Welcome to Ranches Primary School
Your Journey Begins Here
At Ranches Primary School, we know that education is about more than just books and lessons. It’s about belonging, growing in confidence and feeling genuinely cared for. That’s what makes our school special.
Situated within the heart of Dubai’s family-friendly communities, RPS is a place where children walk, scoot or cycle to school, where parents gather at drop-off to chat, and where strong relationships are built from day one. We are proud to be a school where every child is known by name and every family feels part of something bigger.
This page has everything you need to begin your journey with us. From key information to helpful tips, we’ve made it simple for you to settle in and feel at home.
We’re excited to welcome you into our community. Let’s get started.
Principal’s Welcome
Dear Parents,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Ranches Primary School. Thank you for considering RPS for your child’s education.
We are proud to be a true community school, where every child is known, cared for and encouraged to thrive. Located in the heart of Dubai’s family-friendly neighbourhoods, our school is a place where strong relationships, high expectations and a genuine love of learning are part of everyday life.
At RPS, we believe that every child is unique. Through a personalised approach to learning, we nurture independence, confidence and curiosity, ensuring that each child feels supported, valued and ready to succeed. Academic excellence is important, but so too is building character, resilience and a sense of belonging.
This is a happy, vibrant school where children grow not just academically, but socially, emotionally and creatively. I feel incredibly proud to lead such a passionate and caring team, and to be part of a community where families and staff work in close partnership.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Ranches Primary School, and to supporting your child on this exciting journey.
Warm regards,
Mr Steve Arnold
Principal
What to Expect on Your First Day
Starting a new school is an exciting milestone, and we’re here to make sure it feels smooth and supported every step of the way. Whether your child is joining Nursery, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) or Years 1 to 6, we follow a gentle, well-planned transition approach to help them settle in with confidence.
Find everything you need to know about your child’s first day, including timings, settling-in plans and what to expect in those early moments.
School Timings
A smooth start to the day sets the tone for happy, focused learning. At RPS, we encourage punctuality and routine to help children feel settled and ready to thrive.
Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about our daily schedule, including drop-off and pick-up times, as well as after-school care options for busy families.
Term Dates
Planning ahead is easier when you have the key dates at your fingertips. Our academic calendar outlines the start and end of each term, along with half-term breaks, public holidays and school closures.
Stay informed and organised throughout the year.
School Policies
Our school policies are in place to ensure a safe, respectful and supportive environment for every member of our community. From safeguarding to behaviour, you’ll find all our up-to-date policies available in one place for your reference.
What to Bring to School
To help your child settle in and feel ready for the day ahead, it’s important they come to school with the right essentials. From water bottles and lunch boxes to stationery and spare clothes, we’ve put together a simple checklist by year group to make mornings a little easier.
School Uniform
Our school uniform is a proud part of the RPS identity. It helps children feel part of the community and ready for learning each day. All uniform items, including the RPS backpack and cap, can be purchased from our approved supplier.
Catering
Our catering partner, the Tuck Shop Café, prepares fresh, healthy meals daily on-site for Nursery to Year 6 students. Parents can choose from a variety of nutritious hot and cold options, including snacks and lunches, all served in eco-friendly packaging. The menu changes every three weeks to keep mealtimes exciting and energy-boosting.
Getting to School
Ranches Primary School encourages safe, sustainable travel. Many of our families walk, scoot, or cycle thanks to our ideal location and shaded bike racks. For older students, our Community Pass allows independent travel to promote responsibility and independence.
For those coming from further afield, our trusted transport partner, Guardian One Transport LLC, provides a reliable, RTA-compliant bus service covering many surrounding communities.
Extracurricular Activities
At Ranches Primary School, we believe learning extends beyond the classroom. With over 65 extracurricular activities on offer, our diverse programme allows children to explore their passions, develop confidence, and build lasting friendships. From sports and performing arts to STEAM and life skills, there’s something for every child. Our after-school care options also offer added flexibility for busy families.
Document Collection & Registration
Getting ready for the new school year is simple with the support of our admissions team. We guide you through every step, from submitting documents to processing Emirates ID, visas, and completing registration.
If you have any questions, our team is here to help: admissions@rpsdubai.com
Parent Access Cards
To help keep our campus safe and secure, all adults must use a valid photo ID card to access the school. These cards should be worn visibly on the provided lanyard at all times while on site.
Anyone without a visible ID will be approached by a staff member. Please note that ID cards are non-transferable and may be confiscated by the Security Team if misused.
Enrich ME: Beyond the Classroom
Enrich ME is Cognita’s enrichment platform, created to give students at Cognita Middle East schools access to market-leading opportunities beyond the classroom. Through expert coaching and world-class programmes in football, swimming, netball, athlete development, racquets, music, and performing arts, it offers a broader, higher-quality learning experience for every child.