Welcome
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 a outcome, that is seen as contributing to the student’s development and learning.
The following information outlines each trip on offer; the approximate cost – this may alter due to flight costs and the number of students opting for the trip, proposed date of the trip, trip leader, year groups that the trip is open to and if the trip is on an invitation only basis.
No further residential trips will be offered this year. We hope that this early information will help you to plan with your child.
You will find in the email with this booklet an expression of interest form, please complete this to register your interest. Some trips may wait until next academic year to contact you, so please do not be concerned Once we have an idea of the number of students who may go on a trip, the trip leader will then be instructed to proceed organising and sending letters 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.
If you require any further information please contact the relevant trip leader directly.
The under 13 football team will prepare for an exciting international challenge at the BSME Football Cup in Cairo, Egypt This prestigious two-day tournament offers a fantastic opportunity for our young athletes to showcase their talents on a broader stage and compete against top schools from across the region.
The tournament will not only test the players' technical and tactical abilities, but also provide valuable experience in adapting to different styles of play Competing in a new environment will encourage our students to step out of their comfort zones, face new opposition, and develop resilience key traits for success both on and off the pitch.
Please note: Due to the school’s application process to BSME, this trip is subject to final confirmation We believe in planning ahead and wanted to provide early notice to ensure families are informed and prepared.
Year group: Under 13 - Invite Only
Dates: 4th - 7th December 2025
Duration: 4 nights Cost: Approximately 6,500 AED
Switzerland - Skiing
At the World Ski Awards in 2022 Verbier was voted The World's Best Ski Resort! Not only is there a vast range of slopes, with long blue runs for beginners to dramatic black runs for advanced skiers, but there is also amazing infrastructure, with fast lifts, and safety regulations of the highest standard.
The trip includes six days skiing or snowboarding with qualified instructors. The students will stay in a chalet with ensuite rooms for 4 to 6 people with easy access to the slopes
Breakfast, a hot meal up on the slopes, a snack on return with hot drinks and an evening meal will be provided every day.
To keep the students entertained there will be supervised evening activities such as a torchlight walk, ice skating, a disco and various games. Other highlights are the ski race and the BBQ on the last day.
JESS have enjoyed a great relationship with Les Elfes, the ski company in Verbier, for over 10 years and the quality of service they provide is second to none This year we will be staying in the La Tzoumaz campus, where excellent access to beginner slopes is available, but also easy access to the vast 4 valleez.
Year group: Year 8 - 9
Dates: 12th to 17th January 2026 30 students
Duration: 7 days Cost: Approximately 14,500 AED
Trip leaders: Andy Thom andrewthom@jess.sch.ae
Kenya - Year 9
Conservation & Philanthropic
Our Year 9 trip is an amazing opportunity for our students to step out of their comfort zone and explore the wonderful communities and landscapes of eastern Kenya
Working with Camps International, based in Dubai, and their team on the ground in East Tsavo, students will be involved in a range of projects and activities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals at their core.
Itinerary highlights include:
- Cultural introduction to rural Kenya with practice of Swahili phrases
- Hands on Community Project work in local schools to help improve school facilities and infrastructure
- A focus on human-wildlife conflict through the installation of elephant deterrent fencing
- A visit to the Tumaini Women's Group to see how the empowerment of women in the local area is having a positive impact within the community
- Safari in Tsavo East National Park
Disclaimer: This is a no frills experience! Be ready for cool showers, simple food, basic accommodation and occasionally some weird and wonderful bugs. However, in exchange, the memories you will make and experiences you have will last a lifetime
Year group: Year 9
Dates: 9th to 17th January 2026
Duration: 8 days
Cost:
Cost: Approximately 13,300 AED
Trip leaders: Stephen Lee slee@jess.sch.ae
TheHeartof Africa
BEATS IN KENYA
Umrah, Saudi Arabia
We invite your child to join a spiritually enriching school trip to Makkah and Madinah, where students will perform Umrah and see their Islamic studies brought to life From praying in Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid Al-Nabawi to Quran classes after Fajr, every moment is designed to deepen their connection with their faith.
Students will visit sacred landmarks such as Mount Arafat, Uhud, and the Al-Baqee graveyard, and experience guided tours of Quba Mosque, Badr site, and Rawdhatul Jannah This unique journey blends worship, learning, and reflection bringing Islamic education into real-world experience.
Year group: Year 7 - 9
Dates: 12th to 17th January 2026
Duration: 6 days
Cost:
Cost: Approximately 8,040 AED
Trip leaders: Abdelmonem Eleslamboly aeleslamboly@jess sch ae
Rosslyn Park National 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 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 14 Boys and Girls
Dates: 23rd to 27th March 2026 Invite only
Duration: 7 days
Cost:
Cost: Approximately 8,000 AED
Trip leaders: Alex Glashan Aglashan@jess.sch.ae
Abu Dhabi Netball Camp
Selected students will be invited from Year 8 - 13 to attend the camp.
The weekend camp will consist of; fitness, skill development, positional workshops, netball analysis and match play against Capital Netball Club.
The aim of the camp is to ensure teams are ready for upcoming major tournaments in Term 1 including BSAK, DC 7s and Dubai 7s
Year group: Year 8 to 13
Dates: 3rd to 5th October 2025 Invite only
Duration: 2 nights
Cost: Approximately 1,250 AED
Loughborough, UK - Netball
Following the success of the Netball World School Games in June 2025 we are delighted to announce that JESS will be returning to compete in the Under 13 category in the competition in June 2026 (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.
This will be an invite only sports trip
Year group: Under 13 - Netball Team
Dates:
Duration: 5 days
24th to 28th June 2026
Invite only
Cost: Approximately10,000 AED
Trip leaders: Rachel Tuckey rtuckey@jess.sch.ae
India
North East India - Kolkata & Darjeeling
This 6-day trip will entail a thorough exploration of the famous city of Kolkata before we travel to Darjeeling, nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas Famous for its tea gardens, breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga (the world’s third-highest peak), colonial-era charm, Tibetan influence and Nepali culture. Darjeeling offers a mix of adventure, culture, and tranquility.
The trip is designed to contrast the stark differences in both rural and urban life in India It will also provide students with opportunities to meet local students, visit schools, and engage in activities that will make this trip unforgettable.
This trip offers the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and learning, with a focus on hands-on experiences and authentic interactions You’ll have the chance to explore some of the most beautiful parts of India while making memories with your friends.
Year group:
Year 7 - 9
Dates: 20th to 25 May 2026
Duration: 6 days
Cost:
Cost: Approximately 8,500 AED
Trip leaders: Nahla Osman nosman@jess.sch.ae
Singapore - Asian Open Aquatics Championships
The Asian Open School Invitational Aquatics Championships presents a unique opportunity for students in Year 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:
1 Provide students with the opportunity to compete internationally in a prestigious swimming event.
2.Enable students to achieve qualification times for national championships.
3.Foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal development through competitive swimming.
4 Offer cultural and educational excursions to enrich the overall experience
Year group:
Year 7 - 10 Invite only
Dates: 7th to13th May 2026
Duration: 7 Days
Cost:
Cost: Approximately 11,500 AED
Trip leaders: Callum Pardoe CPardoe@jess.sch.ae
France
Paris, Nomandy and Disneyland
An excellent opportunity to enhance understanding of French and History first-hand, to broaden cultural and social perspectives and experience life in one of Europe’s major capital cities.
The tour will provide the students at JESS with an opportunity to visit first-hand many of the historical sites such as Bayeux, Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, the Caen Peace Museum, and the Arromanches Invasion Museum
In addition, they will have the opportunity to visit up-close some of the world’s most iconic buildings such as the basilica of Sacré Coeur, Notre Dame Cathedral, Palace of Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
We will also spend a fun packed day in Disneyland Paris and visit a farm in Normandy.
Year group: Years 7 - 9
Dates: 14th to 21st June 2026 30 students
Duration: 8 days
Cost: Approximately11,000 AED
Trip leaders: Ben Gale BGale@jess.sch.ae
Barcelona, Spain
Visiting this area of Spain will give JESS students the opportunity to practise their language skills, explore exciting cities and try delicious Spanish cuisine
Furthermore, we will be visiting a school where students will attend classes with Spanish students of their own age. The trip will be action-packed with lots of interesting and engaging activities for the students.
Outline:
Stay in the coastal village of Tossa de Mar
2 days in Barcelona – flamenco show, tapas tasting at the Pueblo Espanyol, walk the Ramblas, museum visit, Olympic Park, Camp Nou football stadium, Sagrada Familia, Montjiuc and Teleferic trip
CosmoCaixa
Spanish language class
Beach time
PortAventura adventure park
¡VAMOS CHICOS! Dates: 19th to 26th June 2026 Year groups: 7 - 9
Guided by our values
