From Humble Beginnings to Educational Powerhouse in Dubai
Four decades ago, Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) emerged as a small cluster of buildings in the heart of the desert. Today, with 2,070 students across two campuses, JESS commemorates 40 years of providing outstanding education in Dubai.
Meeting the Educational Void: JESS’s Genesis in the Mid-1970s
As expatriates flocked to the booming oil industry in the mid-1970s, English-speaking pupils faced limited options, given the over-subscription of existing schools. JESS Director Mark Steed emphasizes, “The school started because there was a need for education for the children of English-speaking expat families working for major companies.”
A Journey from Sand to Success: JESS’s Early Years
Established in 1975 with 17 students in an apartment near the Deira Clock Tower, JESS quickly outgrew its space, prompting a move to a Jumeirah villa in 1976. Subsequently, with the support of HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, JESS secured a permanent location in the desert, where it stands today.
The Oasis in the Desert: JESS’s Current Location
JESS’s present site, initially two miles into the desert, has transformed into a thriving educational hub. Director Steed recalls, “The Trade Centre building was the nearest landmark, and camels would stroll nearby.”
Nurturing Success: JESS as a Non-Profit Educational Institution
Unlike many schools in Dubai, JESS operates on a non-profit basis, thanks to a debenture system. Over 170 companies hold debentures at JESS, ensuring continued growth and affordability for quality education.
Alumni Voices: JESS as a Lifelong Community
Former students echo the sentiment that JESS is more than just a school; it’s a lifelong community. Indian expat Shaheen Shahani, a JESS alumna turned parent, fondly recalls her first day in 1983 and highlights the familial bond that JESS fosters.
Longest-Serving Teacher Reflects on JESS’s Enduring Community Impact
Martin Keast, a 57-year-old teacher from Scotland, reflects on his 25 years at JESS. Despite the evolving landscape from undeveloped surroundings to a sprawling villa district, the community bond remains constant. He asserts, “JESS is a school for the community and will always remain so.”
Conclusion: JESS – A Beacon of Educational Legacy in Dubai
Jumeirah English Speaking School stands not just as an educational institution but as a beacon of legacy, community, and quality education in Dubai for the past 40 years.
