If you are a doctor relocating to the United Arab Emirates with a young family, you may have concerns about how to find the right school for your child and how they will cope with moving and settling into a new school. Fortunately, the UAE has some of the best international schools in the Middle East, with the number of schools increasing to meet the growing demand. The UAE places great importance on its education system as a means of progressing its economy and business sector.
There is a wide choice of curricula, including British, International Baccalaureate (IB), American, and others. This means that you can choose a school with the same academic system that your child is already studying in. Most doctors’ contracts include an allowance for children’s school fees.
How are international schools in the UAE regulated?
Schools are well-regulated by the Ministry of Education on a national level and local governing bodies for each emirate. In addition, international organizations, such as British Schools Overseas (BSO), British Schools in the Middle East (BMSE), the Council of International Schools (CIS), IB World Schools, and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), inspect, accredit, and support international schools according to their curricula.
How do international schools help children settle in?
The culture of the UAE is open and tolerant, welcoming expats from all nations and religions from across the globe. Around 85% of the population of the UAE are expatriate residents. The diverse mix of cultures and nationalities is one of the best things about living in the UAE.
It is completely normal for students to join schools in different year groups, or even in the middle of an academic year. Both teachers and children in international schools are used to welcoming new students and helping them settle in. Schools are set up to offer extra help and support for those who need it, whether academically or socially. School counselors are also available to support both students and parents facing challenges associated with relocation.
What if we are moving in the middle of the academic year?
For most international schools in the UAE, the school year runs from the end of August until the first half of July. However, due to the nature of the recruitment market, many people do move during the academic year. In-year admission (as it’s known) is far more common here than it is in non-expat environments.
Most schools are happy to offer admissions at different times of the year, depending on the availability of places. Newer schools tend to have more availability of places than older schools. New schools are often not completely new but may be branches of well-established schools locally or from other countries, such as independent UK schools opening in the UAE.
How can I find the best school for my child in the UAE?
- Visit schools to get a feel for the school community, values, and ethos.
- Look at the facilities and support available for sports, art, drama and music, as well as more academic subjects.
- Ask about after-school clubs and activities. Some schools include these in the fees, while some may charge extra.
- Consider how a school will support your child’s individual learning needs.
- Ask about class sizes and teacher-to-student ratio.
- Look at ratings and reviews, as well as parent surveys, such as on the Which School Advisor website.
- Ask family, colleagues, or friends for personal school recommendations.
- Consider not only the distance from home but also traveling time to school, as this can take longer in rush hour. Most schools provide bus transportation at a cost, or you could consider hiring a driver if required.
- Check the availability of places for your child’s year group.
Check these websites for helpful information:
How have other families found the process?
At Allocation Assist we have years of experience helping hundreds of Western-trained doctors relocate to the United Arab Emirates. Doctors tell us that their children have settled very quickly into international schools, including those who have moved during the school year. Many children grow to love their new school more than the one they left behind. Children benefit from making friends from all over the world and feeling that they are part of an international community.