimming and athletics. |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, we compete in several leagues nationally and internationally. For the latest fixtures, please visit http://www.jessranchessport.com/ |
Facilities
Facilities at the school |
Dedicated primary and secondary libraries, auditoriums, multiple science labs, sunken courtyard, and an amphitheatre. |
Sports facilities at the school |
Each branch of the school has a grass pitch, multi-purpose sports hall, and swimming pool |
About the school
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
We all want the best for our children, to be happy at school, to achieve the best they can, to attend the best universities, and succeed in their future careers. Our vision of ‘Educating To Make A Difference In The World’ means every action must have a purpose. We are determined that members of our JESS community are responsible for making a positive impact, of any scale, on either a friend, family, movement or oneself. We aim to create an environment that encourages this to occur every day. This ethos is enabled by a powerful culture of nurture and aspiration, underpinned by high expectations and equally high standards. We pride ourselves on our strong relationships between students who are eager to learn, and teachers who are skilled and motivated to make this happen. Our students and teachers inspire each other, and these positive relationships, coupled with purpose and ambition, create an irresistible formula. |
Teaching approach of the school |
We offer every one of our international students exceptionally high academics, a nurturing upbringing, and a sense of belonging, alongside a deeply rooted vision. At JESS, relationships are key, ambition is tangible, and the opportunities are endless. Every day, every member of our community is inspired and motivated to make a difference. |