British Boarding Schools Take the Stage in Dubai — and It’s a Show Worth Attending

Every spring, Dubai becomes not just a hub of shopping and sunshine — but a gateway to the future. For the past 11 years, The Boarding Schools Show, organised by leading UK education consultancy Bonas MacFarlane, has brought Britain’s most prestigious schools directly to families in the UAE.

And if you think this is just another expo with brochures and cupcakes at the entrance — think again. It’s more like speed dating, but instead of potential partners, you meet top UK schools. And the stakes? Your child’s education, future, friendships, entry into Oxbridge — and who knows, maybe even a chemical element named in their honour someday.

What Was It Really Like?

Hundreds of parents. Dozens of British school representatives. Tough questions. Honest conversations. And a flurry of exchanged business cards. This event is where you get to compare schools like Wycombe Abbey and Millfield, feel the unique vibe of each, hear real stories, ask the hard questions — and realise that sometimes, a meaningful lunchtime conversation tells you more than any ranking ever could.

🎤 An Interview with David Wellesley Wesley, Founder of Bonas MacFarlane and the Show

Is it hard to send a child from Dubai to a British boarding school?

“Not at all. It’s a well-oiled machine: flight to Heathrow, and then a whole support system kicks in — guardianship companies, transfers, airport pickups, emergency contacts. We work directly with schools and take care of the logistics. Schools have visa quotas and liaise with the Home Office. Students under 18 from the UAE, especially Dubai, apply and settle in with no problems.”

Why are more families choosing boarding schools?

“Boarding schools aren’t just about lessons — they’re about life. From 7am to 10pm, your child is surrounded by adults who invest in them: teachers, coaches, mentors. Libraries, labs, theatres, sports halls — it’s a full development environment. These are places where education is lived, not just taught.”

How early should parents start the application process?

“Top schools recommend starting three years in advance. Register in Year 5, sit online assessments in the autumn, in-person tests and interviews in the spring. By the end of Year 6, many students already have offers. That said, things have shifted — school fees now include VAT, birth rates are declining, and many schools are more open than ever. Even September entry might still be on the table.”

How do you measure a school’s success?

“Not just by league tables. Real success is a graduate with fire in their eyes — someone who can speak, think, lead. Yes, Oxbridge and Ivy League are amazing. But even better? A child who’s found their purpose and grown into a real individual.”

What about sport? Any winter options?

“We don’t have ice rinks, but we have Millfield. It’s the ultimate sports school. Olympic athletes, equestrian centres, triathlon, field hockey — and all supported by serious academics. And if a child loves winter sports, schools are flexible. We can create custom training plans, organise off-site sessions — anything to nurture their passion.”

What if a family just doesn’t know where to start?

“Come visit us in London — we run four major exhibitions a year, with up to 250 schools. Or attend the show in Dubai. Schools have become much more flexible. You can arrange visits to five schools in one week — and most will happily accommodate.”

A personal note:

“I have three kids, aged 3 to 10. My eldest is at Papplewick and moving on to Eton in September. But my younger child? Different personality, different path. Every child is unique — and their school should reflect that.”

Show Highlights: Our Top Picks

📍 Loretto School (est. 1827)
Once the choice of golf legends like Bob Ferguson and David Brown, Loretto continues to shine — not just in sport, but in character education. Today, golf here is as much about strategic thinking and networking as it is about winning trophies.

📍 Millfield School
If the Olympics had a school, this would be it. Over 20 Olympians have trained at Millfield. Its sports programme is second to none — from field hockey and swimming to equestrian and pentathlon. Academic support runs just as deep. It’s where potential is not only recognised, but unleashed.

📍 Wycombe Abbey
A leading girls’ school since 1896, Wycombe Abbey develops strong, intelligent, and confident young women. It blends rigorous academics with modern thinking — from debate societies to digital ethics. Students here don’t just get into top universities. They leave ready to lead.

📍 Westminster School
Located just steps from Parliament, Westminster lives and breathes intellectual conversation and leadership. Historically all-boys, it will become fully co-educational by 2028.

We had the pleasure of speaking with two eloquent and thoughtful representatives of Westminster. No clichés — just insight, honesty, and vision.

“We’re one of the most academically selective schools in the UK. Around 500 applications for 130 spots in Year 9, and the same for 85 sixth form places. But that’s what makes the classroom so special: every student is a contributor, not just a consumer.”

What makes Westminster stand out? Its location — and its legacy. Learning is tied to the city’s pulse. Senior students lead societies, launch initiatives, and dive into debates that would challenge even university minds.

“Our alumni include John Locke, Robert Hooke, Christopher Wren, Tony Benn, Andrew Lloyd Webber — and the future leaders currently in class. Oxbridge success is high, yes — but our goal is to spark the next wave of thinkers, builders, creators.”

Technology is not just part of the curriculum — it’s being redefined. A newly appointed Director of Digital Strategy is leading the way. The mission? To teach students to understand tech, not just use it.

Classes range from 4 to 20 students, depending on the subject. And no subject is off-limits.

“If a student’s interested, we’ll run the course. It’s not about limiting options — it’s about igniting curiosity.”

Westminster holds open days year-round. And if you’re lucky, you might get a tour from one of the very people who inspired us with this conversation.

“I personally run at least two tours a week,” one of them smiled.

So, Why Should You Attend the Next Show?

Because education is the single most important investment you’ll ever make.
Because no website can match the feeling of meeting a school in person.
Because your child deserves a school that doesn’t just teach them — but helps them become who they’re meant to be.

And because if you’ve read this far, we already know you care.
See you on the 14th of March 2026 at the next Boarding Schools Show .