How long have you been working in secondary education?
10 + years
What makes Dubai schools so special for families from all over the world?
Dubai is an educational and boarding dream. It’s a very safe, dynamic and multi-cultural place and a perfect place for teenagers to grow up.
Why do parents choose Dubai primary and secondary schools for their children?
The quality of education is one of the reasons families choose Dubai. With a plethora of international schools, offering all curriculums and positioned across all fee price points, there is something for everyone. A significant number of families are moving to Dubai, and the city is booming. Schools are seeing an exponential growth and it is a very exciting time to be in education. The level of education across the city is exceptionally high and the school regulator ensures that all schools are achieving excellent standards of education across all measures.
UAE boarding school rankings: what criteria are used to compile them? How much can they be trusted?
There are only 2 boarding schools in the UAE, and both are excellent. Both are BSA accredited members, and assessed by the government regulator and CIS accredited.
What are the most important factors parents should consider when choosing a school?
Curriculum, location, price, facilities and reputation. As Dubai is a small city, word of mouth is key – and expat families are keen to be ambassadors for their children’s schools so it is one of the best measures of success – word of mouth.
What is the best time to apply to school? What should students prepare for?
9-12 months in advance is the best time to be assured of a space in a school. As Dubai is currently very busy and school admissions are booming, parents are advised to apply as soon as they know that they are moving to the city (and have chosen a school). Testing varies across schools but most schools adopt CAT 4 as a measure of admissions assessment, as it does not reflect any specific curriculum.
What subjects have students chosen most often in recent years?
Business, Commerce, Design technology, Psychology, Economics and Environmental Science are always very popular choices with our students.
Do all schools strive to be ranked among the best?
Yes, although the definition of best is tenous, and is relevant to each family and student. The ‘best’ school may not be the best option for a student. Families should always follow their intuition.
How has the number of students been affected by COVID-19? How do boarding schools help children and families during this period?
Dubai is booming after Covid, and applications for the school are at an all time high! Families have reevaluated the type of education they want for their children, and also their family’s quality of life. Boarding has also boomed after covid, as parents want a safe city, and also one that is not necessarily long haul from their country.
Is it hard to get a scholarship if you are a talented student? What are the usual discounts?
We only offer academic scholarships for Grade 11. The discount vary on the level of the student. Average discount is 30%.
At what age do foreign students usually enter Dubai schools?
From age 3 years. The majority of students who join our school are expat families.
Do all schools offer ESL language support for international students? How important is it?
Yes, ESL is very important especially for a school like ours where the majority of students who join do not have English as their mother tongue language. We are also a bilingual French and German school so ESL is important for the children who come into the bilingual class, as the likelihood is that they will not speak English, and have French and German as their first language. We are very well placed to offer ESL support for all students from age 3 onwards.
What expenses await parents during the year, apart from accommodation and tuition fees?
The only additional expenses are uniform, lunch (optional if school dinners are taken at school) , bus (if required) and any specific, expert after school activity (eg coding, judo, private music lessons).
What details do parents consider first when choosing a school, apart from academic success?
Culture of the school, location, price, curriculum, local rating, word of mouth, fees, facilities, type of school.
What advice would you give to future applicants before applying to Dubai schools and why?
Research the schools – look beyond the ratings in Dubai. All the schools are very good, and there is something for everything – but do your own research and follow your instincts.
Can your graduates apply for universities in other countries? What support do students receive?
Yes, the majority of our students opt for US, Canada, Uk, Europe for university, We have a team of university counsellors who support our students with their applications.
