The journey to secondary school does not begin in Year 6 — it begins on the first day a child walks through our doors. At Victory Heights Primary School – City of Arabia, we build the knowledge, confidence and independence children need to move forward successfully.
Strong Academic Foundations
Our curriculum, aligned to the National Curriculum for England, provides secure foundations in literacy, numeracy and subject knowledge across all Key Stages. Teaching is structured, objective-led and progression-focused, ensuring that children leave Year 6 with both depth of understanding and the ability to apply knowledge independently.
By the time pupils reach Upper Key Stage 2, they are accustomed to increasing levels of responsibility, organisation and academic challenge — all key skills for success in secondary education.
Developing Independence & Resilience
Preparation for secondary school is not purely academic. Children must also develop the resilience, adaptability and self-management skills required for a larger and more complex environment.
Through our wellbeing curriculum, leadership opportunities and structured classroom expectations, children learn to manage their time, advocate for themselves and approach new challenges with confidence.
Understanding Secondary Options in Dubai
Families in Dubai have access to a wide range of secondary pathways, including British, IB and international curricula. Our academic alignment ensures pupils are well-prepared for entry into leading British secondary schools, as well as other internationally recognised programmes.
We provide guidance and references to families during the application process, ensuring each child’s next step reflects their strengths and aspirations.
A Seamless Transition
In Year 6, we support pupils through structured discussions and practical preparation for secondary school life. This includes developing organisational skills, building confidence in independent study and addressing any questions or anxieties children may have about the transition.
Our goal is simple: children should leave us not only academically prepared, but self-assured and ready to thrive.
Primary school lays the foundations not just for academic success, but for character and confidence.
Victory Heights Primary SchoolPersonalised Secondary Guidance
Transition to secondary school is not a generic process at Victory Heights. In Year 5, the Principal meets personally with every family to explore secondary options, discuss aspirations and provide tailored advice on applications.
This guidance is impartial and centred entirely on the best fit for each child — academically, socially and culturally. Our aim is not to steer families in a particular direction, but to ensure informed, confident decision-making.
Guaranteed Pathways within the Interstar Group
As part of the Interstar Education group, Victory Heights families benefit from guaranteed secondary places at:
- South View School (British curriculum)
- Ash Mount School (IB)
These pathways provide continuity and reassurance for families seeking a seamless progression into either a British or International Baccalaureate secondary curriculum.
While many families choose these routes, others select from a broad range of leading schools across Dubai. Our role is to support every family in identifying the pathway that best aligns with their child’s strengths and ambitions.
At group level, we think carefully about what lies beyond Year 6. Primary education is foundational, and it is our responsibility to ensure that pupils leave Victory Heights Primary academically secure, confident and ready for a range of secondary pathways.
Within our education group, families have access to two distinct secondary options: South View School, offering a British curriculum pathway, and Ash Mount School, delivering the International Baccalaureate framework. Both provide continuity of ethos while offering different academic philosophies and progression routes.
At the same time, many of our pupils successfully transition to other leading secondary schools across Dubai and internationally. Our focus is preparation, not limitation — ensuring that families have informed choice and that pupils are equipped to thrive wherever their next step leads.
Established Relationships Across Dubai
Over many years, Victory Heights pupils have transitioned successfully into respected secondary schools across Dubai. Strong professional relationships, built on trust and the consistent performance of our pupils, ensure that our children are recognised for their confidence, preparation and character.
Our pupils leave with a reputation for strong academic foundations and positive contribution — qualities that see them welcomed warmly into their next schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We regularly support families applying to selective and competitive secondary schools in both Dubai and the UK.
Preparation begins long before application season. Our curriculum builds strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, reasoning and independent thinking — the core skills required for selective entrance assessments.
For families pursuing selective pathways, we provide:
- Early guidance in Year 5
- Advice on timelines and testing requirements
- Interview preparation support
- Academic references and documentation
- Honest, personalised guidance about readiness and fit
Our approach is measured and child-centred. We believe children should be stretched, not pressured — and that the right school is one where they will thrive, not simply compete.
Secondary preparation is embedded throughout Key Stage 2.
Children develop independence, organisation, academic stamina and resilience from Year 3 onwards. In Year 5, families meet personally with the Principal to discuss pathways, application strategies and individual aspirations.
By Year 6, pupils are confident learners, ready for interviews, assessments and the increased expectations of secondary education.
We understand the nuances of transitioning back into the UK system.
Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum for England, ensuring continuity in core subjects. We also support families navigating:
- Grammar school applications
- Independent school assessments
- State school admissions
- References and documentation
Because our programme mirrors that of high-performing schools in England, children transition smoothly and confidently.
Our guidance is impartial.
While families within our group benefit from guaranteed pathways at South View School and Ash Mount School (IB), our role is to support each family in identifying the school that best suits their child’s personality, strengths and ambitions.
The “best” school is not the most selective — it is the best fit.
Principal-Led Guidance
Every Year 5 family meets personally with the Principal to explore secondary pathways and application strategy.
Because every child’s future deserves personal attention.