Moving across continents comes with many challenges, exciting though it is, and the upheaval for your family can be a heavy burden. If you’re a parent, you’ll be considering how to find your child a new school where they can excel and, more importantly, be happy and make new friends.
In Dubai, there’s a great choice of schools for international students of all nationalities. However, with so many options, narrowing the list down to a first choice can be difficult.
Many schools are very popular so space may be limited. In addition to the quality of education and community at a school, you also need to consider the practicalities, such as the commute there from home and work, the affordability of fees, and the ease of enrolment.
Here we explain step by step how you can land the perfect school place for your child in Dubai.
Narrow down your choices by curriculum and age range.
All major international curriculums are available in Dubai across its hundreds of schools. The main choices for English-speaking students are the International Baccalaureate (IB), the English National Curriculum, the American curriculum, and both of the major Indian curriculums, the CBSE and CICSE.
Each offers a broad and balanced curriculum and promotes a high-quality education. If your child is already studying one of these curricula, you may wish for them to continue to minimize disruption.
If you’re open to change, then you might consider the IB. The IB is a rigorous international curriculum designed for expat children and all forward-thinking, outward-looking families. It’s highly regarded by universities around the world and will prepare your child for future academic and life challenges very well.
But whichever curriculum you choose, it should ideally be based on your child’s interests, needs, and aspirations.
You’ll find that many schools in Dubai take children from nursery age right through to school, leaving age at 18. Some schools offer only primary or elementary education, whereas others cater to secondary or high school students only. These educational establishments often have links to other schools to make the transition easier.
Take virtual tours from the comfort of your home.
Now you’re certain what curriculum you would like your child to study, you can begin to consider individual schools. Dubai is a very international city, so the schools here are accustomed to parents researching schools from their current homes across the globe.
You’ll find that the best Dubai schools have excellent websites where you can learn a lot about their curriculum, their ethos, and the broad spectrum of activities they have to offer.
Many offer plentiful pictures and welcome messages from the headteacher. Better still, school websites often feature virtual tours that give you a flavor of the school. While you may not get to visit in person before you arrive in Dubai, this is the next best thing.
Dubai schools are usually friendly and approachable, and there will be other opportunities to find out more about a school. Most welcome conversations with potential parents via telephone, email, WhatsApp, and social media channels.
Get some recommendations.
Before you enroll your child in any school, you want to know that it’s as good in reality as it looks online. The best way to find this out is to make contact with families already part of that school’s community so they can share their experiences with you.
You could get in contact with colleagues in your new company or access the Dubai community online through social media groups. A little time researching should easily put you in touch with other expat families living in Dubai.
You can also check the KHDA ratings of all schools in Dubai. This government authority regularly inspects all schools in the city and assesses their quality of education and pastoral care. Schools are given one of five possible grades, ranging between ‘outstanding’ and ‘very weak’.
Shortlist schools that fit your family.
Now you should have enough information to make choices. Pick out a few schools that would suit your child and your family, that are easily commutable, and offer all that you need in terms of all-around care, extracurricular activities, and facilities.
Rank them in order of importance to you, then make inquiries about space with the admissions team. Many schools are popular and may need to operate a waitlist.
Complete an admissions form.
Once you have a school that you love and is likely to have a space available, you can begin to check out the entrance requirements. Most Dubai international schools welcome applicants from all over the world without discriminating against any nationality, religion, or race.
The Dubai school admissions process starts with a registration form that signals your interest in a school place and sets the admission into motion. It is typical to pay a small fee or deposit at this stage. This part of the process is typically arranged online and is easy to do. For example, the online enrolment at GEMS Metropole School Motor City is very straightforward.
Arrange any assessments and interviews.
Many Dubai schools will wish to assess your child. For most, this is to get an idea of your child’s current abilities, strengths, and weaknesses so that they can provide the best possible education.
Your child will usually be able to take this assessment online before you arrive in Dubai. Alternatively, they may like to meet your child for an informal interview, either in person or online.
Some Dubai schools can be quite selective in terms of ability. They will likely use a standardized assessment before admissions that test cognitive ability. This is often the CAT4 or the Independent Schools Selective Test (ISST). Selective schools may also hold more formal interviews.
Schools may also ask to see your child’s reports from their current schools to get an idea of how well they are doing academically and socially.
Send the necessary documentation.
Your child’s new school will ask for various documents and information before they are able to complete the admissions process. These are likely to include:
- A transfer letter or certificate from the previous school
- Previous school records
- Proof of identification, such as a passport or birth certificate for both parents and child
- Vaccination records and medical history.
Arrange the school fees.
When your child’s school placement is confirmed, you will be invoiced for their term fees. This will need to be paid promptly and before your child starts school.
Most schools have various payment options to make paying fees straightforward, wherever in the world you currently are. Details will be provided; for example, GEMS Metropole school fees and payment options are detailed online.
Some schools also have payment plans available or opportunities to save money on school fees. These might include loyalty schemes, branded credit cards, or referrals. Education loans are also available in Dubai for the payment of school fees.
Get packing.
All that’s left to do now is to get yourself and your family to Dubai, ready to start your new life there.
Your child’s new school will also, hopefully, give you some advice on how you can prepare your child for their learning adventure in Dubai’s excellent education system. Best of luck!
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