At JESS, students are encouraged to take advantage of the many residential trips that are on offer that aim to stimulate and broaden student experience.
Our residential programmes are based around our school’s core values. Each trip has an outcome, that is seen as contributing to the student’s development and learning.
The following information outlines each trip on offer, including the approximate cost (subject to change depending on flight costs and student uptake), proposed dates, the trip leader, the eligible year groups, and whether the trip operates on an invitation-only basis.
No additional residential trips will be offered this year We hope that providing this information early will support families in planning ahead.
Further details will be sent soon, however, some trips may wait until next academic year, so please do not be concerned, the trip leader will be in touch with further details and to request a deposit If a trip is oversubscribed, a lottery draw will take place To enter into the trip lottery draw, a trip deposit will be collected, then we will use a name generator system to fill the places If your child is unsuccessful, they will remain on the waitlist The deposit amount will be refunded back into your school account or can be offset against school fees.
This is especially true of those trips which will take place in the first term and during the first half of term 2. If a trip does not have enough interest it will not proceed.
For more information, please contact the relevant trip leader directly or Louise Hughesacademicsec@jess.sch.ae.
WSG Gold Golf Tournament
The WSG Gold Golf Tournament offers competitive students the unique opportunity to compete in an international schools golf championship set in the world-renowned home of golf. Hosted in St Andrews and across Fife, the tournament brings together young golfers from schools around the world to play on championship-quality courses, testing skill, sportsmanship and resilience in a truly historic golfing environment.
Alongside competitive play, students will experience the rich heritage of Scottish golf, including time in St Andrews, home to iconic landmarks such as the Old Course, the Swilcan Bridge and the British Golf Museum. The trip also allows students to explore Scotland’s sporting culture and surroundings, with potential visits to local coastal towns, historic castles, and scenic areas of Fife, supporting cultural understanding and team bonding beyond the course.
This residential trip balances high-level sporting competition, personal development and memorable cultural experiences, making it a standout opportunity for students representing the school on the global sporting stage
Year group:
Under 14 and Under15
Dates: 12th - 17th September 2026
Duration: 6 nights
Cost: Approximately 12.500 AED
Trip leader: Andrew Sargeant asargeant@jess.sch.ae
Netball Camp, Abu Dhabi
Selected students will be invited from U13-U19 to this camp
The weekend camp will consist of fitness, skills development, positional workshops, netball analysis and matchplay against Capital Netball Club.
The aim of the camp is to ensure teams are ready for upcoming major tournaments in Term 1, including BSAK, Elite Cup and Dubai 7s.
Year group: Under 13 to Under 19
Dates: 9th to 11th October 2026 Invite only
Duration: 3 nights
Cost: Approximately 1,250 AED
Senior Boys Rugby Tour, Edinburgh
The Merchiston Castle Rugby Festival provides students with an exciting opportunity to represent the school in a high-quality rugby event hosted by one of Scotland’s leading sporting schools Taking place over a competitive weekend in Edinburgh, the festival brings together teams from across the UK, offering students the chance to test their skills against strong opposition in a positive and well-organised tournament environment.
The weekend focuses on competitive match play, teamwork and sportsmanship, with multiple fixtures allowing students to develop match experience, resilience and confidence on the field
Away from the pitches, students will benefit from the wider festival atmosphere and the chance to build friendships with peers from other schools.
The setting also allows for exposure to Scotland’s rich rugby tradition and historic surroundings, with opportunities to explore Edinburgh’s sporting culture and landmarks, supporting a well-rounded experience that combines athletic development with cultural enrichment.
This trip offers a valuable and memorable experience for students, promoting team cohesion, leadership and personal growth while competing at a high standard in a respected rugby festival.
Year group:
Blues Invite Only
Dates: 7th - 12th October 2026 (TBC)
Duration: 5 days
Cost: Approximately 6,500 AED
Trip leader: Alex Glashan aglashan@jess sch ae
The Vietnam trip presents students with exceptional prospects to fulfil the requirements of both CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) and the Gold International Award.
The trip cost encompasses various essential components, including round-trip direct flights, taxes, insurance, hotel accommodation, meals, and the expenses associated with building the houses
In addition, students pursuing the Gold International Award will have an additional obligation to complete the practice expedition in November, which will amount to approximately 600 AED.
Year group: Year 12
Dates: 7th to 15th January 2027
Duration: 12 days
Cost:
Trip leader: TBC
Cost: Approximately 13,000 AED
Year 10 students have an exciting opportunity to explore Japan through a Business and Economics lens, gaining insight into this dynamic and modern economy
Visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, students will experience key industries, cultural traditions, and innovation in the East Highlights include the Tokyo Stock Exchange, bullet train journeys, a traditional Ryokan stay, cultural experiences such as Kendo and sushi making, and visits to iconic locations including Mount Fuji, Hiroshima Peace Museum, and Miyajima Island
The cost includes flights, taxes, insurance, bed and breakfast accommodation in each city, evening meals, coach transfers within each city, and all activities listed, across 7 nights
Year group:
Year 10 Business And Economics students
Dates: 9th to 17th January 2026
Duration: 1 week
Cost:
Cost: Approximately 15,500 AED
Trip leader: Karen Selby kselby@jess sch ae
This year's Japan trip will have more of an Geography feel to it This will provide students with an understanding of the unique geography of Japanese. From volcanoes, to islands and the human geography of the cities and transportation systems.
Trips have been specifically selected to enable geography students to apply their knowledge and understanding of theory to the real world in Japan Highlights include, the volcanic landscapes of Mt. Fuji and Hakone, as well as a visit to the new maglev train project at its test facility. Students will also walk the Mishima Skywalk, whilst also enjoying activities such as the Samurai, Japanese cooking class, Sumo wrestling, a traditional Ryokan stay and some shopping!
The team will fly into Osaka and travel up to Tokyo, stopping off at Kyoto to immerse themselves in these exciting adventures using the bullet train, officially known as 'The Shinkansen'
Year group: Year 10 Geography students
Dates: 9th to 16th January 2026
Duration: 1 week
Cost:
Trip leader: TBC
Cost: Approximately 15,500 AED
WSG Football, Barcelona
Following the success of last year’s BSME tournaments, we are excited to offer our students the opportunity to compete in the World School Games Football Tournament in Barcelona. This trip is open to U16 girls and U13, U15, and U18 boys, bringing together a wide range of our football programme in one exciting international experience.
The World School Games is a 3-day tournament hosted at the impressive Mediterranean Sports Village, which features eight FIFA-quality 11-a-side pitches. The event provides a fantastic platform for our students to develop their skills, compete at a high level, and experience football in a truly global setting.
With schools from 18 different countries already registered, this tournament offers a unique opportunity for our athletes to test themselves against diverse playing styles, build confidence, and create lasting memories both on and off the pitch
Year group: Under 13 - Blues Invite Only
Dates: 8th - 12th October 2026
Duration: 4 nights
Cost: Approximately 10,000 AED
Trip leader: Ashley Young ayoung@jess.sch.ae
COBIS Music Festival, Bahrain
The COBIS Music Festival offers talented and committed musicians an exceptional opportunity to represent JESS on an international stage. Hosted at the British School of Bahrain, this prestigious festival brings together choirs and soloists from COBIS schools across the Gulf, celebrating musical excellence, collaboration, and performance at the highest level. Students will take part in competitive performances, developmental workshops, and collaborative musical experiences alongside peers who share a passion for music The festival also provides valuable exposure to expert feedback, high-quality performances, and inspiring musical environments beyond the classroom
Students will travel with staff and stay at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa in Manama, as recommended by COBIS The trip includes flights, accommodation, local transport, festival participation, workshops, and insurance.
This trip promises to be an enriching and memorable experience, supporting both students’ musical development and their personal growth through international collaboration and performance
Year group:
Year 7 - Year 10 Invite Only
Dates: 15th - 18th April 2027
Duration: 3 days
Cost: Approximately 4,800 AED
Trip leader: James Chitham-Molsley jchitham-mosley@jess.sch.ae
This 3-night residential trip to Abu Dhabi is specifically designed for GCSE Dance, GCSE Drama and IB Theatre students, providing dedicated time and space away from the demands of the Dubai school timetable to refine coursework and prepare effectively for final assessments By working intensively off-site, students are able to engage in focused rehearsals, expert-led guidance and targeted feedback, strengthening technique, deepening their understanding of assessment criteria, and elevating both their practical and written performance work to the highest standard.
The extended, structured rehearsal environment allows for consistent creative development, making rehearsals less sporadic and significantly reducing the need for moderation days where students would otherwise be off timetable throughout the school day Alongside this strong academic and creative focus, students will also enjoy supervised evening activities, supporting wellbeing, confidence and positive group dynamics, whilst benefiting from a change of environment in a fun and supportive setting.
Following the success of the Netball World School Games in June 2026, we are delighted to announce that JESS will be returning to compete in the under 15 and under 17 category in the competition in June 2027 (final dates TBC)
The tournament will be based at the prestigious Loughborough University, UK where selected students in each age group will be competing against top UK and International Schools
Year group:
Under 12 to Under 18 Invite Only
Dates: 22nd to 27th June 2027 (TBC)
Duration: 5 days
Trip leader: Rachel Tuckey
Cost: Approximately10,800 AED
rtuckey@jess sch ae
Rosslyn Park Schools 7s, UK
Following our numerous successful campaigns, the rugby club is planning to compete once more in the Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s, with both boys and girls competing in the under 14s and under 16s in March 2026
This will be an exciting opportunity for our students to play against leading schools from the UK and further afield
They will experience different styles of play that will challenge and develop their own match play. During the tour several excursions will be organised around London once the schedule has been confirmed.
Year group:
Under 13 to Under 19 Invite Only
Dates: 21st to 28th March 2026
Duration: 7 days
Cost:
Cost: Approximately 8,000 AED
Trip leader: Alex Glashan Aglashan@jess.sch.ae
Asian Aquatics, Singapore
The Asian Open School Invitational Aquatics Championships presents a unique opportunity for students in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 to showcase their swimming talents on an international stage
Not only will participants have the chance to compete for qualification times for national championships, but they'll also experience the thrill of racing against students from across Asia.
This two-day camp and three-day racing event will be a fantastic opportunity for fast swimming and teambuilding.
Objectives:
Provide students with the opportunity to compete internationally in a prestigious swimming event.
Enable students to achieve qualification times for national championships. Foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal development through competitive swimming.
Offer cultural and educational excursions to enrich the overall experience
Year group:
Under 12 to Under 15 Invite Only
Dates: 7th to12th May 2027
Duration: 7 Days
Cost: Cost: Approximately 11,500 AED
Trip leader: Callum Pardoe CPardoe@jess.sch.ae
The JESS Performing Arts Department is delighted to offer students an exceptional enrichment opportunity through the New York City Performing Arts Trip, set in the heart of one of the world’s leading creative capitals Designed to mirror the bespoke, discipline-specific structure of our highly successful KS3 London Performing Arts Trip, each strand, Drama, Dance and Music, will follow a curated itinerary.
Students will benefit from high-quality workshops, training sessions and performance-focused experiences, delivered by industry professionals and specialist providers, ensuring relevant and inspiring learning tailored to each discipline. Alongside this, students will have the opportunity to experience the iconic sights of New York City, immersing themselves in its rich cultural, artistic and creative landscape, including world-famous theatres, performance venues and landmarks.
This trip offers a unique balance of professional training, cultural exploration and unforgettable experiences, providing students with a deeper understanding of the global performing arts industry while representing JESS on an international stage
In 2027, we are going to be travelling back to where it all began - Zambia
Zambia is where the Period Empowerment started its legacy back in 2019 After being away for a couple of years, we're looking forward to going back to catch up with the organisations we worked with before and to educate and empower a new group of women.
The trip will start off in Lusaka, where Mothers without Borders operate. This organisation, amongst other things, empowers women and youth through education and mentorship programmes to enable them to be change agents in their own lives and communities. We aim to be a part of that by teaching the women about menstrual hygiene and teaching them how to sew - enabling them to learn new skills and hopefully improve their lives We will work with them for two days before moving the project to Livingstone, where will we will spend three days at Tujutane School working with the young women there This is our fifth trip with the Period Empowerment Project and our third time in Zambia. The project makes such a difference in these womens' lives.
While in Zambia, we will have the opportunity to visit Victoria falls, The Chobe National Park in Botswana as well as spending an unforgettable morning on a walking safari tracking Mosi-oaTunya's small population of white rhino, with a strong chance of being able to approach these endangered creatures on foot.
