At JESS, we actively encourage students to take advantage of the wide range of residential trips available to them. These experiences are designed not only to stimulate and broaden each student’s horizon, but also to strengthen resilience, build character, and nurture their overall wellbeing. Residential trips offer opportunities for students to form meaningful relationships, work collaboratively with peers, and engage in age appropriate challenges that develop confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment
Our residential programme is closely aligned with the school’s core values Each trip has a clear purpose and intended outcomes that contribute to students’ personal growth, social development, and academic learning.
The following information outlines the trips currently on offer, including approximate cost (subject to change depending on flight prices 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.
An expression of interest form accompanies this booklet in the same email. Please complete this form to register your interest. In some cases, trip organisers may not contact families until the next academic year, so please do not be concerned if communication is not immediate Once we have an indication of potential numbers, trip leaders will begin detailed planning, will share further information and request deposits
If a trip is oversubscribed, places will be allocated through a random name generator draw to ensure fairness To be entered into the draw, a deposit will be required; this will be refunded to your school account or offset against school fees if your child is not selected. Students who are unsuccessful in the draw will be placed on a waiting list
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 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: All year groups
Dates: 12th - 17th September 2026
Duration: 6 nights
Cost: Approximately 12,500 AED
Trip leaders: Andrew Sargeant asargeant@jess.sch.ae
Netball Camp, Abu Dhabi
Selected students will be invited from Year 8 - 13 to attend this weekend camp
The camp will consist of; fitness, skills 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, UAE Elite Cup and Dubai 7s.
Year group: Under 13 to Under 19
Dates: 9th to 11th October 2026 Invite only
Duration: 2 nights
Cost: Approximately 1 250 AED
Design Tech, South Korea
This exciting 8-Day educational trip will be a JESS first to South Korea Tucked between Japan and China in Asia’s most economically vibrant region, South Korea is a nation whose moment has truly arrived With bold ambitions to become a global powerhouse in innovation, technology, and design, Korea dazzles the world, not just with its vibrant pop culture, but also with its rich tapestry of over 5,000 years of history.
This dynamic travel programme has been initiated especially for students interested in design, innovation and cultural exploration It is also for students wishing to experience firsthand how creativity and advanced systems shape modern life. During the trip, students will have the opportunity to experience what makes a successful gaming industry during a visit to NetMarble, enjoy a gaming excursion, a Korean Lifestyle study and Chaebol business conglomerate case study at a plastic surgery hospital.
They will also have bags of fun, taking part in the K-pop dance workshop or Taekwondo taster session. They will study Korea’s rapid transport industry on a high-speed bullet train, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace where they will take part in a Korean cooking class, and explore Gam Cheon Culture Village. A special excursion to the North-South Korean demilitarised zone will also be on the agenda, including a North Korean Defector experience
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 in the 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:
Dates:
Duration: 5 days
Under 13 - Netball Team
24th to 28th June 2027 (TBC) Invite only
Cost: Approximately 10,000 AED
Trip leaders: Rachel Tuckey rtuckey@jess.sch.ae
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 has 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.
If the trip is oversubscribed, priority will be given to Year 9 students, as this is their final opportunity to participate in this trip.
Year group: Year 8 - 9
Dates: 9th to 16th January 2027
Duration: 7 days
Cost: Approximately 14,500 AED
Trip leader: Katie Raybould kraybould@jess.sch.ae
Kenya
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 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 16th January 2027
Duration: 8 days
Cost:
Cost: Approximately 13,000 AED
Trip leaders: Tijani Souaissi and Graham Black tsouaissi@jess.sch.ae
Performing Arts, London UK
The Performing Arts Trip to London is designed to encourage personal growth by immersing students in new cultural experiences and world-class artistic environments. By exploring one of the world’s most dynamic creative capitals, students are inspired to broaden their perspectives, build confidence and develop as emerging performers through shared, collaborative experiences.
During the trip, students will experience the excitement of London’s iconic landmarks and theatre district, including a visit to the West End to watch a live professional performance Where possible, students may also take part in a specialist workshop at Pineapple Dance Studios, offering an insight into professional training environments and rehearsal practices. These experiences immerse students in high-quality performance culture while fostering creativity, teamwork and a deeper appreciation of the performing arts.
This trip provides a memorable and enriching opportunity for students to engage with the arts beyond the classroom, supporting both their creative development and personal confidence in a vibrant and inspiring setting
This exciting 6-day journey is a wonderful introduction to India, ideal for first-time visitors
Students will explore the colourful region of Rajasthan, beginning with a short stay in Delhi before travelling to Jaipur, enjoying a rural village experience along the way, and visiting Agra - home of the world-famous Taj Mahal.
The trip blends history, culture, and everyday life, bringing learning beyond the classroom
Students will discover India’s incredible heritage through visits to historic forts and palaces, while also taking part in fun, hands-on experiences such as a Bollywood-style activity, a visit to a local school, and possibly even a friendly game of cricket.
This immersive experience is designed to build confidence, curiosity, and cultural understanding, giving students lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of global communities
Year group: Year 7 & 8
Dates: 10th - 16th January 2027
Duration: 6 days
Cost:
Cost: Approximately 8,800 AED
Trip leader: Nahla Osman nosman@jess.sch.ae
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
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 2027
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 2027
Invite only
Duration: 7 days
Cost:
Cost: Approximately 9,000 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 2-day camp and 3-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 - Under 15 Invite only
Dates: 7th to12th May 2027
Duration: 6 days
Cost: Cost: Approximately 11,500 AED
Trip
leader: Callum Pardoe CPardoe@jess sch ae
French - Paris, France
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 (Students studying French)
Dates: 13th to 20th June 2027 30 students
Duration: 8 days
Cost: Approximately11,000 AED
Trip leader: Ben Gale BGale@jess sch ae
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
Waterpark
1 day 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
